10 Things That Will Send Your Resume To The Trash

Over the years of my professional career, I have struggled with how to make my resume stand out in the crowd when I have zero connections with a potential employer. I have tried everything from using a professional design company to printing my resume on brightly colored paper. I once even developed a ‘Top Ten’ list as to why a potential employer should hire me. I now find myself on the other side of the interview process.

At Tiller-Hewitt HealthCare Strategies we see hundreds of resumes. We screen the new physician liaison applicants for our healthcare clients. While it is true that a professionally done resume grabs my attention, it is the substance of the resume that keeps my attention.
So what are Top Ten things that will automatically send your resume to the discard pile?

1. Grammatical or spelling errors. That automatically goes in the discard pile.
2. Crazy personal emails like drinkstoomuch@. Ideally, your email should contain just your name or initials.
3. TMI or too much personal information. Employers want to see your work history, not personal history.
4. Relevant volunteer work. The only exception to the above #3 is if you have volunteer work that is relevant to the position you are seeking.
5. Work history from the age of 16. Do not go back 20 years to when you were a server at the local pub. Include your most recent professional career information.
6. Work history timeline gaps. While there may be nothing you can do about this, just realize that if you have gaps in your work history that is a ‘red flag’ to the potential employer.
7. Several short term jobs. Again, while this may be your career path it might indicate to a potential employer that you cannot keep a job. Whether that is your decision or your employer’s – either way it is a red flag.
8. Bad formatting that includes too much text. Use bullet points as they are easier to read.
9. Salary expectations. If you really want the position, you may automatically rule yourself out if you put your salary expectations on a resume. Make the potential employer want you and then talk salary!
10. References available upon request. No need for that statement. Either list references or don’t, but if you do, please let them know they are your reference. Many times we check references who did not realize they were listed as a reference. Also be prepared for potential employers on their game to check non-listed references when possible.

It is critical that employers find the right fit for their organizations from the beginning and that starts with your resume. So your resume can certainly have style, but it better also have substance!
Oh – and one more thing to consider when you have applied for a new job.
11. Check your social media content. You can be guaranteed that any potential employer on their game will check your Facebook and Twitter accounts!