Longtime resume basics may need additions, subtractions | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

In this article, I was interviewed by Bobby Sisk, on the topic of how to display your contact information on your resume. The article appeared in the Charlotte Observer and online at Charlottebserver.com.

Longtime resume basics may need additions, subtractions

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Jul. 03, 2011

In this changing world of technology, have you wondered what you need to include - or, for that matter, exclude - from your contact information? It sounds simple. Use your name, address and the best way to get in touch.

Not so fast, says Certified Professional Resume Writer Nathan Adams. He makes a convincing case for leaving off some specifics and adding other items you might not have a few years ago.

Be careful with nicknames. Hopefully, common sense will tell you whether they're appropriate.

"With the growing popularity of identity theft and privacy issues, I am beginning to consider leaving off my client's street address," Adams said. "This information is not needed upfront, and simply including the city, state, and ZIP (code) can inform the hiring manger whether or not you are a local candidate."

An email address, of course, is a must and one of the primary ways companies contact job seekers. Make sure your address is professional and shy away from clever or cutesy. For example, Adams said, partier4life probably won't get you any points with the hiring manager. Just include one email and use it for all of your job search correspondence.

Now that most people have cellphones, Adams says there's no need to include both your mobile and home phone. Use the one where you can most easily be reached.

"Lose the music in the background and keep your message short and sweet," he said. "I do not recommend that you include your work phone number, because you never know who might be listening on your calls."

And leave off the fax number.

If you're not on LinkedIn, he says you should be.

"With more than 100 million users and counting, LinkedIn is a powerful social networking tool to grow your professional contacts and search for opportunities," Adams said.

And when you get on LinkedIn, follow the instructions to personalize your URL.

Finally, if you're using Twitter professionally, be sure to include your Twitter ID on your resume. If you have several hundred followers, for example, Adams says that could impress a hiring manager.

"If you can command that large of a following, you must have something important to say," he said.