10 Ways Your Resume Irks Hiring Managers

By : Mary Lorenz

Fashion designer Coco Chanel had a personal rule: Before she left the house, the style icon always removed one piece of her ensemble to avoid the faux-pas of wearing too many accessories. Were Chanel alive today and working as a hiring manager, she would likely offer similar advice to job seekers: You don't have to include everything.

Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out resumes with more information than they need. Most employers don't have the time or patience to sift through the irrelevant details. Here are 10 things your resume could do without:

1. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
"If you are careless enough to send out this most important document with a mistake... I immediately assume you'll never care enough about the work you send out representing my company," says Jose Bandujo, president of New York-based Bandujo Advertising. He recalls one candidate who misspelled Manhattan, despite having worked in the city for a decade and another whose great educational background didn't compensate for the fact that he couldn't spell "education."

2. Opening objectives.
"These are generic... They do nothing to differentiate one candidate from another," says Donna Flagg, president of The Krysalis Group, a human resource and management consulting firm in New York.

3. Personal attributes.
Listing personal information such as height, weight and age and providing photographs is a pet peeve for Heather Mayfield, vice president of training and operations for Snelling Staffing Services. "It is amazing that we still see this on the résumés of today, but they are out there."

4. Interests and hobbies.
If these points of information don't pertain to the job in question, there's no need to include them. "Create a mystery and save these kinds of data points when you start the job," advises Roy Blitzer, author of "Hire Me, Inc.: Resumes and Cover Letters that Get Results."

5. Details of every task you've ever performed in every job you've ever had.
"It's too much information. Managers and recruiters need to know at-a-glance what makes a candidate special," Flagg says. Focus on those details that pertain to the job for which you're applying.

6. Excessive bragging.
Stating one's accomplishments can be helpful, but when it's overdone, the candidate can come across as narcissistic, a huge turnoff for employers, Flagg says.

7. Outdated information.
Leave off the activities that you did in high school if graduation was a few years ago and omit jobs you held 10 or more years ago, as the information is probably irrelevant to the position you're trying for now.

8. False information.
"Putting [that you have] a B.S. on a resume when you do not have one is 'BS,'" jokes Stephen Viscusi, author of "On the Job: How to Make it in the Real World of Work." Not only is lying on a resume unfair and dishonest, it's also not very intelligent. "Companies verify dates of employment -- often after you start. If you have lied, they fire you...Nobody wants to hire a liar. Nobody."

9. Unexplained gaps in work history.
While job seekers should account for these gaps, they should be careful with their wording. "One of the weirdest things that I ever saw on a resume... was a candidate who explained a 10-year lapse in work experience as being in jail during those years for killing her husband," recalls Linda Goodspeed, marketing recruiting manager at VistaPrint. In such a situation, she says, the best thing to write would be "left work for personal reasons," and the candidate would be able to explain the criminal record later.

10. A lack of professionalism.
Colored paper, cutesy fonts, links to personal websites and childish e-mail addresses all scream unprofessional and are a turn off to hiring managers. One otherwise qualified applicant didn't get an interview at Bandujo's firm solely because of the name in her email address: "weird2themax." "I recognize the advertising industry is full of talented, interesting 'characters'," Bandujo says, "but did I really want one who thought she was weird to the max?" No, he decided, he did not.

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Five Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make and you Should Avoid

One thing that all entrepreneurs have in common is that they all make mistakes. Unfortunately, time and again we see the same mistakes repeated by many entrepreneurs.
Mistakes.


Entrepreneurs Make #1 – Unclear Goals

Not having clear goals and a clear mission is like trying to drive through a foreign city without a map. he easiest way to avoid making this mistake is to write down your goals and strategies. Too often people can be thrown off course by innocently misinterpreting the goals and strategies. To assume that everyone involved with the business has a clear understanding of its mission can cause many more errors down the road.

In addition to writing down the goals of the business, be sure to write down measurements for success! Set your goals with timelines or milestones in mind and keep focused on meeting those objectives.


Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make #2 – Trying to prove you are Smart

The quickest way to make enemies is to try and prove you are the smartest one out of all the people you work with. Trying to prove you are smart is self-serving and has everything to do with ego; you will end up looking foolish for not listening to the advice of others in business.

No one has all the answers. Where you become smarter is when you realize that there are many other talented people who you can learn from. If you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by such a group of people, learn to be gracious and acknowledge and give credit to them for helping you along the path of building your business successfully.


Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make #3 – Greed

This may sound like a silly question but: are you in business to simply make money? Or, have you become an entrepreneur in order to march to the beat of your own drummer?

Becoming a successful entrepreneur involves the creative efforts on not only your part, but also on the part of others who contribute time and money toward your business. They want to succeed with you and are more likely to stay with you as long as they are valued---by you.

