Mistakes to Avoid in Resumes and Cover Letters

• Incorrect spelling of the company name 
• In addition to the Dos & Don’ts, a CV should be modified every time the candidate applies for a position in order to match the job Criteria. That makes it easier for the recruiter. When it comes to the CV it should not be a history book. According to me, it should not more than 3 pages. 
• Sending one generic resume to the potential opening could also be a mistake. You need to tailor your resume to the job specification keeping in view the relevance to the job you are applying for. 
• Avoid having a very personal email address on your resume (for example: hotbabe@yahoo.com) - first initial, last name emails or a professional email address presents better:) 
• Candidates should always include months and years next to their companies of previous employment. I often only see years on CVs and think the candidate is trying to hide gaps in their experience. 
• Candidates should make sure that if they use cover letters, they send the appropriate one to the employer. I see cover letters from candidates stating they are trying to get a job that is completely different from the one they are applying for. It makes them look unorganized. 
• If you have more than 30 years experience, it is not necessary to list details/description that date back to when you delivered papers. Format your resume so the jobs fit nicely onto 3 pages max and near the end just list company name and your title. It helps the recruiters greatly. 

After focusing my hiring efforts on recent graduates for the past four years, the biggest error I note is that they are often not familiar with the resume they sent me. If I ask you to point out the position where you did X or let me know which of the positions listed on your resume prepared you best for Y a job candidate should be able to quickly point me in the right direction.It is frustrating when the prospect can't use the resume they submitted as a support tool during the interview because of their ignorance. Review your resume prior to a scheduled interview.

The biggest consistent mistake I see individuals make when writing their own resumes is that they do not communicate the value they bring to an organization. In a recent survey of HR professionals, 89% of respondents said accomplishments were the most important element. You have to show them how you can help the company by demonstrating examples of how you have saved companies money, made companies money, streamlined operations, made work easier, etc.

Does Your Credit Score Determine Your Chance to Get a Job?

Interestingly enough, some studies have shown no correlation between credit scores and fiduciary responsibility. Most people's credit scores tank due to events like very high medical bills (40% of bankruptcies), being underwater on their mortgages (around half of all US mortgages), and unemployment (now running at about 9%, though this is a falsely low figure because it excludes those who are underemployed and who have given up looking for work).

A credit score doesn't "determine your chance to get a job." A credit check is typically part of a background investigation that takes place after an offer is made. It's usually done in conjunction with a drug test and verification of criminal, education and employment histories. Also, adverse information on a credit check doesn't typically weigh against a candidate as heavily as a failed drug test, criminal record, past firing, lying about education, etc. I understand why people don't like credit checks, I'm not fond of them myself. It is, however, understandable why companies feel they are necessary.

Is your Linkedin profile now more important to you than your CV?

It is becoming more important for professionals, and is definitely a more versatile tool. But until employers begin to request a link to your LinkedIn profile and not a resume/CV and cover letter, the resume is still that initial introduction and hand shake that puts the hiring process in motion. They are both important. LinkedIn provides an opportunity for potential new employers to get a glimpse of your professionalism. It is more of a living document than a resume.

I believe it is transforming the way people seek and find talent. At the very least, it is providing an important first step for quickly and efficiently evaluating candidates. Conversely, as a candidate, it is providing members with a great marketing tool to present their capabilities and talent to a broader pool of opportunities, often bypassing the traditional recruiting channels and filters. It is a great tool.

In my opinion it is neither more or less important; it is a compliment to your careers achievements. Just like your playbill, your LinkedIn profile provides organizations and connections a consolidated overview of who you are and where your are in your career.  Life has evolved! Our parents used to end their studies, grab their diplomas, got a job and practically stayed there for life…

Today life is the opposite. Each one must be a multitask, multidisciplinary person and specially be on the “radar”. Being on the “radar” means that you have a LinkedIn profile at least, where all the headhunters or companies try to find the best person for their new job offers. Now, not being on the web having a CV profile, also represents the equivalent of not existing on this planet and therefore, not being up-to-date in what regards professional availability and the knowledge to understand a global community – the world is really so small, that you have to move on! You can even be the best there is for the job inquiry, but no one knows you exist…

How far back do you list volunteer/community service work?

