10 Things that Scream, "Don't Hire Me!" (advice for those out of work from CareerBuilder.com)

[Triana]

Just got this in email as I'm on their mailing list. Maybe it'll be helpful to anyone looking for work. Granted some of it is a bit assinine (IMO) - for instance - the bit about not having long gaps of unemployment on your resume (more than 3 months?). Good GOD - HAVE THESE MORONS LOOKED at the job market lately? And the bit about not having a lot of jobs in a fairly short period on your resume - SAME thing - have they LOOKED at the hideous instability of the job market lately - with layoffs aplenty and jobs being sent out of the country by the hundreds of thousands monthly? Rather unrealistic on the part of the EMPLOYER, I'd say. AND the bit about being flexible RE: compensation, time off, benefits - oh yea, we shouldn't EXPECT compensation, time off, or benefits - if we do, we're being UNREALISTIC. Anyway, SOME of the points may be useful to someone out there - well really ALL of them if THAT is what employers are looking at (unrealistic and haughty or not) when hiring.
_ _ _ _ _

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer


You just don't get it. You've applied to numerous jobs, been to countless interviews
and made several new contacts in your network -- yet here you are -- still sitting
on the unemployment list. What gives?

Well ... have you ever stopped to consider that what gives might in fact be ... you?

It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around,
but applicants frequently -- inadvertently -- raise red flags to hiring managers
that immediately scream, "Don't hire me!" But, it might not be entirely your fault.

"Most companies don't give direct feedback about areas people are weak in while they
are employed. They are enabling poor performance and lack of accountability," says
Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network, an executive recruiting firm
in Chicago. "The same mentality exists when people interview. They feel they did
'great' on the interview and never look at themselves for if they feel that the
interviewer was looking for something different."

Not sure if you're unknowingly blowing your chances at scoring your dream job? Here
are 10 red flags to be wary of during your next job hunt:

Red flag No. 1: You don't have any contact information on your resume

When you're crafting your resume, you should focus on highlighting relevant skills
and accomplishments that are in line with the position for which you are applying.
But what good is an impressive resume if hiring managers have no way to get in touch
with its owner? If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Always provide a home
address, phone number or e-mail address so employers can get in touch with you
easily.

Red flag No. 2: You have long gaps between jobs on your resume

Even if your long departure from the work force is valid, extended lapses of
unemployment might say to an employer, "Why weren't you wanted by anyone?" Gimbel
says. Anytime you have more than a three-month gap of idleness on your resume,
legitimate or otherwise, be prepared to explain yourself.

Red flag No. 3: You aren't prepared for the interview

There are many ways to be unprepared for an interview: You haven't researched the
company, you don't have any questions prepared, you didn't bring a copy of your
resume, etc. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the
company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock
interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.

Red flag No. 4: You didn't provide any references

By omitting references in your application, employers could infer that you don't
know anyone who has any positive things to say about you -- when in fact, you just
forgot to provide them with people who can vouch for you. No references also shows
employers that you aren't prepared for people to call them, Gimbel says. Always make
sure the hiring manager has at least one person to contact who can speak on your
behalf.

Red flag No. 5: You only have negative things to say about previous employment

We know how tempting it is to want to tell anyone who will listen how much of a
(insert expletive word here) your old boss was -- but a hiring manager for a coveted
job is not that person.

There are hundreds of ways to turn negative things about an old job into positives.
Thought your last job was a dead end? Spin it by saying, "I felt I had gone as far
as I could go in that position. I'm looking for something with more opportunity for
advancement." Couldn't get along with your co-workers? "I really need to work in an
environment where I feel like I'm part of a team and my last position didn't allow
for that kind of atmosphere."

Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months

Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a
job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such
a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective
employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you
can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you
include on your resume or prepare to explain yourself.

Red flag No. 7: You give inconsistent answers in your interview

One tactic hiring managers use during the hiring process is to ask you the same
question in several different ways. This is mostly to ensure that you're genuine
with your answers and not just telling an employer what he or she wants to hear.
Keep your responses sincere throughout the entire process and you should be good to
go.

Red flag No. 8: You lack flexibility

Most people know what they want in a job as far as benefits, compensation, time-off,
etc. If you're unable to be flexible with some of your (unrealistic?) expectations,
however, you're going to have a difficult time finding a job. Have a bottom line in
terms of what you want before you start the hiring process and be willing to bend a
bit if necessary.

