I was doing some research today on the internet when I came across a great little article on Ways to not write a resume which was hilarious, true and actually really helpful for anyone looking to update their resume. In fact, I’d recommend it to people even if they aren’t thinking about updating their resume just to make sure their current one abides by these tips. You know diary it got me thinking, common sense says that a well planned and written resume is vital in getting a job that you want, therefore you would think people would put a lot of time and effort into making sure they have a good one right? Well you know what I say…common sense, it ain’t so common any more.
I’ve been in a position where I have had to read many a resume in my time, so what are some of my pet peeves?
- Not including your age - this is something that may not really matter in too many other industries. In hospitality however, in Australia, if you are applying for a job where you will be serving alcohol, I need to know that you are over 18. If you don’t include this I’ll throw your resume in the bin. Sounds harsh? Well if someone doesn’t know the biz well enough to realise I need to know you are legally able to work in it then you are not suited to the job.
- People who have really obviously applied to jobs in 10 different industries and have given all of them the same resume. I get it ok, perhaps you just need a filler job for that year between uni and school, or while you are studying so you don’t really care what it is. You just want a job. However if you don’t care enough to at least slightly tailor your resume to fit the job you are going for, then that makes me think you aren’t going to care to pay attention to detail if I award you the job.
- People who include every subject they did in high school and their grades – Wow…you are really smart. Unfortunately in hospitality that doesn’t really mean a lot. I have worked with people who are very book smart but lack any sort of social skill or common sense. So as great as it is that you scored a TER of 92, you really don’t need to use up a whole page of your resume telling me about it.
- Saying you cannot work Saturday nights or Sundays when you are applying for a job that clearly states that the applicant needs to be available on weekend and nights.
- Putting a parent as a reference - I will never call your parent to ask for a reference. They will never say anything constructive about you. It is a big fat waste of time. At least use a neighbour or family friend, they are slightly more credible.
I have more problems however with people when they drop in their resume. Being in hospitality it is common practice for people to drop in their resumes on the off chance we are hiring. I don’t have a problem with this. That’s how I got one of my previous jobs. Some people seem to not consider that if they are bringing in their resume they should regard that act as sort of a pre interview. There have been times when I won’t even bother looking at a person’s resume if they have given me a negative first impression.
Here are a few tips
- It is no big deal if you don’t have a car or your licence (as long as you are still over 18) but please, if your Mum* is driving you around, ask her nicely to stay in the car. Do not let her come in with you. You are an independent adult seeking employment…you don’t need Mama to hold your hand and if you do need her to hold your hand then you are definitely not going to be a strong enough person to deal with most of the shit that hospitality throws at you. *This applies to Dads too but in my experience it’s usually a Mum who insists on tagging along.
- Even worse than above – do not let your mother/parent/guardian/sibling hand in your resume for you. If you can’t be bothered coming in yourself then I can’t be bothered reading it.
- Don’t come in with 6 friends. Don’t come in with any friends. Come.in.alone. I know it may seem scary especially if it is your first time but seriously, get your mate to wait around the corner, take a deep breathe and walk in. A little bit of nervousness is better than a gaggle of people at my door. This is similar but not as bad as bringing your Mum in.
- If you and your friend both want to apply for the job then ok, keep in mind that I’d be a bit wary about it, however if you come in together and act professional about it I’ll read your resume. If you come on together giggling and being annoying I definitely won’t hire both of you, I probably wouldn’t even hire one of you.
- Come looking neat and presentable. I don’t want to to turn up dressed in black pants and a white business shirt with all your piercings out, your hair all one colour in a lovely little ponytail and no personality whatsoever. I don’t want clones. I just want you to look neat and clean. Like you have a bit of self respect and know a bit about basic hygiene. Brush your hair, brush your teeth, make sure your clothes are clean. Wear perfume or at least deodorant. Make sure your nails are clean and if you have any piercings make sure they are clean too. I will not hire a slob. I don’t care if you have tattoos everywhere as long as you aren’t dirty.
- Be prepared for any questions I might have. Such as “When are you available?” “When can you start?” and the all important “Do you have your RSA?”. You need to be able answer these questions on the spot. There are two right answers and two wrong answers to the last question. Right answers are “Yes I do, I have attached/can bring in my certificate” or “No I don’t but I can get it/am going to get it right away”. Wrong answers are “no” or “what’s that?” usually accompanied with a blank stare. I won’t hire you if you give me the wrong answers*, once again, anyone applying for a job in hospitality should know what it means to have your RSA. *exceptions made if you are foreign and new to the country.
- Don’t come in drunk or clearly on drugs. For reasons I should hope are obvious.
- Don’t be rude, act like you know better than me or treat me like a child. Even if you are older than me, chances are, if you manage to get the job I’ll be telling you what to do. If you can’t handle that then please go away.
So that’s it! If people just followed these little tips, whether looking for a hospitality job or not, it should put them that little bit ahead of their competition!
What do you think Diary? Did I miss anything? Do you think other people have any more tips? Or any horror stories! I would love to hear about them!
Love Carrie xoxo xxxx
