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.

Do recruiters and employers generally prefer receiving a resume in a Word Doc or PDF if given a choice?

Unless PDF is mentioned in the job postings I highly reccomend that job seekers use .doc format (work). To avoid the problem of older versions of word, you may save your work as .doc (word 2003-2007) not the latest format .docx. Most employers have not updated to the latest version of Microsoft Office.

Some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) applications which allow you to apply for a position online can't read PDF, so you may provide a PDF if the recruiter/employer says they will accept that format. Otherwise, I would stick to MS Word. If the ATS can't read the resume, you run the risk of that resume being removed from consideration and possibly without notice.

Scarlett Career Services Helpful Tips: 

* If this is for an online application, use a Word document for where the resume is to be uploaded. And then upload a .pdf version where the application asks for additional documents.

* If it is being sent to an individual,  I recommend enclosing a Word version only unless noted otherwise in the job posting.

When describing your job on a resumé, do you use the -ing form of the word, the present tense or the past tense?

It should be 1st person simple present. The easy way for candidates to remember this is for them to remember the invisible "I" before each bullet point... [I] Manage quality improvement processes; [I] Oversee day-to-day operations of office, etc. That invisible "I" seems to be understood by candidates when they write in the past tense for older positions but for some reason they often seem confused when writing in the present tense. The same rules apply: the proper tenses are simple present tense and simple past tense. Employers know job descriptions.They don't know what their candidates accomplished in the job. 

Visit us at www.scarlettcareerservices.com to receive a free resume critique. 

    

A Lesson On Dressing For A Successful Interview

  It's easy enough these days to do the research needed to find out what people in a particular organization or type of organization typically wear to work.

A client who had worked in a small law firm that had a fairly relaxed dress code was pursuing his first role in a big firm. He told me that he spent time in the foyer of the building in which the firm he wanted to work to check out the people going out for lunch (the firm occupied several floors of the building). He noted the kinds of shoes, suits, shirts, ties, haircuts. That way, he already looked like one of them when he arrived for this interview.



But it really is those little things -- like white socks, or a poorly formatted resume, or calling the interviewer by the wrong name, or being a few minutes late -- that usually tip the scale.

Of course, there is a line where you have to say "this is who I am and if it doesn't work here, then neither should I" -- as someone with tattoos, I do not encourage people to pretend to be something they are not in an interview -- after all, you will have to work there every day, and a job where you have to hide your true self is rarely worth it. 

LinkedIn to replace Resume

For lower income, less experienced, non-professionals a resume may be their only tool. Your profile in LinkedIn should contain much the same information as a resume. Branding is not in everyone's ability to establish. We have blogs, personal websites, etc. Those venues are being utilized by companies, recruiters and anyone else with an agenda on who they are seeking. A resume and the exercises used to populate it are still in demand. For those who are career changers or good in several different fields because of ability or their own interests in life will find it difficult to target one thing for everyone. LinkedIn would be the most popular venue where Branding is a must. One profile, one direction, but with industries failing and many employers seeking the best of the best in a particular field, some can be overlooked; so LinkedIn can continue to be the networking tool to help you go and find the people you need to connect with. The fact that Recruiters are using it to find candidates will also limit their choices because at the time of the search, the perfect candidate is trolling and not specific enough to get caught. Candidates should still reach out, find those who can help and use the Social Media for that purpose. How do you stand out from the crowd? Go to the leaders, not wait to be found.

Yes, recruiters and hiring managers look at LinkedIn profiles to get the gist of someone's experience, see their photo and read what people say about them. LinkedIn is a very important tool for a job search and for building your professional brand.

But depending on a social profile to present your experience tailored to a specific opportunity is a bad idea, and when you sit down in an interview, as Perry says, the interviewer is not going to be using your LinkedIn profile as a guideline, nor can they take notes on it.

A resume is your chance to present yourself for a specific job. It's your marketing document and it presents the information you want them to have about you in the way you want them to see it. It will be evaluated and filed digitally, but not showing up to an interview with one printed on paper is a big mistake. A great resume creates the impression you want, gives the information you want to give, and can be the tipping point for getting the offer.

Why should you send a follow-up "Thank You" letter?

Follow-up by phone & email. I am of the mind that a Thank You letter should be hand-delivered whenever possible. If not hand delivered, perhaps couriered over the next day, no later.

Delivering the letter in person, dressed appropriately of course, shows a keen and sincere interest, as well as giving the opportunity to 'be seen' once more, & provides one with a chance to observe the work environment 'in action'.

Also, a 'hand written' thank you has a very powerful and memorable impact vs. an email. Personally I always hand write a Thank you for a in-person interview, and email one for a telephone interview.
Take a control position once you nail the interview and keep in mind that 'inter-viewing' is always a 'two-way street'.

A thank you letter is like breathing to me, it is a common professional courtesy, and another marketing tool for you to shine with your writing abilities, and keen interest in the position.

When you do receive the dreaded 'merge reject letter', I would suggest, (depending on the level of the position and what transpired during the course of the interview in terms of 'rapport' building),

* ask the interviewer direct questions as to why you were not chosen, and

* 'ask for a referral' to any firm or professional they know that may need someone with your particular skill sets & personality profile. At the very least, 'keep me in mind'.....

