Resumes & cover letter mistakes

Though the cover letter should be an exercise in attention to detail, there are far too many blunders that happen all too often in the job marketplace. The following are the top ten cover letter blunders that you should always make sure to avoid. Committing one of these all too common career crimes is the equivalent of telling the interviewer that you definitely don’t want the job.

Unattractive Layout

One of the first ways to get your resume noticed – for the wrong reasons – is to have a layout that is unattractive or inconsistent. For example, changing the spacing throughout the resume would be one way to achieve this; alternating between capital letters and boldface type to separate sections would be another way. Be sure that your resume is set up to look neat and sharp, and that you follow a consistent design scheme the whole way through.

Inappropriate Stationery

One of the great thing about having a great supply of stationery and writing paper is that it can really say something about who you are as a person. Though this is a great way to express yourself to friends and family, it doesn’t work as well with a potential employer. Save the cutesy flowers and animals for friendly correspondence; write all professional papers on a heavier stock of professional paper.

Too Fancy Fonts

Just like the elaborate stationery that can work against you in business correspondence, employing the use of too decorative fonts can also damage your reputation as a professional and business savvy job seeker. The best font to use is a Times or Arial font. Something basic, and that can be found on almost any word processing program.

Making Corrections

Perhaps it’s the fact that businesses themselves have been becoming more and more relaxed these days, but job seekers seem to take this philosophy to an extreme. Time and time again, candidates seeking employment think it’s okay to make a correction on their resume with white out or – even worse – a pen or pencil. Other candidates have opted for a quick Post-It note explaining the slip-up. If you make a mistake on your resume, go back and make the change directly to the document, and reprint it. There is no excuse for any resume to be less than perfect.

Incorrect Information

When sending out a cover letter, you should always have a specific name of the person to whom it is being sent. One common mistake – and it’s a mistake that can really bother a sensitive interviewer – is finding incorrect information on the cover letter. For example, if the cover letter send to “Chris Jones” reads “Dear Mr. Jones” when Chris is actually Christine. The same goes for incorrect information as it relates to the company name and address. The easiest way to avoid this mistake? Take a moment to give the company a call and double check the mailing address and name and spelling of the person’s name to whom you are sending the resume.

Typos

A major problem that is often encountered when an interview is reading one’s resume is a whole slew of typos. More and more, this type of error (even if the typo is one small one) is becoming enough a reason for interviewers to exclude someone from the running altogether. A quick spell check and a careful edit are two ways in which you can prevent this from happening to you.

Inappropriate Tones

In any sort of business correspondence, job seekers need to walk a distinct line between familiarity and professionalism. The tone of any cover letter should be polite without being obsequious, and professional without being too stiff. Don’t be afraid to show a little bit of your personality, just don’t show it all up front.

Comparisons and Clichés

In everyday language, it is likely that you will hear at least one overused cliché or obvious comparison come out of the mouth of someone you know. As is the nature of such phrases, they only serve to make you sound unoriginal. Avoid using clichés and obvious comparisons when writing a cover letter, as it’s likely that someone else is writing the exact same thing.

No Signature

One of the most important things employers are looking for nowadays is an employee with a great attention to detail. Sending off your cover letter without having signed it is one sure way to assure the interviewer that your attention-to-detail skills are certainly lacking.

Missing Resume

Another sign that a candidate is lacking in the attention-to-detail department: sending a cover letter without a resume. Though it seems like a ridiculous mistake to make, there are far too many people that send out a cover letter and forget to include what is really important here, their credentials.

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Job sharing principles

When employees look to cut their hours to spend more time going after an advanced degree, raising a family or running a business, thoughts may turn to the option of job sharing. While a few employers might already support job-share arrangements, for many it is an untested approach and the onus for making it work falls primarily on the employee making the request.

If you’re contemplating going after a job share, here are a few things that may help you set one up and keep it working:

1. Make a case for it to your boss.

You can’t just expect that everyone’s going to jump at the chance to start a job share. Much of it is like uncharted water to them. It’s your responsibility to make your case. Statistics about job-sharing across the nation don’t tell the story about how it will work in your particular job, either. Figure out a schedule that would make transitions between partners the smoothest. If you have good job habits and your boss has found you reliable in the past, he or she may well listen to a well thought-out argument. Remember this is a risk for them too. Make it a reasonable risk.

2. Get the support of your work group.

People who may struggle with their own jealousy or questions of favoritism are not apt to be very helpful and may even create problems where there are none. If you really want to make a job share work, talk to your cohorts in the office. Find out what their concerns might be and try to do something to address them. The last thing you want to do is burden them in your own self-interest.

3. Find a relationship that works.

This is really the most important factor once a job share is in place—finding that "better half." Of course, sometimes that’s decided for you. Your boss may pair you up with someone else looking for a similar part-time schedule. Then it's up to you to make it work by clearly spelling out expectations for when you will pass projects back and forth, how you get updates on what has happened in the days you've been out of the office, how you share workspace and more. As in any relationships, clearly spelled-out expectations can circumvent a whole host of potential problems later.

4. Stay flexible.

If you’re in a Monday-to-Friday job, you need to at least maintain a little flexibility if some unusual circumstances arise and you need to go in the office. That doesn’t mean you maintain full-time childcare, but at least have some options for relatives or friends or emergency care you could fall back on. Stand your ground unless it’s really vital, however, or you could find yourself working full-time for half-time pay.

5. Stay accessible.

I can’t say enough about what technology has done for our definition of "office work." With a computer at home, e-mail, the Internet, voice mail and pager, no one can say we're inaccessible even when away from the office. As part of your proposal to the boss, include options for how you will stay accessible on off days but set strict guidelines for when you should be called in. Don't let it be abused. For example, a last-minute request for a client file that you had last might warrant a page. A pre-meeting to plan the next work group retreat, however, should not require you to be accessible by conference call.

6. Keep up.

By keeping up, I mean keeping your skills up. A lot of times when employees cut work hours the first thing that goes is the continuing education and networking with peers. If you can’t make it to the weekly association meeting, try to make time for the newsletter or reading books on your profession on the side.

7. Keep your expectations in line.

When you choose to cut your hours, you slow your progress up the ladder. That doesn’t mean you give up trying to get ahead in your career, but without the visibility and the production that comes with working full time it will slow. Don’t expect to get the cream-of-the-crop projects. Also don’t expect that you’ll be able to keep on the "inside track" on all the office gossip and vital information. Even if people consciously try to fill you in on things that happen while you’re out, something will be missed. The good thing is, you and your job share partner can try to keep each other in the loop.

Often those who job share find themselves acting as the company guinea pig. By keeping a few basic guiding principles in mind--staying flexible and accessible, managing expectations, finding support in your work group and defining roles clearly--you could get the chance to show everyone how job sharing is a concept that works.

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Problems with difficult coworkers

Today’s workplace is full of challenges, the least of which is the variety of people with whom one comes into contact. Some of the more difficult personality types can make a place of business seem more like a jungle than an office. By recognizing these unique personalities one can navigate through the workplace and learn to graciously tolerate, if not appreciate, these characters. There are several archetypes that show up time and time again on the job. These include the schoolyard bully, the practical joker, the office flirt, the golden one and the gossip.

First and most intimidating is the bully, like the schoolyard counterpart, the office bully misuses power to get others to see things his or her way. The bully’s leverage could be his or her title, tenure, or lousy temper. Whichever the weapon, the goal is to get his or her way. The bully is not afraid to make a scene, and will throw a tantrum, yell in your face, stomp the floor or pound the desk. The special strategy to deal with the bully is to not sink to that level or shrink in fright. If you are in a meeting with such a person and their behavior escalates, keep your voice and breathing even and maintain eye contact. Excuse yourself while leaving them with a written copy of your idea, proposal or contribution to the project and say you will check back at a “later time”. This gives the bully no one to yell at; therefore the bully’s head of steam gains no momentum. The bully is looking for a reaction, take that out of the equation and they are left like a helpless child. Plan as much contact with the bully via written correspondence, preferably that which will go through a third party to avoid scathing memos addressed to you personally. If you pull his or her name in the office “Secret Santa” drawing, gift ideas could be something to help him work out some of aggression physically, which could include suction cup dart board, foam basketball set, or kick boxing lessons.

