RESUME&INTERVIEWS(MUST READ)

What do employers really want in a resume?


At the September 1994 Professional Association of Resume Writers' Annual Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, the group hosted four Human Resource executives for a panel discussion entitled "What Do Employers Really Want in Resume?" Panelists included Kathy Soonlau, Human Resource Manager of Weyerhauser Company; Gaya Cross, Employment Analyst with Mercantile Bank; Doreen Neiseslan, Human Resource Associate with Homedco, Inc.; and Michael Herring, Executive Vice President of The Impact Group, an HR consulting firm.

In a question and answer forum, the panelists presented valuable information regarding resume review and their specific hiring processes. This information that everyone who is actively job searching should consider and put to use in planning their employment campaign.

Bypassing Human Resources: We've all heard the adage that the best thing you can do in your job search is bypass "HR" and get your resume directly to a decision maker (e.g., VP of Sales & Marketing, VP of Finance, CEO). Well, the adage is true. All panelists confirmed that although they are not pleased when a job search candidate goes direct to the hiring authority, if that senior manager wants to hire a specific individual, they generally get the position. The panelists' concerns, aside from that individual's attempt to bypass their authority, were primarily related to reference checks. If a senior manager selected a candidate and then references were verified after the individual was offered the position, there was the potential that references would not be positive and the offer would have to be reneged. From a personal observation, I believe that the HR executives were insulated by being kept "out of the loop." The end result, however, was an offer!

Cover Letters (and Salary Requirements): Each panelist confirmed that cover letters (even handwritten, if a must) were essential. Letters are expected for all positions. Of particular note during the cover letter conversation was reference to salary requirements. What do HR executives think when salary requirements are requested in an advertisement but are not provided in the cover letter. Unanimously, the panelist agreed that if the candidate appeared qualified for the position, they would offer the opportunity for an interview, despite the fact that salary requirements were not included. This is a critical point. Often it is difficult to determine what a specific position will pay. Although you may be interested, you are concerned that your recent salary may be too high or too low for consideration for the advertised position. We now know that it is either acceptable to either (1) not include the salary requirement, or (2) state the salary requirements arenegotiable.

Latest Trend in Resume Scanning: We all hear that the latest trend in the HR field is resume scanning. However, only one of the four companies represented by the panelist (Mercantile Bank) has begun to utilize this technology, and only on a limited basis. In addition to scanning each resume, they also maintain a paper copy to supplement the scanning system which still is fraught with problems. To enhance the "scan-ability" of your resume, Gay Cross of Mercantile, recommends the following:

* Do not use line or borders
* Do not use bold print, italics, or underlining
* Use Large and clear typestyle
* Leave large margins all the way around the resume
* Do not use any color paper other than white or very light ivory.
* Be sure to center your name, address and phone at the top.

Ms. Cross shared scanned copies of several resumes. You would be amazed at the poor quality of many of the resumes if the above criteria were not followed precisely. More than half of the resumes, once scanned, were impossible to read. Should you send two copies of your resume? One for scanning and a more attractive one for the print file? Ms. Cross says no. The HR department is already overwhelmed with paperwork. She recommends only forwarding the copy that will be scanned. As a job seeker, you may want to call a company and see if they scan their resumes. If so, forward a copy that will easily scan. If not, forward a more attractive copy of your resume. We all know that "Image" is a major contributor to your job search success.

Age as a Consideration in the Employment Process: Each panelist agreed that age was not a primary concern in evaluating the qualifications of a job candidate. As the initial stage of the employment review process, experience was the number one consideration. (NOTE: Many in attendance questioned this statement and asked several repeated questions regarding age as a factor in determining the list of best qualified candidates. However, the panelists consistently commented that they did not use age to disqualify. We all know stringent regulations regarding age discrimination.)

Resume Preparation: The panelists stated repeatedly that the resume is a critical tool in evaluating each potential candidate's qualification. They search for key words and phrases, they review accomplishments, and are critical in assessing the quality of the written document. Remember, the first contact you have with potential employers is via paper. That paper must be perfect in its visual presentation and quality of the written word.

Why say.. "Responsible for administering all financial and administration functions for a large manufacturer. In addition, supervise MIS, human resources, safety and public relations. "When you could say..."Senior Executive with full responsibility for the strategic planning, development and management of the entire corporate finance and administrative function for a $28 million manufacturer. Hold concurrent executive responsibility for leading the corporation's MIS, human resources, safety and public relations affairs."

