|
|
How to Avoid Getting your Resume Placed in the "Not Recommend" File...Mar 01 '00 (Updated Mar 14 '00) Write an essay on this topic.When an employer receives 300 or more resumes for one job posting, the information must catch the reader’s attention. Usually, there is a person responsible for screening out and separating the “not recommends” from the “recommends”, so your resume needs to looks impressive. There is no universal resume format, but there are guidelines that can help you avoid getting your resume placed in the “not recommend file”: 1. Actively market your qualifications by focusing on actual results and accomplishments, rather than routine job responsibilities performed. Many people seem to copy their past job descriptions (which were expected duties), and do not make an effort to promote their individuality. (Do not give insignificant information such as how many times you wiped down the tables or refilled the napkin dispensers as a waiter or waitress.). Demonstrate and give specific examples of what made you stand out from the others! Make sure that the information that you provide on your resume is applicable to prospective employers, supports your candidacy, and focuses on your experience and skills required to do the job. 2. The resume should be a factual, concise, and persuasive outline of your work experience, education and accomplishments. Keep it short and to the point. However, do not exclude credible achievements in order to get your resume to fit on one page. Resumes should never extend two pages (unless the resume is an executive level). The basic format should include: the header (name, address, email address, phone number), a summary of qualifications, work experience, and education. Professional affiliations, community activities, technical expertise, publications or fluent languages may also be included. Recent graduates may not a lot of work experience related to the job, so they should emphasize recent education or training, including significant course work or other activities that correlate to the position. 3. Don't be timid. It was challenging for me (believe it or not) when I graduated from college, because I had a difficult time accepting compliments or discussing my own accomplishments. Remember: Timidity does us in more than aggression, because we become invisible. Make this your motto in your job search. Don’t become egotistical or assuming, but demonstrate to the employer that you are skilled, competent, and will be a great benefit to their team. 4. Looks are important. The résumé’s format and visual presentation are as decisive to the employer as content. Resumes should be presented in two pages or less, if possible. Avoid the pretty colored paper, and stick with an elegant white or ivory. Many companies scan in resumes or make multiple copies (or faxes) for managers. Gray, blue, and other colors don’t copy as well. A good format is critical for professional projection. Microsoft Word and other word processing programs offers easy resume formats to select. Don’t use white out or poor copies, either. 5. Spelling counts! Proofread and show your resume to several objective friends or family to have them proofread it as well. The resume is a reflection of you on paper. When I was an intern in college, I reviewed a resume in which a student left out the “L” in public for a job objective that should have read: “I desire a challenging position in public relations”. Needless to say, that typo made the sentence take on a whole new meaning! 6. A resume is a written style of business communication, so avoid using personal pronouns ( such as "I" or "me") and articles (such as "the" or "an”). Use action verbs(such as “developed”, “created”, “facilitated”, etc.),concrete nouns and positive modifiers(such as “proficient”, “competent”, “resourceful”). 7. Avoid objectives if possible. Many career objectives are too generic or vague, and consume space on the resume. An “objective statement” is only appropriate on a resume if it is for an entry-level position. After a candidate gains experience, an objective actually limits their qualifications. I have always preferred a “Summary of Qualifications” at the top of the resume (about 3-5 statements summarizing the candidate’s professional strengths), because this gives me more information on the candidate. 8. Many people have gaps in their work history for reasons such as attending school, being downsized, or having children. Insignificant gaps such as being out of work for several months can often be excluded by changing your format to years instead of months. Explanations should be given during the interview and on the company application. 9. Do not get too personal or casual. Be professional and concise, and state facts that you will be able to support in the interview. I have reviewed many resumes in which people discussed hobbies, special interests, and other personal items. In most cases, the recruiter does not have the time to read each detail on every resume, so don’t go into too much personal information. State the facts. If the employer is interested in what your special interest, that question will be saved for the interview. Personal information, such as age, height and weight, and marital status should not be included on a resume. Remember, this is a resume, not a driver’s license! 10. Avoid acronyms. So many employees get caught up into company culture that they forget that others may not know what they mean. For example, a job title of “TSR” could mean a Telephone Sales Representative, Technical Support Representative, or Telecommunication Systems Representative. Do not abbreviate on a resume. 11. Always send a cover letter with a specific reference to the organization’s needs and how your qualifications match the position posted. The cover letter is necessary because it provides the employer specific information. A generic cover letter should only be used for responses to blind advertisements, when company information is unavailable. 12. Remember, the resume is your first impression. The information provided on the resume needs to be supported by you and your actions during the interview process. Good luck!  |
| Read all comments (25)|Write your own comment |
|
Ads by Google
|