This means that you cannot keep the whole pie to yourself. Just because you might feel that you work harder than others do, does not mean that you are entitled to all the business equity. Think of it this way: with the help of others' contributions of time and money, what might the value of your slice of the pie be worth down the road?


Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make #4 – Hiring the Wrong People

Your business is not being set up as a social gathering and filled with all the people whom you like. Your business needs to be comprised of knowledgeable and talented people who are good at what they do.

Successful entrepreneurs concentrate on hiring the people they need---not just people they like.

Part of writing your goals and strategies includes creating job positions for people to fill. Without a clear-cut job description and list of duties for those areas, how would you know the best people to hire?


Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make #5 – Not Knowing when to Let Go

Many business owners refer to their venture as their “baby” and, in many ways, building a business is just like rearing a child.

As an entrepreneur, you are starting with a seedling of life that you will nourish and grow and the “child” begins to mature. Over time, other people contribute their time, skills, and money into the business and, as the business grows, the relationships change.

Be prepared to hand over responsibilities to others so that you do not suffer from “burn out.”


Important Points to Remember to Avoid Making the 5 Biggest Mistakes:

Coffee Cup Nespaper and cell phone

• * Develop and write down goals, strategies, and measures for success.
• * Give credit to others who are smarter than you.
• * Be fair with sharing the equity in the business.
• * Hire the people you need---not just the people you like.
• * Learn to give responsibility to others at the right time.

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The Lazy Worker's Way to Success: 6 Tips

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder writer

On a recent flight I sat next to a businessman who told me that, even at their young age, his children were exhibiting very different personalities. He saw signs of his wife's overachieving tendencies in their son. In his daughter, he saw himself. In the first grade she was getting lectured for not applying herself enough. She, too, was a slacker.

He was frustrated by her slacking ways, but he also sympathized because she showed traits of his business mindset.

"She does her own little cost-benefit analysis," he said. "She realizes that she can do just enough to get by and use the rest of that time for playing and having fun."

I had never thought of slacking off in those terms, but he was right. I've known my share of slackers, and most of them are intelligent people who could easily upstage everyone else's efforts if they applied themselves a bit more. They knew that. Yet, while everyone was in panic mode trying to get ahead, the slackers knew how to fulfill their obligations, get decent marks and enjoy a relatively stress-free existence.

I'm not saying we should all strive to be slackers. The balance between laid-back and high-strung workers is probably beneficial to everyone. But in a culture where we're constantly being told to be better than everyone at everything, slacking off can be the right way to go for your health and your career.

Manic workplace
Once upon a time, work was a busy place. You showed up, worked hard, stayed late during your busiest periods and then went home. Today, many people don't escape work. Before they even arrive at the office, they've already sent a dozen e-mails from their phones and held teleconferences with people all over the country. Once you're actually at work, things are even crazier.

The workplace is different today than it was 10, 20 and 30 years ago, but you should be able to pull back in some areas. You don't need to overextend yourself to the point that you never relax.

Here are some ways you can be a "slacker" at work and benefit from it:

E-mail can wait. No, really, it can. You don't have to answer an e-mail the moment it pops up on your screen. Unless you're waiting for that one message that could make or break your career, you should designate time to check e-mails so that you don't get distracted while doing other tasks. You can even disable the new message icon and noise alert to help with this.

Saying 'no' won't get you fired. If the boss or someone comes to you with a task that's part of your core job duties, by all means accept it. If you're drowning in work, however, telling co-workers that you just can't get to their request right now won't necessarily hurt you. Tactfully explain that you'd like to help them but you've got too much on your plate shows you care about the quality and promptness of your work.

Don't multitask. The ability to simultaneously talk on the phone, send an e-mail and heat up the meatballs for the monthly potluck is an admirable quality but not necessarily the most beneficial. Multitasking has become the de facto approach to daily operations in many workplaces. The problem is that we often end up doing a little of everything and never making much progress on any one task.

Give yourself a break. Literally, just get away from work for five minutes. Take a walk around the floor or step outside for some fresh air. Without Saturday and Sunday off, you'd probably go a little stir-crazy. Think of brief breaks throughout the day as small-scale versions of weekends. You'll return with a clear head and produce better-quality work.

Don't eat lunch at your desk. Eating at your desk can be an occasional necessity, either because you're close to a deadline or you're in a productive zone that you don't want to interrupt. Having your lunch in front of a computer every day, however, doesn't give your eyes or your mind time to relax. You might feel like a slacker if you're the only one taking your sandwich outside for 30 minutes, but your mental health is worth it.

Schedule some "me" time. Go into your calendar and block off a period of time for whatever work you need to do without interruption. Treat that time as if it were an important appointment with your boss and consider it non-negotiable. If someone tries to schedule a meeting with you, tell him or her that you're busy but can try for another time. If possible, book a conference room so you won't be interrupted by a chatty co-worker or a phone call.

