Each of these instances have happened. Only the names have been omitted (since we all know what trouble that'll get us in). This post is just food for thought. I'm not accusing anyone out there of doing any of these things, just sharing some experiences. Seriously though, I'm encouraging jobseekers to put some thought into their resume(s) and job search.  I am an engineering recruiter and have been putting contract and direct hire candidates to work since 1984. The following are just some examples of how one can shoot ones self in the foot. I believe that a job search is just like engineering - most of it is common sense.

In my industry, a reverse chronological order resume is best. Make sure your month/year dates are accurate; make sure the employer you have worked for (if on contract) is listed on the resume. THIS IS THE CONTRACT COMPANY if you work on a W-2 contract. Who pays you is your employer. If you don’t put your actual employer down you may risk a delay in starting due to a background check and yes this happened.  I may decide to take the contracting company name off and say “assigned to” but you have to put down your actual employer.   If you haven’t worked regularly (but have worked) since 2001, for example, you have to be able to re-construct what you have been doing because any HR or recruiter will think you’ve been in jail. Sad but true.  Have you worked outside of your field? Fine, you kept food on the table and a roof over your head and went to school.  I respect that but let me know.   You're gonna have to put it on an application anyway.

List job duties and accomplishments on a resume THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN YOURSELF. Don't paste your company job description onto your resume.   That’s lazy and you’re not doing yourself justice.  You never know when a hiring manager at a company that used to be part of the company you worked for may see your resume and….yep this happened too.

You have to be able to pass a drug screen. If you’re in the job market for freak’s sake stop eating the marijuana muffins or whatever long enough to pass a drug screen – come ON folks.  Don’t bother with the “I eat organic food with hemp seed in it” excuse b/c that won’t work cause it don’t fly cause it’s not true and we know it.

You’ve GOT to be able to pass a background check. I’m specifically addressing DUIs here. According to one of my relatives in law enforcement (I have several), you may get to “skate” with a misdemeanor DUI once. Once. If you have a Felony DUI, it’ll show up on your background check and you may get a job offer rescinded.  We realize people make mistakes but learn from them. Stay home and drink.

You may have to pass an employment verification check.  You have to know your dates/years accurately.   I mean, you worked there, right?  Have you got your w-2 forms? You need that stuff for all kinds of reasons, purchasing a home, verifying employment. Like it or not, keep your records and your resume in good order.

If your cell phone is your only means of voice communication and you can’t talk at work, do not answer your phone “YEAH?”  Put the darn thing on vibrate, have a professional voice mail message addressing a time when you can talk. Think about it, you put your resume out there, people are going to call you. How charming to hear "HUH?" That screams professional, right?

If you send me a resume and I call you to talk, return the call that evening or the next day, and let me know when you can talk.

If you’ve sent me a resume in the past and you’re not currently available a simple “no thank you but thanks for contacting me” or “no thanks – I’m interested in xxx location” is all that’s needed. I may know a company you can send a resume or possibly my corporate or other offices can assist you as I have a lot of contacts at direct hire companies and other recruiters in my area.  Keep in touch. I placed a guy this year I’ve been talking to since 11/2005. Just a matter of time.

Read the ad for the job you’re applying for. Yes we have other opportunities and that’s what my website is for.  But if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree and I need one, you’re not going to be considered  – end of story. I’ve already determined that you need this or that degree from what school (and don't get me started about ABET accreditation) or amount of experience and why by talking to the hiring managers that I have been talking to for the last 20 years. Send the resume but remember that if I say you have to have a certain degree you have to have a certain degree. I’ve already asked the questions, made the suggestion, educated the client and on and on ad nauseum. It’s not personal. It is what it is.