Comments on: Top 5 resume red flags

By: Elizabeth Van Orden

Elizabeth Van Orden — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:22:47 +0000

As a rule of thumb, I deter candidates from using too many “full sentences” on their resumes. Most professional resume-writers advocate using action verbs to start off a bullet point in which you describe a contribution you made, qualified by results (preferably with supporting statistics). For example: Initiated a new account tracking system that reduced the DSO from X to Z. When I have a pile of 100 resumes on my desk, it’s much easier to see the accomplishments when listed as bullet points, than it is to see the accomplishments written out in full sentence/paragraph form.

By: Hiram Q. Pustule

Hiram Q. Pustule — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:57:51 +0000

Seriously? You don’t think complete sentences are necessary? I’m in IT, not Finance, but one thing I look for is good written communications skills, and that includes complete sentences, subject-verb agreement, and excellent word choice. I don’t know about anyone else, but a bullet list says to me that the applicant can’t be bothered to take the time to really tell me what he has done.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:27:27 +0000

I find that odd inconsistencies in the work history send them to the “no thanks” pile. Someone with a CPA and MBA who never makes it past Staff Accountant starts my alarm bells ringing.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:12:27 +0000

Poor grammar and misspellings sends resumes to the “no” pile. In addition, application letters with grand statements like “I am an expert in all areas of accounting” will immediately end up in the “no” pile.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:00:01 +0000

Don’t forget about previous employment start & end dates not matching up, or leaving big gaps unaccounted for.

By: Ted

Ted — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:44:04 +0000

Some good points, thanks.