The myReboundmedia team of reports (MRM) recently sat down with an HR director (who preferred to remain anonymous, so we’ll call her “Sarah”) and asked some pointed questions. She one-upped us with equally pointed answers.

MRM: What’s one of the more common mistakes made by today’s job seekers?

Sarah: “Dumb pictures and comments in Facebook and Twitter. Don’t be an idiot and post drunk party pics. And don’t think HR people aren’t going to find your tweets under the Twitter name @sexkitten. Some job seekers don’t understand all that stuff is public and accessible. It’s especially bad with students these days. You can be the greatest candidate in the world, but once I find that kinda stuff…I’m turned off!”

MRM: What’s the most important part of a resume?

Sarah: “Resumes, to many HR professionals, are passé. They’re almost a formality. They’re rarely objective and job description summaries are usually verbose. But they are necessary; so here’s what I recommend: feature job tenure and be specific about the results of your experience. Assign $$ to your experience, if you can, such as brought in $1 kajillion in revenue or saved $1 billion in purchasing costs.”

MRM: What’s different about how small and large companies recruit people?

Sarah: “With smaller companies, real eyes see your resume. In big companies, real eyes often don’t see your resume and scanners often just search for key words within your resume…to determine relevance. So if you’re excited about a position at a big company, and you apply, be sure to feature key words in your resume that are also in the job description. Match ‘em up.”

MRM: What’s the most common blunder you see from job seekers?

Sarah: “Unrealistic expectations. Be reasonable! Don’t apply for jobs you aren’t qualified for. The word ‘Required’ typically means ‘Required’.”

MRM: What, in your opinion and experience, is the most effective job searching strategy?

Sarah: “Networking! And simply following up on applications submitted. Follow up with a phone call, but have a reason to be calling…like, you applied for a position last week and you want to be sure the application was received. Most applicants don’t follow up, and those who do are remembered. But don’t be annoying, either, with too many follow-ups.”