Red flag No. 9: Your application was, in a word -- lazy

Only doing the bare minimum of what's asked of you won't get very far -- in life or
in your job search. Applying to jobs with the same resume and the same cover letter
(or none at all) is pure laziness. And as Gimbel points out, if you won't spend
extra time on yourself and your application materials, you sure as heck won't do it
for a client.

Red flag No. 10: You lack objective or ambition

If you have no long-term goals, then you really have no short-term goals either,
Gimbel says. "Long-term goals may change, however you need to have some concept of
where you want to go." Know where you want to go and how you plan to get there.
Otherwise you seem unfocused and unmotivated, which are two big no-no's for an
applicant.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and
writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace
issues.

[datasuspect]

1. corporate HR types are the vilest scum of the earth

all the things in the list you provided all speak to banal conformity. those red flags communicate nothing other than a candidate's ability to fill in forms correctly and behave "properly" according to any employer's sadistic bullshit concept of what is "appropriate."

[burythehatchet]

3. and the people making decisions that effect your life probably have more

problems with their work history that the applicant.

[Bucky]

7. *ahem* ... As a former HR manager, let me beg to differ

If I'm hiring someone who's gonna represent my company, then I'm going to hire someone who knows how to play by the rules. Playing by the rules isn't "banal conformity" anymore than conforming to a company dress code is selling out to The Man.

If one's individuality is best validated by not "filling in forms correctly" or not "behaving properly", then that would not be someone I'd want to be the public face of my company. I've had my share of sadistic bullshit employers, but I don't think the issue ever came down to dress code or my right to behave in appropriately.

[slampoet]

60. So in other words you admit in your post you filter for things that have not mattered in YOUR past.

I once had to ask a school HR department like you why they hadn't been able to hire a better expert in Dyslexia.


I was told the reason was that "All the other resumes looked like shit", so we never actually talked to anyone who HAD dyslexia and pretty much the HR department violated the Person's with disabilities act even though we were LOOKING FOR someone with a specific personal experience with a specific text-related disability.



I later on had to tell these HR people NOT to throw out all the resumes done in Braile since we were hiring an expert on the BLIND.


This was at a school in the IVY LEAGUE.

[Bucky]

71. I don't follow the logic of your accusation against me. What point are you making about me?

You say I "filter for things that have not mattered in {MY} past." What specific thing from my personal past are you talking about?

When you say "a school HR department like you", what do you mean by like me? Can you specify what characteristics of mine you're talking about?

I think it's pretty sad & pretty unprofessional that a school HR office rejected all applicants except for one based solely on the looks of the submitted resumes. I suspect you may not have gotten the full story from that person. But if you know of a specific incident of you employer violating ADA laws, you should report it.

[jobycom]

8. Corporations hire for mediocrity. Their questions and expected answers

all try to find people just like the person they fired from the position last week.

When I used to hire, I found that the best employees were the worst interviewees. Simple logic--you get good at something by doing it over and over. The people who interview the least are the ones who hold their jobs the longest.

[DBoon]

13. I've found the hiring process to be incredibly risk averse

Employers don't hire the best candidate.

They certainly don't take risks with someone who has obvious strengths and potential.

They hire the least offensive candidate. They hire to avoid ANY possible trouble down the road, regardless of the possible strengths.

This ensures an acceptable level of mediocrity.

[Fumesucker]

16. Interesting point, I hadn't thought of it exactly that way before, thanks n/t

[dmallind]

17. Yeah because you wouldn't want people to work for you who

could follow directions and complete tasks accurately would you?

If somebody can't fill in an application form by following the instructions, what chance do you have of them following instructions on the job?

Hell I work in an FDA registered facility - millions of Americans do likewise. If people fill out forms wrong here it gets ugly and expensive very very quickly - so an ability to get them right is just a teensy bit important.

[Lisa0825]

55. Maybe you're just not the right fit for coproate work.

If you have that much hostility to it, that may be the problem for you... hostility/attitude tends to show through.

[datasuspect]

73. i love to work

i'm just not the type to have a job. i require more control over my own time and activities.

[Bucky]

2. Screaming anything in a job interview is bad. But the very wost thing for getting you hired is...

... a Bush economy.

[jobycom]

6. A bloody handprint on your button-down is bad, too.

[sam sarrha]

19. just people with a grudge for not being qualified to work anywhere else, but i have know some really

nice HR people too. one really pathetic HR guy at B___g denied me am interview for a position i was born to do, because i had challenged a supervisor for sending me off the F22 Avionics Control assembly area, i had 23 certifications at ML STD 2000a plus the security clearance to work F22, F18, F16, F15, Osprey, Comanche, B1b, Minuteman Missile, Sea Launch Rocket and Delta3 Rocket, to be an F'n JANITOR CLEANING TOILETS, and i had an H-factor that clearly indicated i did 2.4 times as much work as anyone else on our 24 person team. Plus i was certified for ReWork, i saved them Millions of dollars. and they let him get away with it.!!

this supervisor had been fired 2 or 3 times for Harassment;Hostile work place, Racial Prejudice, Age Discrimination.. and rehired after passing the Anger management classes. she would stand next to my desk and scream at me so loud i suffered ear pain, when she did it the next time i put ear plugs in in front of her.. i thought she might have a stroke it pissed her off so bad. she was a black woman, she drank at work and was a mean drunk. it was so bad the guys from the KKK tried to recruit me in the parking lot :rofl: she later did manage to get me layed off. she was a 'Kiss Up Kick Down' Narcissist, she somehow endeared herseld to influential people who "Enabled" her behavior against defenceless underlings.

[slackmaster]

4. How about "You flushed the toilet during a telephone interview"?

That's always a winner.

[Triana]

15. Bwah! Oh. That's an absolute no-no - unless you're trying for a certain result...

...like offending them and NOT getting the job.

[Occulus]

5. Red flag No. 2 ought to be limited by law somehow

There are way too many people who are very, very qualified for many positions in pretty much all employment areas, including and perhaps especially manufacturing, for the "job gap" scam to be allowed at this moment in our history.

Think of the PhD working as a bagger, for example. We should somehow force employers to drop that issue. These days, it really doesn't mean you're a slacker.

[Bucky]

A three month gap is really not all that bad, but the advice was "be able to explain it"

But there are ways to hide that sort of thing. Of course by the time you're 30 you shouldn't be listing your jobs by month, only by years.

[Sydnie]

12. I agree with you completely

I am seeing more and more truly over qualified applicants these days and it breaks my heart.

[Triana]

18. I agree. Long gaps should not be allowed as a reason for being passed over

in this economy.

The thing is, if there were laws against them being able to pass people over for long gaps in employment - employers would just "find" other reasons not to hire the person and document that, instead. In other words, they'd just skirt the law somehow. That's what they do with many other laws - including equal pay laws and discrimination laws and health and safety laws.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

46. No, you need to be doing something with your time.

My resume has gaps of up to a year and a half on it, and none of them have ever caused me any trouble, because during those gaps I was always taking classes, continuing my education, or otherwise endeavouring to better myself. Unless you are very young and inexperienced, you must be prepared to answer questions about what you were doing with your gap time. The best answer is education. Having interviewed many people over the years, I'm always a bit leery of people who have large unexplained gaps in their employment/education history. And I'm a college dropout. At the very least you must consider how to explain these gaps. Ideally you will have a good response, or can fake one if it's asked for.

[Triana]

59. Excellent point - and response #53 is a good point too - add'l education or...

...volunteer work that uses your skills or gets you additional skills you can use.

[cprompt]

57. how do you enforce it?

I work in the HR/EDMS industry and don't see how you could possibly enforce it. Not saying it's not needed or a bad idea, just not practical. Just because you can't ask someones age on an application doesn't mean you can't determine their age without a birthdate. Look at the years filled in for the education section and there is your answer 99% of the time.

[datasuspect]

74. and it presupposes a world where long term employment is still prevalent

like how it was 50 years ago.

[Sydnie]

9. I am a hiring manager and

3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are deal breakers for me. 8, due to the nature of the jobs I hire for is important more in scheduling than in benefits and such since the positions I fill don't offer any since they are all part time positions.

If I had to pick just two that would make the difference for me it would be 6 and 7 with a heavy dash of 8 for scheduling purposes.

Not sure that helps anyone, just wanted to give it from the perspective of someone who does this.


The hardest thing I have had to deal with lately is having a more than middle aged man beg me, yes beg me, for one of the positions I have open. It's getting rough out there.

