Are You Still Falling for These Resume Myths

Are You Still Falling for These Resume Myths Are You Still Falling for These Resume Myths For example, you might have been told in the past to keep your resume to a specified length or to exclude certain types of information. Nowadays, however, many of these so-called rulesno longer apply.Take a look at these longstanding myths and misconceptions about resume writing to see how you can change your resume for the better1. The Single-Page Resume MythThis legend never seems to die. Back when resumes were handled in hard-copy form, employers and recruiters admonished job seekers to keep their documents to a single page. Perhaps this made it easier to keep track of all those pieces of paper, or maybe it was easier for job seekers to avoid typos in a shorterdocument.No matter the reason for its existence, the one-page resume can officially retire now, particularly for those of us who have more than 15 years of experience. Most employers today are using applicant tracking systems (ATSs) t o screen resumes, and these systems can process large amounts of data at once. Plus, organizations are accustomed to resumes that exceed one page, especially for executives.2. The Job-Description Resume MythIf youve ever read a job description, you know that supports user communities and department stakeholders is a dull and generic way to convey your duties. Unfortunately,too many job seekers from entry- to executive-level candidates rely on these canned descriptions to showcase the breadth of their work.Its time to stop this practicein its tracks with a reminder that employers dont hire your past job descriptions they hire your capabilities, skills, and work style, hoping to find a candidate who will dive into new challenges and solve their business problems. As demonstrated in this exampleCEO resume,a list of core competencies (under the heading Areas of Expertise) can convey relevant skills, while the Executive Performance Benchmarks section highlights theattention-getting spe cifics of career achievements.Your achievements, competencies, and career wins need to take center stage on your resume. Dont give the spotlight to stock phrases that could apply to anyone. Qualify your accomplishments with metrics that show just how much your work has impacted the bottom line, rescued a critical project, or saved costs at previous employers.3. The Formatting MythNothing is harder to skim in the digital age than a black-and-white, lackluster document that does little to distinguish one candidate from all the rest. Even worse, too many candidates use stock resume templates, making their resume formatting look like a last-minute decision.Your best bet is to take some time and care with the presentation of your resume, just as you would with any other high-profile business document. While a tremendous amount of color is elend necessary, a touch of flair and emphasis on keywords (shown in these resume examples for a CFO and Program Manager) can help set off important da ta.If you want to push the envelope a bit further, consider giving your resume a powerful dose of graphics that showcase achievements. By honing in on the most valuable parts of your experience, your resume can direct employers to take note of these career wins.4. The I Cant Put That on My Resume MythThe truth is, anything goes as long as it qualifies you and gets the type of attention you deserve in your job search.In years past, job seekers often left out the context of their achievements, fearing their resumes would be too long otherwise. Now, youll benefit more from explaining exactly how you motivated the sale team or negotiated a new vendor discount, since these examples will reinforce your personal brand message.To get in the right frame of mind for writing about your background, think in terms of the C-A-R (Challenge-Action-Result) format. By describing the situation you inherited (the challenge), the steps you took to improve or resolve a problem (your actions), and the ou tcome that benefited the company (the result), youll present a stronger picture of your leadership competency and agility.Consider that feedback from others, particularly notable leaders in your field, will also underscore your message. By pulling in a quote or accolade, youcan give employers a quick view of the reasons your contributions will be valuable in a new role. You can even explain a reason for leaving a past job (long considered taboo on a resume) by noting, Completed XYZ project prior to company spin-off as a new division.The bottom line Rather than adhering to the old myths that hold you back, write your resume in a way that fits your unique situation.Award-winning executive resume writer Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CIC, TCCS, CPBA, COPNS, CTTCC, of An Expert Resume partners with executives and rising leaders to help them land choice jobs through powerful personal branding.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.