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In this article, we aim to provide pieces of valuable information about the practices of the Shidduchim (arranged dates) system. It is a matchmaking process for Jewish singles where they are introduced among Orthodox Jewish communities for the purpose of marriage.
Those who are American Orthodox Jews including traditionalist Modern Orthodox (YU Machmir) to slightly Yeshivish subcultures widely practice the system. Other communities may follow a different system, however, to match and marry someone.
Let’s further dive into the Shidduch system and how to properly write a Shidduch resume.
In the ultra-Orthodox community, Shidduch resumes are common…
But are they worth using?
A shidduch resume or profile defines a person’s basic characteristics and other personal information. This gives shadchanim a chance to learn more about a potential shidduch prospect as well as allows parents to learn more about the single’s profile.
From the perspective of someone recommending a shidduch, a shidduch resume makes sense. Similar to an employer, there are many applicants and the shadchan must sort and match the right candidates with the right positions as quickly as possible.
People have differing opinions about the important functions of a shidduch resume – thus, there are a number of ways to write one.
From one perspective, some people believe that a resume is not supposed to advertise or describe a person completely. Instead, the parent or someone who presents the resume to the shadchan, to the parents, or to the other party (or the single himself/herself) speaks about the single and advocates for him/her. Therefore, the resume should be minimal, containing only the basic information about the person’s background.
If this is the case, parents will need to regularly check with the shadchan to determine whether he/she may have a shidduch prospect for their child. Through this support and recommendation, a resume can stand out and spread among Shadchanim’s collection of applications.
For some, a resume serves as a single’s “display window” to make them stand out among other resumes. This is particularly relevant to single women in the Yeshivish shidduch market because of the gender imbalance. Shadchanim does not always have the time to talk to parents regularly, so promoting is done by way of resumes.
What to include in a Shidduch resume?
No worries. We’ll tackle every section to better help you write a Shidduch resume. Keep in mind that there isn’t any ideal resume format. The sections outlined below may not always be in the order shown here, as you can always follow different versions and templates.
Here are the basic sections to include in your Shidduch resume:
A Shidduch resume begins with these three basic pieces of information.
Remember, some families do not permit children with the same name as a parent to marry into their families, so both the full Hebrew name of the person and the name by which she or he is known are spelled out.
Underneath the first section, the home address – city and state immediately follows. If the single is not currently living at their home address, he/she can add another line indicating his/her current location.
When the parents direct the single’s shidduchim, their contact information is listed next. This includes their contact numbers and/or their email addresses.
It is more common for the single to include their phone number in less traditional circles or when the single is directly involved in their shidduchim.
Other than that, the single’s contact information is withheld, to be shared with a shidduch prospect after they agree to meet on a date.
A typical resume would also include information about the parents: their names and places of birth, their occupation, the shul they belong to, and the name of the family Rabbi. It is important to include the Rav’s name since many parents see an ongoing relationship with a Rav as a sign of commitment. To answer any questions, it is helpful to indicate a preferred time to contact the Rav.
For more Yeshivish community, the shidduch resume may include the grandparents’ names and birthplaces. For those circles, including the Yeshiva where the father studied is useful.
After the parent information, the single must provide their educational background, camps, and position (if they are employed).
Next, list down your siblings’ information, including name, age, educational institution, employment (if currently employed), and if relevant, spouse information.
Some of these listings may be accompanied by a more specific description of the single, either written in the first person or by an outsider. In addition, a single can list hobbies, other activities or interests, etc.
Other times, it is valuable to include a personal description, with 2 to 3 sentences about your personality, goals, and interests, along with a short description of what you are looking for in a life partner.
The information in this paragraph will be very helpful to someone who has never met the single. However, be concise to avoid exaggeration or unnecessary details.
References and their contact information are listed at the end of the resume. In most cases, references are family or close friends, former Rebbeim, teachers, or seminary principals, as well as roommates and colleagues. Include a cell phone number for more convenient communication.
Important: Your Rav should be consulted before including any pictures on your resume.
With countless resumes seen by Shadchanim, having a picture will help them remember your information and add visual clues to your profile. If you include a picture make sure it’s a clear headshot without distracting backgrounds.
Remember these tips when writing and formatting your shidduch resume:
We have included two resume templates at the end of this post. The following is a more detailed guide on how to write a Shidduch resume.
In many cases, the shidduch resume is the only thing that represents a single to the representative of a potential match. Therefore, it is crucial to take the single to someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with shidduchim. It may be a better idea to delay giving out the resume until it has been reviewed and accepted by the mentor.
One of the steps in preparing for shidduchim is deciding from which circles to seek a spouse. Each frum circle has its own resume style. For this reason, it is smart to use resumes from recently married people in the desired social circle as models.
For instance, some people in the right-wing circle prefer to use resumes that have a standard and straightforward format with a focus on family ties.
Meanwhile, singles from more “Modern” social groups may be more likely to prefer unconventional ways of presenting and emphasizing individual experiences.
Singles can tailor their resumes to highlight individual features that define them within the constraints of following the social circle norms. For example, a resume with a bit of creative flair can express to the shadchan that the Yeshivish single is seeking an unconventional match.
Shadchanim reviews dozens or even hundreds of resumes every day, which is why a shidduch resume should be as clear and comprehensive as possible.
An effective shidduch resume should make it easy for Shadchanim to sort through the choices and find the best match. So make sure your resume will stand out by:
Although a superior resume is likely to be more effective, a resume that is too different can seem excessive to the shadchan for a potential partner. One could easily be dismissed for being “too outstanding” or “eccentric or unconventional”.
Additionally, a resume can limit a person to a single aspect of qualification. Someone who isn’t technically competent, for example, might be happy with someone who is. So why give the impression that they wouldn’t?
Lastly, people who believe that their resume accurately reflects their character may find that it would limit their dating prospects, leading to more effective dating encounters.
It’s important when to reveal or to keep sensitive information that would be deemed demeaning and damaging to the single. Their chances of success in a match could be negatively affected by these details.
Examples:
Remember – Include information that will probably come to light during the checking-out process. There could also be other family secrets that are kept for a while during the dating process.
For some, it’s not uncommon for a single to include more information than strictly necessary in their resumes. This is to filter out shidduchim that are likely to refuse them if they discover any problem.
Remember these tips when listing your references:
This section can be optional and may greatly depend on the single’s decision whether or not to include it.
Include this section when a resume is forwarded to people who don’t know the single. It’s polite to state what kind of person is desired, to avoid wasting time and effort for other singles.
Don’t include this statement when the shadchan or someone who is familiar with the single will present the resume. A presenter will inform the person he/she is seeking about the type of person the single is.
There have been debates on whether or not to include photos in a resume. Here are the pros and cons for your review:
If necessary, parents may supplement the resume with an extra sheet containing more detailed information about their son/daughter. The extra sheet will be useful when talking to shadchanim and those who inquire about the single.
References will also find this supplement to be very useful when they are asked to describe the single.
Those who have been in shidduchim for years may want to rewrite their resume. If the resume of a shidduch prospect looks fresh, a parent might be inclined to review it a second time.
Shidduch resumes should be updated regularly to reflect the single’s current situation. Examples are when a single:
“I bought a resume template from them last week and it looks so amazing and professional , it was exactly what I was looking for .”
“It’s a nice product, I recommend you to take a look at the site and I had no trouble as a support team. They are active 24/7.”
“You can get templates with beautiful designs on this site I found on the internet, I definitely recommend it 10/10.”
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