1. Do not give reasons for termination or leaving a job on the resume. The reader can invariably find negative connotations to even the best reason. Rather than including this in your professional resume, it is much better to discuss it in person.

2. Do not include items like hobbies, sports and social activities. They rarely help in getting the job, and may bias readers against a candidate (e.g., membership in a hunting or gun club could be viewed negatively by someone who is against guns or in favor of animal rights).

3. Do not include social security number, spouse’s occupation and/or personal philosophies toward religion, politics and related topics (i.e., unless germane to the position applied for).

4. Do not list references on the resume. They can easily be provided separately if requested. There is nothing to be gained for candidate or referencing individuals by exposing names of references to prospective employer.

5. Do not use exact dates (e.g., 10/23/07). Month and year are sufficient.

6. Do not include the date your resume was prepared (i.e., this is auto-formatted in some word processing templates). If your search takes longer than a few months, the professional resumes will appear outdated.

7. Do not include height, weight or remarks about physical appearance or health unless somehow germane to the position applied for.

8. Do not list high school or elementary school if a college graduate.

9. Do not state job objectives on resume unless resume is targeted to a particular job or occupation.

10. Do not use professional jargon unless absolutely sure resume will be read by someone who understands those terms.

11. Do not provide salary information on the resume, but save it for the interview. If required to provide that information, do so in cover letter.

12. Do not lie. If it is discovered before a job offer it can prevent an offer. If it is discovered after being hired, it can result in loss of job.

Avoiding these twelve “Do Not’s” can help you create a better resume and land the job.

1. Unique Standards
“Borrowed” handbooks or copying someone else’s policy can cause problems if there are unique standards or rules that should be communicated but are missing. Also, if some other policies should not be there, they may be adopted by mistake.

2. Language
A use of impersonal, third person or “legal-like” language may cause someone to think it actually is a contract.

3. Unintended Promises
The employer may accidentally imply promises of employment security (e.g., phrases used like “permanent employee…” Also an employer may say things that inadvertently promise employment security (e.g., “You’ll have a job here as long as you perform well”).

4. Unsupported Policies
Similarly, resist the urge to publish a policy just because it sounds good, when there is actually no support for it. It can be very difficult later if the organization publishes a grievance process that management may later disregard.  Policies may contain absolute or “zero tolerance” wording and may require a “proof” standard. Mandatory wording (e.g., “shall” and “will”) conveys a commitment. It is better to use discretionary words (e.g., “may”).  Word to the wise: jurors cannot take a transcript of court testimony into the deliberation room, but can take a copy of the employee handbook.

5. Organizational Culture
Policies are much more than lists of rules.  It is critical the organization accurately communicate its position on job design, workforce planning, recruitment, selection, training and development, performance evaluation and appraisal, compensation, and incentives/rewards.  To effectively lead people, a manager must know how and why the various processes work as well as when to use them.  Management activity does not happen in a vacuum.  Managers must keep in mind the context of the organization in terms of the company’s strategy, characteristics and culture.  In addition, they must consider the concerns of their workforce.  Beyond organizational demands, strategic management requires organizational leaders to anticipate and take steps to meet the environmental influences associated with labor force trends, advances in technology, ethics and globalization, as well as to ensure they comply with legal and regulatory.

So, take the time to write your own policies.  Managers need solid guidance regarding the practices available for managing their people.  Organizational leaders generally and HR managers specifically can have an opportunity to influence the content and handling of policies and avoid many problems.  By creating policies within your own company, you can set the tone and culture of your organization and avoid potential headaches in the future.

Remember Your Audience
When writing your best resume, remember to always think about your audience. Consider your readers based on their: expectations, characteristics (who is the reader?), goals (what are your readers planning to accomplish?), and context.  For what type of situation do readers need this information?.  Be sure to identify information your readers will need and make that information easily accessible and understandable.

