10 Ways Your Résumé Irks Hiring Managers
Fashion designer Coco Chanel had a personal rule: Before she left the house, the style icon always removed one piece of her ensemble to avoid the faux-pas of wearing too many accessories. Were Chanel alive today and working as a hiring manager, she would likely offer similar advice to job seekers: You don’t have to include everything.
Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out résumés with more information than they need. Most employers don’t have the time or patience to sift through the irrelevant details. Here are 10 things your résumé could do without:
1. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
“If you are careless enough to send out this most important document with a mistake…I immediately assume you’ll never care enough about the work you send out representing my company,” says Jose Bandujo, president of New York-based Bandujo Advertising. He recalls one candidate who misspelled Manhattan, despite having worked in the city for a decade and another whose great educational background didn’t compensate for the fact that he couldn’t spell “education.”
2. Opening objectives.
“These are generic…They do nothing to differentiate one candidate from another,” says Donna Flagg, president of The Krysalis Group, a human resource and management consulting firm in New York.
3. Personal attributes.
Listing personal information such as height, weight and age and providing photographs is a pet peeve for Heather Mayfield, vice president of training and operations for Snelling Staffing Services. “It is amazing that we still see this on the résumés of today, but they are out there.”
4. Interests and hobbies.
If these points of information don’t pertain to the job in question, there’s no need to include them. “Create a mystery and save these kinds of data points when you start the job,” advises Roy Blitzer, author of “Hire Me, Inc.: Résumés and Cover Letters that Get Results.”
5. Details of every task you’ve ever performed in every job you’ve ever had.
“It’s too much information. Managers and recruiters need to know at-a-glance what makes a candidate special,” Flagg says. Focus on those details that pertain to the job for which you’re applying.
6. Excessive bragging.
Stating one’s accomplishments can be helpful, but when it’s overdone, the candidate can come across as narcissistic, a huge turnoff for employers, Flagg says.
7. Outdated information.
Leave off the activities that you did in high school if graduation was a few years ago and omit jobs you held 10 or more years ago, as the information is probably irrelevant to the position you’re trying for now.
8. False information.
“Putting [that you have] a B.S. on a résumé when you do not have one is ‘BS,’” jokes Stephen Viscusi, author of “On the Job: How to Make it in the Real World of Work.” Not only is lying on a résumé unfair and dishonest, it’s also not very intelligent. “Companies verify dates of employment – often after you start. If you have lied, they fire you…Nobody wants to hire a liar. Nobody.”
By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer
Popularity: 35% [?]
55 most frequently asked interview questions
Dan Johnston from PPR Career shared the following list of frequently asked questions on a job interview, as well as advice on what to be prepared for.
1. Tell me about yourself. Use “Picture Frame Approach”
Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas:
* How many years, doing what function
* Education – credentials
* Major responsibility and accomplishments
* Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable)
Prepare in advance using this formula:
1. “My name is…”
2. “I’ve worked for X years as a [title]”
3. “Currently, I’m a [title] at [company]”
4. “Before that, I was a [title] at [company]”
5. “I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]”.
6. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: “What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?”
2. Did you bring your resume?
Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless you’re asked for one.
3. What do you know about our organization?
Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you’ll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?
4. What experience do you have?
Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the company’s concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.
5. According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
(Is this person mature and self aware?)
Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of responsibility)
Popularity: 54% [?]
Background Screening
Background screening is part of the recruitment process that the employer or recruiter need to consider especially when we talk about critical position or may be very key position. Very often, candidates not really tell the truth during interview, and they normally just simply hide what ever necessary in order to get the job.
For simple screening, yes the recruiter can do it them self such as reference check and also the candidates current employment. How about their criminal reord, credits record etc. This where the company like MVD International Services comes in.
They will do the background screening for the recruiter with minimal charges. For recruiter you might want to try them, to get the right and honest employee will actually benefit the organisation in many ways.
Popularity: 40% [?]
30 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN MALAYSIA
This is a compilation of 30 top and best companies to work in Malaysia. I am not sure who actually conducted this survey but for the sake of reading, enjoy…
1. DiGi
Website: www.digi.com.my
Industry: Communications
Address: Lot 10, Jalan Delima 1/1, Subang Hi-Tech Ind Park,40000, Shah Alam. Tel: 03-5721 1800
Under the Telenor ASA, DiGi Operates widely with its widest coverage to serve Malaysian population with its excellent services and futuristic plans. DiGi is currently the fastest growing telecommunications provider in the country and is very feared by its larger rivals, Maxis and Celcom.
