Extensive Employment Survey Released

ResumeDoctor.com surveyed over 160,000 resumes to examine skills cited by job seekers. The resumes examined were from a diverse set of industries and represented a wide range of experience levels. The study found that nearly half of all job seekers (49.6%) used at least one or more vague or inexplicit phrases to describe their workplace skills and experience.

(PRWEB) June 20, 2004 -- Recently, ResumeDoctor.com surveyed over 160,000 resumes to examine skills cited by job seekers. The resumes examined were from a diverse set of industries and represented a wide range of experience levels. The study found that nearly half of all job seekers (49.6%) used at least one or more vague or inexplicit phrases to describe their workplace skills and experience.

Brad Fredericks, of ResumeDoctor.com, explains that, "Many job seekers fail to realize that phrases like 'team player' and 'problem solver' have become vague clichés. On your resume, you actually need to state what team you played for and which problems you solved."

The top vague phrases found in the survey are as follows:
   
Vague Skill Cited   % of Job Seekers
Communication skills   12.58%
Team player      7.18%
Organizational Skills   5.47%
Interpersonal skills   4.82%
Driven         4.30%
Detail oriented      4.23%
Results oriented   3.82%
Self motivated      3.78%
Problem solver      3.24%
Highly motivated   3.15%

Jeff Goro, a recruiter with Graphic Resources and Associates Inc., shares that, "These vague phrases don't have any impact when evaluating a resume. ... I prefer resumes that are more specific to the individual's accomplishments and experience in 'their' industry. In turn, this information is what our clients want to see in the resume." Jeff indicates that "... resumes should be created for each specific opportunity. While it is imperative that all information be accurate, individual resumes can be styled to address each individual situation."

Chris Shoulet, of Top Dog Recruiting Inc., states that, "... these phrases are 'fluff' in a resume. What a hiring manager wants to see is quantitative information. What does this candidate bring to the table? What is his/her track record? ... 'Show don't Tell' what you've accomplished. Rather than saying, "Results oriented professional," why not say. "#1 sales rep for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 ... ."

ResumeDoctor.com provides resume-consulting and free resume evaluations for job seekers in all industries at http://www.ResumeDoctor.com/ResourceCenter.htm. ResumeDoctor.com also offers specialized job market expertise and content to employers and members of the media.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Brad Fredericks or Mike Worthington
Phone: (802) 865-4243
Fax: (802) 860-2876
Mike@ResumeDoctor.com
www.ResumeDoctor.com
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