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! 

Resume Killers

What stops the Recruiter from reading your resume? Here's the top reasons they toss you in the "No Thank You" pile. 

Not Capitalizing Your Name
     I've seen this too many times. Name in all lower case, first name capitalized and last name lower case. I really need people who can at least write their name correctly. This shows lack of basic skill or just a total disregard for the job. If you really wanted it, you'd actually read what you wrote before sending it to me.

Grammar or Spelling Mistakes
     Come on! We all have spell check today. There's no reason for this except that you threw something together quickly and didn't care. I need people who won't embarrass us in front of our customers. I want people who know the little things count.

No Company Name
    You say you were an administrative assistant from January 2015 to July 2017 but don't give a name of the company where you worked. So, I'm thinking either you didn't really have a job, or there's a reason you don't want me to know where you worked.

Job Hopping
     If you were only at each job two months at a time a red flag goes up. Why were you moving around so much? Were you fired or do you repeatedly quit? Either way I'm done.  If you were working for a temp agency, put that down. Let me know the reason you had to move so often. If the reason is good, I'll understand.

Keep these things in mind and go update that resume. The jobs are out there. Your resume is the first thing companies see so make it a good one. Sell your skills and experience.
Good luck in that job search!

The Resume Review

A hundred resumes in my inbox. 

I look at them all. It takes hours so I have a system.  

First; Divide into job categories by job type.  We hire for multiple positions. I pick one job category and get going. 

Second; Now, with one job in hand, I scan resume before looking at cover letter. I have to see the facts. If the experience and skills aren't there, the cover letter probably won't help. 

Third; Print the possibilities.  I know not every one will be an exact match, so I probably print more than I'll need. But aside from the exact match, I'm looking for that diamond in the rough. The one that might have experience in other kinds of jobs that could transfer into what I'm looking for in the employee for this job. 

Fourth; Now from the 100 resumes, I'm probably down to 40 or 50. These I read, highlight, put question marks on, and circle facts to narrow down to the best. Here I'll read the cover letters. Yes, the right cover letter could sway me. Cut the fluff, just tell me why you're the best match.

Fifth: Now I might have 25 good ones. I put them in order from great to good and start making phone calls to do a short phone interview. 

That the first hurdle in hiring. Next up will be that Oh So Important; Phone interview. 

10 Things that Matter in an Interview

Walking into an interview for a job you really want can be a little scary...okay, down right terrifying.

You wear a suit, make sure you're perfectly groomed; hair combed, shoes shined. What else can you do?

It's the small things that matter and  here's a few to remember when you walk in that door;

1. Turn off your cell phone. Or better yet, leave it in the car. The interviewer will be able to hear it vibrate and yes, it will be a distraction. 
2. Bring a folder with all necessary information; copy of your resume, list of references, copy of any additional certifications that may apply. (Do not rely on your cell phone to look things up - remember, you left it in the car.) Using a simple folder will keep your papers neat and organized.
3. Smile. Put your friendly face on. Most places want to hire nice people. A smile reflects an amicable personality. 
4. Remember your manners. Shake hands, say thank you where applicable. 
5. Be nice to everyone you meet inside and outside the building. You never know who has the bosses ear. 
6. Think before you blurt out an answer to the interviewers questions. Taking a few seconds to form the answer in your brain is okay. Don't leave them hanging for minutes, but considering your answer will help you give a more concise answer. 
7. Study the hard questions. The Internet is full of practice interview questions to help you. Reading them and thinking of your answers will give you an edge when something like them comes up in an interview. 
8. Be ready for that empty space in an interview. Seasoned interviewers will let you talk. They keep quiet and listen. Know this empty space, when you're doing all the talking, is where they get a lot of information. Be ready for it. It's your time to "sell" yourself. Keep your words positive and upbeat. 
9. Why did you/are you leaving your last job? Be careful with this question. Never say anything bad about an ex-employer. Even if the work place was horrible, keep your words positive. Saying things like, "There was no room for advancement," or "I felt there wasn't an opportunity to fully used my talents," are better answers. Just be ready to back them up with facts. 
10. Be ready for: Do you have any questions for us? Before arriving you should have Googled the company and done some research. At this point you can bring that up if you don't have any other questions. 

Good luck out there! 

You Wore WHAT to an Interview?

One of the biggest mistakes people make in an interview is their fashion choice.

Really, people? Shorts and a t-shirt? Is that the best thing in your closet?
Flip flops? You flopped.

In an interview, your clothing choice is a sign of respect. You cared enough to make an impression. Trust me, the person who came in to interview after you wore a suit or at least professional clothing, and got the job. Why? They looked like they were worth the time and money the company will invest in training the person for the job.

HINT: Dress like you want the job.

Throw on a suit jacket if possible and make sure your clothing is clean. (Yes, once someone came in with ketchup stains on their blouse.)

Pick your best pair of shoes. Make sure they shine.

QUICK TIP: Put a dab of Vaseline on a paper towel and rub it over your shoes. This will give them a quick shine and get you through the interview.

Don't own a suit?
Men; A button down shirt, tie and khaki's will work.
Women: A skirt or dress pants and a blouse will work.

The higher the salary, the better you dress. Want that executive position? Invest in the suit. Going for a construction job? Khaki's and clean polo would be acceptable. Just please, make an effort!

Go forth and Get that Job!

That Stand-Out Resume

What makes a resume stand out to a potential employer?
That's a great question because it could be different for everyone.

First; easy to read format. 

• List your jobs with dates (or at least months; May 2012 - February 2015)
• Under each job list your responsibilities for that position
• Include any special skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Contractor/Machine skills)
• End with education. (note to older crowd- you don't need the year a simple; Business BA, Computer BS is fine)

Cover letter? Think outside the box. 

When writing your brief cover letter think about why you're a good fit for the job. Is there a personal connection to this type of work? Did your family own a construction company so you know the business from the inside out? Have you been working construction since 1998? What will make your letter stand out among the 100's of others? 

Is a follow up okay?

Usually, giving a call to follow up after you send a resume isn't a bad idea. It shows you're interested. Just don't sound desperate and don't give ultimatums. 

Keep it simple, ask if they received your resume and if they have any further questions you can answer. End with a simple, "I'd love to come in and talk with you about the position."

Go forth and conquer! The perfect job is out there...and you will find it if you don't give up. 

Tricks and Tips to Ace the Interview

Every interview is different because the people that are interviewing you have their own unique personalities and goals. Knowing how to "read" people will help you show the interviewer what they need to hire you.

1. Do your research. Researching the company will go a long way in impressing those who interview you. Know what they do, how long they've been in business, and if there's anything that make them unique in the business. 
2. If there are biographies of the staff are on the company website, take a few minutes and read them. There might be something you have in common with one of them that could help during the interview. It will also help you know who you're talking to at the meeting. The owner of a company I once worked for would often sit quietly in the corner during an interview. Most applying for the job had no idea who he was or why he was there.  
3. Be a mirror. Research shows a way to build report is to mirror the other person's body language. If they have their hands folded on the table and are sitting forward in the chair, you do the same. If they lean back and are relaxed, notice and take that relaxed pose yourself. Read more about mirroring here. 
4. If they're telling you something, don't interrupt. Don't think you know what they're going to ask (even if you do,) and cut them off to give your answer. Nothing is more annoying than someone who interrupts you.  
5. Be a good listener. When the interviewer asks a question don't be afraid to think for a moment and give a concise and complete answer. 

It might see like a lot to remember when going in for an interview, but there are just a few things that will help you to come out ahead of the competition. 

Good luck out there! 

Fix Your Resume

Your resume is usually the first impression a potential employer will get of you.
It's an important the resume is properly formatted and free from spelling errors. Leave the fancy fonts for birthday cards and make it Times New Roman and 12 pt font. Basic, simple and to the point. You want them impressed with your content and not distracted by bold, crazy fonts.

So lets go! Build that resume;

Center on top your name address, phone and email. 

