How to Write a Bad Resume
Resume writing is an art form. That’s why there are professional resume writers that help people find great jobs every day. You might have more skills, better work ethic, and more experience but if your resume stinks, you wont be getting the job.
If you’re serious about getting that next job you should avoid the following resume red flags:
Sending out the same resume to every employer
Every resume you send out should be catered specifically to the job you are applying for.
Many people think they can send out the same resume to every potential employer but this is almost always a bad call. Chances are you have specific skills, knowledge, or experience that would make you look very qualified for one job but might make you a terrible candidate for another.
Make sure you customize your resume and cover letter to whomever you’re sending it to.
200-word resumes
Your resume needs to tell a potential employer why you’re going to be the best person for the job. It needs to sell you to the employer. If it looks like you spent 5 minutes typing up your work experience then chances are your resume will end up the ‘do not call’ pile.
Novel-length resumes
You don’t need to give your life story in your resume. Make sure that you have all your bases covered but don’t write so much that your fingers bleed from all the typing. Keep it clear and concise and you’ll do fine.
Spelling errors
Even if you’re applying for a ditch digging job it doesn’t hurt to use the spell check function when you’re writing your resume.
If the job requires you to write on a daily basis then make sure you have a friend check over your resume before you send it out. Nothing will get your resume rejected faster than basic spelling errors.
Getting personal
Personal information is better suited for the personals section of the newspaper.
Some people feel the need to fill their resume with information about their pet ferrets but then forget to include important employment experience.
Those are just a few resume red flags that will keep you from getting great jobs. If you need help with your resume then find a friend that knows what they’re doing or better yet, get a professional to help you.
SHAPE
This post was written by Gary Kohler from the website LifeCover.ca – a website that provides information about life insurance in Canada.
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July 23rd, 2010 at 11:30 am
I enjoyed the post, the tips are pretty simple…and many job seekers can appreciate that.
Truly the devil is in the details. If job seekers choose to prepare their own resume, then they have to put the time and the effort to make sure it goes out with zero errors and with some kind of flair or personality…a true depiction of their skills and experience. Otherwise (as you have put)) they will consistently be putting themselves in the “Do Not Call” pile.
I have to emphasize the importance of tailoring your resume for the specific position you are applying for (which you have listed here). When your resume and cover letter reach the hands of a recruiter or a hiring manager, they should clearly say you are the right fit for the job. The extra time to do that would be absolutely worth it, and can give you the edge you need to get noticed and be led to the next step — the interview.
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments or violent reactions)