I've seen a number of resumes lately for technical positions my colleages and I are recruiting for; unfortunately, the vast majority of candidates were completely unqualified. One thing about technology - if people DON'T have what's needed, such can eliminate the candidate very quickly. The "I can learn" theory of doing things is not something that's applicable. Thus, such candidates were "set off" to the side.

Employers don't spend time endlessly reading unqualified resumes; it's a very short elimination process.Specifics matter, and their absence just takes up time to get through.

What's it mean to you? That you WON'T hear back from employers in such cases, and that such could be very frustrating. (After all, we've all applied for jobs we thought we were "right on target" for, and never heard a thing.)

Thus, it pays to be selective, smart and do yourself a favor. READ the job descriptions carefully and only apply if you have a majority of the key skills/abilities/experience that is being asked for.

At least that way, you guaranteee a better chance that your resume will be taken more seriously - and potentially lead to call backs or emails of interest. Plus, such can lower your frustration. If you send your resume "everywhere," you'll hear from mostly no one and feel like your efforts are fruitless. Truth is, they are just too scattered.

You aren't scattered; you have talent and experience to offer. Go after those jobs that match what YOU can do.

Greg Lachs