ShareThisThink twice before using odd resume-submission tactics to catch a hiring manager's eye. Robert Half International recently polled executives, asking them to describe the most unusual strategies job seekers have used to try to land a desired position. Survey respondents noted that would-be employees have sent resumes affixed to bowling pins ("I'll bowl you over"), egg cartons ("I deliver fresh ideas daily") and even a hamburger bun ("My brains are on a roll").Straying from convention when writing (or sending) your resume can backfire if your attempts at humor fall flat. The following applicants should have cut out the cuteness and cut to the chase:"INTERESTS: Interacting intelligently with other humanoids."A real people person.COVER LETTER: "In my next life, I will be a professional backup dancer or a rabbi."And in this life?"AWARDS: My last client called me a god, so that was award enough."The highest of praise.RESUME: "I'm a Jill-of-practically-all-trades."Jack's chief competitor.Also, always tell hiring managers what you can do for them instead of making job-related demands. Consider the difference between the following real-life cover letters from recent college graduates. Which candidate would you hire?COVER LETTER: "In addition to my enthusiasm, I am confident that my internships with two global corporations and education from a highly regarded university have given me valuable knowledge I can bring to your firm."COVER LETTER: "I am desperate to get out of Dodge. Help! Hire me. I'm stuck in the middle of the boonies, and I can't get out."Is this a cover letter or an SOS?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 Inc., 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 Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies" and "Job Hunting For Dummies," 2nd Edition. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition.)????????2
Cut the cuteness when applying for a job
Submitted by SHNS on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 13:52
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