The practical joker is next on the intolerability scale. This is the co-worker who toilet papers your cubicle or sends a “fake” memo that there will be a big layoff. Look for Xerox copies of his or her butt circulating after the company Christmas party. This employee does not mind humiliating his or her self and others and can’t understand why you wouldn’t want a gorilla stripper in the boardroom on your birthday. Best strategy is to keep the joker at arms length, be neither friend nor foe, as association as the former brands you a fool and as the latter, a sour puss. Best Secret Santa gift: A loud, crazy tie or plastic vomit.

Next up is the office flirt, the man or woman who thinks each day in the office is an audition for “Love Connection”. Could be single or married (don’t let the picture of the wife and kiddies on the desk fool you). Tries to create an atmosphere of seduction with dress, words and gestures. Loves working late or one- on -one, and may suggest working out of the office setting. Motives can be as simple as loneliness or as calculated as moving up the latter without paying dues. Whichever the reason for the sexy act, do not let that person’s behavior put you in an uncomfortable position. Over the years, there has been increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, however the lines still remain gray. The bottom line is if it makes one of the parties uncomfortable, its inappropriate. Steer clear of any office fling with this person, and do not socialize with him or her outside of the office, except in a group setting. Best Secret Santa gift to choose: A plain desk calendar or day planner. Nothing personal.

The personality type that is one of the most difficult to deal with is the office “Golden Boy or Girl”. The one who gets special favors for some reason. May or not be related to someone. Not only doesn’t have to follow the rules, but does so in such an obvious way as to invite resentment and envy. This person gets double the praise for half the work and will enjoy the best perks the office has to offer while you may have to beg for paper clips. Best strategy is to not make this person a focal point or else much of your day will consist of walking around feeling short- changed, which is a waste of time and energy. Make a gratitude list and feel lucky that you are judged and have succeeded on your own merits. Secret Santa gift idea: Anything at the two for one sale and keep the better item (to assuage your pique).

The most seemingly harmless but most common character at work is the office gossip. This person has loves to “dish the dirt”. Everyone is human and it is tempting to saddle up to this person, as they seem to have the inside track to all the office news. But as in the fairy tale “The Snow Queen” the view through this characters eyes is often skewed and negative. If you find you are the subject of a rumor started or carried by this person, confront them confidently but gently in front of third party or group and tell them that they have been misinformed about something about you and you would appreciate their not spreading this story any further. The gossip only functions well behind people’s backs, bring the behavior into the light and their power disappears like a vampire out in the sunlight.

Best Secret Santa gift: A self-help book (pick any one that deals with self esteem issues)

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Resume writing tips: controlling exaggeration

The number one tool in the process of job hunting is the resume. This presents to the potential employer a brief documentation of your work history, your skills and abilities and your training. It could be said that the resume is the first impression that a potential employer gets of you, the job seeker.

At a glance, your resume tells the potential employer your possibility for being an asset to the company. Subsequently, you, the job seeker, have to sell yourself in the resume to the potential employer. Often, this entails a little exaggeration on your part as to your skills and abilities.

In almost all instances, the duties you've performed throughout your employment history will actually be a kind of index of what you're really capable of, whether you realize this or not. Here in comes the "exaggeration".

For example, say you were a childcare provider. The job description in its barest form is that you cared for the child or children in your charge. You made sure the child was fed, had a safe environment to play in, and in the case of older children, perhaps helped with homework and did some tutoring.

Now, when you stop to think about it, you actually performed other duties peripheral to your primary duty of caring for the child, such as cleaning up messes and organizing food preparation. These peripheral duties fall under the category of domestic services. So as a by-product, you have the skills necessary to clean homes on a professional basis.

