by KawikaChann

Created on: May 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 22, 2010

I am moderately forgiving when it comes to reviewing applications, however, the higher up the ladder the position is, the more critical I am of the applicant and any submission he or she presents for review.

It seems common sense to eliminate spelling errors when it comes to resumes, yet, I have seen so many errors, you would wonder if some sort of "spell-check" software was at all available. Having resumes professionally done will ensure nods from any reviewer, especially if looking towards management positions. If you are capable of stringing sentences together without too much trouble, you are encouraged to create a resume with the assistance of the free resume builders available throughout the internet. Otherwise, it is probably better for you to have it down professionally.

It should be said, that if you are applying for a job that you are not qualified for, and if you have no other relative experience or education to bring to the table, your application is closer to the shredder than you would hope. For most employers casting for management, the highest standing amongst candidates would be to have experience plus education. The scale would fall from there.

4 yrs Relative experience + 4 yr college degree
+4 yrs Relative experience + 2 yr college degree
0-2 yrs Relative experience + 4 yr college degree

If you are starting out and looking for a ground floor, or entry position, the same scale will apply. However, if you are new to the job market, I've found students that have never worked before to be refreshing. No bad habits, and usually coach-able. Your interviewing skills will need to be polished to ensure being selected or at least considered.

If you will be filling out a company application, please write legibly. If it is possible to download the application from the internet, fill in the entire application to achieve a more professional look. If you are filling out an application by hand, use black or blue ink - never pink or purple, and never, ever red. Do not make a mistake. If you do, do not showcase your error by scratching a block of ink over your mistake. When possible, a single line through the error is fine, if it cannot be done by writing over. Best fix for penned errors, invest in a good white-out pen, and use only enough to make the correction. It's always a good idea to ask for two applications when possible, or make a copy to use as a practice sheet. This is a great habit to incorporate since you must be very selective with the words you use, and the amount of space being offered.

In most entry level positions, its alright for not having any work experience, although your application or 1 page resume doesn't have to reflect that. I'm sure after looking over your past experiences, there are tasks that involved some skill. Home makers are very important to those that depend on them. Its a 24 hour a day job, and anyone who says that that's not a job has no clue at all. Any volunteer work no matter how mundane and simplistic can look great on paper. Yard work for the elderly transposes to landscaping, filing and phone calls for the church morphs into office clerk and reception duties. While caring after kids can be considered risk management experience and chaos coordinator... okay, may be not the last, but you get my drift.

There are small exaggerations that are perfectly fine, and it will definitely add to your chances of being considered, rather than leaving blank spaces through out the application. The interview following any strong resume will dictate whether placement with the company will follow, however, having a strong resume or application will assure that you will at least be involved with the process.

Good luck and happy hunting.

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