Resume Blunders

Resume Blunders
May 2002 Employer Survey Results

Employers who recruit heavily at the Carlson School of Management had this to say about resume blunders…

Spelling errors, typos and grammar mistakes ranked #1 as the blunders they most often see.
Not listing your GPA can hurt you, according to several employers. Consider listing it even if it is below a 3.0.
If you choose to use an “Objective” on your resume, be sure that is 1) not “fluffy” – make sure it says something about you and what you can offer to a company, 2) matches the position you are applying for and 3) does not list the wrong company name!
Try not to include too much information on your resume. For example, you probably do not need to list all of your part time jobs if you have had several. Pick the most recent/most relevant positions. The same rule applies to “Activity” sections. Also, be sure that your resume contains high impact statements, rather than using too many words to describe a responsibility or skill.
Your resume, if you are a traditional age student, should not be longer than 1 page.
Consider listing your computer/technical skills on your resume. Recruiters that answered our survey were split, 50/50, on whether or not they would assume a candidate had computer skills if they were not listed. Be on the safe side and list them.
Be sure that your resume contains all methods of contacting you (i.e. cell phone and email address, if applicable).
Make sure that, overall, your resume is organized, professional looking, and in the position to sell you to the company.
Make sure to keep your resume up to date.
Don’t include non-essential information about yourself.

Don’t make the same mistakes! Learn from those that have gone before you…