Meryl's Notes Blog

With many looking for employment, it’s beneficial to brush up on résumé and interview skills. Even if you’re not looking for a job, don’t let that résumé get rusty. An acquaintance, former director of IT, asked me to look over her résumé and cover letter. Reading it, I couldn’t believe this was a former director. It was the way she worded things. The letter sounded choppy and the phrasing sloppy. A person reviewing it will likely pass on.

What is she doing now? She is an adminstrator with a private school making $24K per year, down from her previous $90K+ job. Actually, it serves her right since she was a backstabber and did underhanded work. Plus, she did embellish a few things on her résumé.

When writing such a letter or correspondence, try to read it in a way that you’re receipient of the letter and think about these questions:

• Is it direct and to the point?
• Does it focus on “What I can do for you?”
• Does it avoid “What can you do for me?”
• Is it truthful?
• Does avoid rubbing me the wrong way?

That last one sounds weird, but I’ve read many letters that sounded arrogant or show-offy. Yes, you need to toot your own horn, but it can be done in a nice way.

One company contacted me to interview a bigwig from the company. Instead of directly answering my questions, he kept throwing marketing schpiel at me and took control of the correspondence. And… he said the guy was only available for phone and not email interviews. He never got the interview. Not wielding any power here — it was disrespectful.

I’m serious about the truthful part. It’s unbelievable what we’ve heard about people who have lied on their résumé. Three hours from a college degree? Don’t claim to have the degree. Instead say, “Attended so and so university and completed XX hours.” or something along those lines. Learn from a before and after résumé of someone who is trying to switch careers.

More advice in IT Résumé Dos and Don’ts. [Link Webreference]

<edited on June 24>Another article courtesy Webref on dusting off for job interviews. </edit>