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Editor's Note: Brian Stephenson's article talks about those "not so relevant" parts of a resume that can actually
make your resume not only less effective, but downright passe' and irrelevant. Pay really close attention to those points,
and don't let your resume be "ego" bound.
Don't Shoot Yourself in the Foot
Why is having any of these 7 things on your resume is like shooting
yourself in the foot?
During my job search I read dozens of books and articles, took programs and even sat at the feet of two of the most experienced
Human Resource professionals. In a few moments, you will learn the real keys to standing out and rising above the norm. Stick
to the facts and only reveal information that will encourage the reader to call you for an interview. If in doubt, leave
it out. Pay careful attention to this one.
The objective is no longer a practical heading for your resume. Bottom line, don’t begin your resume with an objective
statement that talks only about your desires and career goals. Most Human Resource Professionals are overworked and understaffed.
The last thing they care about is what you want. HR Professionals are working to meet tight deadlines and desperately want
to hire that extra person to make their lives easier. When they look at your resume, they want to know one thing: how will
you simplify their lives? Rather than a seeminly selfish objective, create a powerful profile summary that demonstrates
how your skills and their needs fit. Review these sample profiles:
- Marketing professional with eight years project management experience, plus extensive hands on experience in data management,
inventory control and in obtaining government bid contracts.
- Computer programmer with expertise in systems analysis and design, program development, troubleshooting and equipment
repair.
- Office worker types 65 wpm with training and experience in general clerical, accounts payable and receivable, inventory
control and multi-line phone operation.
- Certified teaching professional with twelve years direct instruction experience, classroom management plus extensive training
in motivational strategies geared toward special needs students.
- Janitor with fifteen years experience in commercial janitorial work plus direct training in plumbing and staff supervision.
Here is a listing of the other 6 items that you should avoid at all cost. These items should never appear on any resume
at any time.
No Personal Information
Leave off anything related to hobbies or personal interests. If it doesn’t relate to employment it doesn’t
belong on a resume.
No Personal Pronouns
Do not use “I” or “me” in a resume. Sentence structure is typically very short leading with action
verbs. Sentences like, “I was responsible for…” are not used in a resume. Instead, the sentence would begin
with, “responsible for…”
No Family Information
Don’t use the small space available on your resume to list your marital status or family size.
No Personal Biographies
Leave off anything that could be used as discriminatory information. Remember, the people reading resumes are not initially
reading to select, they are reading to eliminate. There is no reason to reveal your age or any other personal data. The reader
should be selecting candidates based strictly on skills and experience.
No Reasons for Leaving
This type of information goes on the application. If there is a problem with a former employer and you left under difficult
measures, you cannot explain the reason in writing. Keep in mind the resume is to highlight your accomplishments.
Graphics and Artwork
Writing a resume using a computer makes the task quick and easy, yet has also created the temptation to make use of clipart
and different fonts. Resist! Your resume will not look clever or original; it will look like an amateur produced it and will
be tossed aside.
Final Tips: Forget about trying to create the “perfect” resume. Why?
- Your resume will never be framed and hung on a wall.
- The employer cares only about their needs being met. Don’t talk about your wants, needs or desires rather,
focus on how you meet their needs and solve their problems. As Zig Ziglar once said, “When a person goes to the hardware
store to purchase a drill, they don’t want to “buy a drill” rather what they want is 3 centimeter hole.
If they could get the hole without the drill they would do it.” Make sense?
- Focus your resume to each employer. Your research tells you exactly what they are looking for.
- Specifics sell! Clearly outline results, contributions, and achievements you’ve made in your previous positions
that directly benefit the targeted company.
-Brian Stephenson
Brian Stephenson is the author of, “Job Search Boot Camp”, the most hard-hitting, step-by-step job search course
that takes each student by the hand and shows them how to create powerful resumes that get results, stunning cover letters
that command interviews, and winning interview thank you letters that get you hired? Imagine for a moment what is possible
for you if you had access to these forbidden secrets. For more information on the Job Search Boot Camp course, visit www.JobSearchBootCamp.com
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