January 9, 2014
Try not to fall for these three job search myths.
By Anish Majumdar, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
The internet is filled with job search “experts” willing to put in their two cents when it comes to resumes. Unfortunately, very little of it is applicable to the current marketplace. Here are three of the worst offenders debunked:
1. Your resume should not be longer than one page.
This axiom is widely accepted as fact by most job seekers. Unfortunately, it only holds true for recent college graduates and those without an extensive work history. In today’s market, a two-page resume is quickly becoming the standard, with executives and other top-tier professionals even submitting strong three-page documents. A good rule of thumb? Look over your resume and see if it sustains interest throughout its length. If it doesn’t, editing it down is probably a good idea. If, however, it feels needlessly abbreviated, feel free to expand.
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2. Jumping straight into your work history is a good bet.
Many resumes make the mistake of jumping straight into a candidate’s work history without an introduction. While this approach may have worked in times past, today’s recruiters/hiring agents spend approximately 10-20 seconds scanning a job seeker’s resume. Not having an introduction means missing out on a crucial opportunity to TARGET the document, highlight key skills, and build interest.
Here’s an approach that’s been proven to get results:
* A three to four line paragraph DEMONSTRATING key attributes. For example, a pharmaceutical sales professional could play up his/her ability to forge new client relationships, execute high-impact marketing initiatives, and deliver dedicated staff training.
* A “Core Competencies” section underneath this listing in-demand keywords. This is crucial, as Applicant Tracking Systems such as Taleo and Kenexa are designed to look for specific words on a candidate’s resume.
3. Flashy formatting/logos are a good way to stand out from the competition.
True, complex logos and formatting DO attract attention. However, they do so for all the wrong reasons and will most likely result in your resume being rejected. A good resume lives and dies on the strength of its CONTENT. When in doubt, always err on the side of conservatism. Choose a widely accepted font like Times New Roman or Arial. Remove all graphics. And, don’t get more complicated than a simple border to frame the text.
About the Author
Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at www.ResumeOrbit.com. Ninety-five percent of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).
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