John Smith

00 Somewhere St

City, State Zip code

999-555-0000

email@email.com

Right under that you can put a short statement but this is optional. I usually leave it off. 
Under that should be your experience. 

Experience

Place of Employment                                                        City, State
Position                                                                             May 2013 - June 2015

Write a couple of sentences about what you did here.
"Coordinated day to day work flow of the office with special emphasis on processing sales and maintaining database."
Then bullet your skills. 

• Maintained sales database
• Processed incoming contracts
• Payroll

Do this for your last few jobs. After your experience comes education

Education

BS in Business from Some College 

Do any community service? Volunteer work? Put that next.

Community Service

5K for Cancer

Ran food drive for animal rescue

Boy Scout leader

School volunteer

After that list any special credits you have. Win an award for anything? Do any online writing, publishing, 

                                   ******************

Now the important part. SPELL CHECK! Read it over a few times. Read it out loud to be sure all your sentences make sense. Ask a friend or spouse to read it for you. Double check your email address and phone number. You want them to reach you so make sure that stuff is correct. 

Now that your resume is polished --->Go forth and conquer!   

The Second Interview - How to ACE it!

You scored that illusive second interview. Great job! The company saw something in you and you are under serious consideration for the job. They liked you!

Now, it's time to wow them. Don't go in thinking you've aced it and are definitely in. I've seen more people blow this final step to the job than get it.  The questions might be tougher and some questions might be the same as last interview.

If they asked you to tell of an incident where your strength of customer service, organization, or handling difficult people showed through, don't use the same story you used in interview one. Make sure you have another event ready to tell.
I know sometimes it's hard to think on your feet when facing two or more professionals staring at you from across the desk. Prepare before you get there.

What are your strengths?
The second interview usually puts you in with bosses at a higher level. If they ask about your strengths it's time to list them. Not a time to brag, but state the facts. Are you good at computers? Organization? Selling? Tell them that and give some details. Why are you good at computers? Know Excel, Outlook, Publisher? What kind of databases have you worked in? Organizational skills? Do you put everything on a spread sheet? Believe in keeping accurate files so anyone can find things easily? How long have you been selling and what are your sales numbers?

That second interview can get you the job. Just make sure you go in prepared. Dress to impress, think over what you're going to say, and sell yourself!
Good luck out there!

What NOT to Bring to Your Interview

Please don't bring your mama, girlfriend, bestie, coworker, or any other human. It makes you look, well...stupid? Needy? Scared? Do you really need someone to hold your hand? Are you that immature?

Put on your best, most professional clothes, comb your hair, brush your teeth, and grab that folder with your resume and references.

Everything could look great, but if you walk in with a friend it shows the employer two things.

• You're not mature enough to do things by yourself
• You're not serious about getting a job. 

Bringing a friend to your job interview or when you walk in to ask for an application with a buddy, makes you look like you're socializing and applying for the job as an after thought. "Let's get pizza. Hey, why don't we fill out an application and get pizza." 

A job hunt is a job hunt. Make it your priority and leave the extra human at home. They contribute nothing and may distract the bosses from anything you have to offer. 

Good luck! 

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! 

Cover Letters Get the Interview

The job you just applied for received over 100 applications. Sounds daunting, but this mountain of paperwork can be climbed and you can come out on top.
      Step 1. Read the job ad carefully. Inside that ad you're going to find key words. When the employer wrote the ad he described his dream employee.
     Step 2. Make a list of the key words within the add. If the ad says something like;
        Brand new pediatric dental office looking for a front office staff member with dental office experience. This person should be a team player who can ensure the smooth and efficient running of the practice as a whole. The ideal candidate will be friendly, enthusiastic, and have a positive attitude. Also, they should be a quick-learner, flexible, and have excellent organizational and customer service skills. Tasks include welcoming patients, scheduling appointments, presenting fees and discussing dental insurance benefits, processing dental insurance claims, tracking and calling patients with incomplete treatment, and all other front desk tasks. Great opportunity for a highly qualified candidate that possesses strong leadership skills. Salary based on experience. 

