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Jewish World Review April 11, 2001 / 18 Nissan, 5761

Resumania by Max Messmer

Max Messmer
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Resume spelling 'oopses!'

http://www.jewishworldreview.com -- "JOB OBJECTIVE: To join an organization that will allow me to further develop my shills."

Let's hope one of those "shills" is spelling.

Many spelling mistakes on resumes are easily caught by spell-check software. Sometimes, however, the word is spelled correctly but used in the wrong context. A more reliable way to ensure proper word use and to avoid misspellings is to have as many people as possible read your resume before submitting a final version to prospective employers.

Here's an example of bad spelling that's especially meaningful.

"DUTIES: Responsible for proofreading and correcting mixtakes in all correspondence and sales materials before leaving the office."

Before he left the office, or before the written materials did? Either way, his proofreading skills are called into question.

This next job seeker started her resume with a misspelled word: "DUTYS."

Unfortunately, hiring managers may not read any farther.

Sometimes numbers are keyed incorrectly with unintentionally humorous results. For example, a job seeker from Dallas listed her date for leaving her last job as October 11, 1066.

Must have worked for William the Conqueror.

A candidate from Cleveland claimed he'd left his last job in July 1051.

I wonder if they knew each other.

"PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Vice President in the loan division: 1864-1994."

This type of loyalty is commendable.

"OBJECTIVE: A secure position in the accountance field."

Sounds interesting.

"PERSONAL: Health is excellant."

"EDUCATION: Degree in urban planning from Ohio State Univercity."

Obviously, a college town.

"MATERIAL STATUS: Single."

Only one possession?

"REASON FOR LEAVING: Job was not what it was cranked up to be."

Which would make anyone cranky.


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

04/04/01: Avoid temptation to put personal details on resume
03/29/01: Resume mistakes
03/26/01: No need to say why you left
03/14/01: What not to say when applying for a job
03/05/01: Be smart on the job objective
02/21/01: Corporate warriors
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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