By Autumn McReynolds
Are you a polite, non-smoker with three pets whose interests include barbequing, picnics and long walks on the beach? If you’ve ever considered including these personal details on a résumé or the fact that your special skills include making organic soups and calling the weekly Bingo game at your local VFW, then you might need to rethink your job search.
In a competitive job market, creating a clear and concise résumé is extremely important if you want to land that first interview. Many job postings elicit hundreds of applications for a single opening, so even making it to the first step of the interview process can be a significant feat.
Unfortunately, in the midst of searching for the perfect opening, creating a customized cover letter, updating their résumé and filling out an application, some job seekers lose sight of the task at hand and forget that clarity and simplicity are key when trying to catch a recruiter or hiring manager’s eye.
The annual CareerBuilder survey shows that job seekers don’t have a lot of time to make a positive impression on employers. In fact, 45 percent of human resource managers say they spend, on average, less than one minute reviewing an application. The survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive from May 19 to June 8, 2011, included more than 2,600 hiring managers and human resource professionals.
When asked to recall the most unusual résumés they have received, employers shared the following:
Too often, job seekers get overly creative or personal with their résumés in order to make an impression, but irrelevant information and goofy details can be perceived as unprofessional and may cause the résumé to be rejected on the spot.
“Making an impression on an employer should go deeper than just shock value,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. “Job seekers should focus on gaining attention for the right reasons by highlighting relevant experience, applicable skills and how they would benefit the organization.”
Instead of trying to shock and amaze the hiring manager with your résumé, spend some time focusing on the job requirements and how to clearly represent yourself and your abilities. At a glance, a hiring manager should be able to gain insight on:
After reading your résumé, the employer shouldn’t wonder what makes you qualified for the position. The only questions you want him or her asking are the kind that need to be answered in an interview.
Once you’ve organized, focused and targeted your résumé for the job in question, you must move on to creating a customized cover letter. While the cover letter acts as a canvas to showcase your personality and strengths, don’t forget that making an impact doesn’t mean astounding the employer with your many quirks, hobbies or demands. Show that you would not only fit in with the culture of the organization, but that you would improve the business process and overall efficiency.
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How about an applicant's perspective? I've gone on some interviews with many less than perfect employers/hiring managers! You will LOVE this article! http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8292195/job_search_frustration.html
As a Human Resources professional, some of the things written here make me both mad and sad... I was taught to look for the person inside the resume, and that all experiences were useful and vital in building a person's background. Experience can bring wisdom and those without years of experience can bring other gifts, such as enthusiasm and untainted optimism - but none of these gifts is based on how old you are - and until we, as a country, value ALL experiences in our workers, we will remain in a recession. Everyone has something to offer - it's just a matter of figuring out how to utilize your skills. And to those companies out there who may be ignoring or unintentionally discriminating against older workers, WAKE UP! Those folks have great things to offer, and have been through many of the issues this country is facing and have come out on the other side in positive way - use their experience!! Youth, is great, but so are age and wisdom - we need both to be successful.
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Heard about a great new booklet entitled - Getting and keeping a Job in Todays Down Economy. It is a good quick read that has some creative info. I got it a few months ago at www.nla-svc.com/book
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My favorite resume was from a guy who stated under hobbies "I love ladies of all races and sizes" and he included 2 photos of himself titled "Me at age 20" and " Me at age 40".
Hey guys, NBC News recently interviewed a CEO who is reviewing resumes and giving individual suggestions on how to improve chances to pass the initial employer review and get an interview. I used it and it was pretty good. They charge $5 to cover costs but it was well worth it. If you can use it, the site is at fiveminutesfivedollars.com. They call it the CEO resume review. Tough market. Good luck.
Age is definately a factor in getting a job today - I have been unemployed now for 11 months - every potential employer is eager to have me as an employee - but when it comes time for a face to face - suddenly the position has been filled that day or shortly after the one on one
In this day and age, the best way to find any job is to go through your friends, family and any other people you know. Some of the best opportunities arise from those personal connections but, of course, you have to depend on people who you're proud to use as references and people who you know have good ethics.
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Each job posting has a full description. Google "Word Cloud." I use Word It Out. Copy and paste the full job information into the word cloud and you will see what the most important keywords are. Make sure these words are in your cover letter and resume. Yes it's more work, but It is one step in getting your scanned (no one looks at resumes anymore) resume to a better position in the pile.