     The key words here are; team player, efficient, enthusiastic, positive attitude, flexible, excellent organizational and customer service skills, strong leadership skills. So you'd want to hook the person who reads your cover letter by using these words. This is what they are looking for, so be that person. 

     Step 3. Check out the website if possible. Google their name, email address, or phone number to find it. There might be more key words on their website you can find to use in your letter. 

     Step 4. Make your first sentence or two a hook. That means say something right up front to make them read on. Don't start with "I would like to apply..." They know that already, you gave them your resume. Try, "I'm looking for a position that will appreciate my positive attitude and excellent customer service skills." In that first sentence you've incorporated two key words from their wish list. 

     Step 5. If you can say something personal about their business, add that, too. The above ad if for a pediatric office so any experience you have with kids would be good to mention. If it's a construction office, you can admire something you saw on their website. 

     Keep it short and to the point. All your skills should be listed on your resume, so don't list them all here. A highlight or two that coordinates with what was asked for in the ad is fine, but most employers don't have time to read a book. 

     If you're not that great a writer google cover letters and copy them, BUT don't forget to add your keywords and personalize it to make it stand out from the crowd. Use the bones of those online letters, but you need to make them your own and tailored to the job for which you're applying. Every job you apply for should have a different cover letter that's been modified to reflect the job, key words, and how your skills would match. 

Good luck! Go get 'em! 

Four Things to Get that Job

Sitting at the front desk in a building that houses multiple companies, I see a lot. Job seekers come through, looking for that perfect match. Past my desk come many qualified candidates that ruin their chances with the same dumb mistakes. 

• Be on time. Such a simple requirement, but one of the most important things in an interview. Look at it this way, if a person can't be on time for the interview how are they going to get to work on time? Do a drive by the day before so you don't get lost the day of the interview.
• Dress like you want the job. Walking in wearing t-shirt and jeans doesn't show the employer anything but you're on vacation. Show them you want it. Wear a suit or nice pants and a button down shirt. Comb your hair. 
• Come prepared. Bring a resume and a list of references. Put them in a folder so they don't get wrinkled. A crumbled piece of paper pulled from your pocket shows the employer you don't care enough to keep it neat.
• Research the company on the Internet before your interview. Know what they do and find something special about the company to mention during your interview. Do your homework. Impress them with your knowledge of their company. 

I've seen too many potentially good candidates ruin their chances by making these dumb mistakes. Be on time, dress for success, be ready to sell yourself and do your research. These four things will put you ahead of the pack and increase your chances of getting the job. 

Job Interview BUST!

You scored that illusive second interview. Yehaw!
So, why did you tank?

Best piece of advice; Think before you speak.

Last interviewee that came into our company was great. A perfect fit for the company. The interviewers were impressed. They call in another manager to talk to the woman. He lasts in there for ten short minutes. Then she's walking out the door and he's shaking his head. So, what happened?

"I'm gonna be late some of the time. I really try to get in on time, but I just want you to know I probably will be late sometimes."

W
T
F
?

We should do a list of stupid things people say on job interviews. This woman evidently didn't want the job. Maybe she was on unemployment and just came to the interview to have something to tell the unemployment office? Because no one who wants the job would admit to being late.

More interview killers?

"I used to do drugs, so I dropped out of college but now I really need a job."
Never tell them you used to do drugs!

"I'm gonna need a lot of time off in the summer, because I have kids."
Don't apply for a full time job if  you can't work it. 

"Can you hire my friend too? He's in the lobby."
Never bring a friend to an interview.

"Sorry, I'm late. I couldn't find the place."
Be smart. Go the day before and find the place so you'll be on time.

"I'm not very organized."
Speak only of your strengths.

Remember you're there to sell yourself. No one wants to hire a problem. Brag a little, tell them everything you do well and list your attributes.  Another biggie? Dress well. Suits are the number one choice for men and women. It tells the company I respect you and really want the job. Even if you're interviewing at a construction company or warehouse, wear the suit.

Good luck! Its a jungle out there...