Pongo Blog | Resume Writing for the Clueless: Contact Info

Educational institutions teach us lots of things that will (theoretically) help us succeed in our jobs. But they rarely teach us how to write a resume, which is what you need to get hired for those jobs. As a result, we have a lot of otherwise smart people who are pretty much clueless when it comes to resume writing. If you, too, are unclear on the concept, here's some basic information to help you get a clue (and a job). We'll start with your...

Contact Information

Contact information refers to the name, address, phone and e-mail address you put at the very top of your resume to tell employers how to... [wait for it] ... contact you!

Employers need to reach you to set up interviews Simple as it may seem, this section trips up an amazing number of job seekers—especially when it comes to that pesky e-mail address. (I'm talking to you, bustycougar and mrluvmaster! Hiring managers are rolling their eyes at you!)

The bottom line is that you really DO want to make it easy for employers to call you for a phone screen or to schedule a job interview, and you really DON'T want to offend them or make them laugh at you in the process.

So, without further ado, here are more basic Dos and Don'ts for putting your contact information on a resume:

Your Name

Do include your first and last name, in full.
Don't use your middle name, or even your middle initial, unless you're professionally known that way, like Samuel L. Jackson. (Same goes for titles like Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.)
Do include an advanced degree or certification if you have one that's relevant to your desired job (e.g., Jennifer Brown, RN or Thomas Gomez, CPA).
Do weigh the pros and cons of changing the name on your resume if your first name is unusual or unpronounceable, or if you're generally known by a nickname.

Your Address

Do include your full mailing address if you're applying directly to a specific job.
Don't publicize your address if you're posting to an online job board for everyone to see.
Do include a permanent address (e.g., parents' home) if you're away at college and your school address is temporary.
Do try to include a local address if you're relocating (e.g., a friend or relative's address in the new city).

Your Phone Number(s)

Do include your home or cell number; both if possible.
Don't give out your work number (if you still have one). Employers both current and future tend to frown on job candidates who use company time and resources to job search. Imagine.
Do make sure your voice mail greetings for your cell phone and home phone sound professional—no kiddie voices, no barking dogs, no smartass jokes, and no roommates screaming in the background.

Your E-Mail Address

Do use an e-mail address that's based on your name (e.g., something like janedoe@domain.com, jdoe@domain.com, or janedoe2009@domain.com). If necessary, create a new e-mail address specifically for your job search.
Don't use your work e-mail (for the same reasons you shouldn't use your work phone number).
Don't… no, make that NEVER, EVER put an e-mail address on your resume that indicates how sassy, studly, sexy, hot, or bitchy you are; whose parent or significant other you are; the size or quality of your body parts; your favorite team, band, video game, or fictional character; your sexual, religious, or political orientation; your favorite branch of the animal kingdom; your preferred intoxicant(s); your age, Social Security number, or other personal data. And don't be gross. If it's any of those things, get a new one. E-mail addresses are free, you know?

That's all for today. In upcoming posts we'll present more resume tips for the clueless, with each installment focusing on another part of the resume.

Meanwhile, please share your thoughts or additional tips below by leaving a comment!

Hi Jeanne,

I think you're worrying too much and downplaying what you have to offer. Jobs from "years ago" aren't really relevant to your future employer, anyway. And the transcription course, finished or not, gave you some skills and knowledge that not everyone has to offer.

First, look at some job ads for the kinds of positions in hospitals that you'd like to be in. Then, craft your resume so that your qualifications are presented in a way that shows you are capable of fulfilling those needs. In other words, don't give a job description of your telecommunications duties, show how those duties, and your personal qualities, will come in handy in the new position.

Since you want to change fields, start your resume with an Objective statement explaining that you want to transfer your XX skills into the medical field in a XX position at a hospital. Your cover letter will be even more important for explaining your situation. For example:

I am interested in the XX position at XX Hospital because it aligns with my long-term interest in the medical field, and utilizes the XX skills I have developed over the years. Several years ago, I worked as a XX, and always enjoyed the [data entry? administrative support?] duties. More recently, I have completed all but the final portion of a Medical Transcription course, which has given me an excellent understanding of medical terminology.

After taking time off to attend to [family obligations? other pursuits?] I returned to the workforce in my current role in the Telecommunications field. Many of the skills and traits I use in this capacity will transfer well to the XXX position at XX Hospital, including customer service, attention to detail, extensive computer use, and prioritizing multiple projects.

Don't think about what you don’t have (direct experience in that exact job), instead think about what you do have -- a strong background and a personal interest in the field that will make you a great employee.

Best of luck to you!

Julie