Is your neighbor working on a home-improvement project just a neighbor working on a home-improvement project, or is there more to the picture? Could saying “hi” and lending your neighbor a hand lead to a great job opportunity? According to my career-coaching colleagues, including Wendy Terwelp, Laura Berman Fortgang, and Anne-Marie Ditta, taking advantage of the slow, breezy nature of summer to build relationships and strengthen your network could be beneficial to your job search.

Sizzling Summer Job Search Tips
by Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Are you taking a break from the job search and surrendering to the lazy days of summer? The conventional wisdom is that almost everyone is in vacation mode from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Consequently, many postpone job searching until September. Is this a mistake? Could you be missing opportunities if you take the summer off? We asked the career experts to find out.

Summer Job Searching — Worthwhile or Waste of Time?

“I often hear job seekers say that they want to take the summer off,” says Wendy Terwelp, career coach and president of Mequon, Wisconsin-based career management firm Opportunity Knocks. Terwelp says that by the time the summer ends, job seekers who took the summer off will be competing against even more job seekers who have followed the same strategy. Anne-Marie Ditta, president of First Impression Career Services, agrees. “A fair number of job seekers think that recruiters and hiring managers are unavailable during the summer,” Ditta says. Therefore, many believe it’s a waste of time to job search from June through August.

Debunking the Summer Vacation Myth

“Few people take long vacations anymore, so for the corporate world it’s business as usual in the summer,” says Laura Berman Fortgang, a pioneer in the personal coaching field who has appeared on “Oprah” and “The CBS Early Show” and wrote Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction.

“It may take a little longer to get internal consensus on a hire because of staggered vacations, but why waste three months when you can move things forward during that time?” suggests Fortgang, who says that summertime can offer advantages to job seekers. “Sometimes, summer’s quieter pace gives hiring managers a bit more ‘brain space,’ so they are more attentive to employment applications,” she says. Summer can be a prime hiring season for some employers. “Many projects hit the ground running in the fall, and employers want new people in place,” says Fortgang.

Six Summer Job Search Tips

How do you keep your search moving forward in the summer? Our experts offer these tips:

1. Capitalize on Seasonal Events: Summer is a terrific time to network,” says Terwelp. “There are festivals, barbeques, weddings and other gatherings that can be a perfect time to connect.” Fortgang says that using personal and social gatherings to let people know you are looking is an excellent strategy.

2. Don’t Get Discouraged: Summer vacations may make reaching the right people more challenging, but “don’t use this as a reason to back off,” says Fortgang. “Be patient and consistent, leave polite messages and continue due diligence,” she says. Keep in mind that receptionists and other gatekeepers take vacations, too. “You might connect with that otherwise hard-to-reach hiring manager while your competitors are lolling around waiting until September,” says Ditta.

3. Keep a Job Search Schedule: Yes, it’s summer, but don’t be lulled into laziness. “Even if it is just an hour a day, put structure in place to keep you going,” says Fortgang.

4. Build a Network: “Form a group of like-minded job seekers to keep your summer job search on track,” Fortgang suggests. Meet regularly to share information on who’s hiring. A job opportunity not right for you may be perfect for someone in your network, and vice-versa.

5. Take Stock of Your Resume and Skills: Summer is the perfect time to assess and update your resume and skills. “Review your resume and add any new accomplishments or training,” says Terwelp. Also, brush up on any skills that may be lagging. “Take a class or two in the summer. Not only will you be improving your skills, but you can network with your classmates.”

6. Get Outside: Warm weather is the prime time for outdoor home improvement projects, and by helping your neighbors you can help your career at the same time. Walk around your neighborhood and offer to give someone a hand. While you’re helping that neighbor, you can share that you’re job hunting and tap into someone else’s network. “This can lead to more connections, informational interviews and maybe even a new job,” says Terwelp.

When it comes to your job search, summer doesn’t have to mean slow. While that perfect swimsuit may remain elusive, you can use the summer months to find an ideal career fit. Your time and effort can reap big rewards and even land you a new job before autumn.

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This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

Copyright 2007- Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit http://content.monster.com.

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Many people took me up on my offer to critique their resumes for free — here’s the thread: Free Resume Critique

When reviewing the resumes, I noticed that the documents shared common problems and issues — regardless of the career field. The free critique offer is now closed, but you can improve your resume by following these tips:

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Resume

1. Proofread. This should be a no-brainer, but almost all resumes had typos and formatting inconsistencies. Make sure your resume is perfect, and hire a professional if you’re not confident in your proofreading skills.

2. Remove “Fluff.” One of my pet peeves is the use of flowery resume language. If you’re a results-proven, detail-oriented leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills, I’m talking to you. This type of language makes hiring managers’ eyes glaze over and doesn’t do much to “sell” your credentials. Instead of saying that you have these skills, prove it with examples of past successes throughout the resume.

3. Add a Headline. A Headline calls out your objective as well as one or two of your top qualifications, and is a modern twist on a traditional “Objective” section.

4. Add a Summary. If you don’t have a Qualifications Summary, write one — immediately! The summary can present the top reasons why employers should contact you — your value proposition. If you lead your resume with a compelling summary, employers will be more likely to read the rest of your resume.

5. Include Important Skills. You can create a separate “Key Skills” section or incorporate your skills in the Summary section. Either way, an easy-to-skim, bulleted list of your job-related skills will appeal to hiring managers.

6. Add Accomplishments. And while you’re at it, quantify them (if possible) so employers can understand the impact of your work.

7. Avoid Using Personal Pronouns. Employers know that your resume is about you, so write in an “implied” first-person voice.

8. Focus on the Last Ten Years or So. If your work history is extensive, keep in mind that most resume reviewers are concerned about your recent employment. You can keep the early positions, but cut down on the amount of space used and consider summing it up in an “Early Career” section.

9. Add an Online Folio. If you don’t already have one, create an online career folio or blog that can bring your branded message to life. Once you have established an online presence, you will increase your chances of getting found when an employer or recruiter Googles you.

10. Ditch the “References Available” Line. Employers expect you to have references if you’re in a job search, and this line is just wasting space at the end of the resume.

Best wishes,

Kim Isaacs

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Race, Sex and Religion on Your Resume: How Personal Is Too Personal?
by Kim Isaacs

You’re probably aware that hiring managers cannot ask discriminatory questions during interviews. But this legal protection isn’t too useful in preventing discrimination before the interview. If your resume contains personal information unrelated to your job target — your race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc. — you might fall victim to discrimination, even if you’re qualified for the position.

Your resume is a marketing tool designed to get your foot in the door, so every bit of information on it should be selling your value to potential employers. Follow these guidelines to ensure your resume only contains personal information relevant to your job target.

Personal Information That May Be Omitted

• Affiliations, Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies: You may leave out organization names that disclose your cultural background, religious affiliation, sexual orientation and other possible targets of discrimination. List only experiences that help sell you as a candidate for your targeted job.
• Languages: Listing your native language may reveal your nationality. Include only languages that add to your qualifications for the job. In certain cases, knowing a second language is a plus and should be included on your resume.
• Personal Information: With the exception of federal or state jobs, which may require this information, and entertainment jobs, for which personal attributes would be considered bona fide qualifications, your date of birth, marital status, nationality, etc., should be omitted.

Personal Information That Should Be on Your Resume

• Your Name: You can’t pick a new name in hopes of getting more interviews unless you have legally changed it.
• Your Employers: If you worked for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, for example, you shouldn’t hide your employer’s name and misrepresent your work history.
• Schools Attended: Even if your postsecondary school has a religious affiliation, you should include the school name in your Education section.
• Work Experience or Training in Foreign Countries: Include all work and educational experiences, as long as they are relatively recent.

Deciding What to Include

• Think About It: Will revealing the information in question highlight skills that would qualify you for the position? For example, if you’re pursuing a management position and held leadership roles with religious organizations, consider including these experiences.
• Target Your Audience: If you’re applying for a position with the American Civil Liberties Union, for instance, your resume may highlight your cultural background, involvement in related organizations and diversity-related accomplishments. If you don’t know the organization’s culture or the hiring manager’s possible biases, omit personal information that will not add to your qualifications.
• Bear in Mind the Prospective Employer’s Geographic Location: In some communities, involvement in civic or religious groups is highly desirable and including your related experience on your resume would enhance your credentials.
• Evaluate Your Personal Preferences: The this-is-me-take-it-or-leave-it attitude may leave you hungry when looking for a job in a world where discrimination still exists. You don’t want to lose a chance at your dream job because of a hiring manager’s possible biases. You may or may not report to the person once hired, anyway.

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Copyright 2008- Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit http://content.monster.com.
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This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

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I’m wishing all of my U.S. readers a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and reminding you that this is a great time to jump-start your job search. Follow career-management guru Kim Batson’s words of wisdom:

“An excellent strategy is to create a networking plan for the holidays and move forward with intention. It is often a little more relaxed in the office during this period, so it’s a good time to schedule a few networking coffees or lunches. Choose to attend the holiday events where you think you might meet with first- or second-tier networking contacts — those who can further your job search in some way, or even have the authority to hire.”

Great advice, Kim! I’m reprinting my article on holiday networking below. Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Kim Isaacs

Resume Networking Tips for the Holidays

by Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Ah, the holidays — a time to rejoice, be merry and enjoy a well-earned break until the new year. But if you’re job searching, it’s also a great time to kick your job search into high gear.

“The holiday period, or last quarter of the year, is an excellent time to secure a new position,” says Kim Batson, a career-management coach with more than 10 years of career coaching experience. “Companies are in a hiring mode October through December — they want to start the new year with the right talent on board before the first week of January.” She adds that because so many people believe it’s better to postpone job searching until January, there’s less competition during the holidays.

So if you’re wondering how to get a jump on the competition as well as your resume noticed during the holidays, consider these tips.

Work Holiday Events

Whether you’re attending an employer-sponsored party or holiday networking event, make the most of social gatherings by planning in advance. “Set a goal to meet, connect with and learn from three to five people at an event,” advises Andrea Nierenberg, a New York City-based speaker and trainer and author of Million Dollar Networking. “Do your research before going so you know something about those you might meet.”

Beverly Harvey, president of Beverly Harvey Resume & Career Service, stresses the importance of quality versus quantity when networking at holiday events. “Develop several good, solid relationships instead of trying to develop many relationships that won’t be valuable,” she says.

Conversations should be focused on the person you’re speaking with, not you and your job search. That can come later, after trust has been built. “When first introduced to the contact you want to speak with, show genuine interest in their lives, interests and careers,” Batson says.

This is also not the time to whip out your resume. “Do not bring resumes to holiday functions,” cautions Nierenberg. The goal is to start building rapport and setting the stage for future follow up.

You can, however, give out business cards that relay your career field and areas of expertise. “Job seekers might want to use a business card that states their personal brand, i.e., ‘Sally Smith, Human Resource Director, Specialist in Diversity Issues’ or ‘Tom Taylor, Operations Manager, Global Supply Chain Efficiency Expert,’” says Batson.

Follow Up

After the event, Nierenberg recommends sending a handwritten, personalized thank-you note to each contact. Batson recommends including a copy of your resume, if appropriate. “Also, because it’s a season of gift-giving, it’s a nice gesture to send a small gift with your thank-you letter to the most important networking contacts, if it’s within your budget,” she says.

Network Purposefully

The holidays are a perfect time to reach out to people in your network and potential employers. “It all starts with relationships — don’t do a mass mailing to everyone,” says Nierenberg. “Take the time to call some people, attend events and parties, and connect with people to discuss job opportunities.”

Harvey’s advice: “Try to target the decision makers — it’s a very sociable time of the year, and managers are more likely to be receptive to job seekers than at other times of the year.”

Harvey suggests creating a new resume version for networking contacts who don’t necessarily have a job opening. “Create a one-page resume that highlights your most important skills, qualifications and career history, as well as industries or companies of interest,” says Harvey. While this type of resume isn’t as targeted as a traditional resume, it allows networking contacts to understand your career field. In addition, listing desired employers and industries may spark your contacts’ memories about a related job opportunity or networking lead.

Keep Your Network Going

Nierenberg is a strong proponent of staying in touch with and strengthening your network over time. “Find creative ways to stay on someone’s radar screen,” she advises. “Set a search engine alert — research your contacts and their interests, and stay in touch that way.”

