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Five of the Biggest Resume Myths

By Lilia Stokes

A resume is a marketing tool in which the content should be adapted to suit each individual job application. Although resumes have many functions, typically resumes contain relevant job experience and information in regards to the applicants’ educational background.

However, even though resumes have been around for years, it is still not clear what may or may not be acceptable when a possible future employer takes a glance at your resume.

1. You need an objective statement. Objective statements are typically written to give a personal touch to a resume. However, the problem that stems from that is objectives are not typically rewritten for each resume. This statement can appear vague and insincere to a company. The report continued and believes that job seekers should consider using a professional summary where it gives the person recruiting you a quick summary of what you can bring to the job you are applying for specifically.

2. It has to all fit on one page. I have always been taught that a resume should typically not exceed a page. However if your resume does exceed a page consider using keywords, in case the employer uses an applicant- tracking system. By exceeding the one page mark, you give yourself the opportunity to use more important keywords that pertain to the job in which you are applying, which can be beneficial.

3. You should have to include all of your past experience. If the information does not correlate to the specific job you are applying to specifically, you may want to consider condensing your resume for the particular position you are applying for. By using this technique you are still being truthful, but consider omitting certain information if it has no correlation to the job you are applying for.

4. Once you send it, you’re off the hook until you hear back. Because of the current state of the economy the job market continues to be more competitive than ever. Therefore after you send a resume, do not call or follow up with an email. Many employers have LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts. Use this as a way to get in contact with employees of the company you wish to work with. It is especially important to try and find a way to get in contact with the hiring manager outside of calling, or emailing them. Find out some information about them, and once you find out something you two have in common spark a conversation with them. This technique is a great way to get in with the future company you desire to work with.

5. It has to look interesting to catch the hiring manager’s eye. It is beneficial to always include any information that you feel will give you the best chance in being considered for a job opportunity. However, it is also smart to de- clutter your resume as well. Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. Can you imagine how many resumes they receive on a daily basis? Therefore it is important to remember to make your resume easy to read. Have what you have done professionally and who you have done it with front and center. This tactic is a beneficial way to ensure your resume does not get passed over.

If you are unemployed and still waiting on a phone call from a job you have applied for, now is your chance to look at your current resume and make some revisions. By making these revisions and following up with employers in a more tactful way, I am sure the chances of you receiving the job you want will increase.

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