What Spelling and Grammar Check Won’t Pick Up on Your Resume

You’ve probably been told over and over that the use of proper spelling and grammar are extremely important on your resume and that one little mistake can ruin your chances at obtaining a particular job. It seems to me that these warnings are given out all the time. When I ask people to tell me the number one mistake on a resume, they almost always say that it’s bad spelling and/or grammar. This really makes me wonder because it’s pretty rare that I come across an error-free resume. There always seems to be something, whether it’s a misspelled word or a missing comma. The best explanation I can come up with is that people today seem to rely a little too much on spell and grammar check programs.


Spelling and grammar check programs are great in many ways, and they seem to pick up a lot of common mistakes. For example, they automatically add apostrophes to words like “can’t” when you forget to put one in there. Or they might automatically capitalize the word “I.” They also do a good job at highlighting some clearly misspelled words. Despite all of these benefits, however, programs like these should not be seen as flawless.


There are tons of things they can miss, and below are a few examples:


Same word, different spelling: Some words sound exactly alike, but have different spellings with entirely different meanings. Spell check will not pick up when these words are used improperly. These words could include: then, than, your, you’re, too, to, two, their, there, are, our… and this is only naming a few.


Word choice: Did you know, for example, that the words “which” and “that” can not exactly be used interchangeably?


Punctuation: Comma omissions and unnecessary commas are usually not picked up.

Overall structure of your resume: Is your resume written in past or present tense? Or are the tenses all over the place? Consistency is something these programs won’t notice.


I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use these programs – they are useful in many situations. I’m saying that you shouldn’t rely solely on them to check over your resume because they aren’t foolproof. It’s important to check and re-check it yourself and to then also show it to a couple of friends and see what they can find. We sometimes rely on computers to do too much for us, and we forget that they aren’t even close to flawless. Don’t underestimate the capabilities of the human eye.


© RedStarResume Publications


http://www.redstarresume.com


Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

Listing Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume – Should You Or Shouldn’t You?

I frequently come across resumes that include a section for “hobbies and interests” or something similar. Many people think it’s necessary to include something like this, however I can assure you that it’s probably best to avoid doing so. There is a limited amount of space for content on your resume and just a small amount of time for the reader to look over your information. That being said, you should use it strictly to highlight your professional qualifications and achievements, not your personal hobbies and interests.

Hiring managers are looking to see how you can specifically help them and their companies, not whether you enjoy skiing or bike riding. This sort of information is often times seen as “fluff” – in other words, irrelevant information that is used solely to take up space on a resume to make it seem longer. If you’re concerned about your resume looking too short, there are lots of ways to increase the content without having to lists your hobbies and interests. Think about substituting them for something more work-related, like a section for your professional qualifications or computer-related skills. Or maybe try adding some achievements onto your professional experience section.

While I feel I make a strong point against listing these on your resume, people are always going to be adamant about using them. So, if you absolutely must include your hobbies and interests, try to at least make them pertain to the job you are applying for. Do any of your hobbies involve using your leadership skills, for example? Do they show a pattern of long-term commitment? The most important thing to remember is to keep the content on your resume professionally relevant.

© RedStarResume Publications – http://www.redstarresume.com/

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes on Your Resume

It's common knowledge that spelling and grammar mistakes can be extremely damaging to your resume's chances of landing you a job interview. Everyone seems to be aware of this fact, and this is why they are constantly reminded to check and then recheck their resumes.

So then why are these mistakes found all the time on resumes? A lot of times, people are reluctant to share and have their resumes edited by others, and failing to do so can result in small errors going undetected.

Showing your resume to someone else benefits you in more ways than one. For one, it provides an extra pair of eyes to look for any spelling of grammar mistakes. While you may be absolutely positive that there are none, especially since you've edited it numerous times, it can't hurt! I can tell you from experience that 7 out of the 10 resumes I read contain some sort of spelling error, and I'm willing to bet that most of these people did several edits on their resumes.

Have you ever read something so many times that you started memorizing and reciting it more than actually reading it? This happens a lot with resumes. We get so caught up in what we think it says that we sometimes forget how this translates onto paper. I notice a lot of times that people write things like "... responsible updating data..." or "...selected represent the company at various trade shows." If you just read that for the first time, you probably noticed that a few words are missing there. Obvious, right? Read it a few more times and you might find yourself automatically inserting the missing words. This is what happens quite often with people who write and then edit and re-edit their resumes.

Showing your resume to someone else eliminates the chances of this happening as they will be more likely to catch small mistakes like these. They can also provide an objective critique on your resume.