Our company has told us that there will be cut backs in staff, but they haven't told us who as yet. They dropped the bomb three weeks ago and won't be making the official calls for three more weeks. Needless to say, we are all walking on egg shells now.

[EstimatedProphet]

21. Even the references thing?

I was told the smart thing to do is put "References available upon request" to gauge whether there is interest, since they will then be asking you for references.

[Sydnie]

38. I have to be honest here

I have NEVER checked a reference on any hires that I make. The company, however, likes to see those names there all the same. It gives them a feeling of comfort that this person is confident enough to put the names out there from the start. It doesn't matter to me, personally, one way or the other and I have hired many people without even asking for a name at all. (on second thought, some I should have probably asked for them after all :) ) I'm not hiring for high level positions and think it's redundant to go through that step for the level of position that I am hiring for - part time, no benefits, hourly wage job. They could list the entire cast of Cheers as far as I am concerned. :)

All my interviews are conducted by phone now. I'm not allowed to take the time it might take to arrange a face to face with any one any more. I speak to them for over an hour on the phone and as long as their answers are consistant and they haven't changed jobs a brazillion times in the last three years and have the skill set I need, I will hire them.

[Lisa0825]

54. If the application has a place for references put them there.

Do not SKIP including them if there are requested on the application. Furthermore, always complete the application COMPLETELY. It's not just easier on those of us in the hiring process, it also shows that you took the effort and makes you look better than someone who skipped over things or said "see resume" in half of it.

The references do not need to go on the resume, nor should you state on the resume that they are available. But I have found lately that more companies are giving you the option of uploading multiple documents to your application. If that is an option, it is fine to upload the reference contacts there or letters of reference if you have them. If you get an interview, have them with you, and it is a nice touch to have them in the same format as the resume, so that they look nice. That's just an extra but it looks professional.

[verse18]

10. They should add being transgender to the list. n/t

[MindPilot]

11. This is all a game. An unfortunately necessary game, but still a game.

The bottom line reality is that if they like you, they hire you. If not, they don't.

You do interviews until you get lucky. It's a lot like dating.

[MindPilot]

14. Speaking of gaps--employers often make the process too long

Last year my g/f, a mortgage industry crash victim applied to the local power company. It would be an excellent position with good pay, stability and benefits. They called her in for an interview and it went well; she was told she would definitely be called back.

They did call her back for the second interview...three months later! She really enjoyed writing that letter, "Thank you for your offer, but..."


I have my current job of 12 years from a resume I submitted FIVE YEARS earlier! (I guess the lesson is don't burn bridges)

[tuckessee]

20. I guess it's OK to bring your dogs to an interview.

I didn't see it on the list of no-no's and besides, who would want to work for a-holes who don't like dogs?

[Larkspur]

22. Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months

Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months

Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a
job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such
a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective
employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you
can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you
include on your resume or prepare to explain yourself.

I was laid off my job in mid November this year. I was there 12 years and 10 months. I would have stayed longer but my company laid me off. And an Indian on an H-1B visa is taking over my job duties. Job hopping is becoming the new trend because the new jobs most likely are not paying enough and workers who are at the same company 10 years or more are seen as being too expensive to keep.

[4 t 4]

24. Yea that entire article is just noise

there are No Jobs that is the problem not resumes. Fuck them, once again blame the people not the issue.

[Lisa0825]

56. As a recruiter, I would not consider someone a job hopper if they had at least one long-term job.

The hopping after that would indicate to me that either the jobs were not the right fit for you or layoffs due to the economy. Having that one long-tenure job shows me that you do have it in you to do it again.

[EstimatedProphet]

23. As I am going to be entering the job pool once again, these are good points. Thanks!

[Triana]

29. Well I hope they help - even if some of them are rediculous given..

..today's economy. Good luck to you.

[EstimatedProphet]

33. IMO it doesn't matter if they are ridiculous or not

Granted the employment situation isn't what has been typicl in this country for the last several years. however, if they are evaluating people based on these kinds of measures, then I will need to prepare for them, and how I feel about them won't make a difference as to whether they keep using them.

[Triana]

36. Very true. Very realistic attitude you have there.

You're right. Doesn't matter if their requirements are realistic or even reasonable. If that's what they are, that's what you have to contend with.

