Reasons to reject a resume

Reasons to reject a resume

A rejected resume can be frustrating. Doubts about yourself surface. The ego takes a hit. In addition, a reason is rarely given for the rejection. Without that, how can you possibly improve yours and give yourself a better shot at landing a job?

This initial 20 to 30 second review is where most resumes are either accepted or rejected. The employer is seeking a short, snappy resume that can be analyzed later.

Hiring managers have left hints, bread crumbs you can follow to help write a better resume and find that ideal job. Read Resume Writing for tips. By deciphering and understanding the major reasons why some resumes falls flat, a clearer picture comes into focus that can aide job seekers with writing outstanding resumes.

The reasons for a rejection are many and varied. Some are large, while others are small.

For example, giving a hiring manager a resume written in all capital letters is a big turnoff. Handing it over on pink, purple or green paper is a sure way to see a rejected resume. The use of standard business-quality white paper is a first step to getting yours read.

Remember, too, that a professionalism is not the equivalent of sending tweets to your friend. Capitalize the word “I” when speaking of yourself. This rule is unequivocal. Never break it.

Watch out for typos. If your desired salary is $55,000, don’t let an extra five sneak in. Asking for a $555,000 salary is a heart-stopper for most hiring managers.

Here’s a list of the main rejected resume reasons:

1. The resume is too long.

2. The grammar and spelling is poor.

3. The cover letter is deficient.

4. Failing to toot your horn.

Hiring managers may find lengthy resumes wearing on their nerves. These people are under pressure. They want relevant information about you, and they want it fast. Remember, yours may be one of hundreds stacked on the desk. The job that needs to be filled may be critical to the company, and a candidate must be found immediately. This is where the properly short and succinct resume will win out over other resumes.

A hiring manager will wade through the stack and cull the resumes. On one stack will go all the rejects. The resumes that will earn a more measured consideration go to another stack. That’s where you want yours to land.

Personnel managers estimate that each one gets a quick 20 to 30 second review. That quick look will determine whether yours gets tossed on the reject stack or is set aside for a second look.

This initial 20 to 30 second review is where most resumes are either accepted or rejected. That means you better make good use of your prospective employer’s time. The employer is seeking a short, snappy resume that can be analyzed later. So keep yours to two pages.

Lengthy paragraphs makes information tough to find. Keep the paragraphs short to avoid a rejected resume. Arrange it in an orderly fashion.

Next, sloppy spelling and poor grammar kills. This is a reason for a rejected resume that everyone understands. If your spelling is sloppy and your grammar is poor, an employer will surmise, unfairly or not, that your work may be sloppy and poor.

Learn how to use the comma. Be aware that “its” and “it’s” are two different words. Don’t misspell the name of the company. Don’t misspell your name. If you need to, pay a teacher’s aide to proofread finished copy.

A poor cover letter in your application can result in a rejected resume. This cover letter is the employer’s first impression of you. A good cover letter can be used to explain gaps in your employment history, such as relating that you attended school for a year to enhance your job skills.

Avoid boring clichés like self-starter and team player. Bake some meat into that cover letter.

Each cover letter should be unique to the company you’re applying to. It must be enticing, short and give some piece of information that’s valuable to the employer in making a decision about you. Researching the company may help you know what they are looking for in a new employee.

Toot your horn. Failing to explain contributions you made to previous employers is another reason for a rejection. Employers are looking for employees who can positively contribute to their company.

If you developed a process that saved your previous employer money, highlight that in your resume.

You’re not bragging. You’re showing a prospective employer your high value. That’s exactly what an employer is looking for in you and your resume – value. Tooting your horn is the correct strategy to avoid a rejected resume.

Job change interview Questions

Job change interview Questions

Changing job can be an exciting and stressful experience. A career change can provide you with the opportunity to pursue a passion or to achieve new professional and personal goals. The most difficult part about changing careers is finding an employer willing to give you a chance. A job interview is your opportunity – and probably your only opportunity – to address concerns about your lack of experience and to demonstrate that you would add value to an organization. As a career changer, there are several questions about the interview and what to expect – and with little preparation, you can ace them all.

You can reasonably expect a potential employer to ask why you are interested in a career change. Employers do not ask this question just because they are curious – usually, they are trying to determine whether you are switching careers because you performed your old job poorly, had strained relationships with coworkers, or faced a variety of other issues that could affect your new career. Plus, employers want to understand whether you are serious about pursuing a new line of work.

The best strategy is to be honest. There are many perfectly legitimate reasons why people change careers. Perhaps you received more education – such as a certificate or degree – and are now qualified to pursue a new field. Your old career may have offered limited opportunities for professional growth. Maybe you have always had a passion for this new career, but were afraid to take the plunge. An employer is looking for sincerity and truthfulness when you answer this question.

You should also expect employers to ask about your lack of experience in this new field. Remember that just because you are pursuing a career change does not mean that you have no experience. Think about some skills you developed at your old job that would translate well to this new career. Certain skills like project leadership and time management are useful in many lines of work. You should acknowledge that you will have much to learn in your new career, but that you have a strong professional work ethic that will serve you well.

Most employers will ask you why you think you can be successful in your new career. With this question, employers are trying to discern whether you know anything at all about the new career you are pursuing. Employers will not believe that you are serious about a career change if you are unable to demonstrate at least a basic understanding of the work required in the new career. Before the interview, talk to friends or acquaintances who may hold jobs in the new field you are pursuing. If you do not know anyone who works in your chosen field, conduct some Internet research and participate in industry chat boards where other professionals may be happy to share their knowledge. Go to your interview prepared to discuss the new career as you understand it, and to provide some specific examples of how your skills will allow you to succeed. Researching the company will give you much needed information for the interview.

