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» Quick and Easy Tips to Avoid
Resume Blunders
So you want a new job or have been forced to find
one. Time to dust off your resume and give it an update. Here
are a few suggestions to get your resume in shape and get
yourself that position you are looking for.
What is in a
word?
Employers in this day and age often will search resumes
online. Make sure that you include in your resume the buzzwords
of the automotive industry. These would be quick little
nouns or short phrases that convey aspects of the jobs
you have performed. Examples such as “customer service” closing
ratio and “Reynolds & Reynolds” may be
keywords that employers would use to help narrow their
search for the most qualified candidate. Your resume is
swimming in a sea of thousands; help yours standout from
the pack. Employers will be searching using these types
of keywords to find your resume online. If these words
are creatively placed within your resume it increases your
chances of an employer calling you for an interview.
So
you were a service advisor, so what?
Perspective employers
need to understand what and how you have accomplished things
that are detailed on your
resume. Line listing on your resume that you were a service
advisor at Honda of Mars is not enough! Your resume should
include details of the accomplishments and contributions
you have made. This might include quantitative information
stating “increased department sales by 40%”, “decreased
department expenses by 50% implementing a recycling program.” Remember,
you are trying to sell yourself here and you must make
every attempt to increase the interest of the employer.
You must convince the reader that you are a worthy investment.
Describe how you have assisted your past employers with
making money, make work easier, retain and attract customers,
and solve issues.
Your best friend: The Verb
To give your resume punch and power
write it from a third person perspective. Avoid the use of ‘I’ when
describing what you have accomplished. Replace “I
worked as a mechanic fixing cars” with “Diagnosed,
recommended, and repaired vehicles as an automotive technician.” The
second sentence is written in the third person and is punched
up with some action verbs. Are you getting it yet? This
resume is all about you!
Nothin’ but the truth
For goodness sake tell the truth
on your resume. We live in a time of uncertainty and more
and more employers are
using background-checking companies to assist them in verifying
resumes. This is a low-cost way for employers to be sure
about who they are hiring.
It is a resume, not an autobiography
Remember, there is such
as thing as too much information. Employers are not interested
in whether you are a lifeguard
(unless you are applying to be a lifeguard of course),
or if you have cats. When reading your resume the only
thing the employer cares about is what you can do for them,
and are not interested in you as an individual – not
yet anyway. The getting to know and love you comes after
you are hired. There is no need to include information
about the very first job you had cutting lawns in high
school. Stick to the most recent employment experiences
only.
Fancy schmansy
Nope, no need to print your resume on think
paper stock or something with a watermark on it. Avoid anything
flashy
and distracting. Same goes for those who think that a PowerPoint
presentation of their resume it the best way to go. Let
me tell you it is not the best way to go. Employers do
however recognize the intent of the applicant as wanting
to standout from the crowd, but all you are really achieving
is wasting your perspective employers’ time. Presenting
yourself in this manner may be of greater detriment then
benefit despite your creativity. Don’t do it!
Oh really?
They have me as a reference?
This is a big one for me personally.
Ready? Please include your references with your resume. Putting “References
available by request” is tacky. If the job is important
to you, prove it by taking the time to list minimally 3
references, 2 of which should be past employer related.
You must have listed those who can provide comment on your
job capabilities. This next point is super important – make
certain to let your references know that they may receive
a telephone call from someone who is checking your references.
These people are in your corner after all and they should
never be blindsided that someone is calling them about
you. Help them prepare for those reference checks. You
do want the job right? Last but definitely not least, make
certain that you provide accurate contact information for
the references you have listed. You don’t want a
potential employer to not be able to reach people who are
going to recommend you for the position you have applied
for. Common sense, right?
Email address Etiquette
Your resume has been reviewed by the
employer and they have decided to call you to come in for
an interview. Great
news! They scan your resume for a telephone number but
cannot find one. Next step, scan resume for email address.
Alas! The employer has located your email address on your
resume but decides not to email you since the address you
have listed is one that the employer feels uncomfortable
using. Avoid using playful email addresses. Those addresses
my be funny to your friends, but may be offensive to a
potential employer. Even if it means creating a new email
address to use only for your job search it is well worth
it. Use something straightforward like your name jsmith@---.com.
Taking the professional approach in writing your resume
is guaranteed not to offend.
So there you have it. A few
tips on how to make your resume tighter and easier for
employers to hire you. Employers
spend mere seconds when deciding to read your resume from
start to finish. Be clear and concise using short sentences
to provide clear information about yourself. Remember,
you want the job you have applied for. It is your job to
convince this employer to call you ahead of anyone else
who has applied. |
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