An Addendum

Way back in May I blogged about common problems with resumes and job descriptions.

I have hesitated to add anything to that post lest anyone think I am referring specifically to his or her resume that I recently reviewed.

So in the interest of not hurting feelings: if you're reading this blog, and know who I am, then probably I'm not talking about your application materials. Between actual applicants for jobs where I work and alumni volunteering I've looked at about 400 applications in the last month.

Again, this is mostly focused (per the theme of the blog) on the trivial.

Without further ado, some strong feelings.

• If you are applying for an entry-level job and your resume is more than 1 page long, you are either overqualified or incapable of appropriate presentation.
• I'm probably not going to read any paragraph in your cover letter that is more than 3-4 sentences.
• Really? You've never met me and the cover letter is addressed "Dear Heidi"...really?
  
• If you list "detail-oriented" as a skill, then a single typo will be enough to disqualify you. I'm not kidding.
• If you have a ridiculous email address, I will judge. So will Dixie.
  

Forbidden Newspeak

I am fully in support of this list of banned phrases.

(I'm perhaps not completely in favor of the enforcement methods, or the practical realities of this list, but were it phrased more as a helpful guideline I'd be in complete support).

For a hilarious look at these words and phrases, a different WBEZ /NPR page has that covered.

Research!

If you are trying to impress me by demonstrating how much you've learned about my theater in preparation for your interview, please do try to get the name of the play we're currently producing correct. You didn't have to bring it up, I didn't spring it on you as a quiz. You brought it up on your own and now you look like an idiot. No one wants that.