Résumé No – Gos: Rethink Your Last Line

/in /by

For the tens of you keeping track, we’ve been talking about how the Law of Primacy and Recency applies to resume layout. People remember best what they read first and last. That last line of your resume is valuable real estate. So if your last line reads: References available upon request, you’re wasting valuable space with a cliched expression. Simple solution: Delete it.

Nor should you list your references directly at the end of your resume. Employers will request them later in the hiring process. It gives them a reason to call you back!

Résumé No – Gos: Ditch the Objective Statement

/in /by

Last week we introduced the Law of Primacy and Recency, which tells us people remember best what they read first and what they read last. Therefore, first and last are critical locations on our resumes. Last week we addressed what the bottom line of your resume should NOT be. This week we’ll quickly discuss what NOT to include at the top: the outdated objective statement.

Now, this may be a controversial view, but wasting the valuable real estate at the top of your résumé on a generic statement about what you are looking for in a job adds little value for the employer. Rather, begin with a sharp professional summary highlighting your unique skills with a nod toward the qualifications listed in the job posting.

Résumé No-Go’s: What NOT to Put at the End of Your Résumé

/in /by

In this week’s episode of Résumé No-Go’s, let’s talk about the Law of Primacy and Recency.

The Law of Primacy and Recency tells us that people remember best what they read first and what they read last. Therefore, first and last are critical locations on our résumés.

So, you know what your last line of your résumé should NOT be?

“References available upon request.”

That clichéd line is taking up valuable real estate. Nor should you list your references directly. Employers will request them later in the hiring process.

Résumé No-Go: The Wrong Email Address with Mandi Stanley, CSP

/in , , , , , , /by

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!

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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!

/in /by

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.