Statements From Actual Resumes And Job ...

Statements from actual resumes and job applications – ones you might want to file these under the category of “what not to use” on a resume or application.

First this one – it was under the “qualifications” line on a resume. “I was wholly responsible for two failed financial institutions.” That might be more information than the person realized he was giving. Another one from the “too much information” category: someone wrote, “I intentionally omit my salary history. I’ve made money and I’ve lost money! I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. I prefer being rich!”

In a similar vein was this one -- “I’m a man filled with passion and integrity, I can act on short notice. I’m a class act and do not come cheap!” Another person -- proud of past accomplishments -- wrote, “I have an excellent track record, even though I’m not a horse!”

There were others who revealed things without saying them. One person attached a note to a resume saying, “Please do not misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping”. I have never quit a job in my life!” Really? Then there was the person who completed a question this way: Number of dependents -- 40!

There’s this answer on an application question, asking about the “reason for leaving last position.” One person answered -- “My supervisor expected everyone in the office no later than 8:45AM. I refuse to work under those circumstances!” One lady said the reason she left her last job was for “maturity leave”!

A prospective employer needs to be able to contact the applicant. One guy wrote, “I’m loyal to my employer at all costs -- please feel free to contact me on my office voice mail.” Finally, under “references” -- one person wrote -- “none – I’ve left a path of destruction in my wake!”

So, if you go job-hunting, double check your resume for lines like those! What you discover with almost any position is, it has a list of qualifications. There are four common kinds – one is education.

A position may require the completion of either H.S. or college – or, it might ask for course work related to the job. There’s an experience requirement. For most jobs, there will be a benchmark of a number of years. Then there are skill requirements. The fourth could be specific licensing or certification.

And of course, if you don’t meet the minimum requirements, it might or might not be worth applying or sending a resume. That more the case when the position involves major leadership responsibility.

Did you ever think much about God’s qualifications for leaders? Both Old and New Testaments inform us God has qualifications – and they’re very different from ours.