While you clearly know more about your past experience than anyone, translating this onto paper for a stranger to understand is sometimes very difficult, and the person critiquing it can point out any job descriptions that don't make sense or aren't very clear.

Overall, having another person or two look at your resume before you send it off can do nothing but help you. The job market out there is tough at the moment and you want to give yourself the best chance possible - don't let small errors that you looked over damage your chances of landing an interview.

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

Dream Job ... Is there such a thing?

What is a dream job?

Do you know someone who has the dream job?

Is there really such a thing as a dream job ?

RedStarResume posted this question on LinkedIN. Here are your answers:

“It depends on what is the basis of somebody defines his/her dream job.. Is it learning, Money, Foreign trips, Brand Name etc. etc.

According to me, its about identifying who you are, what your natural talents are and then getting into a job where you get to apply your talents on a day to day basis. In other words you have an opportunity to do best every day and you look forward to coming to work everyday.

Therefore, there is something which an Individual has to do to get a dream job (identifying what is he looking for and what talents he brings on table) and then there is something which Organizations have to do (identify the talent, put him in a right role and give him a great manager) and you might land into a dream job” - Ashish

“A dream job is one that makes you look forward for the Monday throughout the weekends, week after week, month after month & year after year” - Souri

“The phrase to ‘create a personally satisfying career path’ doesn’t sound as snappy but is probably more helpful. The idea of ‘finding your dream job’ makes several assumptions, each of which has it’s limitations:

1) There is only one job that would fit you – you may have many options and you can’t do them all

2) It already exists out there – you may have to invent it

3) You will stay the same forever – your priorities and talents will change over time

4) The job will stay the same forever – the nature of the job may change

Sometimes the biggest problem is not ‘finding’ the job but recognising it when you see it. As an afterthought. Some people talk about a dream job as being something that has personal meaning. The question remains. Do you find a job that already has meaning or do you try to find the meaning in your job?” - David

“There is potential in every job, to be a dream job? Well, I think so. Any job can be a dream job through your attitude, gratitude, and choice.

Are you a clerk at a bookstore? Are you a city garbage truck driver? or is it washing cars or fixing computers ? Maybe you love to mow people’s lawns. Well, there are no menial jobs; only menial attitudes. Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life and that is your dream job” – Abdul

“Walking to work with a big smile on your face on a Monday morning in anticipation of the day and week ahead is probably a good indicator. I also think that the challenge once you’ve found it is to continue to appreciate it, to be able to walk away from it on a Friday or in the evenings and not to covet it too much. Otherwise the ‘Dream Job ‘ may be fleeting” – Richard

“A dream job is one that you’ll do even if you’re not paid for it” -Y.K.

“A dream job is one in which you are able to utilize your talents in meaningful ways, participate in activities that serve others and your higher self, and compensation becomes a byproduct of personal reward and satisfaction. Many people are fortunate enough to work in situations that inspire passion and growth in themselves and others. Learn what makes your heart sing and pursue it relentlessly” - Monica

“This depends on your definition of the “Dream Job.” If you mean perfect in every way, obviously no one has this type of job.

However, if you mean a job that has its hiccups along the way, but offers job satisfaction, self-fulfilment, the opportunity for advancement, the potential for increasing salary–the “Dream Job” certainly exists. My father once told me he had the best job in the world. He was teaching at a renowned university. He loved teaching. But he was also doing research and grant writing, and bringing in a lot of money for the university. He had the freedom to coach my baseball teams and attend any of our games. The money wasn’t great, but that increased over time.

With realistic expectations, the “Dream Job” exists. It is not perfect, just as dreams are not perfect. I suppose a job without its problems would be boring and lack challenge” – Bob

“Absolutely!!!! It is when your passion, lifestyle, and abilities come together. I happen to have had several dream jobs” - Robin

“I had the pleasure some years ago to be driven at high speed around a race track by a professional racing driver.
Talking to him afterwards I said that he must have found his “dream job” or words to that effect.
He replied “It’s not bad but I really wanted to be a porn star!”
Some people are never happy – funny old world isn’t it! “ – John

“NO! You can have a job you enjoy, however keep in mind that a job is a job. There are things that you are not in control of when it comes to a job like keeping it or the attitude of your superiors. I would say the best situation you can be in is if you work for yourself” - Jeff

“The dream job is the one you really like to do, matching exactly with your competences, your capabilities and your expectation, the one where you will face challenges, bringing you from competence to excellence, the one where you can give the best you can do, source of blooming and happiness” – Eric

