Every year, in honor of Halloween, I post a few resume horror stories. Here is this year’s crop of horror stories:
Resume Horror Story #1: Forgetting ATS
A marketing writer produced a gorgeous resume in the form of an infographic. It was clear, creative, carefully designed, and informative. Unfortunately, it failed to pass through the automated Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which rejected the resume outright. He would have been better served by having two resumes: one traditional for the ATS and the other—the infographic—that he could hand directly to interviewers.
Resume Horror Story #2: Forgetting What You Did
I interviewed a financial analyst to get more detailed information about her achievements but she could not remember a single instance when her financial acumen made a difference to the company. Despite receiving praise from people on LinkedIn and during her reviews, she insisted, “I just did my job.” She should have kept a brag book, updating it each time she achieved a goal, improved a process or procedure, and contributed data that influenced the company’s direction.
Resume Horror Story #3: Forgetting to Use Your Resume
You have sent out your resume to dozens of companies and now you are going to—what? Let it sit and rust? Your resume has more value than that: When you ask people to network for you, give them a copy of your resume so they know what to say to their contacts. When you speak to recruiters, have your resume in front of you to remind yourself of what you achieved, where, and when—and your value. When you are preparing for an interview, review your resume so that you do not flounder when asked, “What was your most important contribution at company ABC?”
Resume Horror Story #4: Forgetting to Thank People
Sending a thank you to interviewers is always a good move—but what about people who served as your references, who networked with you to find this job opportunity, or who otherwise contributed to your job search? You will probably need their help in the future as you move on in your career. A thank you goes a long way to making them willing to extend themselves again.
Resume Horror Story #5: Forgetting to Call Robin’s Resumes®
When you reach out to Robin’s Resumes®, you are making contact with an expert who has decades of experience writing resumes that impress recruiters, hiring managers, interviewers, and your network. Wake up from your own personal job hunting horror story and contact Robin’s Resumes® today