Interview In the Globe and Mail

Some time ago, I wrote a post about workaholics.  Most recently, I (along with a few others) were interviewed by the Globe and Mail (one of Canada most distinguished business newspapers) about my life as a workaholic.  Have a read at the article…

A workaholic’s worst nightmare: vacation

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/work/a-workaholics-worst-nightmare-vacation/article1595092/

Resume Blunders That Could Cost You

Lets substantiate the numbers first.

Your current salary – $75,000.00/year

The job you’ve just applied for – $85,000.00/year that comes with:

• Flexible hours
• Ability to work from home
• Better benefits – on average, benefits can be worth up to 25% of your salary
• More impressive job title

You are the ideal candidate, you’ve got exactly what the company wants and needs plus you can offer more.

What is the “goodwill” of the new position worth?  I won’t try and calculate that as it will vary from individual to individual.  For one the ability to work from home is important, for someone else the flexible hours are a drawing point.

You’ve submitted your resume and think you’ve looked it over but as you’re reading it you spot some errors:

• Your name is spelled wrong!  Aaaack – how did that get by!  Note to self: spell checks are NOT accurate.
• I did E before I and just noticed that I turned my spell check OFF.  Oh no…

Proven Resumes: Strategies That Have Increased Salaries and Changed Lives

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Spelling and grammar is just as important as how you’ve contributed to the organizations you’ve worked at.  Some recruiters may overlook a spelling, or grammar mistake – some may not.  They may think to themselves – if they can’t get their name right, what will they get wrong if I hire them?  Doesn’t matter if you’re a stellar performer where you’re at right now.

What have you included on your resume?  Should it be there?  If you were fired or laid off – you don’t need to put that on your resume.  If the question comes up during an interview, you can explain the circumstances.  Don’t include information that will detract from getting an interview, and ultimately getting the job – at the same time, you don’t want to lie either.

If you will include your e-mail address, and you’re using a vanity address – DON’T use it!  Why not create a professional looking e-mail address?  If you can afford to get a professional address by purchasing a paid e-mail account so that your address looks like YOURNAME@PROFFESIONAL_COMPANY.COM instead of CUTIEPIE987@SOMEADDRESS.COM – not good, not professional.

It’s fine to use a free e-mail address but at minimum it should look professional.

Now lets go back to those numbers above.  What did making those relatively small errors on your resume cost you?  Forget the $$$ – look a the future potential that you lost.