INDEPENDENT NEWS

Resumes can help you NOT get the job

Published: Mon 24 Jul 2000 11:58 AM
24 July 2000 – As a job seeker you have 10 seconds to make an impression with an employer before they’ve even met you. And the right candidates are missing out on their dream jobs because their resumes aren’t prepared and delivered in a way that instantly says ‘choose me’.
Experts at Monster.co.nz estimate that thousands of New Zealanders now have their resume stored online and that number is set to grow.
Rachael Thomas, Director of Sales at Monster.co.nz, has viewed thousands of resumes and says time pressures and increased number of applicants mean that employers make brutal decisions about the fate of your job position at first glance.
“High-paced organisations are culling the recruitment process as much as possible to find good people fast. Information has to be relevant and immediate - this has implications for those job-seekers not online as jobs are being filled even before your mailed resume is received,” says Ms Thomas.
“The emailed version has its advantages, but be careful, it can also lead to a number of fatal errors being made – there are many horror stories to be told.”
The Virus Man
Like the man that sent his resume that had a virus attached to it. The entire company computer network was infected. This candidate did not get the job and will forever be known as the candidate who brought the company down.
The Wrong Photo
One woman thought that by sending a photo of herself she would increase her chances of getting a job. But instead of sending the head and shoulders shot she had specially prepared, she mistakenly attached the wrong photo and sent a saucy picture of herself, in black fishnet stockings and big hair. Although she wasn’t successful in getting the job, she is still at the company everyday, as a screen saver!
Bad Email Address
Bigdonger@hotmail.com – would you take this person seriously? One job seeker sent in his application and included his email address as his main point of contact. It wasn’t until the potential employer went to schedule an interview they realised the immaturity of the candidate. A pity - his skills showed he was perfect for the position.
Put your resume online
“The trend is heading towards job seekers posting resumes onto career sites where they can be kept secure and up-to-date for easy response to advertisements.
“Those not actively looking for a new job can also benefit from having their resume online as they can be kept in the loop of the sorts of positions their skills and experience can give them, as well as benchmark their current salaries,” advises Ms Thomas.
To get the resume you want and ensure it is relevant and upbeat, Monster.co.nz provides a ‘Resume Builder’ on its Web site. In 20 minutes you can develop a resume that expertly reflects your experience, skills and personality. Then post it on the site and have access to it for your own use.
With over 7 million resumes online worldwide, Monster.co.nz’s Resume Builder is a proven way of getting your life working.

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