Be Persuasive
Writing effective professional resumes involves always being persuasive.  The job candidate who is developing their best resume must have a persuasive goal that shines through in various ways, which is to get a job interview.  A good resume almost always persuades someone to take action.  Since resume writing must be persuasive, candidates must keep in mind:

• Purpose - why the document is being written, the goals of the document
• Audience - who will read the document
• Stakeholders - those who may be affected by the document
• Context - the background in which the document is created

Online Resumes
Professional resumes must be written to be compatible with online recruiting tools and websites.  Online recruiting has revolutionized the way companies recruit employees and job seekers search and apply for jobs.  In a 2008 survey, 73 percent of job seekers used the Internet, compared to 66 percent of job seekers during the same period in 2005.  Initiating contact with prospective employers by telephone or through the U.S. Postal Service has fast become an outmoded technique for candidates looking for a job.  Recruitment is typically defined as the process of attracting individuals on a timely basis, in sufficient numbers, with appropriate qualifications, to apply for jobs with an organization.  Timely with respect to online recruiting ranges from within a few days to almost immediately.

Online – An Ever-Changing Landscape
Online recruiting continues to change at a blistering pace.  New Web sites are constantly being created, sites are merging, expanding, and/or being dissolved.  The growth of Internet recruiters, use of virtual job fairs, corporate career Websites, job boards (i.e., Monster.com, HotJobs.com, CareerBuilder.com, etc.), as well as corporate career websites are all areas of focus to stay current on online recruiting trends.  To be effective in this new digital environment, your resume must make use of key words related to the position of interest, and be written in a series of easily readable “sound bites.”  This means information is conveyed almost exclusively using bullets in short bursts, versus full sentences in paragraph form.

Conclusion
When creating your next resume, keep these three things in mind:

• Be persuasive
• Remember your audience
• Have online resumes as well as traditional resumes

Follow these three guidelines and you’re well on your way to success.

Steps in building this word picture include:

• Study job objective and ask yourself “what are the 4-5 most important skills required?”
• Create a series of columns on a spreadsheet for each of those skills or special know-how areas and label each column.
• Ask yourself, “When did I use those same skills in the past?”  Under each of the skills write action-oriented, simple statements that clearly and concisely describe how you used or developed those skills in the past.
• Assemble the Relevant Skills and Experience section of your resume by putting the contents of those 4-5 skill columns together on one page.

The primary message your professional resumes communicate should be:

• You are generally qualified
• You have the experience
• Credentials
• Basic skills needed for the job
• You are uniquely qualified
• You own unique qualifications in the areas that really matter for this particular job

Examples of what to include are:

• Relevant experience
• Formal training and credentials
• At least one significant accomplishment
• One or two outstanding skills or abilities
• A reference to your values, commitment, or philosophy if appropriate.

A career is a general course that a person chooses to pursue throughout his or her working life.  Historically, a career was a sequence of work-related positions an individual occupied during a lifetime, although not always with the same company.  However, today there are few relatively static jobs.  Career planning must be an ongoing process where an individual sets career goals and identifies the means to achieve them.

Individuals in today’s job market must truly manage their careers.  You should not concentrate only on advancement opportunities, since the present work environment has reduced many of these opportunities.  You need to conduct a realistic self-assessment, which can be as simple as a list of strengths and areas needing development.  Such a list becomes an excellent source around which your resume is built.  Since perception is often reality, it is desirable to write the list of strengths as you perceive them, and not what you think others would say.

A second exercise to help you target the right skills to highlight is to develop a list of career likes and dislikes.  This will help you to recognize restrictions you place on yourself.  The size of firm desired, willingness to travel, geographic preference, can all play a part in which skills and knowledge to emphasize.

When done correctly, your resume presents a wonderful word picture of you, captures the attention of hiring managers, and results in you getting the job.

Vision
The term “vision” has become a haggard cliché. It can mean everything or nothing. It is often used to describe the high-level objectives leaders want to achieve, and, other times, is actually a mission statement. Often these are but slogans or lists of desired objectives or “values” that are put up on the wall and left on tables in the lobby, but do not impact behaviors and attitudes.

