Finding a job in this economy is like trying to find a needle in the proverbial haystack. You can uncover as much hay as you want, but the primo job remains as elusive as ever. Although finding the best job for you is difficult, it becomes virtually impossible when you make the most common resume mistakes. With 2015 fast approaching, you need to learn which of the resume mistakes shoot you in your job searching feet. Screwing up the Basics What happens when a prospective employer reads a resume riddled with spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and typo issues? The employer either uses your resume to start a campfire or makes a paper airplane out of it for the amusement of fellow workers who know how to craft professional resumes. You can have all of the qualifications in the world, but you do not get your feet in the door when you screw up the basics of spelling and grammar. Of all the resume mistakes, screwing up the basics has the most negative impact on your job prospects. … [Read more...] about THE MOST COMMON RESUME MISTAKES FOR 2015
The Resume Hunter
Drama: Resume Hunter Under Fire
Looks like we've got a heated debate on our hands here at Jobacle! I'd like to take a moment to address our loyal readers and the thousands of new people that have joined us over the past few days. A feature that pops up every few weeks on Jobacle is the Resume Hunter. This is an exercise where the Hunter locates a public resume and brings the document's faults to light. The hope is that both the resume poster and the general public can glean a bit of useful information from the exercise. Allow me to clarify a few things:- The Resume Hunter is not designed to be mean-spirited. The honest-to-God goal is to actually HELP people learn from common (and public) mistakes. I never anticipated this volume of negative feedback. At this time I do not plan to pull the feature. In fact, we have another one hitting the Web next week (so subscribe!). The Resume Hunter is a new twist on dishing out useful information. It would be easy … [Read more...] about Drama: Resume Hunter Under Fire
The Worst Resume Template Ever
We here at Jobacle are on an endless hunt for the perfect resume. And we're pleased to report that so far, it's nowhere to be found. Cue the music, Bob. It's time for the Resume Hunter! Today's lucky contestant is Vinay Pandey of New Delhi. Fluff: The first thing I gather from this resume is NOTHING. After reading his objective I have no idea what Vinay does or wants to do. Be clear in your objective; especially if you want to work in HR. Also keep it short and to the point, and for God's sake, no run on sentences. Grammatical errors are completely unacceptable in this day and age. Word processing has come too far to allow misspellings. If anyone can figure out Vinay's objective, please explain it to me because I'm lost. If one has enough technology to post a resume on the Internet, one has the technology to make sure that what they write is grammatically correct. Or at least darn close. Layout: A Google search of "resume format" garners roughly 22 million results. There is no … [Read more...] about The Worst Resume Template Ever
Resume Writing 101
Today's WorkHack: Use your resume as a tease. Pretend you're about to go on a blind date. Which woman would you rather date? Miss A) Slender, brunette, funny, family oriented. Miss B) 5' 11", dark/curly hair, loves to tell jokes, single mom. Miss A tells the truth without giving away too may details. On the first date she'll share her real deal, but if she gives away too much early on, she won't even get the date. You must think of your resume the same way. The goal is to get you in the door - only then - can you work your magic. Be clear about your experience and background but do not give away too much. If not, you'll end up like Miss B, spending Saturday nights alone teaching yourself to crochet. Learn more Resume Writing 101 by printing or downloading the document below. While designed for graduating college students, it warrants a read from job seekers of all ages. … [Read more...] about Resume Writing 101
Public Resume Blunders Outed
The Resume Hunter continues to scour the Web in search of the elusive blue diamond: the perfect resume. We are pleased to report, we're still coming up empty. As always, the goal is to collectively learn from one person's mistakes. Before you put your resume out there for the world to see, make sure it's error-free and represents you in the best possible light. Today's subject is one Donald G. Helsten, a transportation manager straight outta West Valley City, Utah, population 118,917. Below is the Hunter's 90-second scan - and the problems he uncovered. This exercise works best if you print the resume or pull it up in a new window. Then read the notes. They work from top to bottom. What Is This? In case you were confused, this is Donald's resume. How do I know? Because he has a header at the top center that says "RESUME." Phew! I was confused. Double Error. Listing two e-mail addresses unnecessarily confuses the reader. When it comes to giving people options on how to … [Read more...] about Public Resume Blunders Outed
Resume Samples and Advice
The Resume Hunter has quickly become one of the most hated people on the Internet. The funny thing is, he's here to help! Not too many Web sites offer a free snapshot critique of your life on paper and help teach you how to write a resume. The bottom line is, if you're going to make your resume public, then you should have thick enough skin to handle some constructive criticism. This is an exercise we all can benefit from. Without further fanfare, let's check out the resume of one Kenneth S. Criscione. In Context: Right off the bat, Kenneth states that he is an "Automotive Professional." This is a great tactic to use when your resume is floating around the Web. Regardless of where it ends up, the reader knows what he's about and can quickly decide to read on or click out and bail. Find Me: As we've seen on a majority of online resumes so far, there is simply too much personal information up on the top. Aside from the fact that anyone can show up at Ken's doorstep, with so many … [Read more...] about Resume Samples and Advice
The Resume Hunter: 3-Minute Review #2
It's time for our weekly assault - I mean analysis - of a random online resume. In short, I give it a quick 180-second scan and talk about the good, the bad, and the downright stupid. As always, the information below is not to make fun of anyone. Rather, it's an exercise where we can all learn from common resume blunders. Hopefully Ms. Ilvana Do Socorro Azevedo Siqueira will consider our comments below. Remember: If you're going to post your resume for the world to see, make sure it's good! - Proper English. I understand that English is not everyone's first language. However, if you do not have an excellent command of the written word, I highly recommend you hunt down one of the gazillion services that will gladly take your money. It's a small investment if it leads to the job of your dreams. Due to the language issue, I won't bother to pick apart all of the awkward phrases, but there is one that really bothered me: "I was supposed to train all users." Huh? That makes it … [Read more...] about The Resume Hunter: 3-Minute Review #2
The Resume Hunter: 3-Minute Review #1
Every career site seems to yammer on and on about "What to Avoid on Your Resume." Jesus. If you don't get it by now, odds are you never will. While trolling Scribd.com I came across Kevin Cantrell's resume. I have no idea who he is. But a quick glance revealed several crucial resume mistakes. The information below is not to pick on Kevin. Rather it's to help him (and you) see the error of his ways. Besides, if you're going to post your resume for the world to see, you should make sure it's polished. Please Scam Me. Just like you never put your Social Security number on a paper resume, you should never put all of your contact information on the Web. I would use an e-mail address specific to that resume so you know where your inquiries are coming from. Also, I would use a service like GrandCentral and avoid using your true, everyday phone number. Do not include your home address. No Errors, Period. I won't bore you with this one but the resume below is missing hyphens and … [Read more...] about The Resume Hunter: 3-Minute Review #1