I really wish some of them were against the law - but oh well.

[4 t 4]

52. My reply was by no means meant against you

just the content of the article

[w8liftinglady]

25. Thanks-I'm going to share this with my slacker 18 year-old..Oy!

[Triana]

30. Good idea! Even if some of the points are unrealistic (IMO)...

....if your 18-y/o is a slacker, this will give him/her a real taste of what it's like "out there" (ie: BRUTAL!).

They gotta learn sometime...good luck to your 18-year old! It would be great if (s)he found something!

[w8liftinglady]

35. Man-if there were something that required Playstation 3 skills,he'd be CEO

[Triana]

37. ROTFL!

Well, he could go to work for a gaming company maybe - errr...I guess that would require some type of design or programming skills. Could be something for him to aspire to. That's gotta be one of the absolute coolest jobs to have.

[LeftinOH]

26. "References" are difficult to get anymore. Unless a former supervisor

happens to also be a good friend, or you worked for a small organization where someone will bend the normal rules of sticking to "name and dates of employment only" verification. Otherwise, you can forget about getting any reference, especially if you're changing careers. Hell, I worked several years for a company which no longer exists -and there is no way of getting a reference from there.

[Lisa0825]

58. I have made a habit of keeping in touch with people from my past companies.

I have gotten home address and/or phone numbers from at least one person (hopefully a superior). Also, LinkedIn is GREAT for the purpose of references. Most of my current department is on LinkedIn now, so even if they change phone numbers, I can reach them for up dated contact info.

[sam sarrha]

27. i have Aspergers Syndrome.. i have an IQ of 164, a technical Savant.. but i have no perception of

social interaction. i have a flat monotone voice and i don't interact with the prescribed body language inflections and looking in peoples eyes is physically painful. but i am an employers
dream.. Bill Gates is an Aspi... i do the same innovative things with an effortless Zen eye for detail.. i do things more than twice as fast as others and get a lot of 'WOW' how'd you do that responses.. i chew up catastrophic problems and spit out butterflies.. but, i rarely get past the interview,

i usually get good jobs by accident.. i got a job once as a jeweler.. , i'd only made a couple silver rings i learned to make in Africa in the Peace Corp. the German Master gold smith ,Western Rep for Ardans hired me because no one else applied.. i was sent for a week orientation. he wasn't enthusiastic about my never having done ANY gold smithing, he just begrudgingly put some rings and chains in front of me and said if 'you can do this you're hired'..first thing he looked at he said it was the best work he'd ever seen... i had checked out 8 books on smithing from the library and studded a week, i ended up doing 3 of their stores work. when i started they had 27% return rate, i defected 1 ring in 3.5 years. i changed some quality control policies and interdepartmental procedures which became policy for all 42 stores...

i am limited to technical/mechanical things because i an only functionally literate, i wouldn't last 2 days if i had a job involving words.. i have good verbal skills.. but i couldn't write write anything for an office job.

and now i only have one hand. i've been out on disability, i'm gonna surprise them the 5th with no hand, i work in Aerospace. but i have already cut and welded up all the special tools i need ..with a special attachments to my prosthetic.. and a nice PanaVice to hold things, it wont slow me down.. and we have a Union

[Triana]

32. You sound awesome! Good luck to you!

Knock 'em dead out there!

[libodem]

28. Thanks

good information. I bookmarked it.

[doodadem]

31. I'm a headhunter

With 20 years experience. First off, both CareerBuilder and Monster are crap. We get plenty of clients saying, don't send us candidates from either source, as they're "overexposed".

I specialize on the candidate recruitment side--gave up the last of my client companies years ago. So all of my business is split business with other recruiters. I've had this argument dozens of times now--this person is ideal for the job, but they've had however many jobs in the past few years. I get nowhere. The answer is always, they're unstable, they're a jobhopper. Doesn't matter now many times you point out the economy and how it sucks. Same goes for long gaps of unemployment.

Used to be, companies would give you a shopping list of "must-haves", A,B,C. Now, in this market, that list is A,B,C,D,E, and F......and they may throw in some extra qualifiers they don't bother telling you about. Their attitude is, don't send us candidates we can find on our own, unemployed on the street--we want you to go recruit the employed hot shots. Granted, most of what I recruit for are key positions, but these companies don't have much interest in putting people back to work.

