Top 5 Resume Myths - Write the RIGHT Resume

From New Grad Life

Posted by: Jennifer Montez
| Posted at: 2:25 AM |

Filed Under:
resumes,
tips

|

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. The 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

Recipe for disaster. 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.