Don't Be Bob

By Michael C. Dennis

Last month, someone—let’s call him Bob—posted his resume here on LinkedIn. Unfortunately, it was riddled with issues including but not limited to these:

• Spelling and grammar mistakes
• Poor formatting
• Inconsistent fonts
• Overlapping job dates
• Lists of job duties without a single accomplishment

I checked his profile and saw that Bob had been out of work for three months. Undoubtedly, he’d sent this less-than-polished resume to countless employers over those months, unknowingly hurting his chances of finding his next great job.

Career coaches often encounter capable, dedicated clients (like Bob) who, after months of sending out flawed resumes, experience nothing but frustration, missed opportunities, and wasted effort. This could be avoided with a well-prepared resume that reflects their skills and strengths.

Here’s my advice:

• Resist the urge to quickly send out your resume after a job loss or transition.
• Instead, take the time to refine it—make it the strongest representation of your professional self before it reaches employers.
• If you’re unsure how to improve your resume, seek guidance: read a book, watch a tutorial, talk to a mentor, or consult a professional who knows what employers expect.

In other words, don’t be Bob.