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. 

Interview Screw Up? How to fix it.

Photo credit: Got Credit

Interviews are nerve wracking. You put yourself out there, lay it all bare, and hope they pick you. Nothing is more stressful or emotional than trying to sell yourself to a perspective employer, but what happens when you screw up that all important first meeting?

Did you get lost on your way to the interview? 
     You're late and can't find the place as you drive in circles. I know this one because the building I work in is hard to find.  Now the time is ticking and you know you're going to walk in that interview late.
     Here's what you do. Stop and call. Let them know you're having a problem finding the place and ask for directions. When someone calls in like this I give them careful directions and landmarks to help them get to us. Then I call the person they are interviewing with and let them know.
     To avoid this problem; Go the day before to scope out the place so you know exactly where you're going. Time the drive but give yourself an extra 15 or 20 mins to allow for traffic problems.

Did the interviewer keep you waiting too long?
     Don't spend the time staring at your phone. Even if you're in a room by yourself, someone may be checking on you. Random people walking by might really be looking to see if you're okay or getting upset at the wait. Employers don't want someone glued to their phone all the time. Turn it off and put it in your pocket. Relax, think of the interview questions you practiced. (See those here.)
     Understand most work places are busy. The interviewer might have received a phone call or had an urgent matter land on their desk right before you arrived. Not all things in business are predictable. Be understanding and don't give them an attitude.

You forgot your resume or references?
      It's always a good idea to bring a copy of these with you even if you already emailed it to the company. You want it in front of them and don't want to rely on them remembering your one resume out of the hundreds they probably received.
     If you forgot it, offer to email or fax it over with references. It's not as good as handing it over, but it's all you can do.
     One way to avoid forgetting is to keep a file with extra resumes in your car. This helps in two ways; You'll always have that extra one if you forget to bring it to the interview and you'll have one handy if you happen to meet someone who says their company is hiring. (I once got a job because I had a resume in my purse and handed it over as soon as someone mentioned they were hiring.)

Gotta pee?
     Don't be afraid to ask to use the bathroom if you have an urgent need by the time you arrive. It's better to stop at the nearest store before getting to the interview so you don't have to ask, but its really not a deal breaker. Quite a few people ask to use the bathroom as soon as they come in for the interview. We understand that some people drive a distance to get to us. You want to be comfortable when you're interviewing and not thinking about a pressing bladder problem. Ask politely and get in and out in a timely manner.

Interviews are like auditions. Bring your best and relax. A well prepared interviewee, has a good chance for landing the second interview.
Go get 'em and good luck!