Remember, THEY contacted YOU for an interview - obviously you did something right to make that happen - they were impressed enough with you on paper - why wouldn't another firm be.....

The Companies Hiring The Most Right Now

Here are the 10 companies hiring the most right now (for jobs that pay $60,000 or more):

1. Amazon: 2,407 openings
2. Oracle: 2,350 openings
3. Microsoft: 2,089 openings
4. Dell: 1,862 openings
5. JPMorgan Chase: 1,761 openings
6. IBM: 1,755 openings
7. PwC: 1,571 openings
8. SAIC: 1,537 openings
9. CRST International: 1,378 openings
10. Apple: 1,374 openings

Source:forbes.com

Ask SCS:Adding the Pursuing Course to Resume

I’ve already completed my B.E. in Aeronautical & have been working since April 2011. Now (this January 2013) I joined a MBA (Project & Operations) Course Part Time and I would like to know whether it would be good enough to highlight it in my resume. Or will the HR think it as a distraction that I am trying to hold on to the studies and put the resume to hold.

If at all I am adding it to the Resume,

how to make it look or how do I put it.
Should it go before the degree or after it.
how do i define the Course period (presently pursuing or just 2015)

SCS Says: I recommend that you add it above your education section. You can entitle it, "Post-Graduate Studies" and then list the course and the name of the school.  

Rule of thumb is that valuable information for the employer is always included and useless information is omitted.

Experience or Education on top of your resume?

When reading resumes, I scan the resume. Do the dates line up perfectly? Is an applicant skipping anything? Make it neat, succinct, use concrete examples. A well written cover letter will do much more for you than a resume in my book. I am also much more likely to read someone's resume if they have an objective. It tells me a lot when they know what they are looking for. If you have to write an objective for each resume you submit to each company, you would be doing yourself a huge favor. Every company wants to hire people that want to work for them. If you can structure your objective as to why you want to work for their organization, it will make a difference.

I recommend putting whichever you have more of on top. If you're a recent graduate with not so much experience then education should go on top. But if you've had many years of experience, that should go on top.

Relief for Long Termed Unemployed in NYC

Long Term Unemployed will NOT be Able to be Discriminated Against in NYC.
Read this article for the details on the new law.

NYC Law Aims to Protect Unemployed from Discrimination

SCS Asks Employers......

What are the glaring mistakes or ways applicants sabotage themselves when attempting to secure a job with your company? 

• Mistakes in their resume

• References don't give consistent answers

• Sloppy attire

• Incomplete applications

• Don't send thank you note promptly.

......... and more.          

If you are contemplating or in the throws of a job search; what are your greatest challenges or roadblocks?

If You Are A Job Seeker; What Questions Should You Definitely Ask During An Interview?

When you go to a networking event, and someone asks you "what do you do" ... what do you say?

So often, it's My name is 'x" and I'm a "x". (Bad form)

And there are many ways to do an elevator speech or what I call a Business Snapshot --- so let's describe what you do this way... with saying the name of your company or your title!


I'm (first name). I help ______who_____ to do ____what are the results____ by providing ____what services".

Where does one get "entry level" experience?

 Entry level experience can be obtained via unpaid/paid internships or even volunteer work at a non-profit organization (even if it's for only 2-3 hrs a day/week).  Additionally, I would recommend finding a reputable temporary agency and getting a temporary job. Even a 3-6 month assignment could give you enough experience to land a permanent job. I would say that almost all employees start out as temps/coordinators/assistants and work their way up. Either that, or they have business experience and end up "falling into the role". Stay positive and an opportunity should come up!

Ever Go To The Bathroom While On A Phone Interview? What Makes A Great Phone Interview?

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview Questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

 
Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.

Practice Interviewing

Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.

During the Phone Interview

Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time - it's perfectly' acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Give short answers.
Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person. 

Dress Professionally
I would also like to recommend that the interviewee dress professionally for a telephone interview -makes them feel more prepared and professional. It is natural to think if an employer cannot see how I am dressed during a telephone interview, I can dress casually, but dressing in "work attire" for the interview, improves your morale

After the Interview: Send a thank you follow up letter & Reiterate

The Telephone Interview... Easy?

I think one has to have a certain skill set to successfully sell themselves in a phone interview setting. Because you're unable to pick up on body language or visual aids, you must rely on the confidence and clarity in your voice. Being prepared should be obvious because you would hopefully do the same in a face-to-face interview. It's just the absence of visuals that sometimes make phone interviews uncomfortable for some people.

My Advice: Market your education, skills, and knowledge with the position in which your applying for and Be YOURSELF..

Ask SCS Webisode:A person with a wide variety of professional experience - Administrator of a non-profit organization, author, substitute teacher and successful small business owner - would like all of the experience on a resume.

I would say to focus more on your professional goals. If your career goals are to stay in the teachers field then all that relevant information should be placed on your resume. All the other information should be left off as you can discuss in detail with the hiring manager and/or recruiter. As an HR professional, we typically match the qualifications of the positions with that of an applicant. Within 15 seconds, I know whether or not, I will bring a candidate in for an interview or moving them to the second step.

What is your take on including "memberships" in a CV/resume?

This section can be removed and/or you can discuss this information during the interview only if its applicable to the position in which you are applying for. Additionally, If there are no highlights of accomplishments, there is no reason to bring it up while interviewing.

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.