The most important first step in preparing for a new job in the pharmaceutical industry is writing or updating your resume. There are numerous articles and resume templates that guide you through the career information to include on your resume, but job applicants should be very careful about what is included on their resume. While the right things help get you up, the wrong things can sink you to the bottom of the pile of resumes.
1. Including personal information
Never include personal information such as marital status, number of children, and their age on your resume. That kind of information doesn’t belong there. There are reasons hiring managers and human resources staff don’t ask personal questions during an interview, they don’t want to discriminate, accidentally or intentionally. Hiring managers tend to have preconceived notions about candidates that may not be in their favor. For example, if you are applying for a pharmaceutical sales position with a large territory and your resume says that you are married with 4 children, the manager may assume that you do not have time to manage a large region. Put aside personal information and leave no room for discrimination or assumptions about your ability to do the job.
2. Work two full-time jobs at the same time
If you have dates of employment on your resume that show that you are or were working two jobs at the same time, this is a big mistake. The only acceptable reason would be that you were working two part-time jobs, and if that’s the case, make sure it’s clear on your resume. Managers want employees to focus on the job they were hired for and to be fully engaged. If you work two positions at the same time, the hiring manager may think you have a lack of commitment.
3. Extensive summaries
Recruiters, HR, and hiring managers can receive a hundred or more resumes for a position. If your resume is not short and to the point, it may not be read. People should be able to take a look at your resume and quickly notice your accomplishments and want to learn more about you. Use bullet points, short sentences, and organize by date to keep it simple and easy to understand.
4. Use a GPA less than 4.0
Many people are very proud of their 3.0 GPA or are simply happy that they graduated from college, and you should be. However, the hiring manager’s thought process is never known. They may be of the opinion that only a 3.5 or more is acceptable. So unless you have the perfect 4.0 GPA, never include it on your resume.
5. Employment gaps
Nothing leaves more room for an employer’s imagination than leaving holes in your resume. If for any reason you were unemployed for a significant time (6 months or more), you need to address it. If you don’t, the hiring manager may make assumptions that aren’t flattering, such as that you simply quit your job without good reason. For example, if your size was reduced, put the date you left and some bullet points about what you’ve been doing since then. If possible, try to fill in the gaps with consulting. It should look like you want to go back to work.
6. Ignore dates of employment
Employers want to see a clear, concise, and consistent employment history. This starts from your first job after college. They also want to see longevity in their jobs. No employer wants to hire someone who bounces from job to job, they will worry that you will do the same to them. If there are no dates of employment, employers may assume that you are looking for work.
7. Use of job descriptions on your resume
Don’t use standard job descriptions to define your occupation. Make the position personal to you and show how they differ in the position. Distinguish yourself through the use of vignettes of achievements, awards, or successful milestones.
Take the first step to landing your dream job and write an attention-grabbing resume!