As a recruiter for a healthcare company, I am horrified, amused and frustrated on a daily basis by "job-seekers." I have learned to gloss over spelling errors as they are so common anymore. My biggest frustration is the apparent lack of motivation by most of these candidates. Unfortunately, the current trend in job-seeking is to simply make it appear as though one is attempting to find a job. Consequently, my time is wasted by the same candidates who submit their resumes and applications over and over again, but never follow up with me when I do call them. It's disheartening as I spend a great deal of time on people who have no intention of working; they only wish to have their unemployment extended or welfare approved. In the meantime, there are good people out there who actually want to work who could be getting lost in the mountain of garbage resumes.
BOO FUCKING WHOOO patti i'm a "WHITE BOY" and am always fighting for jobs. The only problem is that i don't have laws or activist fighting for me or my "white boy" status. all let me guess your going to say its about time the tables turned, right, well i guess your right, except i'm 38 and had nothing to do with discrimanation against anyone but evendently i'm getting paid back for something that i had nothing to do with so thanks for keeping the hate rollin. Its people like you that will make sure raceism will never die out!!!!!
I've attended meetings with a large international firm, at their US headquarters. The manager heading the meetings stated on multiple occasions that upper management had mandated that the average age of the staff be reduced. This was 2009, maybe things have changed. Yeah, right.
patti c and whitegirlone you are complete idiots stop trying to use sex or race as an excuse to be passed up for a job one of you is clearly racist yourself and the other a snitch, employers dont want to hear you calling people "whiteboys" or pointing out flaws in other applicants thats why you were passed up for the position. next time worry about focusing on your talents instead of trying to make the other applicants look bad by pointing out their flaws and you might be more successful. plenty of jobs out there step your game up
Something else I saw once when *I* was processing resumes for a company I worked for was a funny cover letter. The letter started out, "Dear Ms./Mr. xyz." Fair enough. Then, "This is the winter of my discontent, I need a job to pay my rent! I love your company..." blah blah blah
I still have a copy of that letter somewhere! :)
Age hasn't been a factor for me... I've been hired and working at a place where I found I am the oldest person in the company. most of tmy co workers are in their 20s, while I am old enough to be their dad. They respect me for what I know and can do. I was hired my a manager who was at least ten years my junior.
I may be in the minority with my job situation, but I reject the idea that you can't get a decent job if you're older...
What gets me is these companies that are looking for specific positions to fill keep telling me I'm either over-qualified or under-qualified. I am a CNA but I also have an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. I put both down on my resume. The companies tell me I'm over-qualified to do CNA work because of my degree but yet I'm under-qualified for Medical Billing and Coding because I've got less than 1yr experience. How can a person get job experience if they won't hire you and give you the chance to gain that experience? Just my thoughts and opinions. I also agree; CareerBuilder and Monster.com are scams. They DON'T do anyone any good.
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@PeggyJo I wouldn't necessarily say those sites are scams (which they are not). They just are open job forums; and a plethora of resumes. Just don't waste your time "uploading a resume" to their worthless "databank". That's like throwing a needle into the haystack.. literally.
Simply opting for 'matching job results' is good enough, on those sites. Just use good judgment in doing so :)
Leave it as personal/family time off (really rude to ask details)or be honest and say you had injury,requiring you to be out of work for awhile. W/C totally sucks!,you are right! You will get NO support there. It's unfortunate what a toll personal injuries have on people without the W/C system making it miserable.
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Regardless of how far back you go, or don't go, on your resume they are going to know how old you are the moment you walk into the room. I keep my resume only going back 5 years but when I interview a young manager I pretty much know my chances are nil. What 28 year old is going to hire someone the age of their father?
I do and I am only 27. I find that those with experience are much better to have around if they are healthy and willing to do the work still. I will always pick the best individual for the position no matter the age. I even have an 80+ year old woman working for me and has for over 8 years now. She wants to work and can do the job even if she is just a little slower than the youngsters. However, she keeps everyone on their toes and doesn't take any BS from anyone, and the young kids melt when she gets onto them because it is like your Grandmother telling you you were wrong. So, she may be only 4' something, way less than 100# and a bit slower, but I wouldn't trade her for anyone else.
So, keep looking forward. There are good people out there who hire who they think fits the job best and don't look at other things like age.
Not always true. In my case I went back to school in my 30s and my grad school graduation date is in the early 20 aughts. A glance at my resume might make you think I'm in my early thirties not my late 40s. I have detected their surprise when I walked in for an interview and they saw I was older than they anticipated.
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Oh, and here's a joke, the words "Equal Opportunity Employer."
I had a temporary job in a tractor financing company once. All the sales MEN were married white boys with college degrees. A bunch of Bubbas who got some education.
They placed an ad for a salesperson while I was there and it just had to have EOE M/F/H/V.
I could not imagine them hiring a black woman in a wheelchair!
Sounds like you are jealous of their education? If it is that big of a deal to you, then apply for the position and if you need to get more education to do it, is it really going to hurt you? I have been the only female working in a male only company many times because I am able to do the job and do it without excuses, I don't whore around and wear professional, appropriate clothing that allows the men to respect me as an equal and not a piece of meat. So, what is stopping you from financing tractors other than your mouth?
why is it okay for you to refer to these people as "white boys" and "Bubbas"? If this were a post that commented on "black boys" people would be ripping it apart! So much for equal anything!
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After I hit 30, I heard that most companies want very young people who won't stay long and build up benefits.
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The age thing is really a B I G factor. I happen to look at least 10 years younger than I am. I was never asked my age directly however on several occasions after being hired and when I arrived I was asked to fill out tax forms. Some where on these forms is your birthday date requirement.
From an 8 am start to before a 10 break was told that they were sorry but the position was no longer being filled as the company was down sizing. YEA, Right. Out of curiosity what other lame excuses do companies come up with aside from this far fetched one for age discrimination. FYI Many OLDER PEOPLE ARE IN BETTER SHAPE, HEALTH AND MENTAL AWARENESS, TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT THEY DO AND KNOW HOW TO TREAT THE PUBLIC WITH RESPECT AND PROFESSIONALISM. I have witnessed NUMEROUS times when these so called young people are yakking away about their personal life , what they are doing after work while the customer stands there for 10 minutes. Tell me again why they employer does not discriminate against idiots.
i also worked for a company for two weeks they hired two people for the same job a medical receptionist. One mature minded thats me with 18 years experience in the medical field.and one young person she was about 20 years old with no experience in the field. After two weeks i was let go they stated they were going with the younger girl instead of the mature person. I don't think that was fair and they should have not hired a mature minded person if they were going to go with the younger person. Since the the employer is trying to drum up business by posting his add in a super market to bring in patients. I my self would not go to a doctor tha advertises in a super market.
How do I address employment timeline (currently 16 months unable to work)with a workmans compensation (struck by fork lift) injury, that has left me with a permanent physical disability? Dealing with the WC dispute system (which sucks)?
Advise anyone ?
Wow! My husband is going through the same thing!!! He is working with a work counselor and she was able to get him to upgrade his CDL. If you have an attorney, see if he/she can do the same for you. Trying to get a job with those kinds of restrictions, regardless of you having the EXACT qualifications is extremely difficult and YES, age is a huge factor!!! Good Luck!!!
Do not sign any release on the WC injury first of all. The former employer will have to settle this claim and pay the medical bills. Usually they will have to pay either partial or full disability. Every state varies in how WC is handled but if they are not paying on the claims you need to contact a lawyer who handles this. Make sure he or she specializes in Worker's Compensations and find out what the payment plan is like. Sometimes they only get paid if you do but if you settle out of court they still want a percent. Tina, HR
oh, forgot to mention, i am a 99'er. if it was not for the mandatory insurance the government made me buy we'd be out on the street, i am thankful that UI was there for me and my family. sigh
look at the big picture people, this is exactly what the repub's and tea baggers want, this IS the new normal. college degree, check, worked your ass off for company XYZ, check, tons of relevant/transferable experience, check. if you are lucky enough to get a job it will likely be for about half of what you made previously, good for the corp bottom line???? CHECK. we're fcuked, especially if you dumbfcukastanies keep voting against your own best interest. on a positive note, i had an interview today, looks good, pay is about 2/3 of what i made before.....and i feel grateful. sigh.
