Not Getting Any Interviews?

Here are top resume errors that can keep you from landing the interview, according to two professionals in the field.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: April 12, 2007 - 5:07 PM

Job seekers who send out cover letters and resumes yet fail to get interviews need to take a step back and focus on reasons why they are not getting interviews.

Barbara Wulf, a career coach with Beckon Call (www.beckoncall-coach.com) and Kyle O'Keefe, branch manager of Minnetonka specialized staffing firm OfficeTeam, recently pondered this situation and came up with a number of possible factors that could be holding you back.

Both agree a key reason is often spelling or grammatical errors. Keep in mind how important that first impression really is, says Wulf and O'Keefe.

"Just one typo or misused word can take you out of the running for a job," says O'Keefe.

There are numerous other factors people overlook, including:

Resumes and cover letters that are too technical and exaggerate skills;

Putting the wrong name or address of the company on the cover letter;

Applying for jobs you're not qualified for;

Applying for jobs you're overqualified for;

Failing to tailor each resume to the specific job;

Sending resumes to companies that are not hiring;

Being unavailable (don't send out resumes and then go on vacation for two weeks);

Editorializing on your resume and cover letter (keep your opinions to yourself);

Focusing on outside hobbies and interests - not job-related skills and accomplishments;

Forgetting to explain not only what you did, but using numbers, figures and facts to back that up (giving a job title doesn't always say what you did);

Covering up gaps in employment;

And failing to follow-up.

"Job seekers are under the microscope the moment they submit a resume," says O'Keefe. "It's not just about what you want and why a job is right for you. The hiring manager wants to know how your skills and experience can help his or her company - and how you can hit the ground running if hired."

In other words, don't make it about what you want, but what you can do to help employers achieve what they want.

"Employers cannot afford to hire and rehire," says Wulf. "Small things can make a difference."

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

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