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5 Tips for Job Hunting in the Twittersphere

Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing

Gaining a great deal of support from career industry professionals, recruiters and human resource specialists worldwide, Twitter is revolutionizing how people hunt for jobs in today's economy.

How? Susan Britton Whitcomb, co-author of "The Twitter Job Search Guide," explains: "In the past, you had to go through a maze of gatekeepers to get to the cloistered person in charge of hiring decisions. Now you can have access to them with the click of a Follow button. The ability to level the playing field -- placing you nearly peer-to-peer with influencers, leaders and hiring authorities -- is extremely powerful."

And that's not all. "Using Twitter you can find insight, encouragement, connections, job leads and company insider information in bite-sized messages of 140 characters or less," co-author Chandlee Bryan adds. "You can also get advice from some of the world's most respected career experts on everything from starting your search to negotiating salary. It's like fishing for trout at a pond that's been stocked in advance."

Whether you're job hunting via Twitter now or plan to in the future, there are some key guidelines to keep in mind. Whitcomb, Bryan and co-author Deb Dib offer the following advice for writing high-impact tweets and succeeding in the Twittersphere:

1. "Active participation is essential," Bryan says. "If you build a community, help will come. Job seekers who get the most out of Twitter use it to expand their networks and achieve a sense of community. They not only ask for help, but also engage with others."

2. "Be upfront about interests and career objectives," Whitcomb stresses. "We talked to several job seekers who searched for new positions after being laid off. While their individual approaches varied in terms of when and how they chose to advertise their availability, a common theme emerged: Successful job seekers were specific about what they wanted. They let others know their skills, strengths and preferred job function."

3. "Acknowledge that the job search is a relationship-building process -- not an 'I-need-a-job' transaction," Dib says. "The job search is like dating; it takes time to build a relationship. If you ask for a long-term commitment the first time you meet someone, chances are good that you will be disappointed. And so it is with Twitter -- building a strong network that can generate job leads takes time. You may find job listings overnight, but it takes time to grow connections with hiring managers and influencers."

4. "Be transparent in expressing appreciation and progress," Bryan advises. "While some job searches require confidentiality, many of the job seekers we spoke with used a very transparent approach. This included posting regular updates on the status of their job search, as well as shout-outs to individuals who had helped them."

5. "Be clear about your brand," Dib says. "Successful job seekers have a distinct brand that helps their networking contacts and prospective employers get a quick picture of who they are, how they work and how their talents would bring value to the table."

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Leave This Info Out of the Interview

By : Rachel Zupek

Everyone knows someone privy to sharing too much information – the TMI, if you will. TMIs have no boundaries and no shame. They will tell you any and every piece of personal information, whether it's filling you in on her latest try at the fertility doctor or the dream he had about your boss last night.


Sharing too much information with your co-workers is an office no-no; sharing too much personal information during the interview is an entirely different ballgame.


"The No. 1 risk of offering up too much information is losing out on the second interview," says Linda Lopeke, a career advancement expert and creator of SmartStart Virtual Mentoring Programs. If you say something that inadvertently touched the interviewer's hot buttons, you've automatically characterized yourself as a bad fit, Lopeke says.


"You always want to leave them wanting just a little bit more of you," she says. "Employers are looking to hire people who generate goodwill for the company and who make a good first impression on those they meet."


Need help deciding what information crosses the line and what doesn't? Here's a list of what personal information Lopeke says is safe, borderline and absolutely forbidden in your interview.


Green light: Go ahead with the following personal info.


- Goals. It's OK to talk about what you want in your next assignment and what inspired you to apply for the position. "This is the 'what you want, why now, why them' conversation," Lopeke says.


- Growth. You can and should talk about the things you've done up to this point to invest in yourself and your professional development.


- Highlights. "Relate the highlights of your greatest professional achievements to date without exaggerating or pontificating," she says.


- Motivations. Talk about what motivates you, excites you, what brought you to that particular industry and what attracted you to that specific employment opportunity.


Yellow light: Discuss with caution.


- Vacations. If you can chat about a past vacation in relation to the company, it might be OK for your interview.


"For example, if you know the prospective employer is a big supporter of Habitat for Humanity and you vacationed in the same spot where a new housing initiative was just built, it could work for you," Lopeke says.


But, if you're bragging about the six month trip around the world you took during your unemployment, you should probably refrain.


- Allergies. "If the interviewer is suffering from allergies and you do too, it could be a bonding moment," Lopeke says. But, "if you use the moment to declare you're allergic to stupid people, you'll get tagged as arrogant."


- Pets. Talking about your furry friends at home can work for or against you. Dogs and cats shouldn't get you into too much trouble, but exotic or high-maintenance companions can be perceived as an issue.


