Ready to write (or rewrite) your resume?Don’t fall for these 10 resume myths.
1. A resume should only be one page.
Resumes can take as many pages as you need. However, 1 to 2 pages will be suitable for most positions. Executive positions will most likely require several pages, however. And some very technical CV’s will also be longer.
Here are the pros and cons of a single-page resume.
Pros:
– Allows a hiring manager to quickly scan for pertinent information.
– Focuses on the most important aspects of a job seeker’s experience.
– Ensures that the most relevant information is presented in the most concise way possible.
– Enhances readability and clarity.
Cons:
– Limited space for highlighting important qualifications and experiences.
– Does not allow for a comprehensive overview of the job seeker’s career.
– Potential for important information to be left out.
– May not be enough space to showcase all the job seeker’s accomplishments.
As you can see, you run a high risk of leaving out vital information on a single-page CV. So use a second page if you need to!
2. Including a photo on your resume is appropriate.
Unless your specific industry or location demands it, photos on your resume are no longer necessary. If you need to submit a photo, you will be asked to do so at a later date.
3. You need to list all of your previous jobs.
A resume is not an autobiography! A resume is a sales letter, where you’re selling yourself as the best solution to someone’s problems. Including too many jobs on your resume can be confusing and may not show all the important accomplishments from your career.
4. You should include an “Objective” section at the top of your resume.
The “Objective” section is no longer a necessary part of a resume. It is more important to focus on the skills and experiences that you have that will help you in the job you are applying for. Your resume should be tailored to the job you are applying for and the skills and experiences that make you the best candidate for the position. Employers are looking for candidates who will be able to contribute to the organization and who have the skills and experience that align with the job requirements. An “Objective” section does not provide any of this information. However, if you are still adamant on keeping it on your resume then consider when you should keep it or explore other alternatives instead.
5. It’s OK to include irrelevant information, like hobbies or unrelated jobs.
It is not OK to include irrelevant information on a resume. Including irrelevant information can distract from the most important aspects of your resume and can make it difficult for employers to get a clear picture of your qualifications and experience. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who have the skills and experience that align with the job requirements, so including irrelevant information can be a distraction and can even make it appear that you do not have the skills and experience necessary for the job.
6. A resume should only contain your most recent work experience.
It is not necessary to only include your most recent work experience on a resume. Including previous work experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for is a great way to demonstrate your accomplishments and skills. You should only include work experience that is pertinent to the job you are applying for and that highlights your qualifications and experience for the role. If a job is more than 10 years old, it may be best to leave it off as it may not be as relevant to the position. However, if it is directly related to your industry, you should definitely write it down.
7. A resume should include references from past employers.
It is not necessary to include references from past employers on your resume. Generally, employers will ask for references if they are interested in pursuing you as a candidate. If an employer requests references, you can provide them at that time. Including references on your resume can take up valuable space that could be used to highlight your skills and qualifications, so it is best to leave them off unless specifically requested.
8. You should include personal information on your resume.
Personal information, such as your age, marital status, religion, or political beliefs, should never be included on your resume. This information is not relevant to the job and can be seen as discriminatory. It is also illegal in some countries to ask for this information, so it is best to leave it off of your resume. Your resume should focus on your skills and experiences that are applicable to the job you are applying for. However, you definitely should include your name, contact number and professional email address.
9. Employers expect a resume to be formatted in a specific way.
Employers are looking for a resume that is clear, concise, and organized. While there are some general guidelines for formatting a resume, there is no one right way to format a resume. Employers want to see a resume that is tailored to the job you are applying for and that clearly highlights your skills and experiences that are applicable to the position. As long as your resume is easy to read and organized, employers will be able to find the information they need to make an informed decision about your candidacy.
That being said, your resume should be still organized and easy to read, and it should include sections such as Education, Work Experience, Skills, and Activities. Information should be presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent information listed first. Additionally, there should be consistent formatting throughout the resume, such as font size and style, spacing, and alignment. Finally, proofread your resume to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your resume is professional and well organized.
10. The most important information should always be listed first.
Usually the most important information on an application is direct experience and qualifications. While it is important to list the most pertinent information first, it is also important to consider the context of the job and the specific qualifications needed. It is not always the case that the most important information should be listed first, as different employers may value different qualifications and experience based on the job. Additionally, the order of the information should be based on relevance to the job and the qualifications you possess that make you the best fit for the role.
For example, if you have little direct experience in the industry, but have a lot of the necessary skills to perform well, you should list those skills first. Ultimately, the order of the information should be tailored to the job you are applying for and should highlight the information that is most relevant to the position.
In conclusion, we hope this article dispelled some of the myths around resume writing. Take this as a starting point and write yourself a winning resume!