Examiner -- “It will look good on a resume.” How many times have we heard or even found ourselves saying those exact words? The “it” usually refers to some job or project that is not particularly appealing or one that may not reap substantial benefits for the person undertaking the activity. But, the endeavor, which otherwise seems disagreeable, may make a good impression on a resume. As a professional resume writer and career coach, I cringe whenever I hear someone use this justification for involvement in some pursuit for which there is little interest or passion. Such an attitude seems to me both a misunderstanding and an over-simplification of the resume. At the same time, the philosophy espoused in this phrase undermines the authenticity with which we should all approach our career paths. At the end of the day, however, I cannot help but ask myself: What does look good on a resume?
