Being a dedicated job seeker, your resume is real important. Navigating the unwritten rules of resumes can seem like a daunting task.
No one wants to break a rule and lose out on a great job. If you’re like most people, almost everything you think you know about resumes is dead wrong. Here are the popular myths about resumes, along with the unvarnished, reality-based truth.
1) It only can be one page long
Absolutely not true. Page count is not as important as the number of words on the page. The number of words actually affected recruiters in a bell curve manner. Focus including the most important information as clearly and concisely as possible. The key is that all of the information needs to be relevant to the job which you’re applying. Even then, if there is a lot of valuable information that simple cannot fit on one page, a second page is fine.
Source: http://fieldstation.co/modern-one-page-resumes/
2) Hobbies is needed to mention
Your hobbies can lose you the job. Your future employer interprets hobbies as a sign you’d rather be doing something else. Despite what they say in employee handbooks, companies don’t want “well-rounded individuals.” They want workaholics only.
3) The important part is your job experience
The important part is your potential written in the resume. A resume must sell the recruiter or hiring manager on the idea that you might be able to do the job at hand. Your previous job experience is only important in so far as it provides proof that you can do that job. On the other hand, if you’re a business owner who wants to employ the right people, services such as digital recruiting can come in handy.
4) Full name, address, email and mobile number is required
Having a contact section has no impact on a recruiter’s decision to take your resume out of the slush pile. However, if you want to land that interview, make the recruiter’s job as easy as possible and include as much contact information as you are comfortable with sharing.
5) Get your resume update regularly
Every resume must be customized. A standard resume, even if accurately updated, forces the recruiter or hiring manager to map your generalized experience into their specific requirements. Since they probably won’t bother, your resume should do that for them.
6) It should only include paid experience
Showcasing relevant coursework, volunteer experience and community participation can help beef up your resume. Another benefit, is showing a fit with company culture. Many companies support charities and community organizations. If you are able to show value in your volunteer experience or show value from fundraising efforts, then that’s even better to have on your resume.