So, even though you were not particularly paid to keep homes clean, should you decide to seek a job with a company that provides domestic services to customers, you actually have skills that would be usable in this endeavor. If you list these skills, though it is a stretch from your primary skill of child care, it is still a duty you can perform, hence you would put it on your resume as a viable skill.

The problem arises in the potential to "over-exaggerate".

For instance, if regular food preparation was part of your duties in your job as a child care worker, an exaggeration would be that you are a short order cook, able to prepare basic meals. An over-exaggeration would be if you put down on your resume that you are a chef (able to prepare full course, complex recipes) based entirely on your skill at preparing basic meals for the child you were caring for.

The key to controlling over-exaggeration in your resume is to be honest with yourself at what you are able to do beyond your primary skills with little or no additional training.

There is a useful tool to help you get a handle on this. It's called a Skill Tree List.

What this list does is categorize and extrapolates all of the skills you are capable of, branching off from the actually skills, your primary experiences, that you possess.

Using the child care provider example, here is what a Skill Tree List would look like:

CHILD CARE PROVIDER

Duties: Provide care and supervision for a child

DOMESTIC SERVICES

Household cleaning

Yard Cleaning (if part of your duties was maintaining a safe playing environment)

FOOD PREPARATION

Short order cook

TUTORING

Basic Math, Science, art, etc. (if you also helped the child with schoolwork).

Though each of these peripheral skills may not necessarily get you into the door of a company that outright performs these services, it may go a long way in either getting you hired at an entry level position or make you eligible for additional training the company may provide if they decide to hire you.

The thing you want to keep in mind as you prepare your resume in this manner is how capable are you in actually performing these exaggerated duties.

Another example would be if you were a word processor and possess good computer skills as well. Your Skill Tree List may look like this:

COMPUTING

Build and Repair Computers (this would apply if you actually built and maintained your own PC)

Software Installation

Software De-installation

Network setup

Database Entry

Word Processing

In closing, as you assemble your resume, think about your primary duties, skills and abilities you have listed in your work experience, then think about all the other little duties attendant to your main duties. Consider how they may be slightly exaggerated to show that you have the ability to perform these additional duties without having to "fake it".

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Job interview tips

Job interviews are often thought of as a grill ‘em in the hot seat ordeal that leaves applicants squirming and writhing. And they should be. No matter how easy-going the atmosphere, don’t fool yourself. That interviewer is always waiting for the wrong answer. The sooner she hears it she can get on with the next interview. Don’t be dismayed; she wants to hear the right answer. That’s when her job will be done.

Once past the initial screenings of cover letters and resumes, the employer knows what your assets are. That’s why you’re here. Now is the time for a more detailed look—to feel out how you might fit with the company and the position. Are you a team worker? Can you solve problems? Are you in it for the long haul? Whether these questions are asked directly or not, it can take as short as two seconds or as long as two hours will answer them.

To ensure your success there are a few things you absolutely must do and a some things that shouldn’t be done under any circumstance.

Do…

…Dress for success. Professionalism is always key and showing you know how to present yourself professionally speaks a thousand words. Even if the environment is more casual than your best Sunday dress, it doesn’t hurt to don it. Doing so says you believe you’re worth a million. This doesn’t give you the license to over do it. Gaudy, flashy, or cutting edge attire can lose jobs.

…Keep the vibe positive. When asked why you are leaving your present job, don’t start to complain about mindless job duties, chatty co-workers and your bossy boss. Instead, highlight the positive aspects—you’d like to explore new challenges, learn new skills and broaden your horizon. Honesty is obviously important and you’ll want to use that to your advantage.

Don’t…

…Be cocky. Arrogance is a huge red flag. You may think it points toward self-assurance, but that’s far from the truth. Cocky behavior is disrespectful and self-centered. It demonstrates disinterest and his rarely well received. Instead, recognize your shortcomings. You don’t have to play them up, just admit you have them.

