THREE

Even the Simplest Items Send Messages to the Reader

Like in many realms of life, little things mean a lot on your résumé, too.

YOUR NAME

If your name ends in “Jr.” or “II” or “III” or “IV” and so on, you may elect to omit such designation from your résumé. When these designations are used, readers may perceive you as defining yourself largely in terms of your relationship to someone else, and this may be viewed less favorably in the United States than in other countries. If you share a phone number with another person whose identity is frequently confused with yours, you are in a tough spot and you may have to include the designation. Avoid it if you can.

Do not attempt to disguise your gender or ethnicity (or the appearance of a particular ...

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