Résumé Help What Not to Do: Part 2 of 2
In our last Résumé Help blog entry, we introduced this two-part series, “What Not to Do.” I suggested that we need to see and discuss the truly disastrous résumés to learn what not to do! We thought things were bad in the first half. In the second half, we see more mistakes, mostly of a careless nature. It reminds us that we must keep the reader in mind when writing our résumés. If it is not easy to read, properly organized, and inclusive of necessary information, the candidate will not be considered for the position.
Let’s revisit our friend, Henry Clark and take a look at the second half of his résumé. Here’s what not to do!
1.) Unorganized Presentation of Data
Henry’s format is not consistent. His experience section is not clearly defined with a heading or any type of distinction from other parts of the résumé. The employer names, job titles, and dates are not consistently shown. This makes it difficult for a reader to stay focused. If the reader is frustrated, your résumé will be discarded.
2.) Random Ordering of Jobs
There is no logical reason for this, but Henry has is jobs listed in a random order. He starts with 2003-04. Then he moves to 2011 - Present, and then he lumps together two jobs - one 2002 and one that is a current position. It’s so offbeat, that it makes one wonder how much effort he put to this résumé or if his buddy, Jack Daniels may have been his editor.
3.) Withholding Facts
We can possibly overlook that Henry uses a narrative style, then bullets, and then back to narrative. Sometimes, he puts a bold headline at the top of a job entry, but not for every job. However, we can’t let him off the hook for writing on the résumé that he is “able to give specific examples on all bullet points.“ What, is he too busy to take the time to jot down some accomplishments for the reader? I’ve got news for Henry. He will not have a second chance to share that information. It comes across as lazy and cavalier. A candidate should be eager and enthusiastic to list his accomplishments on a résumé.
4.) Grammar & Spelling
We said it in part one, but it is worth mentioning again. The spelling and grammar are appalling. Recruiters and employers will not tolerate this level of incompetency in writing.
For more résumé advice, please follow these links:
Four Big Reasons That You Need a Résumé Overhaul
Basic Grammar Skills Are a Must!
To see additional résumé suggestions that will help you as you create your own résumé, please click on the image below.
If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.
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