…Say “I can’t” unless you truly can’t. An employer wants to be assured that you can handle the job. There are plenty of people out there who have the drive to discover how they “can” and that’s a lot more attractive. Physical limitations and personal convictions are the only good excuses for “can’t”. If you should choose to say it, be prepared to get passed up.

…Build yourself up to something you aren’t. Be honest with yourself. Be realistic if you aren’t qualified for the position. Fudged facts on your resume and raving reviews about your minimal technical experience might get you the job, but they won’t keep it for you. You’ll get more kudos for admitting your lack of experience than for not filling expectations.

…Don’t have stage fright. It’s definitely okay to be nervous; a new job is a big deal—especially when it’s the one that you want. But this is your time in the spotlight. Sit back and enjoy the barrage of questions. More than likely the interviewer is trying to find out how you function under pressure. Show you have what it takes to fill the position by staying confident, keeping cool and thinking your answers through.

These tips are meant to be just as flexible as your employer would want you to be. Adapt them to suit your personality and needs, and then use them to nail your next interview. Remember the interview is your opportunity to interview the job. Don’t be afraid to the ask questions that will help you to decide if this position is worthy of putting in two-weeks notice.

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Tips for successfully managing luncheon interviews

Interviewing for a new job? How exciting… until you hear those dreaded words, “luncheon interview”. Most of us face this at one time or another, and it’s one of the true tests of a candidate. Your recruiter will be looking to see how well you handle yourself in a social situation, and will be evaluating you on an entirely different set of criteria.

All of the regular interview protocol still applies, but with a few new twists – you must present yourself as not only professionally accomplished, but socially adept as well. Here are some tips for making the most of your luncheon interview:

• No smoking or drinking, even if the interviewer does. Even if you’d love a huge glass of wine, decline and order iced tea. Some firms frown on drinking at lunchtime, and smoking may be taboo. Since you won’t know if your interviewer really doesn’t care if you smoke – or drink – or not, or if this is a “test” to see if you’ll cave in to peer pressure, you’re better off skipping the alcohol and cigarettes. Don’t apologize, just decline and smile and order a soft drink instead.

• Brush up on your social skills and etiquette lessons ahead of time, if possible. Your interviewer wants to see how you handle yourself out in public. Don’t interrupt, and if you aren’t sure which fork to use (etc.) follow the lead of your interviewer. One general rule of thumb is that the silverware is arranged in the order it’s used – salad fork on the outside, meal fork on the inside, etc.

• Eat a snack before you go to your interview, but don’t tell your interviewer. It’s best not to be starving when you get into the luncheon interview, as the focus is really on you talking and paying attention to the information offered, instead of on the meal itself. No explanation is necessary for ordering light, but don’t skip your meal altogether as this is awkward for the interviewer.

• Order something light and healthy – try ordering something that reflects on the healthy lifestyle you are trying to project.

• Smart Menu selection – You should avoid finger foods, long pastas, anything incredibly hot or salty, new foods, and “messy” sauces or foods. Some interviewers will try to trip you up by taking you to a rib joint, or a spaghetti house. Almost any restaurant will offer some interview-friendly dishes instead.

• Some Good Interview choices include pastas with small shaped noodles, dishes with small chunks of meats, and some salads.

• Order what you know - If don’t recognize an item, ask your server or host (or just order something simple). Don’t try to fake your way through a menu, it’s been heard of for an interviewer to take a candidate to a restaurant with the menu in a foreign language, etc. Ask questions, if necessary, and order something simple.

• Special Diets - If you have special dietary needs, decide if you want to mention that up front or not. If so, make mention of it to your host at the time you’re scheduling the interview, then drop it. If you’re a strict vegetarian and they take you to a steak place, see if you can find an acceptable option – pasta, or soup and salad perhaps? Don’t make an issue of it, but don’t apologize either. If it comes up, be matter of fact and don’t let your host get embarrassed – remember, you are flexible and easy to work with.

• Get the Menu – If you know where you’re going, try calling ahead and ask about the menu, etc. Do this anonymously, as you never know when the restaurant may be owned by a good friend of the interviewer, etc. You don’t need to explain that you’re coming for an interview, but you can inquire as to the general menu options and any specialties they have.

• Taste before you Season – one cardinal rule of interviewing is to make sure you taste your food before you season it. There’s a story about a highly qualified senior executive who lost his job simply because he salted his soup before tasting it; the interviewer felt this indicated that he made decisions without all of the necessary information. In any case, it’s better safe than sorry on this one.

• Stress Management – luncheon interviews can be highly stressful. Just try to relax (a little) and realize that this is an interview, no more, no less, and the meal is secondary.

• Pause for Thought – Since you have food there, you can use this occasionally to pause when you need time to think about your answers. Take a small bite, chew, then answer the question – or take a small drink of your water before answering. Don’t do this for every question, though, or your interviewer may wonder about it.

• Eat neatly – As before, you should follow good etiquette – take small bites, chew completely, swallow before speaking, and lay fork down between bites.

• Be prepared – Remember, there are no cheat sheets at a luncheon interview, so you should go in knowing your job description and requirements, resume, etc. Don’t plan on relying on your paperwork, especially to refresh your memory about your own experience!

• Be professional – this is a social situation but still an interview. You should act professionally, with no off-color jokes or slang, even if interviewer is cutting up (this may be trying to see if you’ll join in). While it’s okay to relax, it’s not okay to drop your guard and act unprofessional.

• Dress Appropriately – dress nicely, with color if possible. Try to avoid white if possible (it’s a spill hazard, colored food will be far less likely to show splatters if they occur!).

• Bill Time – the Interviewer pays the bill – always. Don’t even reach for it; just thank them nicely when it’s paid.

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How to have a successful job interview

When applying for a job, especially a job you really want, it's not unusual to feel nervous and anxious. Sometimes it's this anxiety, not our qualifications, that keep us from obtaining our dream job.

Carrying out a successful interview involves two factors: one mental and the other physical. Mentally, it's important to prepare yourself for the interview without obsessing over it. Remember, it might be your dream job, but it won't be the end of the world if you don't get it. Tell yourself that the company would be lucky to get you and if they choose someone else, it will be their loss. In essence, build your self-confidence to the point where you are self-assured but not smug, and your ability to answer all questions without hesitation will certainly impress the interviewer.

Now that you are mentally ready for any question that might be thrown your way, it's time to work on your physical presentation. No matter what position you are applying for, your physical appearance at the interview will be a big factor in the final determination. It's always a good idea to wear a suit; it doesn't have to be a designer suit, but something plain and conservative. In other words, do not wear a red "Ally McBeal" suit for your interview. Make sure, too, that it is clean and pressed. This may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised. While it's not necessary to visit the beauty salon before your interview, make sure that your nails are well-manicured (no neon pink or black polish) and your hair is styled carefully and neatly.

You now look and feel ready for the interview. Now is the time to merge the two factors – mental and physical – to guarantee success. Upon initially meeting your interviewer, look him/her directly in the eyes, introduce yourself with a handshake (firm but not overbearing). Maintain eye contact at all times during the interview, and show interest in everything the interviewer talks about. Provide direct and honest answers to all questions, but only give what is asked for. Do not go into detail about how many babysitters you've been through or why you didn't get along with your co-workers at your last job. Keep your hands folded in your lap to avoid the nervous urge to play with a pen or twist your hair. Also, keep your legs cross at the ankles to avoid leg jerking, which is a sure sign of impatience and nervousness. Smile at appropriate times, but do not giggle or overdo the laughter at the interviewer's attempt at humor. This, again, will show your nervousness and lack of confidence.

If after following all of the above steps, you are not offered the job on the spot, do not panic. Stay assured and confident – remember they need you as much as you want them – and end the interview on a confident note, "I look forward to working with you" or "This sounds like an excellent company to work for, I look forward to it." Being confident, conservative and to the point will almost certainly get you your dream job.

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