WorkWise BlogTip: Boo boos

Everyone goofs, but the biggest goof is not being able to notice and recover. After all, any serious job hunt needs a break. So does the hunter.

Molly Wendell, author of “The New Job Search” (North Audley Media, $24.95), offers some excellent examples of how people blow their searches. She mentions the person who called an employer and expected to leave the voicemail of his career. However, a live voice came on the line. So the caller fumbled with, “Oh, I was expecting to get your voicemail.” The employer replied, “Well here, let me help you,” followed by a click.

Wendell knows how people respond to ads. One cover letter for a job she advertised opened with “Dear Sir.” A resume claimed “ecxellent attention to detail.” Yes, indeedy! Others couldn’t say what they meant to say. In referring to their work history, for example, they wrote, “I was entertained with the large variety of activities” or “I self-teach and individually learn programs.” Talk about making it easy to have your resume tossed . . .

Then there were applicants who told all. Someone named Smith demonstrated that writing an online resume was a bit of a chore. Hers was saved as “LizSmithCorrectedResume.” Another labeled hers “Moms Resume.”

Please.

Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2009 Passage Media.