Why should you not put personal information on resume?

Some people put their social security number on their resume, setting themselves up for identify theft. Furthermore this is not relevant information, and you may be viewed as unprofessional. Some people put their hobbies on a resume, however this may also be irrelevant. The only time it might be relevant is if your hobby is basketball and you are applying for a job as a basketball coach.

In addition, having irrelevant information on your resume eliminates room for more relevant headings. For example, computer skills are more in demand than ever. Knowing how to unitize any software programs such Microsoft Excel and power point are typical use in an office.

These skills would be more relevant. Therefore, hobbies and personnel interest should be omitted unless they represent your career goals. You must keep in mind that you are marketing yourself with your resume. The more concise, the better.

To name drop or not to name drop – that is the question. This is the question many people ask themselves when entering the room to be interviewed. But what is name-dropping in the first place? To name drop is to deliberately drop a name of any person who works at the company they are being interviewed for, in hopes of landing a job. For anyone even considering this tactic they should automatically erase it from their minds. Not only is this tactic consider unprofessional in the interviewer’s eyes, it may diminish your chances of being hired.

Reasons why you should not name drop

1. The reference check

Hmmm ok now your are scratching you head.
Reference check what does that mean? It means your perspective employer can do a background check to verify the name that you referred to. If the person to whom you referred does not knows you, the perspective employer would view you as deceptive and would not hire you because of it.

2. Personality issues.

Ok, you drop a name; Hey by the way I know “John Doe” and he is a very nice person. “He’s cool, calm and collected. He and I go way back.” “ok” says your perspective employer. However, this John Doe, that you referring is hated by everyone in the work room particularly your perspective employer. Now the perspective employer would not even look at you, let along hire you.

3. It‘s not relevant.

Ok you keep boasting that you know the head of the company. Does the new employer really care? Not really, because if you know the so- called the head of the company, you would be hired already.

When going on an interview do not drop a name. Only use the name in an application if there is a space that says “who referred you to the job”. It saves you any embarrassment and your perspective employer a migraine. Also it increases your chance of getting hired.

Survive and thrive in the game of politics

With Election Day right around the corner, what better time to discuss office politics? Every office has them but how do you get ahead without throwing your co-workers under the bus?

They say the best offense is a good defense, so here’s how to thrive and keep it positive:

-Ask a boss or senior manager for feedback on a periodic basis. Encourage them to act as a mentor or trusted advisor, and they will be more likely to guide you in the right direction and away from negativity.

-Look for purposeful ways to assist your co- workers. Go out of your way to come in early to assist your co-worker with a special task or project he or she is struggling with. Send a birthday card or a thoughtful email to a co-worker on their special day.

-Take on extra responsibilities. If there is a special project that you can tackle, go over and above to ensure that you get, notice for it! For example, send an email to key managers asking if there is any feedback they can give.

By acting in a positive and proactive manner in the workplace, you may be able to not only avoid negativity, but also get ahead when it comes time for raises and promotions.

For more tips and ideas on career strategies, visit us at www.mpc-nyc.com