SCS says:• Do you feel that your volunteer experience adds to your resume? or Does it fill space. Your profile says that you have twenty years of experience in your industry. Do you want to highlight your career/work experience or volunteer experience?

You should view volunteer experience as complementary to work experience. It can show breadth and depth. It can sometimes supplement bits of missing work experiences. Having said that, I suggest that people consider
1. How the experiences adds to the resume or rounds out your experience
2. The relevance to the responsibilities of position being applied for
3. How you would answer this question, "When did you do this and why is it relevant to this position now?"

Photos With Resumes: Legal or Illegal

Question: What is the definitive legality regarding a company asking for an accompany photo with a candidate's resume? Can anyone give a concrete yea or nay reason? I am seeing an increase in job postings asking for candidates to send in a photo along with a resume, and I feel that is just setting up companies for potential discrimination lawsuits.

Answer: Here is some content from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office of legal counsel that sheds some light on this topic:

"Under Title VII, it is not illegal for an employer to learn the race, gender or ethnicity of an individual prior to an interview. Of course, Title VII requires that all individuals be provided equal, nondiscriminatory treatment throughout the hiring process. If an employer representative observes a job seeker in a video clip, and either learns or surmises the person's gender, race, or ethnicity, such knowledge could increase the risk of discrimination or the appearance of discrimination. Employers need to take care in training hiring officials and human resources staff about the appropriate responses when gender, race, or ethnicity are disclosed during recruitment. Video clips might be analogized to information on a resume that clearly tells an individuals race, such as, "President, Black Law Students Association." In this situation, as with the video clip, the employer needs to focus on the person's qualifications for the job."

Is a summary of your background something that really should go on your resume?

Absolutely. Professional Summary sells you! 

If you can make it a bulleted list, even better. Employers can scan it more quickly. Additionally, a rambling summary does you no good. Short, sweet and job specific focused if at all possible.  There is always a debate about what goes on the top of a resume, but I strongly advocate for a simple branding statement that describes the key attributes and nature of the person that would set him/her apart from the competition. Not a list of skills, past positions, or responsibilities.

 It is the place for a "meta" statement, to give everything else a context. For a mid-career individual, it should be 2-3 lines in length - maybe a bit more but not by much. A focused summary bringing value to the reader. Informing an employer, that you're a "jack-of-all-trades," no.  A well-written resume will "sell" rather than "tell." You attract attention of potential employers with your resume by emphasizing the benefits and value you have to offer and can bring to their organization. (TIP: It goes beyond a general summary and laundry list of core duties and responsibilities!)

I have officially hit rock bottom on my job search!

SCS Reader says:My job search unfortunately has taken a turn for the worst once again. Two months ago, I had three interviews with major government contractors. A month later, I got rejected by all of them. Two of those contractors decided to cancel the technical writer and business analyst position that I interviewed for because of contract issues. Another company based in Tysons Corner, decided to cancel the solutions writer position because they lost their hiring manager to another company. Therefore, they had to restructure their entire staff and freeze their hiring process.

I really don't know what to do folks. Nothing seems to working out at all, and anytime a bad break occurs, it always happens to me. Therefore, I starting to believe that I had hit rock bottom on my job search.

Do you folks have any suggestions on how should I approach my career search? I am still interested in finding a full time opportunity in technical writing, business analyst, web development proposal writing, and technical analyst positions in the Northern Virginia/ Washington D.C. metro area. I apply to those jobs on every job board website, but it hasn't worked for me at all.

At this point, getting networking contacts via LinkedIn is the best option for me in terms of getting a full time opportunity. Your help and kindly tips will be greatly appreciated.


Answer:You're in a very competitive field, in a cut-throat city. So, when companies are hiring, it's already tough. Take an objective look at yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes you a better candidate than the others?

Have you tried tailoring your resume for the position? Instead of sending out mass resumes, pick a few really "perfect" jobs, and tailor your resume. Highlight what skills, experiences, etc. you have that make you a great candidate.

In your resume include keywords and key phrases from the job description that fit your abilities and qualifications. Your geographical location is a competitive area and no doubt not easy to get noticed. 

Don't give up the hunt and good luck.

Top Reasons why employees don't give reasons why they are exiting an organization...

