Are these resume writing myths killing your chances?

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Resume writing is not as inflexible as most people make it out to be; misconceptions about resumes make the resume writing process more tedious than it already is. Here are some of the most common resume writing “rules” I’ve seen job seekers give too much importance to:

Quick side note: Keeping away from these resume writing myths will help you put together a more effective resume and take you closer to your dream job. If you’re struggling to figure out where to start, you can use my two-page annotated resume cheat sheet to help you put together a resume that stands out. Submit your information below to receive it:

 

  1. Hiring managers don’t care about the resume structure.

Resume structure might not be on top of a recruiter’s priority list when looking at resumes, but it surely has an impact. Recruiters have to go through a number of resumes in a very short time, and because of that, they prefer structures that are easy on the eye. Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds to make a decision on whether to go read the resume more carefully or move onto the next one. It’s better to use a strictly traditional format. You can use our resume cheat sheet for a detailed guide on how to structure your resume.

  1. You need to include a detailed list of your duties.

Hiring managers are mostly only concerned with the part of your previous jobs that relates to the position you’re applying for. Avoid writing down each and every task you performed on your resume. Instead, talk about how your previous experience might help you perform better in the position you’re now applying for. Additionally, go beyond just listing your duties. Show you excelled at your job by bulleting your accomplishments.

  1. Hiding employment gaps is a necessity.

Some people are afraid of the impression employment gaps will have on the hiring manager. For this reason, they tinker with the dates a bit to hide the period of unemployment. It’s not the right thing to do. It’s important that you stay honest and straightforward because background checks are a critical part of every hiring decision. You’re more than likely to get caught about lying on your resume. Even if you get away with it at the time of the hiring, the lie will eventually catch up and can result in the embarrassment of getting fired.

  1. Creative resumes stand out instantly.

Opinions are somewhat divided on this one. It really depends on the position and the organization you’re applying to. Some positions might need to you to get a bit creative and stand out, while for others, flashy resumes can hurt more than help. For instance, if you’re applying for the position of a graphic designer, a creative resume might help you showcase your mastery of the graphic arts. Even then, you need to be careful when applying online, because a graphic-heavy resume might not be as ATS-compliant as a simple, black-and-white one made in Microsoft Word. Even if there’s the slightest of doubt, it’s better to stick with the standard format.

  1. Your entire employment history needs to be outlined.

While hiring managers appreciate when you provide a clear idea of your work history, don’t shoot yourself in the foot by drawing attention to liabilities. Jobs relevant to the position you’re applying for and jobs needed to close employment gaps should suffice. Stick to the last fifteen years of your employment history unless there’s a role in your older jobs you really need the employer to know about.

  1. You have to mention your objective.

An objective statement has little or no bearing on whether your candidacy is considered eligible or not. Your experience and qualifications sections are what the recruiters are most interested in.

  1. The resume has to be one page.

This is possibly the greatest of all myths. No hiring manager specifically asks for a one-page resume unless you’re a fresh graduate. Hiring managers appreciate concise and to-the-point resumes because of their time constraints, but that does not mean you should limit yourself. If you cannot contain your qualifications and achievements to one page, don’t hesitate to go beyond. Longer resumes also mean more keywords, which are a huge plus when you are applying online.

  1. Including soft skills is a good practice.

Job seekers usually get carried away when listing their soft skills. Your resume has to show, rather than tell, that you have certain soft skills. For example, instead of just mentioning “global leadership,” show how you “Led a 50-member, global team through development and fast-track launch of Jam+Out. Revenue: $50M (2016), $300M (2017).”

Need more help? Send your resume over for a detailed, free critique and I'll let you what it lacks and how it can be improved.

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