Top 10 blunders Job Seekers make : Observations and Remedy

As a gatekeeper to a technology company, I have spent number of years browsing thousands of unsolicited and solicited "résumé's" - the most important sales pitch we make.However, what bothers me is the laxness and mediocrity job seekers take refuge on using their résumé.

Here are few of my observations
1) 80% of résumé's come with a blank email Or without cover letters.
2) 90% job seekers have only a generic "one size fits all" resume'.
3) 50% or more do not use basic word tools such as "spell check" "formatting" etc.
4) 70% never even follow up.
5) 70% will not remember they had applied.
6) 90% of the résumé's come in standard templates with unwanted information.
7) 50% or more will come with weird email addresses such as coolbird@yahoo.com.
8) 20% of job seekers tailors their profile to the open position.
9) 50% will do homework on the company.
10)80% does not take this "life altering" event seriously.

Having a good profile is not enough, you should be able to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and get the "call".

Remember, you will not get a SECOND chance to make the FIRST impression.So,next time you are in between jobs, make an effort to write a professional document that is a snap shot of who you are, what you have accomplished and contributions you can make in the company . When writin your resume', you may want to try using a creative format, a format that reflects your personality and yet keeps the professional image of the document intact. Below are few heads that you may want to use.
1) Summary of qualifications
2) Area of expertise
3) Career progression
4) Accomplishments and highlights
5) Education

REMEMBER, your résumé is the first ever document the Company will look at,so take your time to craft and create it. Once you are done, show it to couple people who you think can critique and help make it better.
When applying for a position, understand the requirement, write a cover note responding how you match up and where you fall short. Honesty works. Use your network to spread the word of your availability, ask friends and colleagues to introduce you to hiring managers of companies that interest you. There's a saying
" Luck is your preparedness to grab a passing opportunity", all your efforts will go waste if you fail at the right time, so BE PREPARED.
Wear a smile, think and do good, be positive, have a great attitude and most important, be grounded. Finally, follow up and never forget to send a thank you note to your interviewer.

Best wishes for your new assignment.