Résumé No-Go: The Wrong Email Address with Mandi Stanley, CSP
On this week’s episode of Résumé No-Go’s, let’s give your contact information an executive-level edit.
Today, we’re updating immature email addresses. A modern professional resume is no place for your old personal email address you’ve been using since high school. If you’re still using HotDog100@aol, or SaraLikesToBake@gmail, edit it immediately to a professional address that makes sense not just for you but for your potential new employer. And, listen, I should know. I started out with Mandi.Speaks@juno.com!
Before you click send: Watch this!
We’ve spent the past several weeks looking at résumé-writing best practices and advice for cover letters. But, what about the résumé non-starters? What are some résumé turnoffs that immediately result in discards? Recently, I interviewed several clients and colleagues in HR about today’s competitive job market and what stands out to them when they receive an applicant’s résumé. One resounding answer: formatting matters. While I’m not recommending you use fancy fonts and add colors, do strive for professional formatting beyond simply submitting a Word doc typed in 12-pt. Times New Roman. Remember, your résumé is your story on paper. It needs to look as good as you do!
Before You Hit Send: Avoid This Résumé Mistake with Mandi Stanley, CSP
We’ve spent the past several weeks looking at résumé-writing best practices and advice for cover letters. But, what about the résumé non-starters? What are some résumé turnoffs that immediately result in discards? Recently, I interviewed several clients and colleagues in HR about today’s competitive job market and what stands out to them when they receive an applicant’s résumé. One of my contacts told the story of something that happened recently. She could tell an applicant was blasting out résumés to several agencies–because the applicant had left their top competitor’s name in the cover email. Ouch! What about you? What are some résumé bloopers you’ve encountered?
RÉSUMÉ TURNOFFS
Recently I interviewed several clients and colleagues in HR about today’s competitive job market and what stands out to them when they receive an applicant’s résumé. What I ended up with was a list of RÉSUMÉ TURNOFFS. For what reasons might a potential employer reject your résumé? The first one in this video surprised me. Watch it and ask yourself: Should I include my GPA? I’d love for you to share your opinion below.
Grammar Icks
This week I’m hopping on the latest social trend—“Icks.” I’m contributing “Grammar Icks” just for fun. For instance, the word “fridge” has always made me cringe. “Refrigerator” doesn’t have a “d” in it, so why are we adding it in “fridge”?
What about you? What would you add to this grammar and punctuation “ick” list?
Cover Letter Tips!
If your cover letter simply repeats the information on your résumé, then you’re doing it wrong.
Rather, use your cover letter as an opportunity to tell the story behind your experience, highlight a specific accomplishment, and show how your skills can meet the organization’s needs.
A strong cover letter connects the dots and gives the reader a reason to want to learn more about you.
Want more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out? Follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to see my latest cover letter tips.
Cover letters can be tricky.
For those of you who struggle with what to include, think of your cover letter as an opportunity to tell one story.
Pick a bullet point from your résumé that deserves more in-depth discussion, and use your cover letter to tell the story of how you solved the problem, came in under budget, completed a project ahead of schedule, or increased market share.
Let your personality shine in your cover letter. It’s your chance to share your success story and tie it back to the hiring organization.
This is yet one more way you can ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ.
ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ: NUMBER THREE
This July we are going to ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ.
Today is résumé refresher number three.
Describe how you left your last position better than you found it.
Answer these types of questions:
How did I increase revenue?
Increase sales?
Multiply market share?
Save time?
Come in ahead of schedule?
Come in under budget?
Save money?
Streamline tasks?
Until next week, ensure your bullet points are specific and measurable as we continue to ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ.
ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ
Today is our second résumé refresher.
Describe what you achieved and accomplished rather than simply listing your job responsibilities. Your résumé shouldn’t be a regurgitation of your job description. Remember, specifics sell.
Instead of: Responsible for calling on accounts in a two-state territory
Say: Increased a $3.5 million territory to a $11 million territory, surpassing our five-year sales goal two years ahead of schedule
Until next week, check your bullet points and STRIVE FOR SPECIFICITY as we continue to ROCK YOUR RÉSUMÉ.
