Light blogging. Crap to do. Like go through 35 résumés. Keep running folks off. A few of my peeves about résumés:
It’s spelled résumé (that é can be created by either hitting alt+0233 or using the character map). It’s not spelled resume or resume’.
Leave off the funky fonts and graphics (ETA: Bold, italics don’t fax legibly)
Learn the difference between ensure and insure.
Unless you’re applying for a management job, UN Ambassador, or professorship, your résumé should be one page and one cover letter.
I’m not a fan of putting personal stuff on résumés (like which church you attend, number of kids, married, etc.). I personally hold none of that stuff against folks but some people do. Don’t risk it.
Use an email address that indicates your name, such as firstname.lastname@suchandsuch.com. Not hobbies or sexual innuendo, like darklordofthesith@suchandsuch.com, hotmom69@suchandsuch.com, or ratherbefishing@suchandsuch.com.
Use action verbs. Don’t say Responsible for . . ., say Managed . . . or Administered . . . or something indicating action.
Speaking of verbs, past jobs should be in past tense. Current job, present tense. And be consistent in verb usage.
Less is more: Don’t say due to the fact when because will do. Don’t say in order to when to will do. This is helpful in getting it down to one page.
Focus on accomplishments, not duties.
I know you may have downloaded a template for your letter or résumé and that’s fine. But change the titles. Don’t address me as Dear Hiring Executive or Dear [click here]. Just sayin’.
I will google your name, after the first interview.
Spell check is your friend. In fact, get another friend to read it. S/he may find something you missed.
If you were unemployed, just explain the gap in the interview. If you were unemployed to stay home with children, explain that in the interview too. Don’t say you ran private daycare. It’s not that funny.
I’m not sure how I’d word web-savviness either, but the phrase Proficient in the Internet just doesn’t sound right.
And, really, are you qualified for the job you’re applying for? Just asking.
Update: There is some disagreement over spelling résumé. I blame the French. It’s also a problem for web browsers and email readers, as I noted here.