What can I say? My own husband has been laid off since June. Hasn't been able to find anything else at all, only a few interviews. My business has pretty well sucked from the moment Bush took office. It was booming under Clinton. I gotta hope for better days under Obama.

[Triana]

34. As I suspected - they're not the least bit interested in putting qualified people to work...

...just getting the biggest ALREADY EMPLOYED hotshot for the smallest salary they can.

Like you, I hope for better days under Obama. It'll take a couple years though, before things even start to pick up.

[hack89]

42. Many companies see recessions as an opportunity to get stronger

upgrading the quality of your employees is one way to to this.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

48. Companies are not charities.

And yes, they want to get the most bang for their buck. I'm not an HR person, but I will say that over the years in the many interviews I've done, I do tend to favor those currently working, who submit excellent applications, over those currently not working who submit excellent applications. And yes, it's a prejudice - but not necessarily a bad one.

[Neshanic]

39. Uh, Rachel the writer is writing this because she has no job, but is possibly freelancing. She is

wrong on many points.

[dembotoz]

40. red flag number 6 too many jobs in short period of time

had problems with it both ways
when i worked at same places for 7 years and then 10 years, i was told i must be a stick in the mud.

When i had a couple of jobs that each lasted @ a year-i was told i could not hold a job.
I guess when a company in telecom goes out of buisness or bk it is my fault....

was extremely luck this last time and have been there for almost 3 years now.

good luck to all those out there looking. I do hope i do not have to join you for a long time.

[RobinA]

44. Damned if You Do

damned if you don't seems to be the norm when job hunting. I've been overqualified and underqualified for similar jobs at the same time. I have a Masters', I will want a "Masters salary." No matter that there is no "Masters salary" in my business, everybody gets paid sh*t, you just have more sh*tty jobs to chose from with a Masters. Or not.

I solved this problem by going Civil Service. Do well on the test and they have to interview you, and they have to pick from the top scorers on the test. STILL... I got my current government job because the interviewer liked me. Of course, I did well on the test or the interviewer never would have met me, since technically I am overqualified. If this had been private sector, they never would have interviewed me. Any port in a storm.

[Hanse]

41. On item #4- didn't include any references.

The resume samples I've been following in my recent job search have simply stated "references available upon the request." Is this adequate or should I include references and end up having a longer than 2 page resume?

[Lisa0825]

63. I've been an employment counselor and now I am a recruiter.

This is what I posted above:

If the application has a place for references put them there.

Do not SKIP including them if they are requested on the application. Furthermore, always complete the application COMPLETELY. It's not just easier on those of us in the hiring process, it also shows that you took the effort and makes you look better than someone who skipped over things or said "see resume" in half of it.

The references do not need to go on the resume, nor should you state on the resume that they are available. (we assume that if we ask for them you will provide them, not say no!) But I have found lately that more companies are giving you the option of uploading multiple documents to your application. If that is an option, it is fine to upload the reference contacts there or letters of reference if you have them. If you get an interview, have them with you, and it is a nice touch to have them in the same format as the resume, so that they look nice. That's just an extra but it looks professional.

[bluedawg12]

43. Another red flag: A prior work related injury.

In a fair world that would not be a disqualifier.

In the real world, the next employer doesn't want to take the risk of a reinjury at their work site, nor the hassle of making accomodations.

Injured workers going back out into the working world face bias.

[RobinA]

45. I've Got Friend

who was injured freakishly at work (slipping on a wet floor). When she told me she was suing for lost wages after the injury I wanted to scream NOOOOOOOO. No one will ever hire her.

[bluedawg12]

67. I know injured workers who did everything right

except get injured on the job in America.

Sure, some/many get the health care they need, then, when they are released from care they are fired by their employer and can't find work.

[Greyhound]

47. They left off having more than 3 or 4 years of experience.

Over 40? Out of luck.

[AyanEva]

49. ...

I fill the gaps in my resume with volunteer work. Before my current job, the gap was eight months but I had lengthy volunteer positions in the meantime so that my employer knew that I was at least doing SOMETHING. And it's a good way to build marketable skills while making a positive difference.

My volunteer work with the Obama campaign helped get me my current job, actually. THANKS OBAMA! XD

[doodadem]

53. Yes, that is a good idea

I tell people the same thing. Also, include any classes you've taken during the time off, and so forth, so it looks like you're trying to keep your skills up.

