29 Aug 08 Avoid these Job Application Mistakes
As fallible humans, we’re all entitled to make the occasional mistake. However, given that you’re reading this, it’s probably a safe assumption that you don’t want to make any errors while applying for a job. Though fear of failure can overwhelm you, it’s a better idea to keep an eye on yourself to avoid a major faux-pas that will sabotage your chances of success.
The first and most damning mistake a job seeker can make is to assume that simply applying for the position will be enough to get an employer’s attention. These days, mass communication means that any job has a large number of applicants applying. Some employers even find themselves in the unenviable position of having to distinguish real applicants from applicants who are applying for the job in order to fulfill a requirement of a welfare program.
Knowing that there’s an arduous screening process involved in filling an open position, you should always contact your potential employer via telephone, email, or if possible, in person, asking a simple question, such as whether your application was filled out correctly or if your resume was received, to show that you’re interested in the job. One call, visit, or email should be enough to show that you truly do want to fill the position available.
A major mistake some people make is either lying about or covering up parts of your resume that may not leave a good impression. Phrasing can certainly be important in saving face, but lying or denying any shortcomings on your resume can be fatal to your chances of success. If your embarrassments in your prior work history must be addressed, try to put a positive spin on them, or at least make sure that you don’t put a negative spin on past bad relations. Try to discuss past situations neutrally without sounding like you’re trying to gloss over shameful secrets – employers have a sixth sense about denial.
A mistake that’s almost as bad as lying on your resume is hard-to-decipher buzzwords to highlight good points of the resume. Unless a buzzword is part of a title, it’s best to find a more traditional way of phrasing your strengths. The opposite extreme of using hip, trendy words is sounding too dull and legalistic, which is something else to avoid when applying for a job. These same rules apply to cover letters as well. Ease of reading and professionalism can be hard to balance, but it’s very possible, so strive to achieve that tone. It never hurts to be just a little friendly (but still professional) in your choice of words for a resume or cover letter. Slang and buzzwords are mistakes, but the right tone will go a long way.
As might be expected, there are many other mistakes you can make when trying to land a job, which can be more or less grievous than the ones listed here. For example, never eat during an interview and don’t chew gum while speaking to a potential employer. Researching the mistakes not to make when looking for a job is easy – search on the internet to find a more complete list. Learn what not to do well, as the knowledge will serve any prospective job seeker.
17 Aug 08 How to Write a Resume
Writing a resume can be a frustrating task to do, but it’s one that has to be done well if you’re trying to land a new job position. Your resume is the first look a potential employer gets at who you are, so you definitely want to look your best on paper. People tend to overdo resumes, adding too much information that may bore a reader, or become confused about what the best way to write a resume really is. Broken down into four simple steps, writing a resume can be done fairly easily.
The first thing you can do for your resume is limit the length to one page, so as to hold the attention of your potential employer. In our fast-past world, attention spans are short, and you don’t want anyone growing bored with a resume that stretches on and on.
Start with the simplest part – the heading. At the top of your resume page, you should clearly indicate your name. Below your name should be your address and contact information, namely your telephone number and e-mail address. Make sure it’s clear where an employer can reach you, otherwise you’ll never get that call for an interview.
After the header, the task of writing a resume becomes a lot harder, as you’ve reached the point where you need to indicate your objective – namely the position you’re applying for. Make sure you use the exact words that your potential employer used in his employment offer for the desired position, so that there’s no mistake what you’re aiming for. Never put your objective as being money or other such similar tactless things. You want to maintain your professional appearance at all times. Continuing onward from your objective and for the remainder of your resume, you’ll want to present each bit of information in a bullet-point form; a short but concise sentence that imparts all the information you want to mention in one to three lines.
In the third section, list your work history and experience, including any volunteer jobs if you’re a first-time job seeker. Since you’re limited to a single page, it’ll be important to know which jobs are the most relevant to the position you’d like to land, as you’ll probably need to cut out older jobs or ones that have nothing to do with this particular employment opportunity. You may have to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, but consider custom resumes as pre-interview preparation. You’ll be ready to answer questions about your work history without struggling to remember the specific duties at older jobs.
The fourth and final section of a resume is your education. As with work history, relevance to the position you want counts, if the one-page limit requires you to cut certain items from your resume. Focus on the most pertinent education you have that could relate to the position you’d like to land, or highlight special training you’ve received that makes you an attractive asset to the company.
The final phase of a resume that needs to be done before handing it out to potential employers is having the text edited for errors or mistakes. Typos happen, but you want to be the one catching them, not someone who might be reading your application. You can hire someone to correct your text or have someone you know look your resume over. Once you’re sure your resume is perfect, all you have to do is start handing it out and land that job!
