 |
Top 5 Resume Writing Myths & Mistakes to Avoid
Author: Michelle Dumas  | Posted: 24-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 7 | Rating: (57)  (?) 
 Are you struggling to write your resume and promote yourself effectively in your job search? Here are five prevalent resume writing myths and mistakes to avoid that you must be aware of.
1) Myth: Resumes should be only one, or at the most, two pages.
In most cases, this is true. It is the rare reviewer of resumes who, when being completely honest, will tell you that he or she spends more than a few seconds in the first review of a resume. Unless your resume captures immediate attention through an eye-appealing design and succinct, compelling language, your resume will be screened out after just 15 seconds. With this reality in mind, imagine the thoughts of the reviewer when he or she receives a four- or five-page resume, with another 100 resumes waiting for review right behind it. Clearly, the odds of your resume capturing attention and being read increase when the length is limited to one or two pages.
Are there exceptions to this rule? Absolutely!
While it is true that with each additional page you reduce your chances of your resume being read thoroughly, for many executives, contract workers, consultants, and technical professionals it is unrealistic and nearly impossible to compress years of experience into one or two pages. When attempted, important achievements are left out to make room for a full chronology of the career history and education. What is left is a boring listing of companies, positions, and dates that are virtually guaranteed to turn off the reader and land your resume in the circular file.
A better strategy is to write your resume with exactly as much detail as is needed to persuasively convince the reader that you are the ideal candidate to solve his or her problems - to compel the reader to pick up the phone and call you for an interview. While this is sometimes a difficult balance to strike, you should edit your resume with a very discriminating eye toward reducing unnecessary wordiness. Every word in your resume should have a purpose. Items that can be presented as a list - continuing education courses, technical summaries, associations and memberships, etc. - can often be included in an addendum that may or may not be used as appropriate. Within the resume, use succinct, dynamic, action-oriented language to convey your ability to add value to the reader's company and you will capture and hold attention through three or even more pages.
2) Myth: All resumes should include a clearly stated objective.
It is essential that your resume is audience-focused - it must succinctly communicate that you understand the employer's needs and that you are uniquely qualified to meet those needs. While the use of an objective is a controversial issue, at its basis, an objective tells the reader what you want from him or her (focused on YOUR needs rather than the employers'). A popular and often more effective alternative to the objective, the qualifications summary, allows you to establish focus for the resume while summarizing the key qualifications and value you offer the employer. This is a subtle but critical difference - one that may weigh heavily in opening the door to an interview. While an objective is both appropriate and effective in some cases, for example, career changers or new graduates with little or no work experience in the targeted field, experiment with the qualifications summary as a strong alternative.
3) Myth: Resumes should thoroughly describe the responsibilities of each position.
The absolute most important element of your resume is your value proposition. Your unique ability to solve business problems, meet challenging goals, and produce desired results should be the focus of your qualifications summary (see above) and this focus should be supported by proof throughout your career. How better to do this than through achievement-oriented, results-focused descriptions of your career history? While employers and recruiters will want to know the scope of your position (number of direct reports, amounts of budgets managed, areas of management authority, etc.) this is most effectively communicated within the context of the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results of your actions. "Responsibilities" only tell the reader what you were supposed to do, not what you actually did do. Use powerful, active language to concisely tell the reader the "story" behind your most recent or relevant positions. By documenting your consistent ability to produce results and solve problems you will demonstrate your ability to produce similar results in the future.
4) Myth: Resumes should include only the last ten years of experience.
Content of your resume should be strategically selected to support your focus and value proposition. While it is true that readers of your resume will be most interested in your most recent experience, there is often value in including experience further back in your history. Perhaps your early career includes work for well-known, prestigious companies. Perhaps you want to document the full scope of your cross-industry experience, much of which occurred in your early career. Perhaps you believe some valuable networking opportunities may come out of your experience 15 or 20 years ago. Or perhaps your most impressive accomplishments were in a position you held 12 years ago. In any case, if your career history is lengthy, it will be apparent to the reader that your career did not suddenly materialize ten years ago, so there is little harm and many benefits to summarizing this early experience. Of course, this does not mean that you must give equal page weight to your early career. If you feel early dates will be used to screen you out, subtly leave them out of your early career summary. If some early career positions have more strategic relevance than others, give them more emphasis in your summary. Think carefully about the content of your resume. If there is solid reasoning behind your desire to present early experience, than do so.
5) Myth: Resumes should include personal information, to indicate the many dimensions to your life and interests.
There is no way to predict the personal biases of the individuals who will read your resume. The first and primary way that an employer uses a resume is to screen candidates out; don't give them any reason! Professional memberships and related volunteer work should often be included but religious affiliations, family status, social club memberships, and hobbies have no place on a resume. The only exception to this is when you are preparing a resume specifically written to appeal to a single individual who you are absolutely certain would be fascinated in your piloting license or passion for golf. Even then, be careful; you never know where your resume will be passed. However, if you are certain that your personal information will help you to break the ice and build rapport, you may have a valid reason for including it.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/top-5-resume-writing-myths-mistakes-to-avoid-314513.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Writing a Resume is Easy!
By: Alex Sanders | 11/01/2008 | Resumes
The job market is extremely competitive. You have to make yourself stand out above the crowd. And all you have is an 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper to do so.
Guidelines For Writing A Basic Resume
By: J. Elisha Burke | 13/01/2006 | Resumes
When starting your job search it is recommended that you first research the company that you would like to apply to before sending your basic resume. By researching the company, it is possible to construct a resume geared toward how your strengths will be
Types Of Resumes
By: J. Elisha Burke | 14/01/2006 | Resumes
There are three main types of resumes you may consider submitting during your job search. The three types of resumes are called functional, chronological, or a combination of the two.
Resume Writing - Watch your Step Buddy
By: Razvan Marian Jr | 04/12/2006 | Writing
This resume writing guide will show you step by step on how to write a resume even if you have never before written a resume. Follow the rules and you will get an excellent resume or CV, which will increase your chances of getting an job interview.
How To Create An Online Resume
By: J. Elisha Burke | 15/01/2006 | Resumes
This is the age of the Internet. No matter what type of job you are looking for, it is necessary that you have a copy of your resume online. An online resume or digital resume saves time and energy. Your resume website link can be easily emailed to anyone
Write a Good Resume - 10 Tips From the Pros
By: Corvan Reynolds | 27/06/2008 | Education
A well written resume can be a powerful tool for marketing yourself to potential employers. If you are unsure of how to write a winning resume, these 10 tips that professional resume writers use will get you started the right way.
Watch Your Step Buddy! - Best Resume Writing for Graduates
By: Kallore Gandhi | 09/01/2007 | Education
These are really essential points in each and every Resume that you need to prepare as a graduate student. Apply these rules and you will have a great Resume in your hands in no time! That will be your first crucial step towards your job seeking process. So, watch your step buddy!
Career Reality Check
By: Mary Waldron | 30/07/2007 | Careers
We've all been there. You land the perfect job. It's exactly what you've been waiting for. But...there are a few drawbacks. The commute is horrible. The pay isn't that great. And your coworkers are rather cold. Many times, when job seekers have their hearts set on certain dream jobs, they forget to acknowledge a few "minor" inescapable details that could be detrimental to their work. Take the time to give yourself a reality check before accepting a job. Or just read on, and we'll do it for you.
Latest Business Articles
Build a Home Based Internet Business
By: Carl Goodnight | 19/07/2008
This article describes the steps necessary to build a successful home based business or internet business. Some of the pleasures of working from home are: freedom to pick the hours you work, no commute. You can promote your product or service to the world and, if you hit it right, will be able to make more money than you ever dreamed possible.
The Basics of Creating a Filing System That You Can Benefit From Starting Today
By: Tracey Lawton | 19/07/2008
In my brand-new article, I'm going to share with you 7 easy steps for getting your filing system in place. The summertime is generally a quieter time with a more slower pace of business, so use this time to get one of your core office systems in place.
