Sandbox 007 - Why Projects Fail
May 14, 2008
Learn how to identify tell tale signs leading up to catastrophic project failure. Read more
Sandbox 005 - Interview with Cliff Ravenscraft of GSPN.tv
March 28, 2008
Cliff shares some great insight about how he turned a passion into reality. Read more
Consider How You Present Yourself To Recruiters
August 21, 2007
I posted a job description recently looking for a freelance writer for project. I clearly stated what the assignment would be, the experience requirements and asked for writing samples to be sent for consideration.
Among the replies I received:
Are you still looking for a wrtire. if sso I would like to apply and show you clips.
(Those are actual typos sent by a ‘writer.’)
Very interested. Could you tell me more about it.
It’s strange how some professionals don’t edit themselves or follow simple instructions.
I realize that sending your resume and experience into a black hole can be frustrating, especially if you do it routinely. But consider the person on the receiving end. You have just seconds to impress that person before he/she moves on.
Simply put, do what is required or don’t expect to be considered for an opportunity!
Do you have any thoughts or frustrations to share?
Stupidity or Brilliance?
May 4, 2007
A CareerBuilder survey of hiring managers uncovered these “Top 12 Odd Resume Inclusions.”
- Candidate included that he spent summers on his family’s yacht in Grand Cayman.
- Candidate attached a letter from her mother.
- Candidate used pale blue paper with teddy bears around the border.
- Candidate explained a gap in employment by saying it was because he was getting over the death of his cat for three months.
- Candidate specified that his availability was limited because Friday, Saturday and Sunday was “drinkin’ time.”
- Candidate included a picture of herself in a cheerleading uniform.
- Candidate drew a picture of a car on the outside of the envelope and said it was the hiring manager’s gift.
- Candidate’s hobbies included sitting on the levee at night watching alligators.
- Candidate included the fact that her sister once won a strawberry eating contest.
- Candidate explained that he works well nude.
- Candidate explained an arrest by stating, “We stole a pig, but it was a really small pig.”
- Candidate included family medical history.
It is important that a hiring manager not discriminate against a candidate because they included something strange in their resume.
When reading resumes like this, and subsequently interviewing candidates, it is also important to consider your corporate culture. Introducing a personality like candidate eight, who enjoys sitting on the levee at night watching alligators, may bring new life to a monotonous day at the office.
LOL. I am speechless. Were these brilliant tactics to stand out from the crowd or the result of a lack of common sense?
Fortunately (or not) the resumes that fly across my screen tend to be less colorful.
-R
