my.indeed - Create Account - Sign in
 

What is considered bad taste to include in a resume?

Get new comments by email
You can cancel email alerts at anytime.
Comments (4)

Bob Smith in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

6 months ago

I was wondering if listing your IQ on a resume can be considered bad taste?

Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Career Hunter in Denver, Colorado

6 months ago

Ouch. Yes, extremely poor taste.

Here is why: Let's assume your IQ is 150+ in the genius range, since it's unlikely that you would mention it if you are below 100. If the person reading your resume is an average 100-120. Their reaction may be that you are a snob or have a sense of privilege and entitlement. (It's a little like listing your penis size on a resume.)

A second problem with IQ scores is that they are only one measure of intelligence. It doesn't take in to account emotional balance, social skills and the ability to apply your reasoning ability in a way that is useful to an employer.

Finally, most jobs don't really need a lot of intellectual intelligence. Processes, procedures and policies follow the history, social norms and personality of a firm. Being extremely intelligent will be more of a handicap when you can see how much DOESN'T make sense, and cannot or will not be changed.

The best way to communicate intelligence is through clear, simple wording that anyone can understand and relate to. Of course, if you are seeking employment in an intellectual arena like academia and research, there may be more use for an IQ, especially if you are a new college grad without much of a track record.

Finally, look at typical job opening for your industry and career field, and make sure your resume answers the needs that employers are looking for. Don't put in anything extraneous at all. Keeping it succinct will make more of an impression than anything else you can do.

Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Jerry in Cedar Park, Texas

4 months ago

I would think that if one's IQ was 150, they would probably already know the answer to this question.

Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Jerry in Cedar Park, Texas

4 months ago

Sorry, that didn't come out right. Your answer was great, btw.

Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Your Reply

change location - create a profile
Your Name
 in Santa Monica, California
Your Comment
Your Email Address
Enter the numbers you see in the box
CAPTCHA Image

Be Reasonable! Be Polite! Please read our Terms of Service and Forum Rules, where it notes that you are responsible for your own comments. You may post anonymously - but we reserve the right to remove inappropriate comments at any time.

RSS Feed Icon Subscribe to this discussion as an RSS feed.