Finally, expect employers to ask how you deal with adversity. A career change can be frustrating, and you will wonder at times whether you have made the right decision. Employers want to know that you will not quit, act unprofessionally or become unmotivated during times of stress. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of times you faced and overcame challenges at your previous jobs. If you there were times when you helped other employees overcome adversity, make sure you share those stories as well. Most employers are looking for employees who have leadership skills and are committed to their coworkers’ success.

Remember that an interview should be a discussion and not just a question-and-answer session. If you are considering a career change, you likely have many questions about the new field you are entering and about the employer who may hire you. Come prepared with a list of your own interview questions to ask. Ask the employer what he or she expects from new hires, what kind of training or mentoring services may be available, and whether there are professional growth opportunities. Ask about any mandatory job skills that are required for the position. Get all the information you need in order to make an informed decision about whether you can achieve your professional goals with this employer.

Getting job techniques tips

Getting job techniques tips

In today’s job market, searching for a job can be frustrating and disheartening. With many job seekers experiencing lengthy periods of unemployment, it can be easy to become discouraged and give up hope of obtaining an interview, much less being hired. However, making use of a variety of job search techniques can tremendously improve the odds of getting call backs.

1. Direct Contact
When searching for a job, it is crucial to remember that not all positions are advertised. Companies may limit publicity surrounding an opening for a variety of reasons. Some companies may want to avoid an overwhelming response, while others simply may not have access to funding to advertise the position.

Begin this job search technique by compiling a list of local companies and organizations with which employment is desired. Once the list has been composed, begin making cold calls. When the receptionist asks how to direct your call, request human resources or the manager of the specific department sought.

There is a good probability that your call will be forwarded to the proper person. Still, many of the appropriate contacts within companies may not take unsolicited phone calls. Therefore, this job search technique requires thick skin and an aloof perspective of rejection. However, as with most worthwhile opportunities, contacting companies directly may have a great payoff. Searching for a job in this manner offers less competition for the position, since few, if any, applicants are aware of its availability.

2. Social Networking
Sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter may seem like a mere way to pass time and identify with family and friends. Yet more and more companies are utilizing these networks as a means of reaching customers and potential employees. Additionally, ecademy and LinkedIn cater specifically to employment related subject matter, with features including resume posts, job searches and even groups associated with specific industries and companies, these social network sites are a must for anyone seeking employment. To find a job by networking as a job search technique is one of the most widely regarded methods in today’s job market.

3. Online Job Sites
With the advent of the internet, online job sites like Monster, CareerBuilder and SnagaJob.com have become a mainstream staple in the world of job hunting. These sites and the tools subsequently offered by them, allow users to take advantage of countless benefits, including visibility to potential employers, resume help services and articles on everything from interview questions etiquette to what items to eliminate from your resume or cover letter.

4. Employment Agencies and Temp Services
Once considered the gold standard for job seekers, these services are still considered to be a valuable asset. Many companies still prefer the personal attention they receive from employment agencies versus online job posting sites. Additionally, since the screening process through an employment agency is more thorough, an applicant who uses these types of organizations as one of his job search techniques may be regarded as a higher quality, lower risk candidate.

5. Newspaper Classifieds
Though one of the oldest job search techniques, the newspaper classifieds are, even now a significant source of employment prospects. Classified ads are generally updated on Sundays to reach an optimal number of readers. Thus it is the best day to review the newspaper classifieds.

6. Government Agencies
With unemployment at its highest percentage in decades, many state and local governments have begun to offer provisions for job seekers. These offerings include free or low cost education, free access to technology such as computers and fax machines and volunteers to assist with everything from email setup to resume and cover letter writing. To obtain a complete list of resources available in your area, contact a Career One Stop near you.

7. Internships and Volunteer Work
While the primary goal of a job search is to gain a paycheck, applying for an internship or volunteer position may be a great way to launch a lucrative career path. These types of positions, while unpaid, offer experience and knowledge that can give you a considerable advantage over other candidates. Not to mention that job offers are often extended as a result of impressive efforts.

8. Friends and Family
No, this is not a reference to nepotism. However, many times friends or family members may be aware of a position that is currently open or expected to be available soon. Casually mentioning to them that you are searching may spark the memory that they know where you can look next.

9. Prior Associates
Most job seekers would not consider contacting former colleagues or clients on of their job search techniques. Yet, in many fields, networking is an essential part of daily operations. Accordingly, some associates often become good allies. Perhaps a former client or coworker has knowledge about jobs with an emerging or competing company. It never hurts to ask.

10. Digital Resume
Of course a CV or resume is a critical component to every job seeker’s repertoire. Still in today’s complex world, the supplement of a digital resume can help demonstrate your ability to skillfully employ technology in everyday life. Stating technical proficiency on an application or resume is a common practice for most job seekers, but few are able to exhibit this prior to being hired. Having a personal web address devoted to your resume writing can give you a major edge over your competition.

Current or Previous Job Interview Questions

Current or Previous Job Interview Questions
1. How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for?
2. What are the differences?
3. What do you think of the last company you worked for?
4. Why did you join your previous company?
5. Did they live up to your expectations?
6. Why are you leaving now?
7. Explain the organizational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it?
8. What did you think of your manager/supervisor?
9. How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, coworkers and subordinates?
10. What did you do on a day to day basis?
11. Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
12. Have you reduced costs at your last company?
13. Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
14. What problems did you encounter in your last job?
15. What annoyed you about your last job?
16. What did you earn in your last job?