Often human resource managers skim a resume to determine whether its content is clear, concise and targeted to the type of job for which the candidate is applying. When hiring employees for a small business, you might want to remove resumes from the candidate pool that are not well structured and contain grammatical errors.
Missing Information
A human resource manager might throw away a resume if it is missing key information. For instance, if an employee fails to include his first and last name at the top-center of the resume or does not include his address, phone number or email address, the human resource manager might remove the resume from the candidate pool. Such information is necessary for a human resource manager to set up an interview.
Also Read: HRCI Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
Format
A human resource manager might throw away a resume if it is not properly formatted. In general, a resume should contain a professional objective line two spaces below the candidate’s name and contact information. A resume should also contain an educational background section for schools attended, years of attendance and any degrees earned. A skills section should include three to four skills and a work experience section should provide job titles, names of former employers and dates of employment. An activities section should provide highlights of a candidate’s skills.
Bad Grammar and Typos
Bad grammar and typos might cause a human resource manager to throw away a resume. Such mistakes are unprofessional and show poor organizational skills. In general, human resources managers assume if a candidate would make a mistake on a resume, she would probably make a lot more mistakes on the job. Small-business owners may be particularly reluctant to hire a potential candidate with a poor presentation.
Length
Resume length is important. Therefore a resume should contain high-quality content and be no more than two pages long. Each page should be clearly written, neat and error-free. In general, a resume should be one page. However, if the candidate has an extensive work history, he may include two pages. Long wordy descriptions may indicate that a candidate is attempting to exaggerate his experience or lacks an understanding of how to create clear, concise and understandable phrases.
Source: smallbusiness.chron.com
