By MAX MESSMER
Scripps Howard News Service
Surprising as it may be, a few bright spots are starting to poke through the dark clouds of the economic downturn. In a recent poll by Robert Half International, 77 percent of professionals interviewed cited at least one positive effect the recession has had on their jobs, including the ability to take on new projects, assume additional responsibility and tackle more challenging work.
The survey results underscore the importance of keeping your resume current.
Frequently updating your resume as your skills grow and job duties expand has always been a wise move, but it's particularly useful today. You never know when an attractive new opportunity may present itself or when you'll need to initiate a sudden job search.
"JOB DUTIES: Assistant manager: Cut the food and phones."That explains why we couldn't reach you.
"JOB DUTIES: Accounting specialist: Putting out fires."We'll make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby.
"SKILLS: No drama."Must be a comedian.
"SKILLS: I love to always be doing something. Zoom, zoom, zoom!"This candidate is on the fast track.
"JOB DUTIES: Self-employed financial day trader: Work in my PJs."That won't even cut it on casual Fridays.
"BACKGROUND: I have 30-plus years of administrative and clerical experience. I have 'been there and done that' so I know my way around. I am so organized it makes people crazy."We appreciate the warning.
In addition to failing to describe her qualifications, this job seeker desperately needed to spell-check her resume:
"JOB DUTIES: Administartion manger: Constantly aquire new knowledge, which can help me farther advance up the companys scale."If spelling and grammar are not your forte, always have someone else review your application materials before submitting them.
For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies(r) and Job Hunting For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition. His most recent book is Human Resources Kit For Dummies(r), 2nd Edition.
