Without a doubt, a resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. When you are looking for a new job, whether you are unemployed or have been working at the same place of employment for a few years, your resume is a valuable tool that opens many doors for new work opportunities. However, there are many misconceptions about resumes that may surprise you.
It’s important to acknowledge that employers can receive hundreds, even thousands, of resumes on a daily basis. As a result, it essentially lumps you into a huge pool of candidates for a single job. One thing to remember with your resume is that you should always keep the focus strictly on content that is relevant for the particular position you to which you are applying. You can also use these three most common misconceptions about resumes to your advantage because they give you great tips on writing your resume.
#1 Your Resume Will Be Read from Start to Finish
It is safe to assume that the majority of job applicants believe that their resume will be read from top to bottom, start to finish, by any employer who receives it. However, this is a very common misconception. In reality, people who are looking to fill vacant employment positions instead only peruse each resume they receive for around 30 seconds or less. For that very reason, it’s wise to begin your resume with a list of skills and qualifications you possess that are relevant to the job in question. This grabs the reader’s attention in a hurry and shows them that you are potentially a great fit for the position.
#2 Your Resume Must Always Be One Page
This one might come as a surprise, but it is a common misconception that your resume must always be only one page long. If you have very little work experience, such as if you are a college student or graduate fresh out of school, you might have just enough to fill a single page. However, if it’s been a few years since you graduated college and you’ve had many years of work experience under your belt, you shouldn’t skimp on adding those positions from your resume. At the same time, again, you want to include everything that is most relevant to the position you’re seeking. Certain things should be omitted, such as volunteer positions completely unrelated or your one-year stint working at a department store during your sophomore year of college.
#3 More Creative Resumes Stand Out Among the Crowd
Many people also believe that if their resume is more creative, it will stand out among the sea of dull resumes employers receive all the time. However, that is nothing more than a misconception as well. Remember that your resume is not a work of art; it is a document that details your previous and possibly current employment experience and vital work skills. A resume’s sole purpose is to get an employer to take notice of you so that they want to interview you for a job. While there are some employers who might enjoy a resume example that’s creative enough to really stand out, there are others who are more conservative who will find it an annoyance. Keep it simple and to the point without getting cutesy.
These three misconceptions about resumes should definitely help you when you’re creating or editing your resume. They can help you to get more bites when job-hunting.