Harvey encourages job seekers to continue communicating with their network into the new year. “If there’s been some change in your status, send an updated resume with a note about your new accomplishment,” she says.

You can also implement a method to manage contacts. “It doesn’t matter if you’re using contact-management software, a spreadsheet, a handwritten chart or an old Rolodex -– do what works for you and keeps you on track with your networking,” says Harvey.

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This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

Copyright 2007- Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit http://content.monster.com.

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Resume Writing Tip: Energize Your Resume with Powerful Words
By Kim Isaacs, CPRW, NCRW

“Once a word has been allowed to escape, it cannot be recalled.” - Horace, Roman poet (65-8 B.C.)

Have you read your resume lately? Does it seem dull and lifeless? If your own resume is putting you to sleep, it’s time to inject it with energizing words.

Here’s an example of how language on your resume can make a difference:

Before: “Responsible for handling acquisition of ABC Company, combining two different organizational structures and developing a new product catalog.”

After: “Increased revenue by $1 million annually by negotiating, closing, and orchestrating acquisition of ABC Company. Integrated new organization within three weeks, managed system conversion, and oversaw rollout of expanded product catalog.”

While the “Before” statement shows an outstanding achievement, the matter-of-fact way it is written doesn’t evoke a “Wow!” response. By leading with action words and quantifying results, the “After” example clearly shows how the manager made a direct impact on the company’s bottom line.

Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Repeating power words. Avoid using the same power words in close proximity to each other. Break open that thesaurus, and find another way to describe your efforts.

2. Starting descriptive sentences with terms that are stale or overused, such as:

Responsible for…
Duties include…
Job responsibilities include…
Job tasks…

The resume reader knows that you are describing your job duties and responsibilities. Instead, dazzle them with language that shows how you contributed to the organization’s goals or mission.

3. Using passive voice. Instead, use active voice throughout your resume — sentences are more dynamic and place you in the role of “doer.” Use a sentence pattern that places the subject, you, ahead of the achievement or responsibility. Compare these examples:

Passive voice: “Numerous quality assurance systems and processes were created and implemented, decreasing errors by 15%.”

Active voice: “Decreased error rate by 15% by creating and implementing quality assurance systems.”

Both sentences contain action-oriented words and present a strong accomplishment. The “Active” example suggests that the job seeker actually performed the accomplishment, whereas it’s unclear who achieved these results in the “Passive” example.

Does Your Resume “Wow” the Reader?

You want your resume to help you secure the best job possible in the shortest period of time. But hiring managers who are unimpressed by a resume usually do not drop you a line with suggestions or comments for the next time. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your resume and improve the document. You can’t change your history, but you can change how you describe it to the world. Make sure that your words give credit where credit is due.

Resources for Resume Power Words

Monster’s Action Phrases and Power Verbs

Boston College’s list of action words, broken down by skills

Purdue University Online Writing Lab

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Resume Writing Tips for an Internal Promotion

by Kim Isaacs

So, you’re going for the big promotion and think you have a very good shot. Or maybe you think your chances are pretty iffy. Either way, give yourself an edge by submitting a hard-hitting resume and proposal package that proves you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Follow these tips to make sure your promotion goes through:

1. Don’t get cocky! Even if you’re a model employee, there may be other candidates ready to nab the position. Also, you may know what a great job you do, but your employer may not fully realize your potential. Your boss may only see you in the role that you’re in, and not realize that you would be successful in a higher-level position. So treat the opportunity for a promotion as you would for any job opportunity that strongly interests you, and take your approach very seriously.

2. Highlight your accomplishments. Update your resume’s job description section with a bulleted list of your strongest accomplishments for your current employer. As you’re updating your accomplishments, keep in mind the position you’re applying for, and tie in accomplishments that would be important in the new position. For example, if you’re a retail sales associate seeking an assistant manager’s position, write about leadership accomplishments like training new employees, increasing sales, improving customer service, cutting costs, improving merchandising, and working overtime to complete special projects. The idea is for your employer to start envisioning you in your new position.

3. State your key skills for the new job. Include an “Expertise” or “Key Skills” section in your resume, and add skills that would be important in the new position. A brief, keyword-rich list of your related skills will help the hiring manager see that you have the skills to do the job.