Generally employees don't leave an organization but rather leave their boss....... The prime reasons why the effectiveness of Exit Interviews has vanished is due to the following in my opinion:

1) Unwillingness to spoil rapport with the current company HR and Colleagues mainly your reporting manager

2) Fear of getting a poor review from past employer in a reference check process by the employee's future employer if the future employer is a competitor company

3) No one wants to become a whistle blower and point out reasons like mental harassment and organizational politics and risk a loss of reputation as everyone knows that his/her association with the organization is not for an eternity with any organization in today's times...

What are your reasons?

SCS Reader Says-I would love to make a career change and go into HR. What tips do you have for me to make this transition happen?

Answer:

Finding your passion in life is indeed a blessing! Paying it forward and helping others to blossom is as good as it can ever get. We are all energetically connected and whenever we support another in reaching and achieving their true potential/highest good, we help ourself! Being in service to others is a magnificent feeling, and I believe the secret to raising planetary consciousness!

Transitioning to an HR Career from Another Field

If you have a different academic background from that described, or you have been employed in another profession, a readily transferable, related academic background and related professional experience will help. Experience in general management and an understanding of business processes are vitally important. You may, therefore, wish to consider pursuing either an MBA or an MS graduate degree with a concentration in human resources in order to break into the field of HR.

When there are not sufficient numbers of qualified HR professionals with the preferred experience, employers occasionally hire other professionals who have related experience and who are willing to undertake additional education or training.

Those interested in HR as a profession can take college courses, attend seminars or take self-study courses as a beginning. In such circumstances, professional counselors might find opportunities in employer-sponsored employee assistance programs; teachers may be hired by training departments; or accounting, math and statistics majors could find employment in compensation and employee benefits. Law school graduates or attorneys may be hired to handle legal compliance or employee relations activities. Above-average communications skills are always essential for HR professionals. Since HR professionals handle confidential information, and must be comfortable interacting with employees at all levels, companies often seek people who are mature and experienced professionals—especially for higher-level positions in HR.

After applying for a job, if the hiring manager did not contact me after two or three weeks what should i do?

There is no definite answer for this. You can either email them to inquire your status or concentrate on the next available opportunity. Sometimes, employers are busy with other priorities that they may take time to make a decision, so don't be discouraged.

Follow up! Often, hiring managers have many applications and an e-mail or phone call, can get your application to the top of the pile and, at least, get it looked at. You should follow up. They can hear your voice, which connects them to your resume. It's only right to acknowledge someone who has interviewed though I know this is not always done. That's why I would still encourage someone - if they really want the job or think they did a solid interview - to call and ask if a decision has been made. This will allow that person to move on or find out if there is a time frame when they can expect a decision. I tend to be rather assertive in getting information that impacts my life or career.

Now that the norm is becoming an undergraduate degree, companies are ruling out 70% of the domestic population that does not possess a bachelor's degree

(http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/education/cb12-33.html). That must be a lot of ignored talent.

For those who do possess an undergraduate degree, showing how one's coursework is relevant to a given position can distinguish them from those who simply portray their college education as a school, major, and grade point average.

Scarlett Career Services reader says: How would I answer "what is your weakness" on a job interview?
SCS Answer: In my experience, the "What is your biggest weakness" question tries to identify one thing: Are you big enough to realize that you are not perfect?. Once we get past the need to impress our interviewer at all costs, we can be honest with ourselves.

The question needs to be answered with 3 steps:
1.- The weakness - needs to be a real weakness and should be related to the job... However, it should not be a weakness that prevents you from doing your targeted job (don't use public speaking when interviewing for a Corporate Trainer role; or time management for a scheduler position).

2.- How is this weakness related to the job? - If you identify how this can be a weakness for performing the job, you can downplay the negative effect your weakness will have on your audience. This allows step 3 to be much more effective...

3.- What are you doing about it? I want to hire somebody who is coachable and that works hard to improve. If you have a plan of action that you are following in order to overcome your weakness, then I will be impressed with how you handle yourself. You are always a work in progress and overcoming your weaknesses is part of your professional growth.

* Be careful not to talk about a weakness that you have already overcame. The question is what IS your weakness, instead of what WAS your weakness.