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Red flags flying
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Most golf course employers are inundated with résumés from eager job-seeking superintendents. Some have hundreds of them sitting on their desks on any given day. In fact, with competition this fierce, the key to effective résumé writing means being certain that yours is free of the common errors, or red flags.
Some employers say they’ve seen more poorly written résumés cross their desks recently than ever before. So, before you waste time, money and postage with a résumé that will eliminate you from consideration, review the following red flags to make sure you avoid them in your documents.
Red flag #1: No dates listed
Most employers use résumés to screen out rather than screen in candidates, and a résumé without dates in your job history definitely won’t be considered.
Red flag #2: Few achievements shown
A résumé is a marketing document designed to sell your skills and strengths. Don’t include unsubstantiated claims and too much jargon. Highlight your achievements rather than your responsibilities.
Red flag #3: Outdated information
A glaring red flag on many résumés is job descriptions dating back 20, 30 or more years. A résumé isn’t your biography. Focus only on the last 10 to 15 years of your professional experience.
Red flag #4: Calling yourself a consultant
Many candidates use the term “consultant” to describe their current work status. But unless you can adequately qualify your consulting activities, many employers will be skeptical.
Red flag #5: Irrelevant information
Most employers will agree that listing personal or unrelated information isn’t appropriate or necessary on your résumé, and including your photograph is the worst offense of all.
Don’t forget to network
For unemployed senior-level professionals, handing out résumés should be a full-time job. A large percentage of jobs in the golf course management field are filled through networking, so contact absolutely all the people you know who are in a position to hire you — including those in professional search assistance.
Networking can include personal business contacts, people you’ve worked for, people who worked for you but have moved on, vendors and sales reps you’ve dealt with in the past few years, and even committee and chapter officials.
With an impressive résumé in hand, and with no red flags, you will greatly increase your odds of earning an interview.
Syngenta Professional Products announces the addition of Stephen Dorer, CGCS, to its Lawn & Garden team as territory manager. Dorer will serve Syngenta customers in Virginia and northern North Carolina. He previously worked for Revels Tractor Co. Progressive Turf LLC has promoted Jim Barth to the post of vice president of company operations. He also serves the company as eastern territory manager. A former superintendent in Ohio, Barth previously worked as a manager of Growers Supply Inc. The company also has promoted Greg Hartmann to vice president of sales and marketing. The former golf course assistant superintendent also works as territory manager for the company’s Midwest and Great Lakes regions. |
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