I agree that spelling mistakes should be avoided, but also not to leave gaps
and dates off the resume.  You also need a nice flow of material and have a
good format.  Then NEVER have your resume under one page.  Also, knowing who
to send it to is important -- BUT FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES ON THE JOB AD -- IF
IT STATES SEND IT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT -- DO SO!   Do not upset
the chain of command, and try to find the hiring employer.  Your resume may
end up in the round file.

As mentioned, you only have a minute or less to catch their attention.  I
believe leaving dates or gaps in your employment history is another "no no".
Leaving such off sends up a red flag:  "What did that person do during that
period of time?" or "What is this person trying to hide?"  That sends your
letter/resume to the round file....way before spelling mistakes.

If they only ask for a BS, I still leave on my MA degree..though I'm
thinking it dates me.  I do leave the date off my BS, because the MA is more
current and important to the position(s).

Many people I have talked with who hire, do not even read the resume over
totally (they don't have the time!)  First, they look for key words they
want .... so make sure you have those KEY words are in your resume/cover
letter in relationship to what the job is asking.  Format comes next, then
spelling mistakes closely thereafter (if they want to read more).

A few good examples of resumes and formats would be in Yana Parkers, "The
Resume Catalog: 200 Damn Good Examples," and in Block & Betrus, "101 Best
Cover Letters."

To account for spelling mistakes...find a good format.  Then present your
cover letter and resume to a friend to review for mistakes, in fact, a few
friends or profession people you know.
Let them go over it and spot any mistakes or things that stand out.

Then send it out (after you REVIEW it again after you make the corrections
from your friends reviews).   When another job comes up, use the same
resume/cover letter.  However, watch it that you don't use the same address,
names, employer, etc.   There are many software programs that allow you to
do so, and keep files/track of all the jobs you have applied for quick
access.

I also categorize my jobs in my files in my Word program such as "EX DIR XYZ
Museum" or "Curator ABC Museum".  Then when another Executive Director
position comes up, I go to my files and pull up that resume, change the
address, job bullets and other key points the employer requires...read it
over again...and even send it out again to another person to review.  I have
a cousin who does this for me all the time.  You would be amazed how you
miss even a period or comma and the spell-check does not pick it up or you.

By using the same resume/cover letter, you cover possible mistakes.  You
also speed up the process for you.   I then also look at other
resumes....and fine tune my skills...adding things that I think fits my
resume that will make it more sharp for the employer's attention.

TOO!  I change only the necessary paragraphs around to FIT the job ad and
qualifications...nailing what they want with showing my qualifications and
background.  I change the bullets on my cover letter to each point they ask
for.

In the first paragraph I tell them what job I am applying for.  Then I have
4-7 bullets of skills.  I always change the 2nd and 3rd short paragraphs to
hit exactly upon the experience and skills they are asking for.  I then have
a few paragraphs going more into how I am a match for them.  My last few
paragraphs I can add "salary history" if asked, and close off with my
interest in the position.

I also keep my cover letter at one page, though my font is at 10---it is a
squeeze!

I also add "attachments" at the bottom if it goes out by FAX or E-mail, and
"Enclosure(s)" if it goes out my snail mail.  I use a quality bond 25%
cotton, white paper.  I NEVER fold my
resume and cover letter, but send it in a size envelope to fit the paper.  I
make sure my postage is correct!  I don't guess, but let the post office do
that.   I also keep track through an EXCEL program of the job I applied for,
the date, when it closes, when it was "rejected" (I hate that word..but only
other word I could think up at the time), the title, the pay (if listed)
cost to mail the letter, gas for getting to the interview, airfare, rental
car (all that for tax purposes you know?), the source of where I found the
job, and anything else important for me to remember about that job.  It is
VERY simple to update..but lets me sort all the jobs I have applied for by
city, job title, date of submittal, closing, etc.   If there is "no contact"
back, I put that in the "rejection" column, letting me know either to get
back with them or to never put in a job for that place again. (smile).

I hope this helps?

A side note:  I have applied for over 160 jobs in the last year, with about
25 interviews.  I don't know if this is that great, but told it was.   I
would be interested in knowing the statistics of other job seekers...and how
many jobs they are interviewed for per the total number of jobs they
applied.  I am also interested in "age" and "education" -- if that is having
anything to do with being "over-qualified" and not getting interviews.

The unemployment office here stated told me that companies/employers want
the younger folks..and basically have their pick of who they want to hire.
Even though you may have the qualificaitons, the younger folks will be with
them longer...plus take less pay.  However, in the "museum" field, I believe
it is based on experience, since often higher degrees and educational
background is what they are looking for.  Please correct me if I am wrong or
have my head up in the clouds.  Thanks in advance.

Best,

John Martinson
http://www.geocities.com/jpmart1/

"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history."
   Abraham Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, December 1862

*****THIS POSTING HAS BEEN RAN THROUGH THE SPELL CHECK*****

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