Don't Believe the Resume Myths

Your Resume should only be less than two pages long. MYTH! As long as your resume includes only relevant information, and doesn’t list every single position / role you have had since 14 years old in massive detail – it can be however long it has to be. Although, as mentioned – only as long as it has relevant information and doesn’t read like a short story.

Your Resume MUST have a career objective. This is a border line myth. Unless you are able to write a unique and compelling career objective, leave it out. If your career objective is anything less than perfect then it is a total waste of space. So yes – a career objective is definitely something worth including although only if it is done well. Feel free to ask me for advice about this.

Your References must be listed on your Resume. No no no and myth! At the very bottom of your resume write: ‘References Available on Request’. Reference contacts hate nothing more than receiving 5 phone calls a day regarding your job applications without any warning. Generally they will become less than pleased in giving you a glowing reference. If a Recruiter or Employer would like to contact your Reference, email or call your reference, ask for a suitable time for the Recruiter or Employer to call, explain the position you are applying for and thank them ever so much for the great favour they are giving you. It is worth while having more than 2 references, as some may not be contactable at the time a Reference is needed and it’s good to ‘spread the load’ if your job hunt is extensive.

You should include your hobbies and interests on your Resume. Simply put – no. Unless it directly relates to your career.

Include your salary expectations. Never! Unless your Resume is being submitted by a Recruitment Agency.

Pretty Resumes attract more attention. Don’t include a photo of yourself, don’t spray it with perfume, don’t have colour headings and text, don’t play with page colours – just don’t do anything to it that doesn’t include a white background with black or navy text. The only exception to the rule is if you are seeking work within a creative field. If this is the case, make your Resume subtly attractive. Remember less is more.