i will pay you what ever you want if you type the f word fast as you can for the rest of your life
@smart guy Your comments show that your 'handle' is most likely an oxymoron. To resort to profanity to express yourself is hardly 'smart', even if you do hold a college degree. To further rant that 'repub's and tea baggers' want people out of work is beyond ignorant - in fact, stupid is the word that best fits. For your edification, let me explain the difference: ignorance is a state of not knowing something. Ignorance can be cured by educating oneself on the subject. Stupid, on the other hand, can't be cured. It is a genetic anomaly & no amount of education will cure stupidity in one who chooses to remain stupid. Unfortunately our nation is in an epidemic of stupidity that will likely do more damage than influenza. I hope you find a decent job. Maybe you will be exposed to some logic and intelligent information once you are back out in the work environment.
Do you think that maybe you are having a difficult time finding a job because of you attitude and misguided thoughts? Your sign in name here definitely does not match your thought process.
It is probably this divisive attitude that you displayed above that has you on UI and not very employable more than it is the fault of these other groups you try to blame. Look outward for excuses, look inward and use constructive self-criticism to be the change that you bought into so blindly. Then with a new attitude someone might hire you.
Hey smart guy, the Teaparty and Republicans aren't the only ones in Washington. They have these things called head jobs under the White House desk commonly referred to as Democrats. You need to focus more on the fact that between BOTH parties, "Peggy" is now answering your questions from a call center in some part of the world you'll never have the money to travel to. Why because the Republican/Democrat I live in the Hamptons 1%er's sold us out for higher returns at the banks their neighbors and drinking buddies own. And remember inside trading for them isn't illegal only for you and the other 99%. It's typical Communist class struggle my friend. The haves and never will haves. I give it another 2 years at most and you'll see an "American" spring.
Watch your vocabulary… Tea baggers and republicans don't want anything… They want you to take care of yourself, so they don't have to take care of you… Try union work it may be a good match for you.
Just a side note on some of the people who "like " Career Builder. Hopefully they are dressing with some class for the interview. What is with all the cleavage in our society in general? Would be nice to sit with my son and not have to be bombarded with women trying to look sexy all the time...save it for dates and dating service photos maybe?
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I use to run a Golf Course ... Woman applied for Pro Shop Job ... when i asked her why she wanted a job .. she said ... i need to get out of the house in the afternoons ... my husband plays golf every dam morning and all afternoon all he does is talk about golf ... and i hate golf
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It's great to have so many respond in a "round table" manner like this. Some really good ideas, and examples of the embarrassing moments as well (that most of us go through at one time or another.) Remember, we all started "somewhere", and a beginning is always tough until you get more comfortable. I also personally pattern many of the comments mentioned above.
The only real thing you can carry with you, is Integrity, Respect from your Peers and Associates, Worthiness, Willingness, strong work and personal Ethics, Honesty, and an "I CAN DO THIS" spirit, which we all should project in every arena of our lives, everyday. ESPECIALLY TO OURSELVES! It's not a matter of how many people who responded, that had spelling and grammatical error's, it's how you appear to a prospective employment potential, or interviewer. I may sound like a "Boy Scout", but someone has to keep these and other High Ethical Beliefs and Valuable Ideals alive. No matter what you are going through, GOD is always with you, and He is still on the Throne. Keep the Faith and we will all work together for the common GOOD OF ALL!
Signed: A unemployed professional who has been from $70K to $8.25/Hr. It's okay, because every circumstance is a new chance for your future development.
Bonnie:
I could not agree with you more...unfortunately, many companies do not have your ethics or they pretend to have them. 80% of Life is just showing up and being responsible. The bottom line is that companies are reflections of our society....entitled, dishonest, and lazy for the most part.
Some of these are such ridiculously obvious attempts at avoiding an interview, simply to stay on unemployment. Some are trying to be cute with the result of looking completely stupid. The others make it seem like the candidate actually believed what they wrote, amazingly. Reminds me of the list of insane excuses why people were late to/missed work.
[...] recently came across an article on MSN careers, titled 20 Unusual Resume Tactics to Avoid. In it, the author, Autumn McReynolds, shared what she believed to be tactics to avoid with your [...]
[...] recently came across an article on MSN careers, titled 20 Unusual Resume Tactics to Avoid. In it, the author, Autumn McReynolds, shared what she believed to be tactics to avoid with your [...]
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