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Topic: Leaving something off the resume
| Author | Message |
| Ward | Posted – 10/1/2007 7:17:24 PM | show profile I have just completed a master's degree in English Lit and I am having a hell of a time finding a job in NYC. On a number of occassions I have had people tell me I'm over qualified...Being broke and desperate for work doesn't seem to really mean much in this town...sigh.. Okay, my question is, would it be unethical to leave the master's degree off my resume? |
| noname1234 | Posted – 10/1/2007 7:50:24 PM | show profile Unethical? No |
| Lotus665 | Posted – 10/1/2007 8:43:43 PM | show profile Probably it's not the degree that makes you overqualified, though. How much experience do you have? |
| foodlit | Posted – 10/1/2007 8:44:34 PM | show profile | email poster You don't have to put it on there, but I'm guessing the degree isn't the reason they're thinking you're overqualified. It probably is the experience you have and how you are presenting it. Keep in mind to focus your experience on the job you are looking for, rather than the one you have. Highlight the things you want to do, and don't go into detail about things that aren't relevant. If you do want to put the degree on there, put it at the bottom, with a simple line, rather than at the top, where you draw attention to it. Good luck, Pam |
| roxanneb | Posted – 10/2/2007 9:37:47 PM | show profile | email poster Ward, the best advice I've been given about this says to have a few versions of your resume.. have one for positions requiring your excellent credentials and education, and have another that is geared for a job that demands less experience. Leaving the masters degree off a resume is not unethical if you believe the positions you are aiming for require less experience and knowledge..but then again, why aim low? If it's a matter of thinking you'll get hired more quickly if you seem to be less qualified, when you identify the years you went to school and the number of years you've worked, employers are going to think, ..'hmmm..why isn't this person looking for a higher level job? why hasn't he achieved more?he's obviously worked enough years...maybe he isnt ambitious' and then, they won't hire you....it's a catch-22 and I've been in that trap myself, my friend.. Good Luck! |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 10/4/2007 12:58:19 PM | show profile It would be unethical to claim a degree that you have not earned. Overqualified is another way of saying that they don't want to pay you anything close to what you're worth. But it sounds as if you're coming across as insecure about yourself when you hear that. You should be proud to have a Master's degreee; most people don't even have a B.A. There's no denying that things are tough, but you've got to remain strong and assertive. You're worth more because you have that higher degree. Try to come across as confident (and fake it, if necessary) and convey the image of a rising star in publishing. Avoid appearing desperate because it will be like playing into the hands of a bully. Good luck. |
| SrEd | Posted – 10/4/2007 2:48:29 PM | show profile All they need to do is a background check to find it. List your education last...what kind of jobs are you looking for? You wouldn't be overqualified for a position at an academic press. I have a Masters as well and it has only helped in educational publishing. What exactly are you applying for? You might need to tweak your resume and your cover letter as well for the positions you're looking at. It might be a million different things that could be hurting you, depending on what you're applying for. |
| foodlit | Posted – 10/5/2007 2:54:13 AM | show profile Just to clarify, it is NOT unethical to leave off a degree. It IS unethical to put one on that you don't have. If you choose not to put the master's on there, that's your choice. It doesn't matter if it comes up in a background check, because you've done nothing wrong. I'd still put it on there though, just tuck it away at the bottom so you dont' draw attention to it. |
| beenthere | Posted – 10/5/2007 12:23:24 PM | show profile When I was unemployed, I had a department of labor worker tell me flat out to "dumb down" my resume. I also have left my master's off my resume to gain more responses. You need to do what you feel is right to get a job. With the environment the way it is now, I'd probably leave my master's off my res again. It make you much less of a threat to your future superiors?who may not have one?and make you more hireable. |
