By MAX MESSMER
Scripps Howard News Service
In a new Robert Half International survey of professionals, 95 percent of respondents said they have good rapport with co-workers and 87 percent said they get along well with supervisors. The survey results underscore an important point: Strong interpersonal abilities, or "people skills," are important.
When crafting your resume and cover letter, don't just focus on technical qualifications; emphasize your soft skills, too. These strengths might include the ability to lead a team, negotiate, build consensus or resolve conflict. These candidates missed the memo:
"SKILLS: Great mutiny skills."
Is this why you're looking for a new job?
RESUME: "I do have a problem with dress codes. It will be very difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool."
The king of casual Friday.
Insulting potential employers will not help you land an interview.
COVER LETTER: "Don't waste my time with stupid requests and common-sense questions."
Speaking of common sense, have you thought of trying a different approach?
"SKILLS: Computer proficiency. I'm in the generation that is computer literate. I can do more than just press the on/off switch of a computer -- unlike my parents' generation."
This statement could have been more PC.
Finally, these applicants seemed to forget that they are the ones applying for a job:
"OBJECTIVE: I don't like my work or my boss. I need to find a new boss. Maybe you could be the one!"
Our fingers are crossed.
COVER LETTER: "If you're an honest employer who can provide references from past or current employees, I would like very much to hear from you. Please e-mail with 'Honest' typed into the subject line."
Only if you can provide us with strong references, too.
(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition. For more Resumania, visit www.resumania.com. Send Resumania examples to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. Or, fax to 650-234-6998.)
