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2012-07-12 11:41 AM

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Elite
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Boise
Subject: Great Resumes...

So I saw TriRSquared's post in the other thread and wanted to start my own. I don't want to hear about actually good resumes, I want to hear about the worst you've ever seen.

I had the misfortune of trying to hire someone for an entry level delivery position a few years ago. The best resume was someone who had typed up a whole page (single spaced) of writing without any paragraphs. It was a huge wall of text. Most of the writing was also worthless about how he started working on his neighbors farm as a kid 15 years ago. I'm not sure how that was relevant. On top of that, there was no mention of name/address/contact info anywhere. I couldn't have called this guy if I wanted to.



Edited by JoshR 2012-07-12 11:41 AM


2012-07-12 11:46 AM
in reply to: #4307971

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Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...

Three pages

Hand written

Paper from spiral notebook ( I guess that is better than an old Indian Chief notepad)

 

2012-07-12 11:55 AM
in reply to: #4307971

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Champion
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SRQ, FL
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
Years ago I was mailed one (snail mail) that was crumpled and has some sort of stains (coffee?) all over it.
2012-07-12 11:56 AM
in reply to: #4307971

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Champion
14571
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the alamo city, Texas
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
I recently worked with a consultant on a significant project. I believe he was referred to us by a customer. He sent me his resume, which had been typed...on a typewriter... in all caps and then scanned with lots of that mess on it from a scanner with poor resolution. The email said "i haven't updated it since 1997 because there is no need to (in june of this year) I get all if my business through referrals, please pass this along for me." It was just a long list of things he had done, impressive although unorganized.
2012-07-12 12:15 PM
in reply to: #4308011

Subject: ...
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2012-07-12 1:05 PM
in reply to: #4307971

Expert
1099
1000252525
Broadlands
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.



2012-07-12 1:26 PM
in reply to: #4307971

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
8 or 9 pages long.  It  filled with ever job they guy ever had like selling fireworks for one on the fourth of July.   3 of the  pages were poetry that he wrote.  Also claimed to have tripled majored in college in just 3 years.   First page was pretty much a letter stating I am desperate please hire me. 
2012-07-12 2:35 PM
in reply to: #4308135

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role? 

2012-07-12 2:43 PM
in reply to: #4308362

Champion
7347
5000200010010010025
SRQ, FL
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
lisac957 - 2012-07-12 3:35 PM
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role? 

State specifically what your part in the process was...  e.g.

"Lead the user interface portion of a billing software revamp that saved the company $90 quadrillion over a 5 year period."

Or similar...

2012-07-12 3:00 PM
in reply to: #4308362

Expert
1099
1000252525
Broadlands
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
lisac957 - 2012-07-12 3:35 PM
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role

Simply state what you did, what you were responsible for, what impact the team had overall and your level of contribution.  There is nothing wrong with:

"Played a leading role in (xyz achievement)"

"Made significant contribution to saving the company xyz by doing abc as a part of xxx team"

(I like this one, it can open the door for the interviewer to hit key skills, teamwork discussions, cross functional communication etc)

"Integral part of the team that created xyz"

I guess there are many ways to say you made a positive impact, the ones above to me invite questions:

Talk to me about your contribution, tell me what you were responsible for? (the interviewer is looking to see how your prior success can be brought in and leveraged in their organization)

When I look at resumes, I expect people to have on them details they want me to ask about, it's not just what you know or how much money you made/saved, it should represent how you work, how you interact and importantly what contribution you can make to the new organization.

I also highly value someone's ability to appreciate their colleagues work as a factor in their/their teams successes.

 

 

 

2012-07-12 3:13 PM
in reply to: #4307971

Veteran
241
10010025
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...

I once received a two page handwritten resume in pencil with numerous erasures. Although bad, it wasn't what doomed the candidate. Under alma mater, this person wrote : Chicago Bears

Really, the University of The Chicago Bears.



2012-07-12 3:49 PM
in reply to: #4308442

Elite
4564
200020005002525
Boise
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
TriNole - 2012-07-12 2:13 PM

I once received a two page handwritten resume in pencil with numerous erasures. Although bad, it wasn't what doomed the candidate. Under alma mater, this person wrote : Chicago Bears

Really, the University of The Chicago Bears.

 

Was the applicant's name Ditka by chance?

2012-07-12 3:52 PM
in reply to: #4307971

Master
2083
2000252525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
I received one once that had a picture with it that looked like a glamour shots photo.  She appeared to be missing her pimp.
2012-07-12 3:56 PM
in reply to: #4308417

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 3:00 PM
lisac957 - 2012-07-12 3:35 PM
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role

Simply state what you did, what you were responsible for, what impact the team had overall and your level of contribution.  There is nothing wrong with:

"Played a leading role in (xyz achievement)"

"Made significant contribution to saving the company xyz by doing abc as a part of xxx team"

(I like this one, it can open the door for the interviewer to hit key skills, teamwork discussions, cross functional communication etc)

"Integral part of the team that created xyz"

I guess there are many ways to say you made a positive impact, the ones above to me invite questions:

Talk to me about your contribution, tell me what you were responsible for? (the interviewer is looking to see how your prior success can be brought in and leveraged in their organization)

When I look at resumes, I expect people to have on them details they want me to ask about, it's not just what you know or how much money you made/saved, it should represent how you work, how you interact and importantly what contribution you can make to the new organization.

