Top Five Resume Myths Exposed

Posted by in Career Advice


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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  • Theresa
    Theresa
    In response to Bob's comment posted on 05/15/11...I just want to say AMEN! No matter what's on your resume, in most cases is WHO you know. So I'm focusing on networking as well as the contents of my resume.
  • Shawn D
    Shawn D
    I've seen & read countless articles that address what "not" to include in your resume but, I yet to come across even one that details "what to include." That is of course, until you commit to using their resume services! What a scam! If you really want to come off as impressive, offer 2-3 helpful hints that will actually generate a response (like an initial call) for us frustrated job-seekers. That is if you are genuinely trying to assist people in locating applicable employment and not trying to profit off of others misfortune of unemployment.
  • Lauren S.
    Lauren S.
    How do you know to whom to address the cover letter if you don't have any way to find out who will be looking over your resume?
  • Marc T.
    Marc T.
    Great concise article.  I am curious, however, what are your opinions on resume writing services (typically $250-700) and/or employment marketing services (typically $6000 for resumes, cover letters, targeted searches, website design, etc.)?
  • Heather M.
    Heather M.
    Working for a personnel agency we always recommended resumes of one to two pages and did recommend not exceeding three pages. We never used objective except on student resumes. This was in '80's and 90 percent of clients were easy placements. Senior engineers were the biggest problem and apprentices worked for them very well.
  • Bob
    Bob
    A resume is a bunch of crap.  I'm working on a system where resumes will be a thing of the past. Grooming a person for the position is more important than fluff on a piece of paper.  There are so many people today with wonderful resumes who are incompetent at there jobs. Screening people out of work is part of the problem with today's economy when we should be finding every possible way to get people employed.
  • Joanna
    Joanna
    Thank you for a great article. In today's job market it is about showing your specific value to the employers needs. A great way to convey that (and sell yourself) is through a job proposal. Making a connection between a individuals skills and a employers needs it KEY!
  • Saiful I.
    Saiful I.
    I am thankful for this useful information.
  • Parmeesh K.
    Parmeesh K.
    I need some guidance for effective I.T - Hardware and Networking Resume for the profile of System/Network Admin or Engg. with a experience of more than 4.5 years. If you can, kindly provide me a format with a catchy objective. Thanks
  • Leonard
    Leonard
    What will help is if you can mention any award, sales goals, sales increases for the years you have worked at certain jobs.
  • John H.
    John H.
    Great article. I have two separate sheets listing references and will give them only when specifically asked to. As far as the degree myth,yes you must not falsify that you have one. I have a masters degree. I have been told to not mention that you have one unless it is in field for which you are applying or is a necessary qualification. I have also been told that don't say that you have one when you don't, but not the other way around. All of the other myths I agree with.
  • Ajoy
    Ajoy
    This article is extremely important for me. For the last couple of years I have sent my resume to several places and have gotten no response. I am looking for a professional person who can fixed up my resume. Do you know any body? & how much they charge.
  • JoblessSeeker
    JoblessSeeker
    Nonsense.  The very notion that "the problem" lays in the candidates hands is far too convenient for a broken staffing industry that now screens candidates based on their consumption of degrees and certifications, instead of their proven ability.  So, in reality, the "recruiting industry" has become a front-end sales engine for academia - and NOTHING else. In reality, if you are not dealing with the hiring executive at the company you want to work with - you have NO IDEA who you're dealing with and what their actual business model is. So, deal directly with companies that intake applications using THEIR software, not some middleman web-based resume collection site.  Last of all, work your friends and family for a job - otherwise - you'll NEVER get hired (statistically improbable.)
  • Cliff G.
    Cliff G.
    Most HR professionals are members of SHRM and they drink the same Kool-aid --- unless you have been referred, their job is to pick apart your resume and find just one discrepancy where they can eliminate you from further consideration. So go back and re-read Myth 2 and don't give any false information on your resume.
  • T. Gough
    T. Gough
    Excellent. This really defines things for me. In the future if I have to submit a resume, I will be sure to cater it specifically to any jobs I apply for and try to be as objective and professional as possible. :)
  • mamajana
    mamajana
