#amanda augustine

Objective

We’ve all seen those generic objective statements talk about “[       ] professional looking for opportunities that will allow me to leverage my [      ] skills.” Avoid the run-of-the-mill objective statement and replace it with your elevator pitch. In a brief paragraph, explain what you’re great at, most interested in, and how you can provide value to a prospective employer. In other words, summarize your job goals and qualifications for the reader.

Head shot

Unless you’re creating a CV to apply to positions outside of the United States, or you’re in the entertainment world and a head shot is part of the job, you should never include a picture of yourself with your resume. Your photo will likely clue the employer into your nationality, religion and age (among other factors) that could inadvertently lead to discrimination. No need to give them any of those details until they’ve considered your application based solely on your qualifications. Play it safe and leave the head shot off your résumé.

Inappropriate e-mail addresses

The e-mail address [email protected] may have been cute when you were in college, but it’s not the best choice to represent your professional brand today. The same goes for shared family accounts such as [email protected] and e-mail addresses that are offensive or sexual in nature. Do yourself a favor and sign up for a free address with a provider like Gmail that’s reserved exclusively for your job-search and networking activities.

Mailing address

If you'd like to relocate for work, you probably already know it's best to leave your current address off your résumé. However, it's becoming increasingly common for professionals to remove this information, regardless of their target location. If you're searching for a position in your current location and want employers to know you’re a local candidate, include your city and state. However, leave your street address off to protect yourself from potential identity theft.

Multiple phone numbers

Do you remember the scene in the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” where Drew Barrymore’s character is complaining about playing phone (and e-mail and Facebook and text…) tag with a potential suitor? The more phone numbers you introduce into the mix, the easier it is to miss an important message from a prospective employer. Avoid this confusion by listing one phone number, preferably the number for your mobile phone, where you control the voicemail, who picks up the phone, and when.  

Personal details

There’s no need to include personal information such as your social security number, marital status, nationality or spiritual beliefs. In fact, it is illegal for an employer to ask for these personal details. I also recommend removing your hobbies from the resume. Unless you’re incredibly new to the workforce or your activities are directly related to your target job, you’re merely wasting résumé real estate.

Irrelevant social media accounts

Not only is this information a waste of résumé space, but including personal social media accounts that aren’t aligned with your professional brand can derail your job search. Remove these links from your résumé and take steps to safeguard your brand.

Flesh out at least one professional profile on sites like LinkedIn, GitHub, or About.Me, depending upon your line of work, and including the link at the top of your résumé. If you work in a creative field, consider creating a personal site that has a mobile-responsive design so you can share your portfolio from any device.

Current employer's contact info

Remember, this contact information will be used by recruiters to contact you. Do you really want them calling you at work or using an e-mail address that can be monitored by your current employer?  Don’t inadvertently tip your boss off about your job-search activities. Always list your personal e-mail address and phone number on your résumé and job applications. The same goes for any social media accounts associated with your professional brand.

Embedded tables

Don’t include embedded tables or images in your résumé and avoid using the actual Header and Footer sections of the Word document, as these can confuse the employer’s online applicant tracking system, known as an ATS system, and scramble your job application.

Crazy fonts and colors

When choosing your résumé font, stick to ones that are considered easy to read and won’t confuse the ATS systems: Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Tahoma, Book Antiqua or Franklin Gothic. If you’re in a creative position, save the creative designs for your online portfolio. Employers still need a version of your résumé that can be easily uploaded, parsed and stored in their online tracking system.

Fluffy buzzwords

While it can be tempting to throw a few buzzwords such as “proactive” and “self-motivated” into a professional summary, recruiters know these terms are mere fluff and won’t be impressed when they see them. In fact, a survey by CareerBuilder found these words to be among hiring managers’ top 17 résumé turn-offs. Instead of telling employers that you’re a “value-add”, use strong action verbs explain how you were able to improve a process, increase revenue or cut costs.

"I" or "me"

While there is some debate among HR professionals these days about the need to add a more personal tone to résumés, the generally accepted practice is to refrain from referring to yourself in the first person with pronouns such as “I” or “me.” Similarly, don’t use pronouns or your name to talk about yourself in the third person (i.e. “John is an accomplished IT professional”; “He is seeking opportunities to…”).

Salary history

There’s no need to include salary information or hourly pay rates for roles you previously held. It’s not only unnecessary; it may send the wrong message to employers. Remember, your résumé should showcase the value your professional experience and skills provide – not its cost to former employers. If a job application asks for salary requirements, address these questions in your cover letter.

Unrelated information

You may be proud to coach your son’s baseball team or run the annual bake sale at your church, but this information doesn’t belong on your résumé. If it’s not relevant to your target job goals, reconsider its place on your résumé. Would the hiring manager reading your résumé find this information valuable or would they ask themselves, “So what?”