- All skills. It's not necessary to possess every quality the employer has put on its wish list. If you mention only a couple of skills, it shows you have both initiative and growth potential.


"It also lets the interviewer feel there is something the company can offer you as well. Reciprocal relationships are the most satisfying," Lopeke says.


Red light: Do not delve into these personal topics during your interview.


- Lifestyle choices, politics, religion or family plans. "Controversial topics may make for stimulating conversation but an attractive employee does not stimulate water-cooler frenzy among the masses," Lopeke advises.


- Endless name dropping. You can establish that you know some of the same people as the interviewer to build rapport, but don't think you're upping the ante by upping the volume.


"While you may know certain people who work for the company already, you don't always know how they are perceived by their employer," Lopeke says. "If they're on the hit list for any reason, you could be painted with that 'birds of a feather' brush instead of being evaluated on your own merit."


- Health history. Stay away from your health history mental and otherwise. "You're supposed to be positioning yourself as dependable and reliable; not as a candidate likely to spike the bell curve on benefit-related expenses," Lopeke says.


- House problems, nanny drama or rehab trips. Employers don't want to know much about your life except as it relates to what you've done professionally and what you're likely able to do for them.


- Bosses from hell. Simply put, no prospective boss wants to hear a litany of "boss from hell" stories. They'll hate you for it.

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Handling Difficult Interview Questions

By : Careerbuilder.com

Wouldn't it be great if, before job interviews, hiring managers gave you the questions they planned to ask? You would know what to expect and could prepare your answers beforehand. The reality, however, is that employers want unrehearsed, candid responses from interviewees, so you're likely to be presented with challenging questions. But that doesn't mean you still can't prepare yourself in advance.

To make the right impression, you need to maintain perspective. Tough questions aren't asked to make applicants miserable. Companies just want to make sure you can thrive under stressful conditions -- which are common in today's busy administrative environments -- and that you don't have any issues that might prevent you from succeeding on the job. Here are some examples of tough questions and ways to answer them appropriately:

Why should I hire you?

This is your opportunity to explain how your skills match the company's requirements. Consider something such as, "Your job posting mentioned that you need an administrative assistant who not only has solid software skills, but who also is able to work well as part of a team. I possess strong technical abilities and received an award at my previous employer for being a team player. I also share your firm's commitment to innovation and like to continue learning new technologies so I can bring creative approaches to my work."

What are your salary expectations?

Ask what the salary range is for the position, but be ready in case you aren't given the information you need. Read salary surveys, government data and association reports in advance so you have an idea of what comparable jobs pay right now. That way, you can give a response that's in line with current standards.

Tell me about your worst boss.

How you talk about previous managers can go a long way toward defining you as a job candidate. You can jeopardize your chances if you seem overly angry or critical. You do need to discuss a negative point, but balance it out by highlighting something you learned from the relationship. For instance, you might mention that your supervisor was constantly behind closed doors and difficult to reach, but that you found it valuable to have mentors in the organization who could guide you when you couldn't get advice from your boss. You could even add that the experience strengthened your ability to work independently.

What are your weaknesses?

Be honest and brief, concentrating on a minor shortcoming that doesn't have a profound affect on job performance. For example, you might note that your penmanship is difficult to read, so you've learned to type out notes to people instead.

Most importantly, as you interview, take a deep breath and listen carefully. If a question is unclear, don't be afraid to ask for clarification, and if it's very complex, it's okay to pause before giving a thoughtful response. You'll help to give the best possible answers during challenging points in the interview.

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Top Ten Tips for a Successful Social Work Job Interview

Copyright: Elizabeth R. Rose, MSW

There are quick and easy ways to prepare for a social work job interview and to interview well. When you are applying for a social work position, you will be judged on your background, experience, fit for the position and interpersonal skills. Here are some tips that will lead you to being one of the top candidates:

Research – Research the agency, it’s mission, and clients served before going to the interview.

Dress – Dress a bit more conservatively than you would usually and try to blend in with the culture of the agency (you might visit before your interview to get a feel for the culture and review the agency website).

Prepare – Jot down a few key things you wish to communicate in the interview.  Maximize your strengths and motivation for the job. Keep these things concise.

Resumes – Bring copies of your resumes and references.

Arrival – Arrive a bit early for your interview.

Center – Center yourself before you walk into the office. This might entail a walk around the block or a visit to the restroom to freshen up.

Focus – When you are introduced to the interviewing manager, focus soley on what is being discussed. Maintain good eye contact.

Answer Questions – Answer questions as well as you can and offer to provide follow-up information if there are questions you cannot answer.

Ask – Ask appropriate questions for the stage of the interview. Show interest in the agency and the clients. A screening interview may not be the best time to ask about salary.

Appreciation – Express appreciation for the interviewer’s time and follow up with a thank you e-mail or note.

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