I also highly value someone's ability to appreciate their colleagues work as a factor in their/their teams successes.

Ah, cool.
I have something like "Integral team member on XYZ" or "Collaborate with... XYZ" for areas where I'm not the lead. 

2012-07-13 11:14 AM
in reply to: #4308553

Member
89
252525
Austin, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
lisac957 - 2012-07-12 4:56 PM

Ah, cool.
I have something like "Integral team member on XYZ" or "Collaborate with... XYZ" for areas where I'm not the lead. 

I do that as well, just make it very clear where I was a team leader or member, collaborated or coordinated, etc. etc.

My resume is very short although I'd pitch it as clear and concise. Actually, my boss very candidly told me she picked me because it took her a just seconds to determine that I had the skills and abilities to do the job. IMO people put way too much irrelevant information on their resume when applying for a specific job.



Edited by JASpencer 2012-07-13 11:15 AM
2012-07-16 11:28 AM
in reply to: #4308530

Champion
14571
50005000200020005002525
the alamo city, Texas
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
JoshR - 2012-07-12 4:49 PM
TriNole - 2012-07-12 2:13 PM

I once received a two page handwritten resume in pencil with numerous erasures. Although bad, it wasn't what doomed the candidate. Under alma mater, this person wrote : Chicago Bears

Really, the University of The Chicago Bears.

 

Was the applicant's name Ditka by chance?

Ditka went to Pitt!  Hail to Pitt!



2012-07-16 7:45 PM
in reply to: #4308362

Master
2380
2000100100100252525
Beijing
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
lisac957 - 2012-07-11 3:35 PM
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role? 

 

Well, I mean, if they've got a business... they didn't build that.  Someone else did that.

2012-07-17 7:23 AM
in reply to: #4314884

Expert
1099
1000252525
Broadlands
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
moondawg14 - 2012-07-16 8:45 PM
lisac957 - 2012-07-11 3:35 PM
dewybuck - 2012-07-12 1:05 PM

The "worst" - when people lie (a little harsh, maybe they embellish).

From making or saving millions in spends, through setting up department processes, if you claim to have done it, tell me how, tell me how it was measured, tell me what drove you to recognize the opportunity.  Far too many people claim group successes as their own and can only discuss their portion.  I see this too much IMO.

This is an interesting point. Especially if you work in a team environment (I don't know many who don't?)... and aren't the project lead.

How do you recommend wording these types of things so we DO get credit for our work, but don't embellish our role? 

 

Well, I mean, if they've got a business... they didn't build that.  Someone else did that.

Unless they built the roads, put out the fires, drove the police car, refined the oil, taught themselves in school, made their own clothes....not sure why they would be applying to work here......

2012-07-17 8:55 AM
in reply to: #4307971

Extreme Veteran
660
5001002525
Texas
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
I received a resume from someone who was applying for an entry-level clerical position.  It had so many typos and misspelled words, that I actually took out a red pin and circled all the errors. I don't remember all the errors, but under hobbies she wrote "getting acquitted with my coworkers and making friends".  Guess that's better than getting convicted with your co-workers!
2012-07-17 9:52 AM
in reply to: #4315511

Pro
6191
50001000100252525
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...

aggiegrad96 - 2012-07-17 9:55 AM I received a resume from someone who was applying for an entry-level clerical position.  It had so many typos and misspelled words, that I actually took out a red pin pen and circled all the errors. I don't remember all the errors, but under hobbies she wrote "getting acquitted with my coworkers and making friends".  Guess that's better than getting convicted with your co-workers!

Sorry, couldn't resist

2012-07-17 9:53 AM
in reply to: #4315641

Champion
14571
50005000200020005002525
the alamo city, Texas
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...
ratherbeswimming - 2012-07-17 10:52 AM

aggiegrad96 - 2012-07-17 9:55 AM I received a resume from someone who was applying for an entry-level clerical position.  It had so many typos and misspelled words, that I actually took out a red pin pen and circled all the errors. I don't remember all the errors, but under hobbies she wrote "getting acquitted with my coworkers and making friends".  Guess that's better than getting convicted with your co-workers!

Sorry, couldn't resist

in the south, they call it a pin!!!



2012-07-17 12:52 PM
in reply to: #4307971

Extreme Veteran
3177
20001000100252525
Subject: RE: Great Resumes...

I have only recently started to be a hiring manager/supervisor, though right out the gate I had 4 open positions to fill with 3 different skill sets needed (2 assistants, 1 coordinator, 1 lead). The resumes I got were sometimes rediculous to the extreme. 4.5 pages, single spaced, no punctuation and he sent me 4 copies.

Another Resume was written in a mix of Spanish, bad English, and English. The contact number was also an international number of some sort.

The worst one though was the same person sent me 6 different resumes, all for the same position, with 6 different cover letter. each was 3+ pages long and each one listed different achievements and work history. The only thing common was the college she went to and the name/address. I almost thought about bringing her in for an interview just to lay all 6 out and ask which stuff was real 

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