There are some resume myths that confuse some job seekers. Here are some information to debunk some major resume myths. For instance: Does the resume absolutely have to be 1 page? Is a cover letter always necessary?
Below are 5 Resume Myths
1) Resume needs to be 1 page.
Resume can be 2 pages — but if the first page doesn’t keep the reader’s attention, the second page will not be read.
Your resume needs to capture the attention and interest (and keep it) throughout.
2) Need to list all your employment history and tasks
Only highlight the employment history and tasks that are relevant to the current position that you are applying for.
Since your resume needs to capture and keep the attention right away, discussing how you flipped hamburgers in a resume that you are applying as web site designer position is distracting.
3) Need to reuse the same resume for all potential job applications
20 years ago, you often created one resume, created 60 copies and mailed the same resume out to everyone.
With the ease of electronics, you should customize each resume to the verbage, responsibilities and role that was documented in the position description. Customerize your resume to perfectly match the positions descriptions (if you have the proper background for the job).
4) Stick to the job position and title that you’ve held in the past.
One mistake is to think that you need to first get hired into a similar position and then expand into a different role after you are hired.
By highlighting your transferable skills (instead of the job title), you can position your resume to fit alternative or adjacent roles. For instance, if your work experience is in testing, you can highlight your trouble-shooting, test lead, customer orientation, usability focus group and customer advocacy background into a Technical Support Manager position or even Business Analyst position.
5) There’s no longer a need for a cover letter.
A cover letter allows you to better illustrate your fitness for this particular job. It is encouraged to expand upon the skills and tangible results that illustrates your value and contributions to past and future employers. It’s also a good idea to highlight what additional benefits you bring to this particular company and position as well.
The bottom line is that there really isn’t just one answer or one type of resume. Work with a business coach or recruiter to decide the best format and strategy for your individual goal. It may be creating one format for one type of job; and a different format or strategy for another type of job or career change.