2. Shell
Website: www.shell.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Address: Human Resources Dept, Bangunan Shell Malaysia Damansara Heights, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Kuala LumpurTel: 03-2095 9144
An excellent company to work for, Shell provides you with a platform for trainings and knowledge, while at the same time providing you with opportunity for growth while climbing the technical and corporate ladder.
3. Intel
Website: www.intel.com, www.intel.com/jobs/Malaysia
Industry: Manufacturing
Intel is the world’s largest chip maker, also a leading manufacturing of computer, networking and communications products. Intel currently has the largest plant of all manufacturing companies in Penang & Kulim industrial area.
4. DHL
Website: www.dhl.com.my
Industry: Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Add: Human Resources Department, DHL Express (M) Sdn BhdLevels 26, 27 & 28 Menara TM, Off Jln Pantai Baharu 50672 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: 1 800 88 8388
DHL’s international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Around 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers’ expectations in 120,000 destinations in all continents.
5. Petronas
Website: www.petronas.com.my
Industry: Oil & GasAdd: HR Planning & Recruitment PETRONAS, Level 63, Tower 1, PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: hrm@petronas.com.my
PETRONAS is an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 31 countries. As at end of October 2005, the PETRONAS Group comprised 101wholly-owned subsidiaries, 19 partly-owned outfits and 57 associated companies.
6. McKinsey & Co
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Industry: Consulting
Add: McKinsey & Company, Level 57, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 60 (3) 2382 5500
As one of the world’s biggest consulting firms with offices all across the globe, McKinsey helps many of the world’s leading organizations think about and improve their strategies, organizations and operations.
Popularity: 100% [?]
Are You a “Red Flag” Candidate?
By Mark Krajnik, CEO, Next Level Solutions
A red flag is a warning signal, something that provokes an irritated reaction or demands attention.
Hiring managers everywhere look for certain red flags on an application, in responses given during the initial telephone interview, and on site interviews to potentially screen out a candidate in the early stages of the hiring process.
To be certain that you will get past the initial screen, be aware of the following common candidate red flags:
1. No Home Address Telephone Number or E-mail Address
If they can’t find you, they can’t hire you. Without basic information and an easy way to contact you once interest is established, your chances virtually disappear.
2. Time Lapses Between Jobs
If the time between past positions is wide, you will have some explaining to do. Be certain you’re honest and provide all necessary information on gaps in employment up front. It is certain the new company will want to know.
3. Negative or Vague Reasons for Leaving Past Employment
Immediately, the worst case scenario comes to the mind of the hiring manager when you are negative or vague with information about past departures. There is no room for sour grapes. Instead, keep a positive outlook and give details around leaving your previous positions.
4. Inconsistent Answers
You may be asked the same question in a hundred different ways, so your responses to similar questions must be consistent at every step of the hiring process. Inconsistent answers or waffling leave a negative impression in the mind of the interviewer and will most likely eliminate you.
5. Unrealistic Expectations
Whether you want a certain percentage of travel, desire a particular commuting distance, have compensation issues, or long for relocation, unrealistic expectations on your part can lead to disaster and a quick exit. Know what you are willing to do and what your bottom line compensation number is before you get involved with an interviewing process.
6. Lack of Preparedness
Do your homework. Research the company online and develop intelligent questions prior to any interview. Prepare and impress the hiring managers. Take it seriously, and they will take you seriously.
7. No Career or Personal Goals
Where do you see yourself in two years? How about five years? Have a clear direction around both business and personal goals before entering an interview. Include action plans and rewards along the way. Share this information where appropriate. This shows the hiring manager you are focused, prepared and have a specific direction for your career. Share your plan.
8. Negative or Reactionary Attitude
It’s all about P.M.A., baby! Possess a “positive mental attitude.” Smile, provide a firm handshake and use eye contact. When you react to information in a negative way, you won’t get far. Don’t dictate what must be done; simply gather information and insight to keep the process moving in a positive direction. If negative information is shared with you, don’t react, simply write it down to discuss at a later date.
Popularity: 37% [?]
Success at Interview—The Zagorski Way
This could be another good example on how to success in the job interview, this may be not suitable for fresh graduates but you can image what will the panel of interviews will say if you could perform or display similar effort. Anyway, read Zagorski Way
In the April 2000 issue of the Reader’s Digest magazine, Nick Corcodilos, a famous headhunter, recounts how Zagorski, a professional seeking a new job, wowed an interviewer at a big corporation and got the job.
