5 Things that Kill Your Resume

 Most HR departments, even those smaller businesses get hundreds and maybe thousands of resumes a week. The bigger the company, the more that pour in. 

Seriously? They can't respond to everyone or they'd have no time to read the next one. However here's some things that will put you at the bottom of the heap. 

1. Spelling mistakes. Tell me you were a secretary and spell it secratary and that goes in the trash. If you can't even run a spell check or have someone look at your resume then what will you do when or if you're hired? 

2. No dates. Every work experience should be dated. Don't tell me you worked for this place but with no dates I have no idea if you worked there last week or ten years ago. I also need to know how long you worked there; Dec 2019 - Nov 2021. 

3. If you have a work gap with a good reason, tell me why. Did you quit to have a baby? Were you moving? Did the company close? Tell me. If I see big gaps in that resume I have to wonder if you just don't want to work. I once worked 3 months for a company and they shut their doors due to a conflict with the partners. My resume read; Jan 2003 - April 2003 (Company closed) 

4. Put that work history in order from newest to oldest. If  have to jump around on the page to figure it out I'm moving on to the resume that is easier to read. 

5. Read the job requirements carefully. If you apply for a job as an artist or writer they might have asked for samples of your work. No samples? In the trash. You evidently can't follow instructions. 

So here's 5 things that will kill your chances for an interview. Check and double check your resume. 

Good luck out there! 

Job Search & Covid-19

 There has never been a bigger challenge for the job seeker since the Great Depression but there are still jobs out there.  You just have to find that little something extra that puts YOU in front of the crowd.  Here's a few tips to make your resume/interview rock their world. 

Aside from skills needed to do the job, those listed in that long ad from the company, recruiters also look for other things. 

• Appearance. No one wants to sit next to a slob so put some effort into your interview look. Wear your best and most conservative outfit. (Yes, I used the word conservative! Yikes!) This is important even for the jobs where you won't be required to dress in suits and ties. Putting effort into your clothing shows the company you respect them, that you're seriously trying to put your best forward. 
• Cleanliness. Shower, brush your hair & teeth. Yes, you'd be surprised what walks through the door. Back to; No one wants to sit next to a slob, especially a smelly one. 
• Clean up your resume. If there's a gap don't be afraid to step up and say why. Were you home raising kids? Going to school? Note; Whatever you say don't say you were in jail. That's probably a deal breaker.  See tips for resumes here
• Research that company. In an interview one of the top questions is, What do you know of our company? This is a test. Are you here because you know and like what we do or are you just hitting all the companies hoping someone hires you. They want you to appreciate what they do. They want to hire someone who will care about the job. Your research shows them you took the time to find out who they really are under the name.
• Don't be afraid to tell them your skills. What are you good at? Computer work? What programs can you ace? Or customer service skills? Go prepared with a short story on how you helped someone. Think about these things before going into your interview so you don't freeze up because you're nervous. 
• Be polite and watch your language. Don't answer a question with "yeah." The word is "yes." Say thank you no matter how the interview went. Tell them you appreciate them taking the time to see you. 
• Bring questions. They want someone interested in the job so don't be afraid to ask things like; What would a normal work day look like? What's the biggest challenge for this job? These give you openings to say things like, "Good, I like to keep busy." Or "This sounds really interesting, I love a job that challenges me." 

Hang in there. 

There are jobs out there and you will find one. Just don't give up. Don't be afraid to take a job just beneath your skill level that has room for growth. Get the job and then impress them with your knowledge and skills. 

Get the Job ~ Thinking Outside the Box

No matter how long you've been on the job search, sometimes it can feel like you've tried everything with no luck. Checking all the job sites, (Indeed, Monster, Simply Hired, etc.) scanning newspapers, company websites, sending those resumes, and still no job.

Maybe it's time to think outside that box. Try something different. 

Print out several copies of that resume. You did polish it, right? Place them in a file so they stay nice and neat. Pulling a crumbled piece of paper from your pocket impresses no one.

Go online and make a list of all the companies in  your area where you'd like to work. Get directions if you need them.

Dress professionally. No jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts. Wear a suit, dress pants and shirt, tie. Dress to impress.

Get in the car and walk that resume into every business where you'd like to work.
        "Hi, I don't know if you're hiring right now, but I'd like to drop off my resume in case something opens up." 

If they are hiring, ask if there's someone you can talk to. Some businesses will give you an interview on the spot so be prepared.

Do not go on Mondays. 
Monday at most businesses is the busiest day of the week. The chance that you'll snag an on-the-spot interview is low. Also, forget about Fridays. On a Friday people are looking forward to the weekend and that all important person you'll need to meet, might be ducking out early.

Good luck and Go get 'em!