Email has replaced snail mail, internet job boards have replaced newspaper classifieds, and automatic reminders have replaced your mother’s phone calls. But nothing has replaced the resume, which remains the heart and soul of the job search process. Nothing has replaced the resume, yet there are plenty of mistakes job seekers make that cause employers to interview replacement candidates. We call them resume killers!
No matter what position you seek, your resume should demonstrate that you see the big picture and the smallest details. It should convey that you are an intelligent, clear, and concise communicator, and it should leave no doubt that you know your accomplishments, skill sets, and ambitions.
Only these resume killers stand in the way of creating the right impression and landing that all-important first interview:
- Skipping the Cover Letter
For job candidates, there are no shortcuts. For employers, the “optional cover letter” is a shortcut to eliminating the laziest candidates. Don’t get eliminated. Pass this test of interest and willingness to craft a letter tailored to the position by preparing in advance. Write several versions for a range of positions and responsibilities, and then make the necessary last minute tweaks to customize your cover letter for each position.
- Writing a Vague or Bland Objective Statement
Are you seeking a challenging position that will reward you with opportunities for growth? Good. Let that vague seed of an idea grow quickly into a more specific, compelling, and fruitful statement. Show how your talents are a good match with the listed objectives for this position.
- Listing Unfocused Accomplishments, or Worse – Job Duties
Half of resumes are full of descriptions of job duties, rather than specific accomplishments. Let that be to your advantage. For each type of position that you will be applying for, think about the accomplishments that will matter most to the hiring manager. Reading through your last three positions should demonstrate a clear trend of capabilities for the position you seek. If accomplishments seem random, with only some matching the employer’s needs, you’ll be a consideration only until your competitors’ more focused accomplishments eclipse yours.
- Using Passive Language
Like him or not, Dr. Phil commands attention, especially with his catch phrase, “I’m going to put verbs in my sentences.” Do the same and convey that you’re a man or woman of action by using action verbs. Replace passive phrases like “a promotion was awarded to me” with “I earned a promotion.” There is an exception to this rule: when you need accomplishments relative to the position requirements, but can’t claim them as individually yours, phrases like “Our email metrics were exceeded during my tenure as marketing manager.”
- Over-Formatting
Many employers rely on resume scanning software that filters out over-formatted resumes, and/or turns them into something unreadable when they do reach human eyes. Resist the temptation to use too many fonts and formatting tools. Keep bullets the same size and have just one indent for bullets running through your resume.
These are just a few of the many resume tips we can offer you as an Imprimis client. If you’d like to learn more about open positions and have your resume critiqued, contact your Imprimis agent today. We’re here to help.
Written by: Alan Margulis