Resume Bloopers

- "Don't have own vehicle, but have access to pubic transport" (what?)
- Under Value Offered - "Consciousness" (Conscientiousness is over-rated)
- One young job-seeker had an email address starting with' winged_angle" (hopefully no accompanying tattoo on same)
-applicant list hotpants@.... for employment application.
-client who listed under Technical Skills "rat-shit rench".
- (owner'sname)mybigfatazz@
-used the words "attention to detial"
-"I WILL DO WHATEVER THEY TALL ME
-applicant list "Very adept at measuring thickness and testing hardness"
-Proof read a resume for a gentleman who apparently "severed" pizza and sandwiches
-"Received at plague for employee of the year" -Reasons for leaving last job? "Maturity"
-"Responsible for ruining an entire department"


I am amazed weekly with some of what is written on resumes. Please proofread your RESUME before sending to an employer. It will make a huge difference for you to land an interview.

Riddled by bullets

Is there a better way to get information across other than bullet points if a resume is only getting an average of 6 seconds in the hands of a recruiter? Specifically for lower level management or non-management positions. If using introductory paragraphs for each position, how long can it be and still get read?

• Bullet points are the best method precisely because of the limited viewing time spent on resumes. I'm speaking specifically of bullets in the Experience section. Done the right way, a bullet is brief (no longer than one line), begins with a verb that communicates strongly the activities in which you engaged, an is highly descriptive of your accomplishments and tasks. Positions should have no more than 4-5 bullets typically. This format allows a hiring manager to quickly glance the first few words of each bullet and get a strong idea of who you are. Paragraphs are a disaster in limited time because they're not easily browsed; you have to actually read...which can mean lost opportunity in the hands of a busy person who doesn't have time to read.

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.

Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.

Job seekers should always send thank-you notes, even if they felt the interview was less than a positive experience. It may turn out that the job seeker was not a good fit for that particular job, but could remain in the mix for something else. Sending a thank-you note and keeping the contact is important for that reason and others.

You got a business card from the interviewer and know their name. Mail should get to them, standard business procedures. They may not have the final say, but the thank you will be noticed (it's such a rarity). Even if they say we will call you, you should ask, could I call you next week to follow up and answer any other questions you may have? The point is to show genuine interest in the company, as well as the position in which you are applying for. Its amazing how far a little courtesy and interest can go. When you do a follow up call, you can ask (even if you are not selected) could I call you in a month or so, just to see how things are going and if there are any new opportunities of interest. The candidate hired might not last through the probation period. You're suddenly the new #1 candidate.

Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.

Definitely after the interview. I suggest to my clients, they get some inexpensive thank you cards(3x5), after the interview, go for a coffee, make some notes on what happened in the interview, then write up the thank you with specific points, and offer to further answer any questions they may have. After an hour, drop it off with the receptionist or mail immediately.

Detailed notes during the interview. What is wrong? - poor memory, inattentive, antisocial, lawsuit ....its an interview, not a university lecture. Making a point or 2 on paper, to come back to near the end of the interview I am fine with. Detailed notes, I would really wonder if you are the right candidate.