Avoiding the "Hidden" Mistakes!
October 28, 2008

Advice provided by Elaine Lai, Recruitment Consultant

There are already many articles on resume writing and interview tips. Here is some advice on common "hidden" mistakes to avoid after you've written your resume and before your interview.

The Resume – Before You Hit "Send"

Now that you've finished writing your resume, you're ready to send it off to prospective employers. Here are some pointers before you click the send button:

Check your email address. Resumes with an address listed as iluvpuppies@hotmail.com or chickmagnet@gmail.com will not be taken seriously. Make sure that your email address reflects a professional and mature image. There are many domains online that offer free email accounts that are simple to set up.

Did you follow the application instructions? Most job postings will tell you exactly how to apply, and often involves referencing a job code. Follow the directions exactly. If it asks you to refer to the code in the subject line of your email, put it in the subject line. Don't just put it in the body of the email, or in your cover letter.

Don't forget to attach your resume.

Preparing for the Call

Okay, so now you've sent your resume off and you're anxiously waiting for that phone to ring.

Change your voice mailbox greeting message. Consider changing your normal greeting to a more professional one. Remember, this is the first personal impression that an employer is getting of you. Besides, employers are busy; they really do not want to listen to two minutes of a rap song intro before they can leave a message.

Answer the phone appropriately. If you are sleeping in (which is a possibility if you're unemployed), take a few seconds to wake up and clear your throat before you pick up the phone. Don't answer with "yo man, what's up". Also, if you left your home number as your contact number; try to avoid having any non-English speaking family members answer the phone. Likewise, I’m sure your 2-year-old daughter is adorable; but it’s difficult to leave a message with her!

Arriving at the Interview

Finally! You get to the office for that coveted interview.

Be nice to the receptionist! The hiring manager and the receptionist work in the same office. They talk, and the impression that you make on the receptionist does make a difference. Hiring managers realize that you will be on your best behaviour with them, but how you interact with the other staff reveals your true nature.

By recognizing and avoiding these common "hidden" mistakes, you'll quickly put yourself to the front of the pack!

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