By MAX MESSMER
Scripps Howard News Service
Over the years, research by Robert Half International has consistently shown that hiring managers expect job seekers to pay careful attention to the details when it comes to their resumes. And a new survey by our company confirms that resume mistakes remain a pet peeve of employers. Three out of four (76 percent) senior executives said just one or two typos in a resume will remove someone from consideration; 40 percent said a single error is enough to rule the person out. The poll results don't bode well for the following job applicants:
"CURRENT JOB TITLE: Personl Assistnt."
A few well-placed a's would have made all the difference.
"WORK EXPERIENCE: I deliver results. I gurente it."
An empty promise.
"OBJECTIVE: Need employment APAS."
You may be typing a little too fast.
"JOB HISTORY: October -- the until date."
This last example illustrates a common error for job seekers who use resume templates. Often, they will forget to fill in the blanks or replace generic language with information relevant to their work history.
Take a break between writing and editing your resume. When you return for a final review, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes. It's also beneficial to read your resume aloud, both on screen and on paper. Merely running spell-check is not enough because the program won't catch every type of error. For instance, candidates are frequently tripped up by correctly spelled -- but misused or misplaced -- words. To wit:
"OBJECTIVE: To secure a rewording job."
You're interested in a copy editing position?
"OBJECTIVE: Seeking a long-term arraignment."
A future prosecutor, no doubt.
"EDUCATION: Hard-earned college dilemma."
The college years can be difficult.
Finally, we're assuming this retail manager meant to use the word mannequin:
"JOB DUTIES: Dress two to five maniacs in the store per week."
We hope you get paid extra for that.
For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to (650) 234-6998.
Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies"(r) and "Job Hunting For Dummies"(r), 2nd Edition. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies"(r), 2nd Edition.