Zagorski went for an interview at AT&T. At the outset, even before Zagorski could settle in his seat, the interviewer told him that he had only 20 minutes to spare. Instead of feeling belittled or nervous, Zagorski got up and walked up to the marker board. He then started writing down the challenges faced by the company. Fifteen minutes later, he wrote down his estimate of what he would add to the bottom line. When he paused to take a look at the interviewer, he found him completely dazed. The next thing he heard was interviewer telling him that there was no need for any further interview. The interviewer called in his team, introduced Zagorski to everybody and they began a working meeting, which lasted for two hours.
Popularity: 32% [?]
Three top tips to get a job in the USA
Three top tips to get a job in the USA
by Sacha DeVoretz
In the American market, your resume and job interview needs to both SHOW and TELL your qualifications as visually as possible. It’s your job to give energy to your resume and make your skills come alive in the mind of an employer.
As a foreign applicant, you are automatically at a perceived disadvantage as there are many Americans with the same qualifications and experience who are acclimatized to the US workplace ethos, ready to be hired - today. That’s why you need to counterbalance this prejudice: to prove yourself, your worth, and that you are worth waiting for.
Think about a job you really want and how you would show that you are right for the job. How you would tell your story? Here are some tips:
“SHOW” YOU CARE: You must know everything you possibly can about the company BEFORE you apply. Do your homework. Most companies today have a corporate website with the details of the business’s history, philosophy, product lines, achievements and marketing focus. Read through the entire website and tailor your resume and cover letter to the strengths, pride and products of the company. What do you see as their short and long-term goals? These are answers that employers love to see and hear – that you’ve actually put some thought and research into their business. SHOW them that you understand their firm and care enough to think about their needs; and think about how you can help their product or trade lines for them by hiring you. Make your case!
Popularity: 33% [?]
How to get hired - Job Interview
Another good example how you can excel during job interview. Please remember your performance during job interview is most critical part in deciding whether you are fit to the job or not.
What do you think of this video clips….
Popularity: 39% [?]
The Top 10 Tips for a Successful Job Interview
Job interviews in many organizations are getting sophisticated these days. Psychological tests, role plays, and challenges to one’s “quick intelligence” and street smarts are often part of the package. While it’s impossible to anticipate everything you may encounter, here are ten tips that will help you negotiate the interview process successfully.
1. Prepare and over-prepare.
It is assumed that you don’t go in with egg on your tie, spinach in your teeth, or without a thorough knowledge of the organization and position for which you are interviewing. Beyond that, there’s an important principle that will enable you to be much more confident. It’s called, “over-preparing.” It goes like this: Plan your strategy–your answers to all the possible questions you may be asked or the challenges that may be thrown at you–and then practice, practice, practice. Role play and repeat your best responses until they are entirely natural, until they simply roll off your tongue with the apparent spontaneity that comes only with successive repetition.
2. Be particularly clear on what you know and what you want to achieve.
If your interview is resume-based (you’ve had to supply a resume either before or concurrently), have the facts of your stated objective, relevant experience, education, etc. thoroughly memorized and mentally supported. As to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don’t want. There’s little room in the job market for the applicant who’s willing to take anything; he or she will usually get nothing!
3. Make sure your responses match your claims.
If, for example, you’ve taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position, license, or certification, tie it into your narrative, e.g., “When I took my coursework for my CPA, I learned that …” Build on your resume, but don’t refer directly to it (assuming the interviewer has it in his or her possession); make sure the connections are there, but do it subtly.
Popularity: 35% [?]
Graduan - Career and employment resource for Malaysian fresh graduates.
This site is not new in Malaysia, they have been in existence since 1995 and has actually served 40,000 fresh graduates. GRADUAN is the only careers and employment resource to focus on Malaysian fresh graduates. Graduan which also previosly known as Aspirasi Graduan was founded by Puan Elia Talib which is currently the Managing Director of BIZ Connexion Sdn Bhd.
The GRADUAN website, which holds valuable information also provides a recuitment system to match employers with first time employees. Fill in your resume and be part of a pool of competitive fresh graduates for Malaysian employers to choose from. Check out Shortstints for temporary jobs. Look at eGraduan for the latest on what fresh graduates need to know about starting.
For all your need, visit GRADUAN
Popularity: 32% [?]