Why say..."Formed a human resources department for a new corporation in the high-tech industry. "When you could say..."Recruited to launch the start-up of a complete Human Resource organization for a newly incorporated high-tech venture. Given full autonomy for establishing policies and procedures, defining staffing and management requirements, developing a comprehensive benefits program, and building the entire HR infrastructure."

Marketing is the key to effective job searching. It is critical that you be aggressive and bold in your resume. Following are some new words and phrases...some fresh ideas..that you can integrate into your resume and cover letter. Although each word/phrase is used in one specific example, you can easily use these words to describe a variety of positions, achievements and professional activities.

1. High-profile executive management position leading the complete corporate marketing and advertising organization.
2. Accepted high-visibility public relations assignment working with the executive management team to launch the company's introduction into the European marketplace.
3. High-Caliber presentation, negotiation and closing skill.
4. Catalyst for change, reengineering and performance improvement.
5. Experienced change agent successful in retraining all clinical care personnel to meet the challenges of health care initiatives in the year 2000.
6. Launched a series of organizational development initiatives in cooperation with new strategic plans for productivity/quality improvement.
7. Positioned corporation for fast-track growth throughout emerging markets.
8. Pioneered the introduction of a series of leading edge video teleconferencing technologies.
9. Transitioned business from start-up through accelerated growth to its current position as the #1 corporation in the hazardous materials remediation industry.
10. Created a dynamic sales culture to support the introduction of a new product portfolio.
11. Orchestrated a complete redesign of the MIS organization, introduced sophisticated technologies, and exceeded internal production objectives by 38%.
12. Redesigned corporate infrastructure to streamline/consolidate accounting, finance, and MIS functions.
13. Proactive in leading the corporation's strategic planning and product development initiatives.
14. Spearheaded the development of a new transportation and distribution operation.
15. Improved customer perceived satisfaction through retraining all front line personnel.
16. Led the sale/marketing of a complete portfolio of edutainment products. (Latest buzz word for educational entertainment technology)
17. Drove revenues form $100,000 to $1.2 million within one year.
18. Realigned health care benefits programs to expand coverage while reducing expenses to the corporation.
19. Accepted equity participation with start-up corporation providing international trade financing for development nations.
20. Fast-track promotion through a series of increasingly responsible administrative management positions.
21. Successful in leading corporations through critical start-up, turnaround and fast-track growth.
22. Provided vision and direction to reposition corporation and capitalize upon changes in technology and market demand.
23. Selected from a competitive group of more than 200 professional candidates for the number two position with the XYZ Corporation.

Your resume is your personal advertisement. And, just as with any other advertisement, it is largely focused on your ability to "market", your qualifications and position yourself competitively against the competition. We all hear the statistics; we all know the vast number of professionals vying for the same positions. What can you do to distinguish yourself from the crowd and win in the job search game? To an increasingly large extent, it is your ability to market yourself. To present your qualifications, experience and achievements in a manner that is sharp, focused, upscale and aggressive. Be aggressive, be bold, but be honest.

How to Apply Online and Get an Employer's Attention

You've found an ad for an entry-level position at XYZ Inc. With your skills and qualifications, you fit the bill perfectly. But XYZ requires an online application—and that means (you think), you fill out a cookie-cutter application that distills your skills so that it appears you're one-of-a-million applicants, not one-in-a-million. And then—when you click "send"—your application swirls away into the black hole of electronic waste.

Should you or shouldn't you use an online application? And if you do submit your resume online, how can you get it the attention it deserves?
If You Want the Job…Follow Directions

Online applications won't go away, employers say. An increasing number of employers want candidates to find job openings on company web sites or Internet job boards; they require online applications; they prefer to communicate with potential hires via e-mail.

Hiring with the aid of technology is a time- and money-saving proposition for businesses. It has maximized efficiency in the candidate selection process.

Employers say they can advertise to a wider, more diverse candidate pool (which means you've got more competition than ever before!), find matches for hard-to-fill positions, easily share resumes of qualified candidates with hiring managers, streamline the hiring process, and tighten the timeline between the need for a new employee and the date the employee starts on the job.