4. Write a job proposal. Many employees going for internal promotions don’t bother with a cover letter if they haven’t been asked to submit one. You’re not only going to write a letter, but a powerful job proposal that is sure to put all eyes on you (in a good way). A job proposal outlines how you would contribute to the operation if you were promoted. First state your interest in the promotion, followed by a bulleted list of what you expect to accomplish if given the opportunity. This is your chance to show that you fully understand the challenges of the position and are ready to take them on. Your proposal can include list of problems/challenges you will face, your intended actions or approach, and the benefits to the employer. Provide examples of anticipated results, along with a timeline of when you expect to accomplish them.

5. Emphasize loyalty. If the position has been opened up to outside candidates, use your loyalty to the employer as one of your key selling points. As an insider, you’ve already shown that you are dedicated to the employer. You’re committed to the employer’s success, as your resume’s accomplishments indicate. Why take a chance on an outsider when you’ve already established that you’re a proven performer? This point can be reiterated in your job proposal - state your tenure with the employer (especially if it’s long-term), and keep the emphasis on your proven dedication.

After presenting a compelling resume and job proposal, you should not only be poised to land the job, but also negotiate a favorable compensation package. Good luck, and drop me a line to let me know how the application process is going.

This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

Copyright © 1995-2007 ResumePower.com, the resume writing division of Advanced Career Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Handling a Work Hiatus On Your Resume
by Kim Isaacs
Monster’s Resume Expert

Whether it’s been six months or 10 years, searching for a job after a workforce absence can be daunting. The work world somehow continued without you, and you may feel like you’ve been left behind.

The good news is that you can reenter the workforce armed with a dynamic resume and an aggressive job search plan. Whether you’ve been unemployed and looking for work, on sabbatical, raising a family, caring for an ill family member, attending school, on disability or in retirement, follow these tips to create your resume.

Before You Write Your Resume

• Assess Your Skills and Experience: Research your job target to learn what hiring managers now find desirable in ideal candidates. Write a list of your matching skills, experience, training and personal attributes. How would an employer benefit from hiring you?
• Refresh Your Skills: Your research might have shown that some of your skills need to be updated. Because you are competing with job seekers who have been on steady career tracks, do what is necessary to compete successfully. Enroll in courses, study independently and practice your skills whenever possible. This will boost your confidence and get you back in the game.
• Maintain Ties to the Working World: Besides being a great opportunity to network, immersing yourself in professional activities will give you relevant, recent experience to add to your resume. Do volunteer work, join a professional organization, attend conferences, complete freelance and consulting projects, and accept temporary assignments.

When Writing Your Resume

• Pick the Right Format: Many people returning to work assume they need a functional resume to hide the gap. But be careful about selecting this format, because hiring managers might suspect you’re trying to hide something. You might do better with a combination resume, which is a reverse-chronological resume that leads with a Qualifications Summary. The summary emphasizes your most related credentials so hiring managers readily see your qualifications. Consider a functional format only if you’ve been out of work for many years and you need to emphasize your functional skill set.
• Accentuate the Positive: Organize your resume so your key selling points are immediately evident. The top third of page one is the most important part of your resume, so include your most marketable skills and experience there. If you are concerned about your time gap, think about creative ways to obscure it. Maybe you traveled internationally and can mention your exposure to different cultures and languages. Perhaps you led or participated in a fund-raising event for a charity. Continuing education, volunteer work, professional development and independent study are all valid uses of your time while out of the workforce. Try to tie in how your experience relates to your career goal. Convince employers that you still have what it takes to contribute to organizational goals despite your workforce absence.
• Don’t Call Attention to Dates: Try not to emphasize dates when formatting your resume. Avoid surrounding dates with white space, which will draw the eye. Instead, place them in parentheses next to your job titles.
• Put Your Cover Letter to Work: Use your cover letter to explain why you temporarily stepped away from your career, emphasizing that you’re now available and excited about pursuing employment. Let your enthusiasm for reentering the workforce shine through your letter.

Remember, you will need to work harder at job searching than colleagues with recent work experience do. Keep an open mind and positive attitude. You might need to take a pay cut or accept a position at a lower level than the one you had before you left. It might be a blow to the ego, but the reality is that employers like to hire workers with a recent track record. If you accept a position at a lower level than desired, use it as an opportunity to prove yourself and you’ll soon work your way back up the ladder.

