My education has been a constant hindrance to me in the United States. When I only had a Masters Degree in English, a career counselor advised me to remove that credential from my résumé.
“Advanced education frightens employers,” he warned. “And try not to appear too intelligent if you land an interview.”
If I land an interview. Indeed, I had faxed, emailed, and snail-mailed thousands of résumés in the last two months. Only bill collectors called me. That’s what led me to the Career Center at my old university, and this grad student, who was slashing my cover letter with his red pen.
“This letter is too well written.” He fiddled with the pen as he read.
“I’m sorry?” I must have misheard. This wasn’t a criticism I’d heard before.
“I mean, you sum yourself up completely in just a few paragraphs,” he reprimanded, “and you make yourself sound really impressive,” he further complained. He was looking at me like I was lacking in vital common sense. His brow was literally furrowed.
“Well, I’m trying to sell myself,” I argued.
“Yeah, man,” he was talking to me like a child, very slowly, “but you don’t want to sound more impressive than your potential employer. Ya know?”
So, he counseled me. He covered writing with red notes.
Too smart! Too many syllables! Don’t be so smart!
more @ http://activevoice.charlesbivona.com/2010/07/28/if-you%E2%80%99re-so-damn-smart-why-aren%E2%80%99t-you-rich/
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