Employers say that using the company's own online application system is the fastest way to get your resume into the right hands. Your focus should be on making your application unique; to avoid its being swallowed up in the technology abyss.

Typically, applications submitted online go directly into the employer's applicant data base. Paper resumes are scanned or keyed into the data base (where a scanner or data processor may add errors to your resume).

A hiring manager who needs to fill a position enters keywords to search the data base and find the applications of the people who are the best fit for the job. Those results become the candidate pool.
Making a Big Splash in the Candidate Pool

What does it take to have your bits and bytes bob to the surface in a candidate search?

A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (JobWeb's/Job Choices' publisher) asked employers for their advice on how to make an electronic application outstanding. Here's what they recommend:

* Follow directions. Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.
* Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or an alumnus who may work at the company.
* Tailor your application information to the position. Don't copy and paste text from your generic resume.
* Use key words, buzz words, and industry verbiage. Use the verbiage in the job ad as your model. Employers search on key words when they're looking for people to fill specific positions.
* Create a skills-inventory section even if the application doesn't require it. You might put this in a comments section.
* Include numbers and statistics if they are available. (Example: Counted five cash drawers daily; responsible for more than $10,000 per 8-hour shift.)
* Complete all fields—even those that aren't required.
* If the company offers an optional assessment test online, take it. (One employer recently admitted that students who don't take the optional assessment test are automatically screened out.)
* Make sure your resume can hold its own in a very simple format. Fancy bullets, text, italics, and bold do not convert well in an electronic application.
* If possible, spell check and grammar check your application before submitting it. Have an error-free application because this application serves as the employer's first impression of you.
* Include a strong objective. Ask a career counselor to help you word your objective.
* Another use for the comment section: use it to demonstrate that you've done research on the company and the industry.
* Use quotes from letters of recommendation in your resume or cover letter.
* Followup your electronic application with a personal e-mail to the recruiter. A follow-up phone call is acceptable if the ad does not say, "No phone calls."

As more and more companies tap technology to find new employees quickly and efficiently, you'll need to find new methods to draw attention to your application.

Looking for a Job? Try One of These Creative Job-Search Methods

If you've promised your parents that you'll find a job by graduation, then you may want to employ some less traditional job-search strategies.

So what can you do to get your foot into the job market?

We surveyed college career centers to explore the creative strategies their students are using to help them find a full-time job. Here are some of their ideas:

* Two marketing and communications majors created clever individual marketing pieces to send to prospective employers. The pieces showed their creativity, interests, and skills.

* A graphics design major received multiple job offers after an active job search on the Internet, which included submitting examples of his work to juried sites.

* One student contacted organizations where marine biologists work, from Europe to Latin America, offering to work for room and meals. He received a few offers and spent six months teaching marine biology in the Caribbean.

* Some students have planned social events to connect students with employers.

* Students set up informational interviews with alumni.

* Students volunteer and network at professional organizations.

* Many students pound the pavement and contact employers face-to-face, rather than making initial contact through a cover letter and resume. Some travel to their city of choice to meet with employers in person.

* Students work part time while volunteering to gain exposure to various occupations, enhance or develop new skills, and establish contacts.

* A student created a credit-card-sized CD-ROM about herself and her accomplishments, which she passed out at career fairs and mailed to prospective employers. Several recruiters were very impressed with her initiative.

* More students putting some extra effort into networking strategies.

* While some students fly south for spring break, some southern students head north to New York and Boston for informational interviews with alumni and employers.

* Some graduating seniors will take unpaid internships to get into a company of choice.

M.B.A.s: Adapting Technical Resumes for Business-Focused Careers

Students in the M.B.A. program at University of Wisconsin-Madison, many of whom were previously employed as engineers, heard the same thing from two different employers—the students' resumes are too "engineering-focused."

Carol Aspinwall, assistant director of the manufacturing and management technology M.B.A. program at the university, has several tips to help the students she works with make their resumes more attractive to employers seeking M.B.A.s:

* Identify transferable skills from past jobs that could be applicable to a business position, such as work on projects that saved the company time and money, or that led to an increase in customer satisfaction.
* Add projects in business-related classes to the resume either under the "Education" or an "M.B.A. Projects" categories.
* Update resumes after summer internships to include business-related activities and their quantifiable results.
* Make sure the M.B.A. is clearly mentioned, along with "The School of Business."
* Use business buzzwords as often as possible, while keeping technical jargon to a minimum.
* List leadership positions held and teamwork activities participated in through campus or professional organizations, community service, and classes.
* Be sure that any "Objective" included is business-related.

More Tips for Navigating the Online Application Process

How can you best navigate HR screening programs so you can get to the interview? How important are key words? As in the traditional application process, employers using online application processes are looking for students who have the skills, experience, and qualities that best match the requirements for the job opening.

Mike Mrozowski, recruiting coordinator for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (which does not use an automated screening process), says that the key to getting to the next step is to target. To properly target, Mrozowski explains, requires some in-depth knowledge and proper research techniques. One of the ways to get this type of inside information is to ask.

"Many students no longer attend career fairs because some employers just drive the students to their web site to apply," Mrozowski says. "I understand their frustration in that part of the process so we encourage paper resumes and rely heavily on the notes that our recruiters record on the back of the resume from their brief booth chats. However, astute job seekers can gather some great information from those employers that don't collect paper resumes."

Mrozowski says that if he were interested in an employer that told him to go online to apply, he would ask:

* What happens to the resume after I click "send?" Who reviews it and how? What format will work the best with your current system?
* What skill sets does your company/agency value the most?
* When should I follow up?
* Which department has the current openings?
* Which department is anticipating future openings?

Kelly Wuest, workforce development coordinator at the Community College of Southern Nevada's West Charleston Campus, has noticed a surge in the elimination of employment offices for major Las Vegas casinos.

One perfect example," she says, "is Wynn Las Vegas, which opened in April with employees hired totally from online applications."

While employer requirements may vary, here are some tips Wuest has for students:

* Be specific about employment history in the application—Students need to fill in school time in the employment section. Employers are looking for a complete work history, including gaps in employment.
* Use appropriate key words—Key words are extremely important and will help students get past the computer to a live person.
* Don't depend on employers looking at a paper resume—"I've had major [employers] admit that some managers only view the online application," Wuest notes.
* Use your resume to highlight areas not covered in the online application—For instance, some [employers] fail to ask about language skills, technical skills, volunteer work, and professional organization involvement.
* Go to career services to apply online—If students experience difficulty, career counselors are available to guide them through the system. "I have called HR managers about problems with system navigation," Wuest says. "They are happy to help me."

Tips for Creating a Global Resume or CV

By Mary Anne Thompson

Goinglobal.comInterest in pursuing international careers has skyrocketed in recent years, enhanced by chronic personnel shortages that are causing companies to search beyond their borders for talent.

Professionals seek career experiences outside of their home countries for a variety of professional and personal reasons

* the need to recharge their batteries with a new challenge,
* the opportunity to have a position with more responsibility that encourages creativity and initiative,
* the wish to expose their children to another culture and the opportunity to learn a second language, and
* the recognition that many of those who have "climbed to the top" of the corporate ladder have leap-frogged ahead after a global work experience.

Resume/CV guidelines are constantly changing. Best advice: find out what is appropriate vis-a-vis the corporate culture, the country culture, and the culture of the person making the hiring decision. The challenge will be to incorporate several different cultures into one document.

Some general advice:

* The terms "resume" and "CV" (curriculum vitae) generally mean the same thing, i.e., a document describing one's educational and professional experience. A CV is typically a lengthier version of a resume, complete with numerous attachments. Note: The average length for a resume or CV is two pages. Never try to "get around the rules" by shrinking your font size to an unreadable level or printing your resume on the front and back sides of one piece of paper.
* Different countries use different terms to describe what a resume/CV should contain.
* "Cover letters" are called "letters of interest" in some countries and "motivation letters" in others.
* Do not attach photographs to resumes in the United States; the employer will dispose of it. In many other countries, it is standard procedure to attach a photo or have your photo printed on your CV.
* Some countries require original copies of transcripts and references to be attached to your application.
* Education requirements differ from country to country. In almost every case of "cross-border" job hunting, stating the title of your degree will not be an adequate description. The reader might not have a clear understanding of what you studied or for how many years (i.e., in some countries, a university degree can be obtained in three years and in other countries it takes five years to receive a degree).
* If you are a recent graduate, and depending heavily on your educational background to get a job, provide the reader with details about your studies and any related projects/experience. The same advice is true for seasoned professionals who have participated in numerous training or continuous education courses. Note: The general rule is that your university training becomes "a line item" on your resume (i.e., no further details needed) once you have five or more years of professional experience.
* If you have specific training, education, or expertise, use industry-accepted terminology in your description.
* Pay attention to the resume format you use—chronological or reverse-chronological order. Chronological order means listing your "oldest" work experience first. Reverse-chronological order means listing your current or most recent experience first. Most countries have preferences about which format is most acceptable. If you find no specific guidelines, the general preference is that a resume/CV be written in a reverse-chronological format.
* The level of computer technology and accessibility to the Internet varies country to country. Even if a company or individual lists an e-mail address, there is no guarantee that they actually receive your e-mail. Send a hard copy of your resume/CV via "snail mail" just to make sure that it is received.
* The safest way to ensure that your resume is "culturally correct" is to review as many examples as possible. Ask the employer or recruiter for examples of resumes that they thought were particularly good.
* If you are submitting your resume in English, find out if the recipient uses "British" English or "American" English. There are variations between the two versions. A reader who is unfamiliar with the variations may presume that your resume contains typos. Most European companies use "British" English though most United States companies—no matter where they are based in the world—use "American" English.
* Most multinational companies will expect you to speak the languages of their country and English, which is widely accepted today as being the universal language of business. Have your resume/CV drafted in both languages and be prepared for your interview to be conducted in both languages. Most companies want to "see" and "hear" actual proof of your language skills.
* If you can, ask someone who is a native speaker of the language in which your resume/CV is written to review your document. Resumes/CV's written by non-native language speakers tend to include terms, though correct in the exact translation, are not used on an every day basis. One goal of your resume/CV is to show your familiarity with the culture by using culturally-appropriate language. For example, several foreign resumes/CVs submitted to U.S. employers describe university/college education as "tertiary" education. Although "tertiary" is literally correct, it is a term that is almost never used in the United States.
* Be aware that paper sizes are different dimensions in different countries. The United States standard is 8½ x 11 inches whereas the European A-4 standard is 210 x 297 mm. When you are transmitting your resume/CV via e-mail, go to "page setup" on your computer and reformat your document to the recipient's standard. Otherwise, when they print it out on their end, half of your material will be missing! The same is true for sending a fax. If at all possible, purchase stationery that has the same dimensions as the recipient's and mail/fax your resume on that stationery.
* Work permit and visa regulations appear very similar country-to-country. In very general terms, most employers who want to hire "foreigners," "aliens," or "expatriates" must be able to certify to the government that they were unable to find locals with the required skill sets. The fastest way to be hired abroad is either to seek a country where there is a shortage of people with your skills (IT backgrounds are pretty "hot" everywhere) or to be an "intra-company" transfer from another country. Be aware that obtaining a work permit can take many months.

To be successful and enjoy your experience abroad, you must be flexible and open-minded, both eager and willing to learn new ways of doing things. People everywhere appreciate individuals who are interested in getting to know them and learn about their ways of doing things. Enormous cultural faux pas are forgiven of individuals who are making honest attempts to fit in. Be patient and observant. Ask questions; show your interest in learning and broadening your horizons. Be aware that you represent your country to everyone you meet. You may be the first "Australian" that a "German" has ever met. Both of these individuals will walk away from the initial encounter assuming that all Australians or all Germans are just like you.

So, go out and give the world a twirl.

Writing Your International Resume




If you're thinking about a job overseas, you may need to reformat your resume to fit the traditional requirements of the country where you'd like to work. Here are job application guidelines from five countries you may be interested in (and a link at the end to information from more countries).

CANADA

A job search in Canada starts with preparing a one-page letter. To get ideas for creating an electronic resume, check the web site jobsearchcanada.com.

The resume (two pages: less if you have had little or no work experience), includes the following:

* Contact information, centered at the top.
* Education, listing colleges and/or universities attended, dates of attendance, courses of study, and diplomas or degrees. In this section, you should also mention extra courses or training, internships, and foreign travel. List this information in reverse-chronological order.
* Work experience, giving the firm name, your title(s), dates of employment and responsibilities. State whether the work was temporary or part-time. If you have no job at the present, you should mention that fact also. Once again, the information should be listed in reverse-chronological order.
* Other skills, such as computer, and language fluency.
* Personal information, such as relevant volunteer activities and hobbies.
* Three references, with their titles and contact information.

