Keep resume and cover letter relevant

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The word "relevant" means "closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand," according to The New Oxford American Dictionary. Keep this definition in mind when writing and editing your resume and cover letter. Far too often, job seekers wander off track and include information that has little or nothing to do with the position for which they are applying. Consider these extraneous and overly personal statements from two finance candidates:COVER LETTER: "Raised by a father who was a member of a military special operations group, I'm a man who doesn't intimidate easily."Consider us warned.COVER LETTER: "I believe that my skills, experience and love of gambling make me an excellent candidate."Sorry, we don't have a slot for you.Moreover, only mention pastimes if they relate to your profession. For instance, this marketing candidate effectively connects his outside interests to his career by highlighting transferable skills:COVER LETTER: "In addition to my master's degree in English and five years of professional marketing experience, I also offer leadership and organization skills. As an avid photographer and community activist, I launched and oversee a children's photography course at a local after-school program."These next applicants, however, should have hit the delete button:"HOBBIES: Michael Bolton."That's a first."HOBBIES: Moose watching in Maine."We'll know where to find you on the weekends.And last but not least, always proofread your resume for typos -- of all types. Numbers, not words, tripped up these applicants:"EXPERIENCE: More than seven (8) years of general experience, of which more than four (5) years is in analyzing, designing and testing client/server applications."That statement does not compute."JOB HISTORY: Employed from 1000 to 2003."Now that's a lot of experience!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