MiddletownJournal.com

"REASON FOR LEAVING: Bad boss."

You reported to one, or you are one?

There's a saying that people don't leave jobs, they leave managers. This theory appears to be true, according to a recent Robert Half International survey of senior executives. Respondents cited "unhappiness with management" as the single most common reason that good employees quit their jobs.

Regardless of how displeased you are with a current or former supervisor, never gripe about him or her on your resume. The same holds true for colleagues and other business contacts. Doing so will lead prospective employers to question your professionalism and ability to collaborate with others.

The following job candidate, for instance, comes across as dismissive of her clients with this "catty" comment:

"JOB DUTIES: Model booker. Send our models to castings at a talent agency. It's a skill I liken to herding house cats."

Not a model resume.

In today's economy, hiring managers seek professionals who can make bottom-line contributions to the firm. As a result, it's important you highlight instances when you've helped a previous employer cut costs, increase revenues or enhance efficiencies. In addition, when writing about your strengths, focus on your most marketable and relevant skills, talents and traits. This information technology professional didn't:

"SKILLS: Being as brutally honest as I possibly can be."

Perhaps you should apply to be a judge on American Idol.

These candidates also need to revise their "Skills" sections:

"SKILLS: I lack patience."

That's a shortcoming, not a selling point.

"SKILLS: You name it."

Considering that you're the job seeker, you should name it.

"SKILLS: Hard working and inteligent brain."

A word to the wise: Proofread your resume.

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies.