Spotting Lazy Resumes

It’s really easy to spot a lazy resume in only a few seconds. Just look at the “objective.” If the resume is written properly, then some thought should be put into that objective. It should be specifically crafted towards your business. However, that’s usually not the case. For the most part, you’ll get one of these:

“To obtain a challenging position that exercises my talents and knowledge while expanding my experience.”

It sounds real good, but it doesn’t say much at all. What it says is that the person wants a job, but does so with three times as many words. If you read something that generic, then you just know that person didn’t just apply to you, but rather everyone with a ‘help wanted’ sign got the exact same resume. This person doesn’t want to work for you, he or she just wants to work.

I would almost rather get something like this:

“I’ve always wanted to work in advertising.“

Sure, it’s simple. Sure, it’s direct. But it’s honest and on message. I at least know that the person knows what business I’m in (if I were in advertising). I would want something more from the actual resume before I invited this person in for an interview, but I would read further based on this objective. I wouldn’t read any further based on the initial objective.