Too much of the past

Employers are especially interested in your most recent experience and how that ties back to their open position’s requirements. If you’re an entry-level professional, it’s time to take out any references to your high school career. Instead, focus on highlighting your education, relevant internships and the leadership skills you’ve developed during college.  If you’re further along in your career, limit your résumé to include the most recent 15 years of experience in reverse-chronological order and remove the dates from any degrees, certifications or awards that fall outside that 15-year window.

References upon request

Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, your résumé real estate is precious. Don’t waste space by listing your references or including a note such as “References available upon request” at the bottom of your résumé. Employers don’t ask for that information until you make it to a face-to-face interview, and they know you’ll provide it if they request it.

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Amanda Augustine is the Career Management Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

I'm not surprised. According to Outlook, 144.8 billion – that's billion with a b – are sent every day worldwide. Sadly, a report by McKinsey Global Institute and International Data Corp found that workers only consider a mere 14 percent of the e-mails in their inbox to be important. [TWEET]

If you want to succeed in business, you need to effectively communicate with your colleagues and professional contacts via e-mail. Here are eight rules to help you do just that.

People often get so preoccupied with crafting their message that they forget to include a subject line. Don't make this mistake. e-mails with blank subject lines are more likely to go unnoticed in a person's inbox. Do yourself a favor and write the subject line first so you know it's taken care of.

While your average e-mail inbox reveals 60 characters' worth of the subject line, a mobile phone only displays around 25-30 characters. Keep this in mind when crafting your subject lines. They should be short, to the point, and specific so the recipient can properly prioritize his or her inbox without opening the e-mail.

Resist the urge to add filler words or other vague terms such as "Thanks," "Hi," and so forth to the subject line – save those for the body of the e-mail. Get right to the point in eight words or less, and put the most important ones at the beginning of your subject line.

Avoid sending e-mails with dense blocks of text – nobody wants to scroll through long paragraphs, especially if they're accessing your e-mail from their smartphone. Also, the longer your e-mail, the longer you will likely wait for a response.

Bullets are a great way to sum up your points in a clear, concise manner. If there's a call-to-action or deadline associated with your e-mail, call attention to this by either bolding and/or highlighting the sentence. I recommend including the deadline in your subject line. For instance:

"Sarah: Need specs for NYC McFadden project – pls reply by EOD 9/12"

A disadvantage of communicating via e-mail is that the tone of your message is often lost in translation. In fact, a survey by Sendmail found that 64 percent of professionals sent and/or received e-mail that unintentionally caused anger or resentment in the workplace. Don't leave your message up to interpretation. Save the humor for face-to-face conversations.

No one likes to be yelled at, especially over e-mail. Unfortunately, that's exactly how people will interpret your e-mail response in all caps. DON'T DO THIS. IT'S NOT POLITE.

Remember the boy who cried wolf? If you flag every e-mail as a high priority, pretty soon your recipients will learn to ignore them. Save this tag for the truly high-priority items. If your team has different definitions as to what qualifies as an urgent e-mail, bring it up in your next meeting so everyone's on the same page.

Do you have other e-mail tips? Share them in the comments below.

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Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like" her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

You spilled coffee on your shirt en route to the interview.

Always have a back-up plan. Keep some Shout® Wipes in your glove compartment or work bag. If you're driving to the interview, it never hurts to put a spare shirt in the car. When all else fails, run a simple Google search on your smart device to find the nearest clothing store.

You forget to bring copies of your résumé.

Never fear – there's an app for that! Download the free Print Hammermill™ mobile app to print your résumé and any other important documents directly from your phone or tablet from any nearby printer connected to WiFi. Also, make sure you store a copy of your résumé on iCloud or Dropbox so you can access it easily on the go.

You realize you're being interviewed for a different position than you prepared for.

When you're applying to multiple positions, there's a chance you may mix the job descriptions up. If you found the job on TheLadders, open up your free Job Search by TheLadders app and review the job description while you're in the waiting room. You can also store copies of your job applications and other job-search notes in the cloud with services like Evernote.

You forgot to mention something important to the interviewer

The thank-you note is a perfect opportunity to address any points you neglected to discuss during the interview. In your message, highlight any relevant achievements, experiences, or other important qualifications you didn't get to mention in the meeting or clarify a response that was a little shaky. Remember, you're not simply following up after an interview; you're positively influencing your candidacy.

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Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like" her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

Catch some ZZZs

A good night's sleep can do wonders to improve your focus all day long. Experts recommend getting between 6 - 8 hours of shuteye on a regular basis. To help you fall asleep faster, turn off all electronics so your room is completely dark and crank up the AC. Cool temperatures – 65 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler – cause sleepiness, and the white noise from your air conditioner or fan will help block out any unwanted, disruptive sounds. If you still feel wrecked after a good night's sleep, you were likely woken up during a deep sleep phase. Combat this by using the Sleep Cycle app, which wakes you in your lightest sleep phase – my colleagues swear by it!

Swap out your cup of joe

It can be tempting to chug a cup of coffee – or five – throughout the day to stay alert. However, experts believe that the effects of caffeine found in coffee are fleeting because your body absorbs it too quickly, soon leaving you in need of another pick-me-up. Trade in your cup of joe for a mug of green tea. The caffeine is absorbed into the body more slowly, and you'll receive a steadier boost of energy over a longer period of time. In addition, resist the urge to drink your caffeine first thing in the morning. Research gathered by Steven Miller, a Ph.D. candidate at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, found that drinking coffee first-thing in the morning diminishes its energy-boosting effects.

Snack smartly

Forget the big, heavy lunches – stick to a series of smaller snacks packed with lean protein and carbohydrates throughout the work day. I'm a big fan of an apple with a Mini Babybel Light or some peanut butter. This will not only break up your day, but provide you with a continuous stream of energy from morning to night.

Plot out your projects

Track your energy levels throughout the day for a week and look for patterns. Pay special attention to the points in the day where you're most and least productive so you can schedule your work appropriately. For instance, if you're more energized in the mornings, plan to work on the projects that require a lot of concentration and save the mindless tasks when you're feeling more lethargic.

Stay hydrated

If you're feeling especially tired and slow, dehydration may be to blame. This is more common during the hot and humid summer months when you're more prone to sweat. To consume the recommended 2 - 3 liters of water each day, bring a large, refillable water bottle with you to the office. If you're getting bored of plain old water, try mixing it up by adding slices of strawberries, cucumbers, limes or lemons. I also like to add mint extract or chlorophyll with mint to my water for a refreshing afternoon beverage. As an added bonus, the peppermint scent is known to invigorate the mind, boost mood, and promote concentration.

Take a break

If you find yourself losing focus, take a break or switch to a different activity. The sheer boredom a long, monotonous task could be draining your energy. When you feel your concentration begin to wane, it's time to change things up. Get up from your desk and take a quick break to refill your water bottle or follow up with a colleague in person. Even a break lasting only a couple of minutes can help you refocus on the work at hand.

Load up on Vitamin D

According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, new research shows that Vitamin D could increase your energy levels. Give your body an extra boost by taking in a little sun during your lunch hour. Getting 10 - 15 minutes of natural sunlight, even on a cloudy day, provides a good dose of Vitamin D. Don't forget your sunscreen, though – sunburn will raise your body temperature, causing you to become dehydrated and feel more sluggish. For those who turn into lobsters in the sun, consider taking a Vitamin D-3 supplement or adding 3 ounces of salmon to your salad instead.

Try these tips to keep your cool and your focus for the rest of the summer.

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Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like" her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

Am I qualified for this position?

Read the job description carefully before you submit an application. Do you meet the core requirements of the role? Only apply to jobs where you possess these must-haves. If your dream job requires a skill you don't have, brainstorm ways to develop this skill in or out of the office.

Does my résumé tell the right story?

Having the right skills is half the battle; having an application that demonstrates your qualifications is the other half. Consider your résumé to be part of your personal marketing campaign. It should show potential employers why you are qualified for, and excited about, your target position. Click on the following link for more résumé advice.

Do I know someone at the company I can talk to?

Studies have shown you are ten times more likely to land a job when your application is accompanied by an employee referral. Search your network before you apply to a position. If your network is stale, it's time to get out there and make new connections! Click on the following link for more networking tips.

Have I Googled my name this month?

A Jobvite survey found that 93 percent of recruiters are likely to look at a candidate's social profile. Additionally, 42 percent have reconsidered a candidate based on the content of their online profiles, leading to both positive and negative re-assessments. Regularly monitor and manage your online brand to ensure it supports your goals, rather than sabotaging them.

What have I learned recently?

Whether you're looking to climb up the corporate ladder or you're currently unemployed and seeking work, it's important to continually seek out relevant professional development activities. By learning new technologies, attending workshops and gaining certifications, you are becoming a more attractive candidate and opening yourself up to new networking opportunities.

Have I stepped outside my comfort zone to find new job leads?

Oftentimes job seekers will default to the one job-search method that's most comfortable to them. However, it's important to employ multiple methods to find the largest number of relevant job leads. Apply to opportunities online, engage in recruiter activity, and leverage your network.

Am I ready for the interview?

Don't set foot in the interview room unless you've researched the organization and prepared thoughtful questions for the interviewer. Employers want to know that you've done your homework and are taking the interview seriously. Click on the following link for more interview advice.

Has your job search stalled? Click on the following link to review these common job-search challenges (and their solutions).

Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like" her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.