    Not true, Mickey L.  Employers can say anything they want during reference checking as long as it's true.  However, if it is negative, the applicant might still seek legal redress.  As long as what's been said is not malicious it's OK, but most employers, me included, don't want to go through the hassle so we just give name, rank, serial number.  Of course you leave yourself open to a lawsuit if there truly is something a potential employer needs to know, you don't report it, and they hire the person.  For example, if the person was caught stealing, was fired for cause for sexual harassment or worse, etc.
  • James S.
    James S.
    Thank you for posting these I agree totally. Not to long ago I had my resume evaluated and actually I did pretty good. There were only 2 things they pointed out: 1) was that I should highlight my current achievements more, which I thought I was doing, and 2) was "Don’t use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person references. A resume is a formal document in which convention calls for you to eliminate the use of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person references. A resume that is well put together shows professionalism and an understanding of appropriate word choice" What do you think of this rule? I've heard this before, but I'd really like to get your take on it.  Thanks, James.
  • Mark S.
    Mark S.
    Trying to fit Human Resources and Operations Manager on one resume leads to 3 pages. Would it be simpler to have two resumes? One for each? I have 25+ years of Retail Management with Human Resources. How do you write 1 resume for all that experience?
  • RAINYDAY
    RAINYDAY
    I've been advised by employment dept. not to put dates  on my resume due to my age but like Gary said they post applications that ask for these making it impossible to submit without filling those dates. I know it's ageism.
  • Gary
    Gary
    What do you do if the online application asks for the date you graduated and won't let you go to the next page unless you answer the question? If you tell the truth, you run the high risk of being disqualified because of your age. Same thing goes for the degree question. I went to one of the highest rated colleges in the country. However, they didn't offer a degree until a few years after I graduated. It kind of forces you to lie to stay in the running.
  • Kirill
    Kirill
    To Janet M:Ask a friend to pose as a potential employer looking for a reference and have him/her call your former employer.
  • Jack
    Jack
    Myth 1. Senior executives get hired by senior executives.  Tech people get hired by tech personnel, etc.  Everyone doesn't go through HR. Additionally, it all depends on the position your for which you are applying.  Getting to the immediate point of the qualification is key. A quick glance at your resume is the best your going to get.
  • M P Stewart
    M P Stewart
    I see you have summarized what I have done on mine.  Makes me feel like a leader.  I gave up on the one page resume years ago.  At this point, I find that some employers are going to want style one - so I am one of the few people who has the Job Skills section first, a summary of contacts - interests - phone number - email and other personal information - and in my case there is some one saying my birth name is "Missus" and the hubby's name.  So I added that section to clarify.  Then the alternative profile methods after.  One - a one page summary of employers - a section using the traditional employment application form (that runs to five pages - the work is pretty seasonal since '88), and a short form resume with recap of just the highlights.  And then a section listing the employers by type and period of time, over two years, under three months, to sort it out.  I finally added a point - two days, reason, one day, name of employer and reason - but I do feel like leaving out two.  One or two that didn't give me a check, and one where to explain that the Campus Bookstore Manager stole a hundred dollars out of the till that I checked - I don't tip the money out any more than sugar out of a sugar bag, or flour out of a flour bag.  No way to deal with that.  And since Dad's a judge, grandpa, other two grandpas, one offered and one just a lawyer, and since I was a bonded cashier, not just a cashier - it's hard to handle that tactfully.  Although I could have said, finding that the cashier for the prior day was short - it could have been going on for two weeks, I suppose...I always left it out just because.  The other ideas I put in already.  Glad you like it.
  • Cecelia
    Cecelia
    Quite useful. I reviewed my resume while reading this, and fortunately, the Job Source here in OH has helped me to prevent these common errors.
  • ken
    ken
    Myth 2.Agreed that you should never lie about your degrees, school, etc.  This is a relatively easy fact to check.  If a person lies about a degree and is later terminated that is fair and reasonable.  However, I would like to point out that NO recruiter or HR person would EVER discuss any experiences that reveal actual names.  Discussion by any employee of any company related matters and details that would not already be common knowledge to outsiders is usually prohibited by signed agreements between employee and employer.  Employees should NEVER post anything job related on any social networking sites.  

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