In Canada, it is illegal for a prospective employer to ask your marital status, sexual orientation, race, or age, or to request a photo.
JAPAN

When applying for a position in Japan, an expatriate may submit a "rirekisho," a standard two-page form in Japanese with no cover letter, or a two-page American-style resume and cover letter in English. In the more modern companies, e-mail applications are accepted.

If using the American-style resume, you should have your name and contact information centered at the top. The resume should begin with a summary of qualifications such as: nine years experience with IT, experience with international companies, strong Japanese-English bilingual skills.

Under "Employment Experience," list the names, locations, and focus of all former employers, with your dates of employment, title(s) and responsibilities. You need not list job accomplishments on the resume; you will discuss them at the interview.

Under "Education," list all schools you attended, dates of attendance, and diplomas or degrees. Add honors received, and special skills, such as fluency in specific computer applications, and standard language test scores.

End your resume with personal information: date of birth, marital status, and nationality. There are no enclosures necessary (except the cover letter) with the English resume; the "rirekisho" states that a photo should be attached.
SPAIN

When seeking a job in Spain, prepare a cover letter and resume. Copies of certificates, diplomas, and references will be required later. Type the cover letter on A4 paper, tailor it for the position, and mail it along with your resume and a small, quality photo.

If you have a short employment history, write your resume in chronological order to show your development. However, note that reverse-chronological order is generally preferred by a recruiter if you are experienced, because this format starts with details of your most recent employment.

At the top of the resume, give personal information, i.e., your name, place and date of birth, marital status, and home address and contact information.

In the "Education" section, list the institutions you attended with their locations, your academic emphases, diplomas, degrees, and dates of attendance. Also mention any honors received, levels of foreign language fluency, computer skills, and overseas travel or study. Include details about internships and part-time jobs.

For the "work experience" category, list the companies where you have been employed, their location and focus, your job title, responsibilities, achievements, and dates of employment. Remember to begin with your most recent work experience.

Complete your resume with a simple "References available upon request."
UNITED KINGDOM (ENGLAND)

As part of your job application, you should include a one-page, tailored, cover letter. The letter should be business-like, typed on good quality white or ivory paper, and addressed to a specific person.

Your enclosed resume may be two to three pages, depending on your experience. Start with your name, address, contact information, birth date, marital status, and nationality. If you are a non-EU citizen, clarify your work permit status. In what is called the "profile" section, give your professional designation (e.g., CPA), and immediate ambitions; then, in bullet-format, list relevant skills and a few work-related achievements.

Begin your employment history by describing your current position. Following the profile section, provide the name, location, and focus of each company, and your title and responsibilities. If you are new to the job market, you may include temporary or part-time positions.

The last major section is "education." In reverse-chronological order (most recent listed first) list schools attended, locations, areas of study, and diplomas/degrees. Mention additional courses and training, and special skills such as foreign language fluency and computer programs in which you are proficient.

At the end, it is sufficient to say: "References are available on request."
FRANCE

A job application in France should begin with a one page, handwritten cover letter (your handwriting may be used for character analysis). Include your resume with a photograph attached, but no other enclosures.

Your resume itself should be relatively short, with a maximum of two pages. If you are a new job seeker, it may be even shorter. Begin with personal information: name, address, phone, and e-mail. Personal data, such as birth date, marital status, and children are optional.

Begin the section on education with your most recent study, and then list all schools attended, ending with your high (secondary) school. Give the name and location of each, your areas of study, degrees, and dates of attendance. Also, mention any additional courses, internships or specialized training.

In the "Work Experience" section, list for each position the dates, the name, location, size, and type of company, and your title(s) and responsibilities. If you have many years of work experience, the education section follows your employment history.

At the end of the resume, you should list special competencies (such as level of expertise in foreign language, and computer skills), professional affiliations and volunteer experience, if relevant. State that references are "available on request."

