Resume Flaws- Don't be the Blooper
Resumes are a necessity for almost every job -- CEO, Human Resources, Operations, and Sales in every industry! But unless you carefully and objectively examine your resume before sending it out, it will end up in the recycle bin instantaneously!
Before sending your next resume, follow this advice:
1. Appearances Count -- Clean, crisp, and remember less is more! The look and feel is almost as important as the content so make it give you a superb first impression. Check for spelling errors and grammatical errors and then get two other sets of eyes to review it.
2. Does Size Matter? -- If your career warrants a two-page resume, then go ahead and create a document that reflects the full range of your experience and accomplishments. Don't cram the type size to a degree that your resume becomes difficult to read trying to get it all on one page.
3. Truth or Consequences -- Be honest and truthful but to a point, in this job market you need to match the job description to your resume and integrate key phrases and terminology if approriate and factual but no need to tell all. You need to get the interview first. If a prospective employer conducts a background check and discovers that you lied, you can kiss the job good-bye.
4. State Your Case -- Your opening Career Objective must match the job- you have any idea how many resumes are sent out without at the very least changing the objective? There is nothing worse than someone who uses a standard resume for every company and every position for which they apply. It will amaze you, take the time and customize as it will pay off in your search!
5. Put Your Best Foot Forward -- Do not just copy your job description and add it to your resume- expand and sell! To show that you are more qualified than the competition for the positions you are seeking, you need to do more than simply list your job responsibilities. Present specific accomplishments and achievements: percentages increased, accounts expanded, awards won, etc.
6. No Excuses -- Don't include the reasons you are no longer working at each job listed on your resume. The phrases "Personality Conflict," "Personal" and "Better opportunity" have no place on your resume.
7. What Have You Done Lately? -- While it is certainly acceptable to have a two-page resume, don't list every single job you've ever held. HR managers are most interested in your experience from the last 10 years, so focus on your most recent and most relevant career experience.
8. Target Your Audience -- Don't send out your resume to every posting you see. If you are not even remotely qualified for a position, don't apply. Read the posting, determine if you have the right background and save both you and them the time- please!
9. References, Please -- When you send out your resume with the addition of letters of recommendation or awards, it can separate you from the competition. It is all about getting the interview!
10. Don't Get Personal -- Personal information does not belong on a resume. Don't include information on your marital status, age, race, family or hobbies.
No comments:
Post a Comment