Resume Tips From An
HR Executive
After years of experience recruiting and sourcing for candidates, I have identified a few "don't let this be you" tips for preparing and submitting a resume. These are my suggestions and what works best for me. Certainly, there may be recruiters or other HR professionals who have a different spin on this process, but I stand by these tips!
1. Proofread your resume before hitting the SEND button.
When I post an open position, chances are I hope to and most often will receive many resumes. Depending on the position, I have received hundreds of resumes to review and consider. Resumes with typos will be the first to go to the OUTBOX (aka the trash can). While I understand that we all make inadvertent mistakes while typing (I do it myself from time to time), when a decision-maker for a job receives tons of resumes to review, one weeding out process, is eliminating resumes with an inordinate amount of typos.
2. Check the format of the resume and how it will be viewed by the receiver.
I can not tell you how many times I have received resumes with "random" formatting! What is random formatting? It is a resume format with no specific, consistent style. Parts of the resume are centered...some are aligned to the left...some to the right...some spacing is doubled, while spacing for the same type of topic is single spaced or triple spaced, etc. There is no rhyme, reason or consistent format detectable to the human eye! Where does this resume go? Right....to the OUTBOX.
3. I ask for EXPERIENCE and I get NONE.
People recruiting for positions are recruiting for SPECIFIC positions - unless noted as otherwise. If experience is requested, I would suggest the company is seeking experience. Don't waste your time and effort responding to positions for which you don't meet the basic qualifications. Focus on putting your efforts on positions where you have a chance of a response.
4. Keep it brief.
I love to read, but I don't want to read a dissertation disguised as a cover letter. A cover letter should be brief and to the point - just highlighting how your qualifications and background match what the company is seeking. For me, a paragraph or two is fine. In fact, I would prefer to see your background and qualifications exemplified in your resume and forget about the cover letter. It is one less document I have to read.
5. Can the type get any smaller?
I agree my eyesight isn't what it used to be, but don't egg me on by sending a resume in a typesize that requires a magnifying glass to read. In my search for a magnifying glass to read your resume, I might pass by my OUTBOX and may just decide that is where the resume belongs.
6. One resume generally does the trick!
One job posting....one resume. Thank you. Unless you have made some sort of error in sending your resume, we only need one not five or six of the same resume. I recall posting one job and received about 8 resumes from the same candidate. It was the same, error-ridden, poorly formatted resume for which the candidate didn't meet the qualifications of the position posted.
7. Yes, you are very photogenic and look good in pictures, but I don't need one on your resume.
Ok, now you're probably saying, "who does that?" Well, yes...I have received a few resumes with photographs of the candidate, alone and with what I guessed were family members and pets. Albeit, lovely photographs, but not appropriate for a resume and most importantly, did not help the candidates in obtaining consideration for the job. In fact, it showed a lack of professional judgment. Where did the resumes go? I think you know.
8. Email = letter writing.
If your resume sparks consideration and you are contacted via email by the recruiter and you need to respond back, remember to use words not text message codes. For example, write "you are" and not "ur". I know it takes a little more time, but trust me, it will be well worth it!
9. Keep in mind that the recruiter may call your listed telephone number.
Once your telephone number is out in the atmosphere for recruiters, remember we may actually call you about a job! From the moment you release your number, answer the phone in such a manner that will add not detract from your professionalism and most importantly, listen to your voicemail message. I love music as much as anyone, but I don't want to hear 3 minutes of "it's getting hot in here" before I am able to leave a message. My suggestion (and remember, these tips are just my personal tips), have a short, professional voicemail response (even with just the brief and basic, "You have reached 555-5555. Please leave a message".)
For most people, it is difficult trying to find and be considered for a job right now. Unfortunately, resumes (and cover letters) are sometimes the only things that the recruiters see to determine whether they should consider you for a position. You may be the right candidate for the job, but if your resume doesn't show it, you will not be considered. Check your resume before sending it. I even suggest having someone whose opinion you trust review it.
Granted...some of the points mentioned, were a little "tongue in cheek", but they have happened. Make sure your resume doesn't get immediately routed to the ______________ . (Complete the sentence).
Good Luck in Your Career Endeavors!!!!
J. Elizabeth, President
J. Elizabeth & Associates
Disclaimer:
The information contained on this website is solely the opinion of the author and is not intended to be a form of, or a substitute for, legal advice. Please consult an attorney for such advice.