A vision is a vibrant mental image that depicts your view of the desired future state of the organization in an inspiring way. It is not a statement of mission, a set of objectives, or a list of values. It is a word picture of what will be seen, heard, and felt when the organization fulfills that mission, and achieves results. It’s about the culture, environment, and values. If it’s not inspiring, then it’s not a vision.

Unfocused Vision
Without a clear vision, candidates create a vacuum of understanding and connection with interviewers that undermines their effectiveness.  Why?  Because most interviewers judge actions and words closely and critically, hunting for signals of direction, purpose, motives, and, especially, for the answer to “who is this person?”  Job candidates begin down the path to failure when they do not gain control of their own career objectives.  The result is not effectively getting their messages across, shaping a job plan, or gaining the confidence of those in a position to judge results of their job candidacy. Career objectives need to be clear to the job candidate and presented in both the candidate’s professional resumes and job interviews

Fulfilling Your Vision
To create momentum, you must make some quick successes. By the end of the first six months, at the most, you must have made substantial progress in addressing your job’s most pressing problems. This means marshaling resources to focus on issues that meet three criteria:  clearly defined assessment of financial needs, consciously address issues that employers understand to be important, and strive to make it to the next step in the process.

Vision in the Job Search
Job candidates secure early successes in job interview process by identifying problems that can be tackled in a reasonable period of time and whose solutions result in tangible improvements in performance.   They can supplement these points in their professional resume when identifying skills and creating an objective.  Job interviewees should focus attention on the few key issues that are central.  In doing this, they seek to get results, set the right tone, and energize their candidacy.

Body Language Basics
Body language can speak louder than words and is critically important.  Most people are aware of the basics:

• Importance of a firm handshake
• Maintaining good eye contact
• Practicing good posture

Subtle Body Language
Most people, however, do not think about what is communicated by the many subtle movements, gestures, looks and actions under the total body language “umbrella.”  Body language includes actions such as:

• Movement of head
• Facial expressions (e.g., movement of eyebrows, eyes, nose, etc.)
• Body posture (i.e., the way body is placed, including arms and legs, in relation to each other, and in relation to other people)
• Body proximity
• Shoulder movement
• Hand and finger gestures
• Handling and placement of objects (e.g., pens, papers, etc)

There are other body language movements that telegraph intent, such as gestures (e.g., the particular way a hand is shaken, or someone winking after a particular comment), and vocal cues, including: pitch of voice, volume (e.g., shouting, whispering, etc).

Body Language To Avoid
Nonverbal cues can say a lot about personality and interest in the open job.  Seemingly small movements can send un-intended messages.  Examples include:

• Crossing arms (closed; keeps people at bay)
• Over-reacting (nodding hurriedly, insincere, unprofessional)
• Tense facial expressions (nervous, control-oriented, or angry)

It is normal to be nervous, and some tension is to be expected.  Take a few long, slow breaths to calm down.

Show Good Body Language From The Start
Many hiring managers say they can often tell if someone is the right fit for his or her organization just minutes after the handshake. In a recent Robert Half survey, executives said they typically form an opinion of a candidate within the first ten minutes of an employment interview. With such a short amount of time to interact with a hiring manager, what can the candidate do to achieve a positive response?

The Most Important Body Language
The most important body language cue to me is remembering to smile. I know for some people this may be painful, but a ready smile says you are confidant and positive. Being positive goes a long way toward convincing the interviewer that you’re right for the job. Consider whether you’re making any common nervous mistakes (e.g., such as rushing your responses or not listening to the full questions), and adjust your communications as necessary. Many employers want positive people. They are nice to work with and customers appreciate them. A smile says you are that person.

While prepping for your next interview, remember to spend some time in front of a mirror, or better yet, video yourself.  Talk through answers to commonly asked interview questions and watch for messages your body language may send.  If you see anything negative or weak, take action to correct.

