1. About.com
  2. Careers
  3. Job Searching

Job Search Tips

Is your job search off to a slow start or stuck in a rut? These time-saving tips will help you jump start your job search and get into gear.

Job Search Advice
Job Searching Spotlight10

How to Name a Resume

Friday January 27, 2012

null

Sometimes, it's the little things that can send your resume into the reject pile, without it even getting a close look.  Naming your resume "resume" can send it to the trash faster than you can blink.  So can forgetting to write in proper sentences.

At ERP Software Advice,  the company sorts through about 150 candidates for each hire they make. Only about twelve of those 150 candidates get to a first-round phone interview.  Many of them are rejected for little, and sometimes silly, things like how you name or save your resume, that are still enough to knock the resume out of contention.

Don Fornes, CEO of ERP Software Advice shares his tips on how to name your resume, how to write your letters and resume, and how to save your resume.

Don't name your resume, "resume." About a third of applicants name their resume document, "resume.doc." "Resume" may make sense on your computer, where you know it's your resume. However, on my computer, it's one of many, many resumes with the same name. By using such a generic file name, the applicant misses a great opportunity to brand themselves (e.g. "John Doe - Quota Crusher"). If you're qualified enough to sell or market for us, you won't miss the opportunity to at least use your name in the file name.

don't use all lowercase. i'm not sure where this trend originated. is it some text messaging thing? it's so easy to capitalize properly on a keyboard. how much time is this really saving you? to me, it screams out, "hi. i'm lazy. my pinkies are really heavy and I'd rather not move them to shift. when i start working for you, i'll look for other ways to be lazy. i'll also rebel against authority figures like you, just like i'm rebelling against the english teachers that dedicated their lives to helping me become literate."

Proofread your resume. It's unbelievable the number of spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes I see in resumes. Again, this is a blaring clue telling the hiring manager that you don't check your work and you don't pay attention to detail.

PDF your resume. Not everyone uses the same operating system and word processor that you do. I use a Mac. I don't have Word - don't want it. My ATS can't handle .docx files. A lot of the resumes I see come through horribly garbled. So much for that nice formatting you did (Did you?). PDF, or portable document format, is a simple solution.

Here's how to get your resume into the hands of the hiring manager, plus more tips on what not to do and what not do when you're applying for jobs from Don Fornes.

Related: How to Send a Resume and Cover Letter  | How to Name Your Resume

Connect With Alison:  Facebook | TwitterLinkedIn 

Copyright Pali Rao

Are You Concerned About Posting Personal Information Online?

Friday January 27, 2012

Employers have been known to scour the web for information about job applicants. Are you concerned about a prospective employer finding personal information about you online?

Unemployment Extension

Friday January 27, 2012

Unemployment Extension Update: 01/27/12:  The extension of federal extended unemployment benefits programs and the payroll tax cut are set to expire at the end of February.  Unless the extension is renewed unemployed workers will not be able to move to the next tier of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

Congress is considering legislation to continue federal unemployment benefits through the end of 2012.  Hopefully, there will be an update on an extension soon.

Important: Check your State Unemployment Office website for details on who qualifies for extended benefits and when and how benefits will be paid.  Check the "Extended Benefits" section for information.

Avoid Scams:  The only way you can file for extended benefits is through your state unemployment office.  You cannot apply for benefits on third party websites, even if they say they will file for you.  Here's how to avoid unemployment scams

List a Scam: Have you been scammed or almost scammed? Add an unemployment scam to our list.

Unemployment Benefits for 2012
Here's more information on unemployment benefits that are currently in place for 2012.

Share Your Story

Video: Extended Unemployment Benefits

Read More: Unemployment Benefits | Unemployment Extension 2012 | How to File for UnemploymentAvoid Unemployment Scams | Extended Unemployment Benefits

Interview Questions About Strengths and Weaknesses

Thursday January 26, 2012

Group InterviewOne of the most common interview questions is "What is your greatest weakness?" and another is "What is your greatest strength?"

In both cases, the hiring manager is trying determine what assets you have that will help you succeed in the job, if you are hired, as well as what could be problematic. In both cases, it's important to put a positive spin on your attributes when responding.

Here are interview questions about strengths and weaknesses, challenges, and accomplishments, along with examples of answers. Do tailor your responses to fit your personal circumstances.

More: Job Interview Questions and Answers | Phone Interview Questions | Types of Interview Questions

Connect With Alison: Connect With Alison | LinkedIn Group | Facebook

Image Copyright Michael DeLeon

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.