5 Resume Blunders: How to NOT Get an Interview
I didn't truly realize how saturated the job market was with job
seekers until I posted a part-time position recently for an office assistant.
Overnight, I received 70 resumes for a position that was working less than 10
hours per week. The first resume arrived within 10 minutes of posting, and they
continued overnight averaging 5-6 per hour until I finally had to turn the ad
off. I received resumes from high school students, stay at home moms, business
owners, and even a
lawyer. The only time they slowed down was between 4:00am and 6:00am.
I read each and every one of those resumes. As I read them, I
took notes on the things that really stood out, but also on the things that
moved a potentially qualified candidate to the "do not contact" list. This is a
candid view from an employer's perspective on how to increase a job seekers
chance for an interview.
1. Check Spelling and Grammar!
If the ability to clearly communicate (written or verbal) is a
key job feature, sending in a resume and cover letter with spelling and grammar
errors isn't going to get someone to the top of the list! In fact, with the
number of job seekers applying for jobs, this may get someone immediately moved
to the bottom. I know this is an obvious one, but I saw more spelling and
grammar errors than I cared to count. Be sure to check and double-check!
2. Speak in Language that's Comfortable for You
This suggestion is primarily for cover letters. I'm not
suggesting someone write too informally or use slang, but it sounds and feels
very awkward when someone is writing in language that's too formal. Eventually,
because this is common practice (I used to do it, too), everything starts
sounding the same - especially when you're reading through 70 of them! The cover
letter that stood out the most was one that was more conversational in nature
and spoke about the importance of the qualities I was seeking and how she/he
could meet those needs. In fact, this was the first person I called for an
interview! Bottom line - be yourself!
3. Don't Use a Boilerplate
Customize, customize, customize! Don't use a boilerplate
anything! If someone has one standard resume and cover letter and sends it for
all positions, I guarantee you it's not going to compete in today’s job market.
If I'm seeking an office assistant, and someone sends me a resume with a full
page on their film work or real estate experience (I received both and many
others like it), as an employer, I'm not going to call them for an interview
because the skills I was seeking were never fully addressed. Customizing is an
absolute MUST!
4. Send a Cover Letter
Even if the employer doesn't ask for it, send a cover letter! If
an employer does ask for it, be sure the instructions are followed carefully. I
asked applicants to send in a cover letter and resume. Those that didn't follow
directions weren’t considered. Why? Because this was one of the criteria I used
to sort out who would be a good candidate for the position and who wouldn't
based on the job description. What I found was there were only a limited number
of candidates who actually used the cover letter to further showcase their
talents. Most just used it as a way to tell me they were qualified for the
position and that their resume was attached. One job seeker sent a letter
without a header and several just cut and pasted the job link and thanked me for
my time. That, at least from my perspective, doesn't quite count.
5. Use Your REAL Name
There are two points I'd like to cover. First, whatever email is
selected as a contact should be one that doesn't reflect the job seekers
extracurricular activities, love interests, age, etc. It's easy to sign up for a
new email account for job search so this can be avoided. An employer may
misinterpret the meaning and make assumptions about the job seeker, even if it's
very innocent in nature. Why risk it? Last, please don't use your nickname on
anything. One of my applicants was also a disc jockey. When I received her
email, I thought there was a mistake with her first name. Then, I realized this
was her DJ nickname. If someone has a nickname of Toe Jam, Eyebrow, or Fungus,
PLEASE don't use it. While an employer
will remember you (and I will never forget), it doesn't send a clear message of
who you are.
Would you like to reprint this article?
You may as long as you include this blurb in its entirety:
Lisa Jordan
is a disability and workforce development expert. Lisa uses her keen ability to
identify challenges and develop solutions so
that workforce development professionals can increase their comfort level,
productivity and effectiveness when working with a diverse clientele. Download
Lisa’s White Paper on 5 Easy Disability Tips to Immediately Increase Agency
Accessibility by visiting
http://www.human-solutions.net.
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