Another thing--do NOT try to whittle your resume down to just one page unless you are fresh out of college. I've seen too many people who have tried to do this, and end up just selling themselves short. In my experience, the only ones who aren't interested in those detailed resumes are H.R.--and they will still read them long enough to see if there is enough of the buzzwords to pass the resume on to the hiring authority. THAT person will love your long detailed resume.

And sorry folks--I've never seen anything good come out of trying to misrepresent yourself on your resume, either up or down. Hiding the fact that you have a higher degree, etc., will always come out in any decent background/reference check, and then you'll be pegged as dishonest. And not hired.

Now, one legitimate way that you CAN fudge a little, is to only go back 10-15 years worth of professional experience, then put, "Additional experience and references available upon request". That way, you cover yourself, while hopefully looking a little less long in the tooth. I especially recommend that to people who want to include every job they've ever had in their lives, no matter how inconsequential.

I prefer that people do NOT list their references on their resumes. I always take them off before I submit them anywhere. First of all, any recruiter worth their salt is going to try to recruit your references (it's what I do!) Secondly, you may end up getting the "I know someone, who knows someone at that co." game played on you, and never even realize it. Make sure that the references you do eventually give, will say good things about you. You'd be surprised at how many people just throw a name out there, and then for whatever reason, that person actually slams them. The three I prefer are: a former boss, a peer who can comment knowledgeably about your skills, and a user or customer. Do NOT give people like your pastor, your ex-brother-in-law, stick to professional references. Again, you'd be surprised how many people are ignorant about that.

The first order of business is to get to the interview and get the co. interested. If that goes well, believe me, they'll ask for your references. And always, always, be prepared for all kinds of questions, and have a list of your own to ask. Don't go into an interview empty-handed, always take several clean copies of your resume (tailored to the particular job you are interviewing for), along with anything else that makes you look good--examples of your work, etc.

[flvegan]

50. Never use the word "stabby" on a resume.

[Trillo]

51. Sounds like lying instructions to me. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

61. My sister who is an HR manager has a great story

She interviewed a guy who really impressed her. He came back for two follow up interviews and her company decided to offer him a job. So she scheduled another meeting with him where she planned on offering him the job. That morning he called her and said "Sorry I can't come in today. My sister OD'd and I am going to go out and kill the son of a bitch she got the drugs from."

:rofl:

[Triana]

62. Uhhhh...really dumb thing to do. Pffft! n/t

[tjwash]

64. Red Flag 11: You have all of the previous 10 covered, but the manager's slacker nephew needs a job.

And yeah...that happened to me once, and I am still bitter about it. Especially after they fired the worthless piece of shit 6 months later.

[Triana]

69. Good old nepotism. Yee ha.

:grr:

[strategery blunder]

65. Do not work summer jobs as a college student.

Work when you are in school instead.

I have been told several times that "I could not hold a job." Never mind that I was in college from 2003-2007, went to college in Missouri, and listed my permanent address at the time in Chicago, Illinois! :grr:

[Frank Cannon]

70. I got that, too, when I was right out of college.

Fortunately, it was an immediate sign that the interviewer was an idiot and that I didn't want to work for him anyway.

[strategery blunder]

72. I got that just enough to last untill the bottom fell out of the labor market.

And no one was hiring at all.

Eventually, I just said fuckit and enrolled in the paralegal studies program at my local community college. Hopefully job placement, internships, and 2-3 years of study will mean a better fortune when I get out. I didn't have Teh Nepotism Connections that are required in the workplace nowadays, because I couldn't afford internships in college.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

66. Don't be old.

yep you got laid off just before retirement---doesn't matter that you were one of the very best in your dept and have 6 years of monthly best supervisor awards to prove it........... or that the youngsters they kept went to you to fix their fuck ups, even after you got the boot......

just don't be old.

(my hunny's experience ) :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Triana]

68. Deffo don't be old. Ageism is alive and well. They sh*tcan you and save having to pay..

..your retirement AND they can hire young inexperienced workers at 1/3 the wages (maybe 1/2) - that's all they care about: $$$$$$$$$$

They don't care about having good or great, experienced employees - just about fattening their bottom line - that's IT.

[Xenotime]

75. The whole hiring process is unfair. If companies can hire they should just do it.