You may have already backslid on a New Year's resolution to eat healthier or save more money, but if you're one of many workers who vowed to land a new job in 2008, it's not too late.
Here are a few resume-related resolutions to consider and some real-life goofs -- dubbed "Resumania" by Robert Half International's founder, Robert Half -- from job candidates who could have benefited from resolutions of their own:
Resolution #1: I will customize my resume.
Different companies have different needs, so don't send
the same version of your resume to every organization. Tailor your resume by
highlighting your skills and qualifications that most closely relate to the
requirements of the open position. Carefully review each prospective employer's
job advertisement and mirror their language when discussing your strengths and
previous experience. In short, make it easy for hiring managers to see how you
will play a role in helping them accomplish their goals.
This candidate failed to do so: "OBJECTIVE: To find
any type of job."
Resolution #2: I will write in a straightforward manner.
Hiring managers are drawn to professionals who communicate clearly and concisely. Write short, crisp and compelling sentences in "plain English." Applicants hurt themselves when they weigh down their resumes with trendy business phrases, technical jargon and flashy five-dollar words.
Here's an example of a candidate whose verbiage confuses instead of clarifies:
"SKILLS: Able to remedy posterity and proficiency to
the desired cumulus within the work arena. Once expounding upon these various
constitutional elements, affinity is achieved, and I sequester the cultivation
essential for yielded efficiencies."
Resolution #3: I will eliminate unnecessary information.
Certain pieces of personal information don't belong on a
resume. There is no reason to include your date of birth or marital status, for
example. In fact, doing so puts potential employers in an awkward position
because they are not supposed to take information like this into account when
making hiring decisions. In addition, omit details about your hobbies, reasons
for leaving previous positions, and non-work-related achievements that have no
bearing on your career.
While these accomplishments, like the one provided below
by a nostalgic job hunter, may be treasured, a prospective manager probably
won't be as impressed.
"HONORS: I won an award for an essay in first grade
and got my picture taken with the principal. That was a big win. My parents
took me for ice cream."
Resolution #4: I will make no mention of money.
Never cite your salary requirements unless an employer
specifically requests that information. Mentioning money in your resume, or
cover letter, can come across as presumptuous. Wait until you've secured an
interview and the employer has expressed interest in hiring you before broaching
the subject.
Consider this off-putting statement:
"REQUIREMENTS: I'll need $50K to start, full
medical, three weeks' vacation, stock options and, ideally, a European
sedan."
Resolution #5: I will develop a proofreading procedure.
Nothing damages a job candidate's chances like a careless
typo, which calls into question the person's attention to detail. Steer clear
of grammatical goofs and spelling blunders by establishing a step-by-step
proofreading system. In addition to running your computer's spell-check
function, read your resume several times on screen and on paper. It's also
wise to ask trusted friends or family members for editing suggestions.
This applicant's miscalculation may have indicated to
hiring managers that they couldn't "count" on him:
"HOBBIES: My three biggest hobbies are cars,
racquetball, golf and reading."
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com. Additional Resumania examples can be found at www.resumania.com.
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