The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters
By: Katrina Sawa | 19/07/2008
You probably get numerous newsletters across your desk each month. How many of those do you really read? I am sure that you scan certain newsletters for valuable information, while you just toss others. Then, of course, there those like mine (chuckle), which you read every last word of.
CEO Tips for Getting Staff to Understand You
By: Pamela Scott | 19/07/2008
This article is directed to the CEO, but it can help anyone in a management position communicate more clearly with staff.
Protect Your Internet Home Business
By: John McRae | 18/07/2008
Running an internet home business or any small business for that matter involves some degree of risk. The business could fail and if you are not protected creditors will be coming after you. There is also the very real possibility that your business could be a success and give you the financial freedom every person dreams of. With that new found freedom brings another creditor, the IRS.
How to Promote an Office Cleaning Business
By: Brent Wale | 18/07/2008
If you are either thinking about start your own janitorial/ office cleaning business, or if you already own and operate a cleaning business..Here are some tips on how to promote and market your cleaning company.
How to Establish yourself as an Expert
By: Katrina Sawa | 18/07/2008
Establishing yourself as an Expert in your field is a great way to get added exposure, publicity and credibility for you and your business which will ultimately bring you more sales and more money!!
Are Your Prices High Enough?
By: Stephen Oliver | 18/07/2008
Conventional wisdom dictates that you should discount to get the business at any cost. This article suggests that you in fact should be raising your prices instead and focussing on your most valuable customers instead.
More from Michelle Dumas
9 Keys to Job Search & Career Success
By: Michelle Dumas | 02/07/2008 | Business
In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.
Benefits of Using Linkedin for Your Job Search and Career Networking
By: Michelle Dumas | 19/06/2008 | Business
LinkedIn is an excellent and very effective networking tool to use in your job search. Here are some simple-to-follow tips to help you make get the most out of your LinkedIn account, generate job leads, and make important connections with hiring authorities and referral sources.
"must Knows" for Working With Recruiters During Your Job Search
By: Michelle Dumas | 13/06/2008 | Business
For most job seekers, conducting a comprehensive job search includesat least to some degreeinterfacing with recruiters (a.k.a., headhunters). But, for many people, this is also one of the most misunderstood aspects of a job search. Here are some quick tips and "must-knows" to demystify the process of contacting and working with recruiters.
The 12 Hour Workday! Enough is Enough! How-to Create More Work-life Balance Now
By: Michelle Dumas | 06/06/2008 | Business
Are you tired of working 10 and 12 and 14-hour days? Do you want more time for yourself or your family? It's okay to admit it! And, admitting that you need more time for things other than work does not mean you are any less professional or any less committed to your work. It simply means that you are setting healthy boundaries to protect your priorities and avoid becoming depleted. Here are some tips to accomplish that.
10 Classic Resume-writing Mistakes to Avoid
By: Michelle Dumas | 03/06/2008 | Business
Is your resume generating disappointing results? Have you been sending your resume for positions that you know you are qualified for, but the phone remains silent? If so, you might want to check it and revise it against these ten common errors.
7 Tips to Speed Your Long-distance Job Search
By: Michelle Dumas | 05/05/2008 | Business
Are you relocating? Are you looking for work in a new place? Here are seven tips to simplify and speed your long-distance job search.
How-to Create a Compelling, Branded Elevator Pitch for Your Job Search
By: Michelle Dumas | 26/04/2008 | Business
A powerful elevator pitch is essential in your job search. With precision-like focus, an effective elevator pitch will immediately convey to the listener who you are as a professional, and will do it in a way that addresses not only your unique value proposition, but in a manner that addresses the concerns of your listener. You will use your elevator pitch frequently, in networking situations and during interviews.
Organizing for Top Results: the Foundation of a Fast, Successful Job Search
By: Michelle Dumas | 23/04/2008 | Business
Keeping accurate, up-to-date records of your job search activities, logs of contacts you have made, and step-by-step, calendared plans of the activities you must complete in order to reach your job search goals will pay you back for your effort multiple times over through a faster and more successful job search. By creating a plan and system for your job search, you will always know where to focus your attention and what you should be doing next.
|
|
Business 