What’s Your Sales Pitch?
What is your body language saying?  Do you look trustworthy, confident, and competent, or ill-at-ease and timid?  Much has been said about the importance of body language when greeting people, yet examples abound every day of people getting it wrong.  Here are a few things to remember when greeting people.

First Impressions Are Key
Studies show that many managers make hiring decisions at the initial handshake.  In that brief moment, it is not what you say that matters most but often what your handshake says about you.  A limp, sweaty, or weak handshake leaves someone with less confidence in you.  A firm handshake with two or three slow but steady shakes usually meets the need.  Please avoid squeezing too hard. Maintaining eye contact and smiling (if appropriate), while shaking hands is almost always advisable.  Making eye contact is very hard for some people. If done right, it is associated with being trustworthy, confident and sincere. If done poorly, it can make a person feel very uncomfortable. How do you feel when in a group setting and the person talking to you is continually looking around the room for someone else? This makes people feel less important. The goal is to make people feel as though you are having a one-on-one conversation with them.

Eye Contact
To maintain appropriate eye contact makes people feel included and important. Look at the eyes of the person you’re speaking to. If you are addressing a small or large group, mentally break the room into three parts. Find one individual in group #1 and focus on them for 4-5 seconds, then shift your gaze to someone in group #2, etc. People sub-consciously will feel you are including them.

Keep Your Hands Inside the Box
Some people use hand gestures to punctuate virtually everything they say. Vigorously using both hands while conversing with people can be distracting for your listener if done to excess. It is OK to use your hands in a way that feels natural. If gesturing while speaking, try keeping your hands within the “TV box” (i.e., roughly where you would see someone’s hands if they were delivering the news on television), Gesturing that is outside the TV box may be too wild, and a distraction to the point of discomforting for someone you are greeting.

Good Posture = Good Impression
Poor posture almost always telegraphs a lack of enthusiasm, confidence, and ability. Staying balanced on both feet, standing tall, with your eyes ahead sends the right message: strong and confident. If seated, do not slump or lean the chair back on two legs. Either of these behaviors is distracting to the listener and gets in the way of your message.

Please remember to practice these basics and close the “sale” every time leading to that new job and next step in your career.

Following is a random series of observations regarding good communicators and what you can do to be more like them:

• Smile, even if it hurts a little. A smile puts the listener at ease and in a frame of mind to listen.
• Be first to say “hello.” Greeting someone recognizes them as a person you value.
• Take risks. Don’t overly anticipate rejection as it can make you seem timid.
• Move the conversation along. Change the topic of conversation when it has run its course.
• Show you are listening. Prove you are a good listener by briefly restating others comments back to them in different words.
• Be able to tell others what you do in a few short sentences. A few words will go along way.  Plan ahead and choose words carefully.
• Always use good eye contact, especially when making your first contact with people.  It shows someone you are focused on and value them.
• Greet people you see regularly even if you don’t know them.  When the time comes for conversation with them, you will find a ready audience.
• Look for common ground. Seek common goals, interests, and experiences with the people you meet.
• Let others play the expert. Be ready to let someone be an expert, unless their advice or information is wrong in the extreme, and even then use tact when offering correction.
• Get enthusiastic. Have several pre-developed questions ready ask in order to show interest.
• Balance the giving and receiving of information. If things go too much in the direction of one party in a conversation things quickly become boring.
• Express yourself. Express your feelings, opinions, and emotions to others.  It is OK to show a little passion about a topic.
• Ask people their opinions. Most people have an opinion about almost everything but will not share it unless asked.  Be tolerant of other’s beliefs if you don’t agree with them.
• When you tell a story, present the main point first, and then add thesupporting details afterward. This makes the difference between someone who tells a good story and those who do not. It gets the listener engaged and the story is in the details.
• Be aware of open and closed body language. Crossed arms and legs, diverted eyes, etc., may mean that someone does not want to hear what you have to say.

