ALT-2 Resume Red Flags for Employers
If you are looking for a job, it probably means that you are getting your resume up to date. A strong resume is one of the best ways to get a new job. However, there are some aspects of your resume that an employer might not like. Don't lie about these aspects of your resume, but be prepared to explain yourself. What exactly are the red flags on a resume employers look for?
The first red flag is a gap in employment history. If you have been out of work for awhile, you should be ready to explain why. An employer might assume that you weren't looking for work, or simply haven't been doing anything. This can hurt your chances of getting an interview, or from getting the job even if you do interview.
Another red flag is the lack of a job history. If you haven't had many jobs in the past, it can be hard to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience needed in order to do a good job for the current employer. It doesn't mean that you wouldn't get hired, but you should be willing to demonstrate how you can be a valuable asset to the company.
If you are looking for a management job, but you have no management experience, you should know it will raise a red flag. Emphasize in your resume the skills that you have that would qualify you for the job, or explain in the interview why you would be a good candidate. It might be your only shot to get a job with the company you have applied for.
Is your resume a form resume? If so, you might not get a lot of call backs. Your cover letter should show what your know and how it fits into the role the company wants you to perform. An employer isn't going to like it if you have sent the same cover letter to every company you apply to. They want to know that you have taken the time to get to know the unique problem that you would be asked to solve for the company.
Your resume is what is going to get you into the door. Even if you get an interview, you are still going to have to explain any questions the employer might have about your resume. If you are prepared ahead of time and know what red flags may be raised, it will allow you to answer those questions without stuttering or coming off as unprepared.
