ShareThisBy MAX MESSMER
"QUALIFICATIONS: I'm a multitasked individual."
In this day and age, aren't we all?
There are certain terms and buzzwords that seem to be included in nearly every resume or cover letter. Take the word "multitask," for instance. I recently read a cover letter in which "multitask" appeared six times. There's no doubt it is beneficial to highlight your ability to juggle multiple projects at once, especially if the job requires it. Just don't overdo it. And be sure to use the word correctly, unlike the following job seeker:
"JOB DUTIES: I multitask phone calls."
We're not sure if that's good or bad.
COVER LETTER: "I have experience in customer service and multitasking while wearing many hats."
Do you prefer baseball caps or fedoras?
Is it just me, or does the next candidate's use of the word "multitask" feel a bit tacked on?
"PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: I'm bilingual and I pay attention to details. Multitask."
In addition to not forcing current buzzwords into your cover letter and resume, proofread your documents carefully for errors your computer's spell-check won't catch, such as correctly spelled words that are used incorrectly. For example, one candidate wrote that his reference list was available "up on" request. The following applicants made similar errors:
"JOB DUTIES: Manage Bank Deposits and Pay Roll."
Who's Roll? And how much does he make?
COVER LETTER: "In my role as a fast-food restaurant manager, I train news crews."
He also handles any "press"-ing issues that arise.
"JOB DUTIES: Assisted students with homework and other after-school responsabilities."
Hopefully, spelling isn't one of them.
Finally, this applicant failed to "see" her major error.
"JOB DUTIES: Oversea payroll and bookkeeping."
A professional with "abroad" set of responsibilities.
(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of 'Managing Your Career For Dummies' and 'Job Hunting For Dummies.' For more Resumania, please visit www.resumania.com.)
1