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Copyright 2007- Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit http://content.monster.com.
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This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

Comments(1)

I’ve been interviewing recruiting professionals from Hudson, a leading staffing and recruitment firm, for an article on the top resume mistakes made by job seekers. Surprise, surprise — typos lead the list of pet peeves. In fact, one error on your resume can send it directly to the circular file without even landing in resume purgatory for a possible second look.

Job seekers: It’s time to take back your power. You know you can do the job, so stop taking yourselves out of the running by making silly mistakes on your resumes. If there can be a National Squirrel Appreciation Day, then surely there can be a National Proofread Your Resume Day. I declare this day to be February 1 — by then, those pesky New Year’s resolutions will have waned and there will be more time to focus on perfecting your resumes.

Of course, you can start proofreading your resume now, which is a good idea if you’re in an active job search. Whatever you do, don’t rely on spellcheck — it doesn’t catch everything. I like Jacci Howard Bear’s About.com primer on how to proofread text and layout. If you doubt your proofreading abilities, enlist the help of a pro. Check out the following article on what can happen if you fail to proofread your resume:

Ten Classic Resume Bloopers
Know Them So You Won’t Make Them
by Kim Isaacs
Monster’s Resume Expert

If you’ve ever watched those TV blooper shows, you know how funny slip-ups, gaffes and blunders can be. But while laughter may be good for the soul, it’s certainly not the response you want your resume to produce.

Baby Boomers (or Gen-X and Gen-Y fans of Nick at Nite) will recall the often hilarious pronouncements of Archie Bunker, the patriarch of the popular 1970s sitcom “All in the Family.” With just a slight slip of the tongue, Archie’s intended meanings frequently became completely convoluted (e.g., “consecration” instead of “concentration” and “mental pause” instead of “menopause”).

If your resume contains any such Archie-like malapropisms, it’s sure to be memorable, but it won’t leave the lasting impression you’re shooting for. Proofread your resume meticulously, and share it with trusted friends and colleagues to make sure you haven’t inadvertently substituted one word for another. Keep in mind that your computer’s spellcheck function often will not catch these errors, since the problem is one of incorrect word choice rather than misspelling. To help ensure that your resume finds its way to the interview pile and not the circular file, avoid these 10 classic resume bloopers, culled from real-life resumes of job seekers from all levels, industries and career fields:

1. “Revolved customer problems and inquiries.” Just what every employer is looking for — an expert in passing the buck.
2. “Consistently tanked as top sales producer for new accounts.” Sales managers aren’t likely to be impressed with this self-proclaimed underachiever.
3. “Dramatically increased exiting account base, achieving new company record.” If customer accounts were leaving in droves as this statement implies, it’s probably fair to assume that this candidate also tanked as a top sales producer.
4. “Planned new corporate facility at $3 million over budget.” Every hiring manager is searching for employees who exceed budgets by millions of dollars.
5. “Directed $25 million anal shipping and receiving operations.” Either this person is showcasing compulsively stubborn management qualities, or he has a challenging product packaging/storage problem.
6. “Participated in the foamation of a new telecommunications company.” This job seeker was also in charge of bubble control.
7. “Promoted to district manger to oversee 37 retail storefronts.” This is a common resume typo. There must be literally thousands of mangers looking for jobs in today’s modern world. Here’s a tip: Use your word-processing program’s find/replace feature to quickly correct this common mistake. You can also modify your application’s spelling dictionary so it won’t recognize the word “manger.”
8. “Experienced supervisor, defective with both rookies and seasoned professionals.” Many of us have had a boss like this at some point in our careers, but you usually don’t find them being so up-front about their leadership inadequacies.
9. “I am seeking a salary commiserate with my training and experience.” There are a couple problems with this statement. To begin with, salary requirements don’t belong on a resume. Secondly, a salary should be “commensurate” with experience (meaning proportionate to), not “commiserate” with (meaning to express sympathy for).
10. “Seeking a party-time position with potential for advancement.” Sounds like a fun job.

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Copyright 2007- Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit http://content.monster.com.
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This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

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