By:  John Holmgren     TheExpertResumeWriter.com

Keep in mind that I ran a recruiting firm for 10 years and worked daily with hiring

managers.  So, this is a consensus of the most common errors.

List Job Descriptions Rather than Accomplishments

It should be obvious that an employer will hire a person who can assist in reaching

that organization’s goals.  To assist means accomplishing!  If anything is critical

in your resume it is that you include all accomplishments, promotions, increased

responsibilities, awards, ways you made a difference, and so forth.

Give me a reason to want to see you.  That reason is that you can help me!

No Objective

I’m either in HR or the hiring manager and you don’t specify why you are

asking to be considered for a specific position.  I don’t have time for you.

Too Much Information

You are intent on telling me EVERYTHING about you!  The resume is a tease.

Provide your accomplishments relevant to that position, and only that.

If I see a resume that is dense with black ink, I won’t read it!  True.

Lack of Customization

The issue here is that you are either clue-less or lazy.  An employer wants

specific capabilities.  If you don’t find what is wanted and extract from your

experience those skills that most closely match the job, you’re gone!

Posting to a Bulletin Board and Waiting for the Jobs to Come

Passive.  Oh, well, I’ll just let the world know how wonderful I am and job

offers will come flowing in.  That may be the case if all you want is a

“job”.  However, if you want a “career”, it doesn’t work like that.

If your career marketing plan is passive and depends on things coming to

you, Good Luck!  Otherwise, get out, network and hustle.

Unrealistic Expectations Given Job Experience

I know,  it’s the Now Generation.  We all expect instant gratification.  However

in every profession I know of, you have to earn your stripes.  Be prepared to

take a position that may be less than you anticipated, especially now in this

economy.

I’m being preachy. I realize.  Sorry, but just trying to be honest.

Cheers,   John

Posted in Resume Writing Tips