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Jewish World ReviewFeb. 21, 2001 / 28 Shevat, 5761

Resumania by Max Messmer

Max Messmer
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Corporate warriors

http://www.jewishworldreview.com -- "I am a positive person. I refuse to use the statement 'Profit and Loss'. This is too negative as far as I'm concerned. I always call it the 'Profit Statement'." A candidate who obviously sees the glass as half full.

Giving prospective employers a glimpse into your personality can work in your favor when you're applying for a position. The best place to include this information is in the cover letter. The key is to make sure your comments are relevant to the position. And, of course, that you've taken time to proofread them.

For example, this came from the cover letter of an Ohio job seeker:

"I have a great sense of humer."

Yes, but a bad sense of spelling.

This applicant included under the heading "PERSONAL": "I have not been exercising because I've been so busy looking for a job. Once I am settled into a new and steady position, I assure you I will work out every day."

Glad to hear it.

The following candidate let it be known she is looking for a peaceful working environment:

"I am a quiet, reserved person who detests conflict. I am totally non-combative, speak only when spoken to and will do anything to avoid a confrontation. I refuse to work for any company where conflict is present."

That certainly narrows the field.

Sports metaphors and military references are fairly common on cover letters and resumes. For example, job seekers often describe their desire to be on the "winning team" or emphasize their ability to "rally the troops" to success.

The following candidate named Norman writes: "There is more than one Stormin' Norman' in this world, and I am he."

Another job seeker reports: "If I can't get people to cooperate with me, I become relentless in attacking every situation without regard for sacrifice."

And, "Most people attack a challenge head-on. I prefer to outflank the problem, come around behind it and cut it off!"

Ouch!

Here's an item from a cover letter from the ultimate corporate warrior:

"I consider today's management techniques ineffective. I have always based my actions on the 2,000-year-old book, 'The Art of War'."


Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of Job Hunting for Dummies. Comment by clicking here.


Up

02/14/01: Make sure resume reflects what you actually mean
01/24/01: Don't criticize former boss on resume
01/22/01: Resume bloopers

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