Introduction: The Debate around Mensa Membership on Resumes

The inclusion of Mensa membership on a resume is a topic of ongoing debate among employers, HR professionals, and job seekers. This article explores the varying perceptions and the impact of including Mensa membership on a resume, providing insights from HR managers and personal reflections to help job seekers decide what to include on their resumes.

The Positive Perspective

Some employers view Mensa membership as a positive indicator of high intellectual ability and problem-solving skills. This perception can be especially valuable in fields such as STEM, where a high IQ is generally viewed favorably. An article on Quora suggests that including Mensa membership can complement other qualifications and experiences, making the candidate stand out in a competitive field.

The Neutral Perspective

Other employers see Mensa membership as a neutral item that can potentially be a plus, but not as crucial as other factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and cultural fit. A response by an HR manager on LinkedIn states, 'I have never seen that on a resume. If I had I would consider it a plus but not more important than other criteria such as specific skills and experience education applicability and character and personality fit into my organization.' This perspective highlights the importance of aligning resume items with the specific job requirements and company culture.

The Negative Perspective

However, some experts advise against including Mensa membership on resumes. An article by suggests that listing IQ scores, including Mensa membership, can backfire. The author, Steven Trenholm, contends that such claims can be seen as boastful, and that attempting to claim brilliance through IQ scores might be perceived as self-aggrandizing. Instead, the article recommends highlighting accomplishments, fast learning skills, and relevant publications.

Industry-Specific Considerations

The impact of including Mensa membership on a resume can vary depending on the industry. In STEM fields, where high IQ is generally viewed favorably, a Mensa membership might be seen as a significant positive. However, in other industries, such as insurance, where sales experience and work experience are more critical, a Mensa membership might be viewed as less relevant.

Allen Tregellas, a life insurance underwriter, shares his perspective: 'In insurance managers look for sales experience not high IQ’s. In fact many people who put on their resumes that have several business degrees and write that they were high-level managers at other companies are usually disliked by hiring managers because in general those people believe that they are over-qualified and too good to do the dirty-work of the job.' This highlights how a candidate’s qualifications must align with the specific job requirements and industry standards.

Implications for Job Seekers

Based on the insights provided, job seekers should consider the following when deciding whether to include Mensa membership on their resumes:

Relevance to the Job: Assess how relevant Mensa membership is to the specific job requirements. If the job is in a STEM field or requires analytical skills, including it might be beneficial. For other industries, such relevance must be carefully evaluated. Contextual Relevance: If a resume includes a wealth of relevant experiences, education, and skills, a non-central element like Mensa membership might be seen as more of a positive addition than a detractor. Cultural Fit: Consider the company culture and the preferred qualities of the organization. If high intellectual ability is highly valued, inclusion of Mensa membership might be appropriate.

Ultimately, the decision to include Mensa membership on a resume should be made after considering the industry, the job role, and the company culture. Job seekers should always ensure that the resume items presented are relevant, properly formatted, and align with the company’s values and the specific job requirements.

Conclusion

Whether to include Mensa membership on a resume is a complex decision that depends on various factors. While some employers view it positively, others see it as a neutral or even potentially negative addition. Job seekers should carefully evaluate the relevance, contextual fit, and impact of including Mensa membership on their resumes to present themselves in the best light possible for each specific job opportunity.