ShareThis"STRENGTHS: I can do anything hwatsoever."
Except proofread, apparently.
The typo above is just one of the many resume mistakes I've come across recently. In today's overcrowded employment market, job seekers should be even more diligent in reviewing their application materials, but many people continue to skip this important step. In fact, this was a banner year for spelling errors and grammatical blunders. Here are some of the most amusing resume goofs of 2009:
"EDUCATION: Graduation was one of the happiest days of my loaf."
He must consider his diploma the best thing since sliced bread.
"JOB DUTIES: Dress two to five maniacs in the store per week."
We hope you get paid extra for that.
"RESPONSIBILITIES: Death with difficult customers."
Whatever happened to, "The customer is always right"?
"OBJECTIVE: I'm looking to work at least 320 hours a week."
Would you settle for 40?
"SALARY REQUIREMENTS: Your salary offer should be communicating with my experience."
By phone or e-mail?
In addition, many applicants erred by using their cover letters to share irrelevant personal information, make complaints or simply highlight why they shouldn't be hired. To wit:
COVER LETTER: "I can be reckless and irresponsible because I will jump at something new before I weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Tolerance is required with me."
We'll try our best.
COVER LETTER: "Life isn't fair. I should get paid for looking for a job."
Wouldn't that be nice.
COVER LETTER: "My voice cracked for six years. After years of being called High-Pitched, Crackety-Cracks and Big Poppa Squeaks, my skin is layers thick, and my spirit is rarely dampened."
Now you're talking!
Finally, this last candidate gets the award for making the most misguided statement of 2009:
COVER LETTER: "Im sorry for my poor grammar, wait no im not, no one cares."
We do!
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.
??
??
??
??
RESUMANIA