Typos, Grammatical Errors Most Common Resume Mistakes

Like lifeguards protecting their organization's waters, recruiters look for reasons to blow the whistle and tell job seekers to get out of the candidate pool. According to the results of a survey by Accountemps, careless students often oblige. In fact, slightly more than one-third of executives surveyed recently cited typos or grammatical errors as the most common mistake on resumes.

The national poll includes responses from 150 senior executives—including those from human resources, finance, and marketing departments—with the nation's 1,000 largest companies. Executives were asked, "In your opinion, which of the following is the single most common mistake job seekers make on their resumes?" Their responses:

* Typos or grammatical errors—34 percent
* Including too much information—22 percent
* Not listing achievements in former roles—17 percent
* Poor layout and/or design—17 percent
* Including too little information—7 percent
* Other/don't know—3 percent

Translate Your Resume for Electronic Eyes




An important tool in your "job-search toolbox" is your resume. It is your ticket to a job interview. It should be clear, concise, objective-oriented, and easy to read.

A great looking resume, however, may be invisible to the "electronic eye" of a computer. Electronic selection eliminates an employer having to look through giant piles of paper to screen potential employees. Since employers receive hundreds of resumes for every job they post, a growing number use computers to sort resumes and choose those candidates most appropriate for the job.

If your resume isn't scannable and readable, the electronic eye will overlook it.

Buzzwords are the Key

As paper resumes are received, they are scanned into a computer data base. When a position becomes available, a manager searches the data base using keywords to describe the desirable job candidate. The computer returns the resumes that contain matches. The manager arranges for interviews with those candidates.

This means your resume needs something special: keywords.

The resume basics remain the same: your job objectives, work experience, education, and specialized training. A header on the first page contains your name, address, and phone number; subsequent pages should contain your name and phone number.

However, because the employer is going to enter a series of words that are "key" to describing the job, you want to make sure your descriptions of work experience, duties, abilities, and achievements use the same industry-specific terminology so your resume has a better chance of being a "hit."

Also, use industry jargon or buzzwords. Many employers use a "required buzzword" field when searching through their automated applicant tracking system. Inclusion of the proper buzzwords will show that you're industry-savvy—and will move your resume to center screen.


Make it Readable

Of course, simply having a resume with buzzwords isn't enough. Save the up-to-date text version of your resume on disk in an ASCII text so that you can send it to employers by e-mail or place it into online data bases.

To prepare an ASCII text version of you resume, create a resume and save it as a text document. (If you have a resume already, use the Save As function to save it as a text document.) Make sure all text lines up to the left-hand margin, with no use of centering or justification in the document. No graphics, artwork, or special character formatting (except bolding) should be used. This will guarantee that your resume will be readable in most formats—and that your experience and education will be clear to the computer—and the employer who is using it.

Seven Tips for Effective Resume Writing

* Pay attention to detail—Dont cut corners by, for instance, not proofreading the cover letter, failing to include information the hiring manager asked for, or beginning the cover letter "Dear Sir or Madam" when the hiring manager's name is on the company web site. Take the time to make sure the correspondence and information sent is correct and error-free.
* Do the basics—Proofread for spelling, grammar, and tone, and make sure you have followed the instructions of the employer. Firing off an e-mail is a convenient method of communication. However, dont let the sloppy nature and informality of e-mail correspondence seep into your communications—whether it's e-mailed or written—with potential employers.
* Construct an effective resume—Organize your information in a logical fashion and keep descriptions clear and to the point. Include as much work experience as possible, even if it obviously doesn't relate to the job you are seeking. Also, use a simple, easy-to-read font.
* Customize their response—Address the hiring manager directly, and include the name of the company and the position for which it is hiring in your cover letter/e-mail response.
* Make it easy for the hiring manager—Use your name and the word "resume" in your e-mail header so it's easy to identify. If the employer asks for information—such as references or writing samples—provide it.
* Focus on what you bring to the employer, not what you want from the job—This is an opportunity for you to market yourself and stand out from the other candidates. What can you do to make the hiring manager's life easier? What can you do to help the company?
* Be professional—You won't be taken seriously if you don't have e-mail or voice mail/answering machine. If you don't have e-mail, set up a free account through Yahoo! and Hotmail. Provide the recruiter with a cell phone number if your voice mail/answering machine doesn't pick up when you are online. Also, it's a good idea to ditch the cute e-mail address or voice mail/answering machine messages in favor of something that sounds professional.