Top Five Resume Myths Exposed

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From screening job applications to conducting interviews, hiring practices have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Despite all the changes, common resume myths continue to plague job search practices at all levels. This article attempts to debunk some of these myths. Myth 1: It's all about the number of pages The one-page rule is probably the most common myth about a resume. Candidates, even senior executives, use microscopic fonts, leave off important information, use 0.1 inch margins, and resort to a myriad of unhealthy practices -- all in an attempt to restrict their resume to just one page. Many well-meaning college counselors advise their students to be concise and limit their resume to one page. That was important when you were a student with little or no experience, but why subscribe to the same wisdom after rising to the ranks of a senior executive. There is an opposing viewpoint. Some job seekers mistakenly believe that if they can somehow balloon their resumes to four or five pages, they will probably be considered for higher-paying positions. What? Will someone offer me $250,000 simply because my resume is ten pages and redundant to the point of boredom? Content rules. The quality of experience should influence the length of the resume, not hearsay. If you have held only one job, then don’t try to create a five-page resume, but if your background merits a lengthier resume then don’t use eight point fonts in a desperate attempt to fit everything on one page. If you are too concerned about the length of your resume, consider creating a one- or two-page resume with additional pages serving as an appendix or addendum. I have done that for many researchers and academicians. The first few pages focused on their background, while their publications and presentations were presented as an appendix. Myth 2: Make up that degree -- no one will know Lying on a resume is the worst mistake a candidate can make. Even if you pass the background check (very unlikely considering how sophisticated background checks have become), a savvy employer will discover the deception within days, if not sooner. Apart from the legal ramifications, we live in a professional world that is influenced by social media. At the touch of a button, HR managers across the country can discuss their experiences. Maintaining a good reputation is more important than ever. Myth 3: Your resume must have an objective “Seeking a position that will be beneficial and mutually rewarding … and will make use of my experience and education ....” If that is your idea of an objective, don’t bother using one. Every inch of resume space is precious. Don’t waste it on generic information that can be found on almost every other resume. Every word, every character that appears on your resume must position you as the perfect candidate for the job. Of the 5,000+ resumes I have written, I may have used an objective for maybe a handful of candidates. In place of objectives, I often used what many experts call “branding statements” or “headers”. The concept can be explained with the help of an example. In the case of a clinical researcher, for example, a generic objective would be as follows: “Seeking a mutually beneficial position that will make use of my 10+ years’ experience in clinical research.” An improvement would be: Harvard-Educated Clinical Researcher with 10+ Years’ Professional Excellence Worked with top five pharmaceutical companies. Leveraged clinical expertise to manage three blockbuster, multi-billion dollar molecules from Phase I to Market. The generic example does almost nothing to position the candidate but the refined version, in addition to serving as an objective, brings out three to four prominent strengths and an overall value proposition. Whether you decide to use an objective or a positioning statement, refrain from presenting generic arguments. Myth 4: Your references must be listed on the resume itself Normally, a separate page is used as a reference sheet. This not only protects the privacy of your references (imagine posting their contact information on every job board), but also makes the screening professional’s job a little easier. Myth 5: I can use the same resume for multiple job targets If your current resume focuses on your laboratory background, please don’t send the same resume for marketing positions. It is understandable that you may qualify for multiple positions or be interested in pursuing alternate careers. If so, try to create a customized resume for each job target. When it comes to a resume, never follow the “one size fits all” approach.
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  • David D.
    David D.
    I have been employed for over 20+ years and I know the rules of hiring practices have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade.  I could use your help.  Is this service expensive?
  • Sam J.
    Sam J.
    Useful information, Thanks!
  • Roy L.
    Roy L.
    Thank you! The information given was very helpful.
  • Pamela F.
    Pamela F.
    Very helpful information
  • samuel
    samuel
    Thanks so much for the exposure and enlightenment.Now i know the real rudiment to have the best and acceptable resume anywhere and anytime.
  • Richard
    Richard
    Nidal, I went to my local job service and had one of their representatives read my resume.  It was very helpful. I also plan on using them for interviewing practice. that is what they are there for.Janet M, I think it is helpful that when you contact someone to ask for permission to use them as a reference to discuss your accomplishments and your strengths during the time you worked together. If you made mistakes when you worked together, explain how you have learned from those mistakes and the ways you have grown and changed.
  • Marlene D.
    Marlene D.
    I especially agree with the admonition not to falsify a degree. As an HR exec, I have seen people fired once this was discovered.
  • Cal
    Cal
    One other Very important point to include, unless you have held 2 lengthy jobs back to back, do not show more than 10 years of employment on your resume because employers who see 25 years of experience will know and reject your application because of your age. A true but ugly situation.
  • Steve T.
    Steve T.
    Struggling small business owner. Laid off two years ago and attempted to start a new business within my industry of 30 years. (Automatic Identification and Data Collection - AIDC)I'm considering entering the work force again but have some limitations such as lack of formal degree. Although I've been focused on sales / sales management my real abilities remain on the technical side of technology supporting the use of bar code symbols.Need ideas for reconstructing my resume for today's market. I would appreciate your comments.PS.. your comments within the "Top Five Resume Myths Exposed" were very helpful but I now realize I need fresh ideas and new approaches to communicate my true worth.
  • ken
    ken
    Awesome
  • Thad S.
    Thad S.
    Excellent comments, having worked in recruiting and the outplacement field for over 16 years I know your information is on point.
  • mia
    mia
    Where can you find a professional resume writer who can take all of your information and put it into resume saavy order and language?
  • Vance M.
    Vance M.
    After 35 years as a professional I've heard them all before and for the most part follow them.  But it's always nice to be reminded
  • Rich R.
    Rich R.
    So-called "Myths" #s 2 and 4 are frankly not myths at all.
  • Raffie S.
    Raffie S.
    Excellent point  about appendices.; shows creativity
  • Tim S.
    Tim S.
    Good advice here. Why aren't we taught to sell ourselves before we leave school?
  • Nannette T.
    Nannette T.
    Most helpful and reassuring as I agree with your suggestions.
  • Johnny J.
    Johnny J.
    Very helpful information, this info should be sent out to every college and university because many of school job counselors are in the mind set on using only a one page resume and nothing else. Many times a 2 page resume is needed to sell yourself to employers.
  • Mickey L.
    Mickey L.
    Janet N.  former employers "legally" can only tell, The dates you were employed, if you are rehirable, and how much you were paid.   
  • Yogesh D.
    Yogesh D.
    Very interesting and useful. Will adopt in my future approaches.
  • Fidel G.
    Fidel G.
    Article very useful!
  • Clark Y.
    Clark Y.
    I would add one more: it is imperative to pay an individual or company big bucks to get a professional resume written.
  • NP
    NP
    Besides a person never had a job, I know only of two applicants that could have a one page resume namely: Lee Iacocca and Bill Gates, well maybe the Pope.
  • Bill S.
    Bill S.
    Those suggestions are all beneficial. I'd like to add one. Google each employer before you send them a resume. This will help you tailor your resume to their needs, and it will allow you to more easily define what you can do for their company.  
  • Bob R.
    Bob R.
    RE: References - Most employers direct you to submit the application online and have a place where you can download the resume. What I find disheartening is that you are typing in your resume as part of the application including the references. But this was a big help and encouragement
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