Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Just When You Think You've Seen It All...

After reviewing so many resumes and job applications, you get to a point where you think you've seen just about every blunder there is to make. But it seems as though no matter how low you set the bar of expectation, someone always manages to limbo under it instead of stepping over it.

I wish I could post actual clips from some of these gems here, but I imagine that would violate some sort of privacy act somewhere. So, you're just going to have to trust me on this one.

Someone faxed in their resume this morning... hand-written on sheets of 3-hole loose-leaf paper. Nothing says "I've jumped into the 20th century" like hand-writing your resume. I'll skip over the whole technology proficiency section of the pre-screening and just assume your VCR, microwave, and stove have been flashing 12:00 since some time in the mid-80's.

One of the draw-backs of hand-writing your resume is that if you make a mistake, you can 1) ignore it, 2) cross it out and correct it, or 3) start all over again on a fresh piece of paper. Our environmentally-friendly applicant chose option 2 in this case. She apparently has the "ABILITY TO GET CALONG WITH PEOPLE" (the whole thing was done in capital letters, another personal peeve).

Another drawback is the spell checking function requires a hard-copy dictionary. This applicant listed her "Aducation" achievements, which apparently didn't include spelling. Her work history also mentioned she worked at a "Care Canter".

In short, submitting a resume like this will probably ensure your hope-to-be employer has fresh new fodder for the company party. If you do manage to get an interview you have to wonder just how hard-up for staff they really are, and just how bad were the other resumes??

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