Over the years, whether its been by email, phone, and even good old-fashioned postal mail, Ive been asked plenty of questions about resume writing. One afternoon, while sipping on a bottle of Green Machine, the light bulb came on, and I decided to throw together my own Q&A article.

Thing is, Ive read lots of these Q&A articles on resume writing, so I decided to give my own article a slight twist. Some of the questions asked were actually worded more like arguments. In other words, some people really believed that they already had the right answers, and their question actually sounded more like a debate. So here we go, 5 of the most common questionsumm, arguments, about resume writing Ive ever heard:

Resume Writing Argument #1:

Why should I be specific about the job Im applying for? Wouldnt it be better to be more generalizedseems like Id get a lot more job offers that way, instead of narrowing things down to one single job position.

It might seem like you would, but you really wouldnt. Without making it absolutely clear what position youre applying for, employers would have no idea what you were looking for. As overwhelmed with applicants as they probably are, theyre not going to take the time to sift through your resume and try to solve that puzzle. So always be specificif youre applying for a position as a graphic designer, then be sure to say so with a clean, straightforward objective. Heres an example:

Objective: A position as a graphic designer where over 7 years of creativity and marketing savvy can lead to more successful projects and smoother operations.

Resume Writing Argument #2:

Shouldnt my resume always be squeezed onto one single page? Thats what Ive heard, that it should never go past 1 page.

That actually depends. It seems like resumes that are under 10 years of experience can almost always fit onto 1 page. But if you have between 10-15 years of experience or more, with a great list of skills & achievements, quotes from satisfied supervisors/managers, an impressive education, and all of this great stuff comes out to two pages, then go for it. It makes no sense to purposely chop off some of this platinum information, just for the sake of creating a simple 1-page resume.

So if your resume comes out to two pages, theres no need to sweatthat is, as long as you have a valid reason for having two pages. And if youre worried about a page being lost, just be sure to place your contact information on the 2nd page also, at the very top in a small, #8 sized font.

Resume Writing Argument #3:

Why shouldnt I use a flood of big words? They make you sound intelligent, dont they?

Well sure, if youre some classic old professor at Harvard looking down your glasses at your students or a star of the old HBO show Deadwood (loved that show, by the way). Too many people equate the use of big words with intelligence. The thing is, use and utilize mean the same thing. So does manage and superintend. If you have something great and beneficial to say, say it. Clearly. Try not to hide behind a charade of expansive vocabulary. Believe me, your great skills and achievements shouldnt need to be padded with large words.

Resume Writing Argument #4:

Im always hearing and reading, dont just describe a list of job duties. Okay, but theyre what I did on the jobwhy shouldnt I describe them?

Ive seen way too many resumes with a bunch of boring, dried out list of job duties. In other words, things that just about anyone whos qualified for the position can achieve. Face it, things like organizing and distributing information about company policies, answering questions and directing calls, and filing, arent individual achievements.

Its no crime to place these things on your resume, but they shouldnt take up the majority of your resume. What makes your resume stand out are your unique accomplishments. Perhaps you figured out a way to cut overhead costs. If so, by how much? Or what about the new marketing idea you developed, that ended up increasing sales? When describing your achievements, just try your best to be specific. Use numbers & percentagesthey give a huge boost to your credibility. Heres a good example:

**Composed monthly newsletter (too generalized)
**Created and edited Parents Voice, a monthly newsletter published by Alpha School, which helped to raise enrollment amount from 38 to 46 students.

Resume Writing Argument #5:

Why shouldnt I place References Available Upon Request on my resume? Theyre available, so shouldnt I remind them of that?

No, you dont have to. Im pretty sure that any employer/recruiter with a lick of sense knows that you have references, and will ask for them. Its not necessary for you to remind them of what to do. Plus, thats valuable space on your resume that could be used for Additional Information.

Well, there you goany one else have any interesting questions about resume writing?
I can always create a sequel to this article!

Kit Samuels, owner of "Kit Samuels Teacher Resumes, is a resume writer with over 14 years of actual teaching experience. She uses her skills for writing persuasive sales copy to create eye-catching, interview-winning resumes and cover letters. For a copy of her report, Free Resume Writing Help25 Ready-Made Phrases You Can Use To Supercharge Your Own Resume, visit her site today: http://www.ksteacherresumes.com