“No, there aren’t any dream jobs. There are jobs that you live to do, that you can’t wait to do. But even with that type of passion, every job has its negatives. Co-workers you don’t get along with, managers, who don’t see eye to eye with you, too long hours, too little pay, and the possibility that your job will be eliminated or outsourced. If you enjoy what you do and are eager to come to the office in the morning, that’s pretty special even if it’s not perfect” – Darlene

“A dream always remains a dream. I wanted to be an artist but end up selling photo albums and in the printing industry. I have a dream about a girl I love when young, but gain it was a dream. Wild and silly dream like wanted to be John Travolta….but never happen….anyway, dreams keep me going” – Daniel

“I think there are “dream roles” that you can envision as you grow and develop over your career. These tend to involve greater scope, stretching, and drawing on a different basket of skills that you want to strengthen. The goal is always elusive though, as you quickly grow into whatever dream role you eventually land, and it gets replaced with a new dream. To paraphrase Browning, a person’s reach should always exceed their grasp…

PS. I have had some amazing jobs but NEVER ONCE have I woken up first thing on a Monday wanting to do anything other than go back to sleep!” – Rob

“I think there are as many “dream jobs” as there are people in the world! I believe there are a lot of elements that come into play when somebody defines their dream job. They are in the right environment, with the right people, using the their strengths, compensating for weakness, doing the right things, achieving the right goals, etc…

A seemingly simplistic view of a dream job might be when your life’s mission or purpose is fulfilled in the job you do. That’s certainly been the case for me and I am living my dream job!” – Shellie

“Yes, Dream Jobs Do Exist! But the definition of a dream job is different for each one of us.

I understand where some of the previous responders are coming from, referring to the fact that a “job” can’t be compared to or labelled in the dream category.

However, in the context of having a job, I have met many people who have described their experiences as “Dream Jobs.” There are people out there, my sister for instance, who are absolutely passionate about what they do and are living out their dream doing it – she is a Chief Nursing Officer and is dedicated to excellence in patient care and the professional development of nurses.

This is not to say that dream jobs aren’t full of challenge and bad days. Most jobs are.

Having a dream job does not mean your job is perfect. It just means it is exactly what you want to be doing, and for whatever reason, you find the ultimate satisfaction in doing it, whether this be through intrinsic rewards, professional or social benefits, monetary rewards, etc – you are living your dream job”

I hope you find yours!
Marjorie

“Does a nightmare qualify as a dream??? I always try to keep in mind that any company with a career opportunity created that opportunity for a reason. The company more often than not is looking for some one to step up to a major challenge. If you are dreaming of being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, then you can have your dream job” - Kenneth

“Sorry to put a bit of a damper on this discussion, but at some point those of us engaged in job search have to be realistic and make the best of what we can get” - Judy

“A dream job is just a job that you look forward to going to. A job that makes you happy, it doesn’t have to be something outlandish or farfetched. And as for dreams go, once those die then we’re going to have issues” - Dexter

“Absolutely they exist! I have it – I LOVE going to work, love where I work and my job duties are well suited to my talents and personality! I encourage everyone to find this type of position where they are appreciated and can grow” Wendy

“Many people would like to find their “dream job”. But whether they are able to find it or not is finally the outcome and what defines the existence of a “dream job”.

If people have the talent to turn their dreams into reality – then yes, they are able to find their “dream job”. If they are not able to do so, then they keep searching and some find it successful, some not and the cycle continues.

WHAT IS A DREAM JOB
Basically, there is no such thing that is lying out there in the world as a qualified, identified entity that could be called as a “dream job”. Its all in the perspective and thoughts of the person searching for such an opportunity.

JOB SEEKER PART
If people believe and wish to attain something then its up to them to find out whether they are eligible and capable of achieving it, in the first place – in terms of everything like expertise, experience, skills, etc. And, if they do not possess any or all of such things, whether they can learn, improve, acquire such things. Once they feel eligible, they can start looking for it – BUT HERE IS THE CATCH – they should be clear on what they are looking for and they should search in the right place at the right time thru the right means, clarity is critical. If not, they have to keep searching and whether they will get it or not is a question.

Above all, the core skills or “life skills” or “soft skills” like communication, presentation, personality related, leadership skills come in to play apart from the job related skills and technical skills. If people possess such skills and talent, if they are able to attain that particular position/title/level in job or career then they feel they are in that “dream job” – that dream is a reality.

