The Resume Mistake Even Savvy Job Seekers Make

The Resume Mistake Even Savvy Job Seekers MakeResume Mistake Even Savvy Job Seekers MakeThe Resume Mistake Even Savvy Job Seekers MakeIts relatively easy to avoid the most obvious resume mistakes (typos and such) but theres one resume mistake even the savviest of job seekers often make. Its so obvious once you think about it, yet so easily overlooked amid all the other things youre proofing and verifying and remembering as you submit your application. Its a small, simple thing, but it can either support or detract from the first impression youre making on a prospective employer.Im talking about the fileanthroponym you give your resume before you email it.Think about it. Have you been sending attachments that are clear, professional and show your attention to detail, such as MaryJones-MarketingAssistant.doc?Or have you been sending attachments with names like Res14.doc, which gives an impression of Ho-hum, here we go again for the 14th time.This topic came up when I was having dinner the other night with friends. They were talking about a recent group of job candidates they had interviewed for an open position at their company. My friend Kate said a majority of job candidates who submit their resumes and cover letters by email dont seem to realize that the hiring manager will see the filenames of the attached documents.Never submit your resume as an email attachment with a filename containing any of the followingAnother companys name (e.g., J.Doe-Consultant-ABC Company.doc but its being submitted to DEF Company)Old dates (e.g., JensResumeSept06.doc)Typos (e.g., B.Jones-AdministraticeSuperviser.doc)Names that are just for you (e.g., ManufacturingResume.doc)But perhaps the most common resume-naming faux pas is simply titling it Resume.doc, or MyResume.doc, which makes it next to impossible for the hiring manager to distinguish that resume from any other without opening the document.Next time you customize your resume for a particular job opening, be sure you give it a meaningful, professional name that makes it easy for the hiring manager to identify in the future.As a rule of thumb, its helpful to use a formula, such as lastname_firstname followed by the position youre applying for (either by title or reference number).Acceptable examples includeBaxter_Kim_Sales_Manager.docBaxter_Kim_JobRef_345678.docCooper, James, Sales Associate.docTaylor - PR Director.docResume-L.Delgado.RadiologyTech.Clark Hosp.docIt may also help to indicate whether the document is a resume or a cover letter, if youre sending them as separate documents (e.g.,Smith_J_Machinist_Res.doc and Smith_J_Machinist_CL.doc).Details are important. Make sure your resume - and cover letter - have names that identify you and contribute to a great first impression.