Fixing the top 10 résumé boo-boos

Several years ago, I sat behind a huge oak desk sorting through one résumé after another, after another, after… you get the point.  My goal: to find highly qualified, promising candidates to fill positions that, unfilled, increasingly threatened to overwhelm and overwork existing employees.

Despite the incoming and steady flood of paper, otherwise known as résumés, this process often felt like a challenging treasure hunt.  Why?  The reasons are many and they include:

• Most people try to write their own résumés.
• Most people aren't very good at résumé writing.
• It's hard for most people to pat themselves on the back.
• People worry about "bragging" and so they offer up boring, bland résumés that say little about potential and drive.
• Résumés are often written and rewritten with little clarity or regard for the specific role they intend to seek.  The result?  A vague, one-size-fits-all approach that does not work.
• Most job seekers are too stressed to worry about the smallest of details – like spelling – and so many résumés are chock full of typos.
• Most people bury their heads in the past (what they've been responsible for previously) when writing their résumés, and never think to look forward (what skills are in demand now and will be in the near future).

1.  Don't even make a mark until you know what you're going after.

A résumé should ideally be designed, written and formatted once you know the specific industry/field/role you intend to pursue.  Too many job seekers craft obviously generic résumés.  The hiring manager/recruiter will know it's a one-size-fits-all, will not be impressed, and will only forward your résumé to the circular file. In this competitive job market, you must show you care enough to tailor your résumé.

2. Do your research.

Know the industry/field keywords and buzzwords, and then incorporate them throughout résumé content.  Despite claims to the contrary, employers are also looking for softer skills like "proven leadership ability" and "excellent communication skills" in addition to the more technical skills. Identify the specific skill-sets employers are seeking for your intended industry, field, company and role and make sure they are prominently featured on your résumé.

3. Make it easy to read.

Speakers at a recent hiring panel I attended indicated they could afford only about 10 seconds per résumé.  The implication?  Don't use long paragraphs with tons of prose.  Use concise language and bullets to convey key messages, and ensure accomplishments and significant achievements clearly stand out.

4. Use action verbs, and DON'T say "responsible for..."

Action verbs like "orchestrated," "managed," and "designed" are a powerful way to convey competencies.  Anything less is a waste of space.

5. Don't just list job responsibilities.

If your résumé reads like your job description at work, start over. Every line in your résumé must add value. Highlight key achievements and quantify as much information as you can. The goal is to demonstrate your impact.

6. Don't worry about listing every single thing you've ever done.

Many job seekers mistakenly believe they have to list every job and every responsibility they've ever had. Use headers like "Relevant Experience" and include only the information that directly pertains to your intended job/career.

7. Do go beyond 1 page if you have over 10 years experience.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to convey your key achievements.

8. Don't use vague, or me-focused objectives.

Instead, use a professional summary that clearly aligns you with the intended job/career.  A professional summary serves as a mini advertisement. To create one, try this:  If you had the funds to air a TV commercial about you to every company in America, what would it say?

9. No typos...seriously.

That's enough to get you a one-way ticket to – you guessed it – the circular file.

10. Do remember to pat yourself on the back, and repeatedly.

Refer to old appraisals and ask others for feedback on your accomplishments and best qualities.  Then make sure they appear on your résumé   Now is definitely not the time to be shy.

Don't let any of these most common résumé boo-boos become your Achilles heel.  Showcase your talent, communicate your promise and abilities and remember that you can always get help if you'd rather not go it alone.

Best wishes in reaching all of your greatest career ambitions!

Susan Eckert is Principal of Advance Career & Professional Development, which offers affordable, comprehensive career support including résumé writing, interview preparation, and career coaching.  Visit her website at www.advancecareer development.com for more information regarding free services, resources and tools.  Susan may also be reached toll free at 800-824-6611.

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