These are all elements of good conversation.  They help to break down barriers and create relationships with others.  Next time you are out with a group of people, try some of these tips and see how it goes.  You can be a better communicator with a little practice.

Here are several key actions that are vital to the ultimate success of people in each group:

1. Get in shape.
It is critical for many reasons to care for your self physically.  To find new work or fully enjoy your current job for the long term, your schedule and hours must include some time for allowing you to stay physically fit.  See your doctor and agree on an exercise plan aligned with your age and build.

2. Get fit financially.
Smart athletes manage their money well and invest wisely during their years of high-earning potential so that they can maintain their standard of living when they retire from the game.  Financial fitness is less about income than outgo.  To be financially fit, focus on what you keep as well as what you earn.  Get some outside help to put your financial house in order.  Keep your eye on what’s happening in the world and how that might affect investments.  No matter the size of your income, you need to educate yourself about financial matters: personal net worth, insurance, estate planning and wills, and investing. Read, listen to financial TV, and stay current on laws and regulations affecting you.  The more finances are in check, the less stress and better your fiscal future.

3. Keep learning.
Continuous learning has many benefits.  In our culture, access to learning is everywhere and need not cost a lot.  You can read, take a class, study online to learn a new skill, pursue a hobby, or attend lectures.  Intellectual growth deepens your expertise and broadens opportunities.

4. Maintain social skills.
When work overtakes all social activity, quality of life suffers. Inevitably, work friends talk about work. Stress from work spills over into conversations so that you can’t get away work, even after hours. You need friends involved in other pursuits and interests who can offer different perspectives.

5. Keep your resume current.
People currently working might need a resume at a moments notice.  An internal job may open or a position of interest elsewhere becomes available.  Professional resumes must be carefully written, and every word used for maximum impact.  

To the extent that you stay fit physically and financially, continue to learn, maintain good social connections, and have a good professional resume, you improve the quality of life and chance of success whether currently employed or not.

In these recessionary times, despite busy-ness and being short-staffed, organizations are checking references more thoroughly than ever.  My heartfelt message to anyone thinking of fudging key information on their resume is DON’T. 

Exactly what untruths are people tempted to claim on their resume?  The U.S. Department of Labor tracks these things, and when you look at the data it breaks according to those who were not hired as well as those who were hired but ultimately terminated due to resume fraud. 

Reasons why those who were not hired because of false claims fell into six categories:

• Education (claim of high school diploma, college degree(s) not earned, schools not attended). 
• Listing false employers (claims of working for large companies, prestigious firms, etc.). 
• Identified jobs that didn’t exist (gave themselves a more interesting job, or job sounding closely aligned with one they want).
• Listing incorrect job titles (better, more impressive titles).
• Misrepresenting why they left a former employer (voluntary versus involuntary).
• Listing dates of employment that were off by more than three months (memory fades and honest errors in accuracy of dates are generally accepted within a three month range; three months and beyond is seen as tracking toward deception).

We still live in an employment-at-will environment, and employers have always reserved the right to terminate employees who lied on their resume.  Sometimes resume “indiscretions” do not surface for months or years after being hired. 

Reasons why those who were hired and ultimately terminated due to something on their resume also fell into six categories:

• Falsifying company records (includes creating false letter of recommendation).
• Failure to list previous employer (candidate simply skips over mention of an employer; this is OK unless there is something about the experience with or reason for leaving employer that hiring organization had right to know about).
• Failure to admit cheating on time reporting or financial documents (includes whether someone was only disciplined versus terminated)
• Failure to reveal a prior felony conviction (key word is conviction; not required that mention be made of accusations for which someone was found not guilty).
• Lying about education and experience.
• Fabricating a college degree (includes instances where employee had degree but claimed one or more additional degrees).

Resume fraud is serious and so not worth it.  The odds of being caught are great; especially for those in executive-level positions.  Once caught, the ripple effects of lying on a resume can continue for years.