10. LOOKS CAN COUNT.
An easy-to-read resume may indicate an organized, efficient employee. Consider form as well as content when poring over resumes.
9. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP.
Does the resume have a well-crafted “summary” (some prefer “objective”; I don’t) of the applicant’s skills? That serves as an “opening act” for the rest of the resume.
8. DOES HE OR SHE ADDRESS WHAT YOU NEED?
You know the skills you’re looking for. Has the applicant sensed that by using the words and phrases that will cause you to read more?
7. WHAT’S THE PERSON DOING NOW?
An applicant who already has a job may be in a better position to seek another, but don’t discount someone who’s unemployed yet fills your needs.
6. LOOKING FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
A laundry list of duties tells you what an applicant did. But look for what they did within those duties to make a difference.
5. JOB HOPPER? OR DEDICATED?
Workers are much more mobile today than they were decades ago. But one or two stints in the work history that lasted less than a year is concerning, if not unnerving. Be aware.
4. DON’T FALL INTO THE GAP.
Employers today are more apt to lay off people than they used to be. So if an applicant has noticeable gaps in his or her employment history, look beyond them.
3. GOT TECHNOLOGY SKILLS?
Your business likely doesn’t want to spend the time and effort to train people on the usual desktop applications. How facile are they with technology and can those skills help others?
2. ONE PAGE OR TWO?
Is the applicant less than five years out of college? One page is fine. A lot of experience? A two-pager is cool. More than two pages? Too long.
1. SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS.
Even people in their 60s are recognizing the value of having online profiles on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook. That’s a sure sign that they can adapt to changing times and trends.
Read more
10 Things I Know About … Workplace Flexibility
10 Things I Know About … Planning A Productive Week
10 Things I Know About … Motivation
