Monthly Archives: February 2008

Five Things No Résumé Should Ever Say

It’s hard to know exactly what to say in a résumé, much less how to say it. A great résumé will highlight your experience, skills, qualifications, education or training, and community involvement. A well-written resume will also leave out certain details that are either best left for the interview or best left unaddressed altogether. Check out this list of things to avoid on your résumé.

1. “I”
Along with “me,” “my,” and “mine,” this word is off limits in résumé writing. The document has your name on it, so recruiters will know who it’s referring to. Putting too much of this self-focused language in your résumé will make you sound inexperienced at best and self-absorbed at worst. Instead of saying “I exceeded the goal by 30%,” simply put “Exceeded the goal by 30%.”

2. “Failed”
Your résumé should honestly represent your work and accomplishments, not dwell on your failures. Focus on the positive when writing your résumé, and describe actions, results and improvements you made. Employers may ask questions about strengths and weaknesses in an interview, which gives you a chance to elaborate in person, so save stories of failure and triumph for when you’ve already got the employer’s attention. 

3. “GPA”
Unless you recently graduated and had a grade point above 3.5, don’t put your GPA on your résumé. A high GPA is not usually relevant to employers, and a low GPA can actually take you out of consideration, so save that space to describe community involvement instead.

4. “Fired”
Stating explicitly on a résumé that you were fired from a position, even if you go into detail and explain your side of things, is an absolute no-no if you want to land another job. You may (or may not) have been on the side of right in a termination situation, but bringing it up on your  résumé  that you were fired not only demonstrates that you could be a difficult employee to work with, it also makes you appear naïve to the hiring process.   

5. “Hate”
It doesn’t matter how much you despise something – a task, a company, a political stance, a policy, a person or a former employer. No matter what, avoid saying you hate anything in your résumé. Negative language makes you appear to be a negative person, a trait which isn’t looked upon kindly by recruiters.

Take a glance at your résumé and see if any of these no-nos made their way into it. If so, it’s time to update it. And while you’re at it, you might enjoy these related posts.

What Super Bowl Ads Can Teach You about Your Career

Whether you caught the Super Bowl or are just catching up on the buzz, you’ve likely already seen or heard about all the commercials. So if you’re looking for an excuse to check them out again, why not learn something in the process? Here’s what some of the ads from this year’s Super Bowl game can teach you about your career.

  • Budweiser Dalmatian Spot – What’s better than a Rocky-style story of a Dalmatian training a down-on-his-luck Clydesdale and helping him make the hitch? This No. 1 favorite of the night can do more than bring a tear to your eye, it can also teach you something about persistence and the value of  mentors.
    Career Moral: Don’t give up if you miss that promotion. With hard work, you can improve your career. And don’t underestimate the value of a workplace mentor who believes in you and will help you achieve your ambitions.
     
  • Carrier Pigeon Fed Ex Commercial – An employee showcases a cost-saving innovation to his boss, but it turns out to be a disaster.
    Career Moral: We all make mistakes at work. When you do, it’s important to do what you can to remedy the situation and improve things. Also, don’t hide mistakes from your boss, learn to communicate bad news instead. They’ll find out eventually. It’s better to face problems head on.
     
  • Tide Talking Stain Spot – A qualified-sounding candidate’s job interview is derailed by an unsightly (talking) stain on his shirt.
    Career Moral: In the interview, first impressions are everything, so don’t forget to check your appearance and hygiene before your interview. Make sure your clothes are unstained, pack some breath mints, spit out the gum and take a glance in a mirror. The little things can make the difference between landing the job and inspiring a Super Bowl commercial like this one.
     
  • NFL True Story with Chester Pitts – Ephraim Salaam discovers Chester Pitts in a San Diego grocery store. The oboe-playing grocery bagger was drafted in the second round and now plays for the Houston Texans.
    Career Moral: This inspiring story of success, dreams and the power of having someone believe in you shows us never to underestimate the power of networking. You could find your next career-making relationship anywhere.
     
  • Coca-Cola Ad with Bill Frist and James Carville – The two politically differing figures stop arguing for a minute through the shared love for Coke and end up sharing some quality time in Washington together.
    Career Moral: You can get along with people you don’t see eye to eye with in the workplace. The trick is finding commonalities and giving them a chance.
     
  • Taco Bell Fiesta Platter Ad – Two employees rush to a meeting with their lunch in hand. They’re encouraged to take time to savor their lunch instead.
    Career Moral: Win at work life balance – take a lunch break!
     
  • Follow Your Heart CareerBuilder Spot – A woman at boring job watches her heart jump out of her chest and speak the truth to a horrible boss.
    Career Moral: Sometimes, change is necessary. Listen to your heart to see if you need a change.
     
  • Gatorade Ad with Derek Jeter – Everywhere he steps, Derek’s surroundings are influenced by the game. He notes that for him, “… the next game begins when the last one ends.”
    Career Moral: When you’re passionate about your work, it’s visible.
     

In case you missed them, USA Today has a rundown streaming all this year’s Super Bowl ads.