9 Mandatory Rules for Job Applications

I'm not a resume writing specialist, and I prefer marketing to human resources, but I have been looking at some resumes lately (specifically for internship hires) and there are some things that I just CAN NOT believe exist on some people's resumes. I am writing this post in hopes to reach some of those people and help them on their job search (or help them realize why they are not getting any call backs). I know these may sound simple, but you might be astonished at how many people constantly make these mistakes. Remember that you need to market yourself to get the job that you want.

1. Don't make up words.

This is never going to count in your favor. It doesn't even make sense. 

2. Don't spell words wrong.

Read over your resume before you send it in. If you're not good with grammar, find someone who is to help. Even if you are applying for an accounting jobs, misspelled words are always a turn off. Even if the hiring manager does look past it, you will always have an unconscious negative stigma when that manager thinks about you as someone to move into a leadership position. 

3. If you're going to list your High School job, make it sound better.

Life guards, waitresses, valet, whatever it was, that experience is great - but listing your roles and responsibilities does not cut it for these types of jobs. Simply writing "waited tables" does not show any real skills, while it could instead highlight customer service and work ethic. Please please please never writing "making sandwiches" as a legitimate responsibility. 

4. Write something applicable to the company you are applying to.

It can be anything; just let that hiring manager that you know exactly what type of job and company you are applying to, and how you will fit into the company culture. Don't underestimate the necessity of a cover letter, or even short paragraph description on why you are applying to this specific job.

5. Explain your location.

If you are applying to a job in another state, or especially another country, explain your time frame for moving to the job and how you plan on interviewing for the job. This will stop lazy HR managers from simply throwing out your resume or having to email you about how you plan to come in for an interview.

6. Apply to the correct position.

Applying to a company for a position you think they may need but do not have a job position for, that is one thing. But using your resume with all finance experience to apply to project management job is simply not a good idea.

7. Format your resume if applying online.

No hiring manager is going to spend more than two seconds on an online resume that looks like !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////--------(#(*$$&#^#^^#W^EW%E%E%%E%E%E%E%E%E
Mike Job Searcher
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////)))((((((((((((((____++++++
It's not going to happen. 

8. Do not, at any point, degrade yourself.

Don't make up for imaginary deficiencies in your resume or cover letter before you even get to the interview. Only state your strengths, and wait for the questions about weaknesses, if the company even asks. Don't EVER offer to "get coffee" or "pick up laundry"!! 

9. Don't underestimate your skills in the application process.

Just because you don't have experience in one or two of the required skills or responsibilities isn't a deal breaker for a position. Apply anyways. Just be sure to emphasize your willingness to learn new tasks and talk about skills not on the job description that you can bring to the table.