Monster.com

I’m currently utilizing the resume search feature on Monster.com.  Yes, at 8:30 on a Sunday night.

I have some suggestions for those of you that utilize that feature:

1. Make sure your resume looks like you want it when you post it.  I’ve come across TWO that are nothing but . . . goobledygook . . . and that doesn’t help YOU or ME.
2. Make sure, if you have your information marked confidential, that you don’t put your name, etc. on a resume.  Why make Monster’s info confidential if your resume isn’t.  Doesn’t bother me, but if you’re attempting to hide a job search from your current employer, may as well make sure you’re doing it right.

 

Your objective.

Or rather the objective in your resume …

Personally, I think it’s a good idea NOT to have a *VERY* specific objective.   I work in a manufacturing plant, and we have an entry level position open . . . but I’m getting resumes that say things like “My objective is to become a certified automobile mechanic” or “My objective is to become a locksmith” . . . for a manufacturing job?

Not good.

If you’re going to mail/email a customized resume . . . take a moment to make sure it’s customized to the job you’re applying for.

 

On using Templates.

I think templates that come with software (such as MS Publisher or MS Word) are a fine idea, generally speaking.

For resumes?  Not so much.  Not because they’re ugly or hard to read . . . but because most people do not take the time to make all the changes necessary.  For example: “Insert Phone Number Here” should be changed to YOUR phone number.

Often we (at The Company) ignore such things if you’re applying for a production job . . . but if you’re applying for a clerical position or a highly paid executive position?

You’re EXPECTED to pay attention to details on the job, why wouldn’t you when you apply?

Check your resume.  Check it again.  Have somebody else check it.  And again.   The more pairs of eyes you have looking over, the less likely you are to send out mistakes.

 

Writing and Formatting a scannable resume.

From the DOL website:

What Job Seekers with Disabilities Need to Know

Because we are living in an information age where technology drives most interactions, resumes sent via E-mail and traditional paper are likely to be scanned for key information by a machine, not a human being.

What It Means to have Your Resume scanned by a Machine

Because employers receive more resumes than they can process efficiently, they are switching to text-searching or artificial intelligence software to track resumes. These systems use optical scanners to put resumes into the computer which then searches for skills that match a job description. Optical character recognition–OCR–software looks at the image to distinguish every letter and number and creates a text file. Such systems are important because they significantly lessen the time it takes to search for qualified applicants to fill a job. These systems can also help employers by creating a centralized resume pool in companies that have a decentralized human resource function.

Why Scannable Resumes are Important to Your Search

In order to efficiently review resumes, an increasing number of employers are letting computers take the first crack at selecting a first round of applicants for certain jobs. Because computers are programmed to search for certain words, every word in a resume is important in the selection process. Artificial intelligence software “reads” the text and extracts important information such as your name, address, work history, experience and skills. A clear resume allows the scanner to obtain a clean image in order to maximize “hits” (when one of your skills matches the computer search).

How to Prepare a Resume that Will Scan to Jobs You are Seeking

Following are important tips on making your resume “scan-friendly.”

• Use a standard typeface such as Courier, Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Universe or Times with a point size of 10-14.

• Use black ink on white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Do not use colored paper.

• Use only capital letters or boldface to emphasize important information. Do not use italics, underlining, boxes, graphics, or horizontal or vertical lines.

• Avoid a two-column format or resumes that look like newspapers or newsletters.

• Use only a laser-quality printer.

• Do not fold or staple pages.

• If faxing, use fine resolution and follow up with a mailed original.

• Avoid “formatting peculiarities.” If you use E-mail, save your file as “text only” or “ASCII” to avoid the possibility that your word processor and your prospective employer’s word processor are incompatible. E-mail a copy of your resume to yourself to make sure it looks the way you meant it to look.

• Use “key-words”phrases, terms, industry jargon, and titles to describe your abilities. Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague terms. Be sure to use state-of-the-art terminology to describe yourself. If you have been out of the job market awhile, research new developments in your field and use up-to-date terms to present your skills. Savvy job seekers often mimic the words a company uses in its help-wanted ads. The more skills and facts you provide, the more opportunities you have for your skills to match available positions.

• Be concise and truthful.

• Use more than one page if necessary.

• If you have extra space, describe your interpersonal traits and attitude. Key words could include: time management, team player, dependable, leadership, and responsibility.

• Use a keyword summary of your skills at the top of your resume to get the attention of robotic and human inspectors. For example, if you are looking for an entry level position in architecture, your keyword summary might include: BS in Architecture, internship experience with large commercial project, knowledge of AutoCAD, PhotoShop, AccuRender, 3-D Studio. Place your name on its own line at the top of the page. Use the standard format for your address below your name. Then list each phone number on its own line.

• For job search purposes you may choose to have two versions of your resume:
  • One to send for the computer to read (scannable format and detailed descriptors).
  • One for people to read during an interview (a creative layout, enhanced typography, and summarized information.)

• Be sure to proofread your resume before sending it.

How Hiring Managers and Recruiters Use Electronic Applicant Tracking Systems

Typically, hiring personnel set up a search request and tell the computer whether certain qualifications are required or desired. Many resume-scanning systems then rank the candidates they select from the system. Some of the leading systems place a number or percentage next to a candidate’s name indicating how many of the manager’s requirements are reflected in the resume.

As we move into the 21st century, it is important to use technology to find a job. If you push yourself to go the extra mile in your job search, you will find the opportunity you are seeking.

This tip sheet was prepared with the help of EDS. EDS participates in the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Business Leadership Network (BLN), a business-led initiative that aims to stimulate best disability employment practices and enhance employment opportunities for job candidates who happen to have disabilities.

We use resume scanning at The Company. These are EXCELLENT tips!

 

Free seminars from Careerbuilder (for HR pros)

Right here.

 

7 Deadly Sins of Resume Writing

Lifeclever has an excellent article about resume writing: The 7 Deadly Sins of Resume Writing.   It’s worth a read.  Also, while you’re there, check out the article Give Your Resume a Face Lift.

 

A little of this, and a little of that.

What kills me most about reviewing all these resumes? SPELLING ERRORS.

If you are applying for a position that pays $60,000 – $75,000 (or more), CHECK YOUR RESUME FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ‘ISSUES’. THEN, have somebody else check it (and make sure they can spell!)

Manger is NOT what you mean. It’s Manager. I promise. (That’s just one I remember)

Please.

Oh, and small, bold type, is really freaking hard to read.

And colors? Just NO.

No red. No blue. No yellow. No yellow background on one line with blue type. It made my eyes bleed.

AND, cover letters? Am I behind the times? Did cover letters become a thing of the past? Less than a quarter of the resumes had them, and the ones that did, intelligently listed the qualifications they had that matched what was listed on advertisement. VERY professional and pulled-together looking. And the VERY important point? The PRESIDENT of our company likes them.

 

Don’t lie. EVER.

I know I keep mentioning I’m going to write an article about dos and don’ts for resumes . . . I have another one, but I’m going to share a little with you today.

Don’t lie on a resume.

Not ever.

Don’t even STRETCH the truth a little bit. I’m not talking a month off on employment dates. I’m talking forgetting to mention you’re not currently employed. That your ‘current employment’ ended 6 months ago.

Do NOT fabricate college diplomas. We normally ask for transcripts. This time, we simply included it on the background check required for every employee. You signed a release for us to do this. Seriously. What WERE you thinking?

“It was always alright before…” does NOT work with ME, and because I’m meticulous about it, my boss backs me up. (It’s what I do . . . )

You suck, mister. You wasted a HUGE amount of my time for the past week, and I hate you.

 

Naming [non]conventions

Okay, I’ve been reviewing resumes again for an open position at The Company.

The things people do and think it’s okay . . . I swear.

I got one that was a Microsoft Publisher document . . . and it was named “Dad’s Resume” . . . yeah, I laughed. I mean, I think it’s great a kid’s helping Dad out, but . . . hellooooOOOoooo? At LEAST save it under your name. Really.

Oh yeah . . . do NOT use brackets. [This] [is] [annoying]. Again. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Yes I AM the resume police. Sue me.

 

First things first.

First thing I want you to do?  Check out the links over in my sidebar.  Good HR blogs.  Worth a read, and I suspect you’ll learn more than you ever wanted about the HR field.