DREAM JOB – HOW TO MAKE IT A REALITY
But yes, dreams can be turned into reality and it all depends on the person, but not necessarily all in a particular time frame expected – that’s the most important, what really matters whether there is a time factor attached to it – to convert that dream or goal or objective into reality. Only such time factor associated clear goals have chances of becoming a reality. So that dream has to be a goal, and that goal has to be associated with time, and this should have proper plans and means in place – then yes, this dream job can become a reality” - Venkdesh

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

Top 10 Resume Mistakes

Resume Killers

My philosophy is simple: Stick to the facts. If in doubt, leave it out!

Abbreviations
Avoid abbreviations! They are unprofessional and not universally accepted. Trust me; nothing looks worse on a resume than seeing sentences resembling the following: “duties included answering the fone and going 2 c clients.” This is a resume, not a text message. Make sure you use correct words and proper sentences.

Personal Information
Leave off anything related to hobbies or personal interests. If it doesn’t relate to employment it doesn’t belong on a resume. Information such as weight and height is irrelevant (unless of course you’re trying out for basketball team). I have seen resumes where people include their eye colour and comments about their skin (“glowing skin”). Do not give the reader a reason to eliminate you because of your personal characteristics. Again, stick to the formula – if it does not relate to the job it doesn’t belong on the resume.

Graphics / Artwork
People feel that in order to be noticed they need their resume to look like a piece of artwork. This perception is wrong and has the opposite effect of appearing unprofessional and amateur. At the end of the day, the employer only wants to see skills, duties, and achievements. He or she is not interested because your resume is shaded yellow with a butterfly in the top right-hand corner.

Negativity
Never, never, never be negative on your resume or cover letter (and most importantly, in your interview). If you left your previous job because you hated your boss, keep it to yourself. Do not try to explain this on your resume because you cannot explain those reasons in writing. Remember, a resume’s job is to promote and sell. Do not get eliminated immediately for being negative.

No Dates
DO NOT MAKE THE READER HAVE TO GUESS! This is such a killer on any resume. INCLUDE DATES. What years did you go to high school? How long did you go to university? When did you graduate? How long did you work at your current job?

Do not make the person reading your resume have to ask these questions. The minute this happens, your resume is going to one place—the trash bin! Make sure your resume flows and you have no gaps in your dates. If you took a year off to go travelling, include this. When you include dates DO NOT just include years. For example, “I worked at McDonalds from 2006-2008”– what does this mean? Did you work for 3 from January 2006 to December 2008, or for a little over 1 year from December 2006 to January 2008.

Long-winded
Long long long long long resumes are boring!!!! If an employer sees an extremely long resume, they will immediately develop a negative frame of mind. Remember, resume readers tend to have little patience, especially when they need to read 100 resumes. You do not gain extra brownie points for writing the longest resume—enough said!

Lack of achievements / highlights
I never understand how people get this wrong, but so many times people fill up their resumes with irrelevant information, and they leave off the most vital part of a resume—showing off your highlights and achievements. Think about it—most people who apply for the same job can all do the standard day to day duties. So what separates the good resume from the bad resume? It’s the one that includes achievements and highlights. It includes how they were an asset at their previous job. Employers want to see not that you just worked and did a good job, but that you added value to the company. Leaving off your achievements is the best way to get your resume tossed in the bin. Alternatively, including value-added achievements is the best way to get your resume put on the top of the list.

Irrelevant information
Everyone is proud of achievements they have accomplished throughout their life. Finishing second place in the 100 metre sprint final in my first year of high school was a great thrill, but is it relevant on my resume? Does it add value to it? Use common sense when including “extra information.” Receiving your CPR certificate is relevant when you’re applying for a job that requires this, such as a lifesaver or swimming instructor. It isn’t so relevant if you received your CPR certificate 10 years ago, and now you’re going for a job as a CEO.

Grammar mistakes and typos
People read this point and think, “Obviously my resume isn’t going to have spelling mistakes and typos.” I can tell you from experience that 1 in 5 resumes will make this vital mistake. When an employer has 100 resumes, the first 20 are eliminated because of grammar mistakes or typos. These mistakes are glaringly obvious on a resume. Make sure you use spell-check, but more importantly, re-read your resume. Even give it to someone else to read over.

Fluffy
You may think that using words such as “diligent,” “meticulous,” or “industrious” to describe yourself may make you sound smart, but unfortunately they are seen as “fluff” words. Focus your resume. A fluffy resume is going into the same place as a resume which has incorporated any of the above points – the trash bin!

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume