In a recent poll, technical recruiters and hiring managers asked for the top "pet peeves" - things they see on resumes and cover letters that make them less interested in speaking with a candidate. These make great examples of how not to write your resume. � Use of the current "tense" in all jobs on the resume. � Writing the resume or cover letter in the third person. � Too many grammar and spelling mistakes. � Use of tiny, tiny fonts (10 pt or less) so as to cram as much information into the resume as possible. � Photos on resumes (this is a cultural preference). � A listing of their personal interests and activities. � Sending a resume attachment named 41808res.doc - use your name or descriptive label. � Writing the resume using table formats (columns). � Using a resume that is password protected (without sending the password). � Including references - but not professional ones - just friends and co-workers. � Having no contact information on the resume or including a phone number that is no longer valid. � When a candidate's email address is not appropriate for the work environment. Example: [email protected] � Resumes that are too long. Most seem to feel that general descriptions pertaining to work history for the last 10 years is sufficient. � Resume stuffing, for example, listing of every software application you've ever touched as a "skill". � Education written so its not clear if the degree was obtained. � Job hopping, which could be contract positions but it's not explained. (If you have been on short term contracts, make sure you clarify that they are contract jobs). |