Have you ever received a resume with poor spelling or grammar in the cover letter, resume or follow-up correspondence?

Sometimes I make errors, even in this post. The title of this post is purposefully written as an error.

I am not recommending that you require perfection but consider some key attributes to consider in a resume.  (Or how to write one.)

1.  Cover letter:  The email which has a resume attached has replaced most cover letters.  Most of us scan the email rather than concentrate on its depth like a good novel.  In addition to formatting, spelling and grammar, look for three key points:

#1:  Why is the person contacting me or my company?  Look for a brief mention of how they heard about the position and/or your company.

#2:  What is their passion (career-speaking)?

#3:  1 + 2 = 3:  How do they believe their passion can be fulfilled at your company so they help you achieve your objectives, and/or why they are the best candidate for the job.

2.  Resume:

     - It should list specific accomplishments rather than general duties.   

     - Formatting should be professional.  A good design impresses people.

     - A smiling, headshot photo of yourself is typically good. 

NOTE:  I am against video resumes.

     - Possible content areas: Objective (or Summary); Passion (hire people who are passionate in areas that make them a valuable team member);  Career History (not job history);  Skills;  Education;  References available upon request.

MEETING IDEAS

RESUME RITING is quick thoughts on how to evaluate resumes that are submitted to your company.  This is NOT an exhaustive step-by-step discussion, but rather some tips to consider not overlooking.

Here is one way to discuss resume evaluations with your team:

1. Ask people to submit samples of the best resumes they have seen.  NOTE:  Do not review the worst resumes received, however if people do not use candidate names you could have a contest for quotes of the worst or funniest statements made on resumes submitted.  Just have someone confidentially check the actual resumes to confirm the statements.

2. Discuss what made those resumes so effective.

3. Is there something in a great resume that you have overlooked and it should be added to someone's team member strategic plan or job description?

4. What passions, personal and professional, do you appreciate in job candidates?  Is there somewhere you should be networking to find more of these people?