Nobody can ever underestimate how important it is to have a good resume. First impressions count, and the first impression that a potential employer will have of you, is going to depend on how you present your resume. This is going to be your one and only chance to capture a potential employer’s attention, or for your resume to be tossed into the file of those they don’t want to pursue.

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SOME BASIC QUESTIONS ON
RESUME / CV WRITING
BY
SOURAV DAS
(1) How many pages should the resume have?
While there is no restriction on the length of a resume (either at the lower or the upper end),
you should keep in mind that if the resume is too long, the crucial points that you want to
highlight may get missed out. It is not the length of the resume but its content, which is
important. In an ideal case, the resume of a fresh graduate should be around one-and-a-half
pages long. In any case, it should not exceed two pages. Do not carry irrelevant information,
which could make the recruiter lose interest in your candidature. Avoid carrying information
in great detail - your resume should not read like an autobiography. The information you
carry in the resume should generate interest in the recruiter. At the same time, by leaving out
some other related data, you could actually make the interview ask you information for the
same. This way you could leave enough subtle hints, which could place you in a comfortable
state and help you talk during the interview.
(2) Should I sign the resume?
It is not necessary to sign the resume. But in case, you are sending the resume with a covering
letter, and then you should sign the covering letter.
(3) Should the resume contain a declaration at the end that "all the information contained in
this resume is true to the best of my knowledge"?
Such a declaration makes no sense. After all, it is 'your' resume, which means that the facts
would be about yourself. It is only natural that the recruiter expects the total information to be
true. We would advise you not to make such statements in your resume.
(4) Should I give references at the end of the resume?
References are normally considered important in the case of those who have industry
experience and are seeking a shift for career advancement. In such cases, the recruiter may
call up the references to check on the quality of the candidate and his contribution in the
workplace.
In the case of freshers / final year students, references are not normally necessary, as
they may not carry much weightage. However, if a particular company asks for references,
you should obviously give the same - and for a fresher, the references could come from the
principal, head of the department, or project guide.

2. SOURAV SIR’S CLASSES 98367 93076
(5) If I am staying away from home, should I give both my residential address and permanent
address if they are different?
In such case, it is advisable that you furnish any one specific address where all kinds of
communication could reach without hassle. If you are giving your present address which is
temporary (and not giving the permanent address), you should be available at this address till
at least the admission process including the receipt of the offer letter issued by the company
is complete.
You can also give both your permanent and present addresses in your resume by suitably
identifying the two.
(6) Currently, I am pursuing my degree. Is it advisable to include my school activities in the
resume?
You could include those activities which bring out important positive facets of your
personality. Also the activity per se would not be important but for its ability to add value to
your candidature. If you were a part of your school football team, then a mention of such
activity would definitely enhance your chances. Any such value-enhancing activity should
not be left out of your resume.
(7) If I apply for an engineering or software job, then why should I mention about hobbies,
non-academic accomplishments and related information?
There is a simple reason for you to furnish such information. As an individual, you are the
sum total of your academic and non-academic activities. An organisation is manned by
people. It is not a place where people work like robots. Your ability to carry yourself in a
workplace could manifest itself in the way you spend your leisure, the way you interact with
people, etc. For example, if you are a good orator, the same could show your ability to
communicate with people at large in an easy and comfortable manner. Organisations look for
people who can add life to the workplace.
(8) Though I have participated in a large number of extra-curricular activities, I don't have
certificates to authenticate such participation. Can I still include the activities in my resume?
Yes, you can. For example, if you had organised a blood donation camp in your college or
housing society, you may not have a certificate to prove it. Yet, the activity would speak a lot
about you as a person and your commitment to society.
In the end, a few words of caution. Be prepared to face questions on any such information
that you may provide in your resume. Remember the interviewer would be able to make out
whether your claim is genuine or not. Do not bluff.