Do your homework before accepting resume help

was just talking with a client whose friend helped him update his resume recently. A couple of things happened that sent him to me.

Unfortunately, his friend suggested omitting his achievements in his current position because the document was getting too long.

Even that resume got him an interview, which was great! However, when he talked with the hiring manager, he learned that the resume had made them think he wanted a job in management, which he didn't. He is a tech, and he wants to stay a tech.

So, today's lessons are about resumes:

1. Always, always, every time choose achievements over tasks. If you're a tech whose skills match a job posting, chances are everyone else who responds is, too. Usually, to get the interview, and definitely to get the job, you must set yourself above the competition. That takes accomplishments.
2. Pay close attention to the focus of your resume. Make sure it's outlining your experience and accomplishments in the job you want. Omit or brief other experience as irrelevant. Hiring managers are no longer willing (if they ever were) to wade through  information about an insurance sales job you held for four years while you finished school or discovered your tech self. If it doesn't move your proposition forward, you don't need it. If you don't want a time gap, simply label it with the job title, business, location and dates with a one-line synopsis of your experience.