REASONS FOR RESUME REJECTION
October 4th, 2007
As indicated so many times on this site, resumes are read or even scanned quickly with one of the primary goals of the reader to eliminate as many as possible to arrive at a few candidates to be considered for an interview. It is now possible for employers to have their computers scan a resume for key words. If those words are not located on the resume, they don’t even get touched by a human. Technology is great but it does have its pitfalls too. The following are some of the main reasons why a resume is screened out of the process.
• Poorly prepared, organized and difficult to read cover letters and resumes
• Career objectives incompatible with current or future opportunities
• Improper spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Gaps in work history
• Incompatible geographical requirements
• Salary requirements incompatible with company’s compensation guidelines
• Lack of education required
• Lack of skills required
• No stability in work history
• Resume is too short or too long
These are just a few of the reasons why resumes are screened out before they even have a chance to attract attention. You must have a resume that avoids some of the reasons listed above. If you are unsure about your resume, take it to a professional or to someone you trust that has a solid professional background. It is impossible for you to judge your resume objectively. Take it seriously because it could make the difference of whether or not you become employed!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC