I find that some of the worst crafted resumes are submitted by partner-level candidates.

Is this because they have not written one in years? Or, perhaps, they feel so much has gone on in their lives they couldn’t abide to not include every little detail?

Whatever the reason may be, let’s start with what doesn’t belong on a resume: Photos, marital information, names and ages of children, race, birth place, height, weight, condition of health, religion, political information and unrelated activities or “honors” (Who’s Who, Book of the Month Club, etc.). You also don’t need an “objective.” And please, do not write a resume in first person.

Here’s what to include: Name, address, cellphone number and personal e-mail address. Begin with a summary description of your practice, then your employment history in reverse chronological order, including dates. Education (with dates) is listed after employment history followed by professional memberships and affiliations, professional honors, publications and speaking engagements.

Last, if you want to have help managing your search on a confidential basis, contact me.