Your resume is one of the most important documents to have when searching for a new job position. It is your opportunity to attract the attention of modern employers and expand your career resources. What to do if you need to write a resume? Which resume writing myths should one know? Check the answer in the article below on how to get employed by composing a bot-beating resume.
Why Resume Writing Expectations Differ From Reality
A successful job search includes a well-composed resume. Can I find how to write a resume with no experience and get professional help? Can someone tell me what job is right for me? Sure, a resume writing agency will craft a winning resume for you. Meanwhile, use a career test or a career quiz to define your natural talents. Or consult a career advice expert.
Reasons a job candidate makes mistakes while building a resume:
- The lack of time;
- The lack of writing experience;
- The lack of industry knowledge.
Expectation #1: A Resume That Fits All
‘Writing a standard resume will help me pass the ATS system.’ It will, but it won’t show your unique qualities. With the vast number of applications employers receive for each job posting, it is more important than ever to make sure your resume stands out from the rest. There are a few things a candidate can do to ensure their resume or CV is the one that attracts the recruiter’s attention.
General rules to balance standards and originality are as follows.
- Avoid using generic or overly-used phrases like “team player” or “hard worker or laborer.” Instead, focus on specific examples of times when you have gone above and beyond or faced a challenging situation;
- Use strong verbs and active language to really capture the attention of employers;
- Stay unique! Whether it’s key skills or an interesting hobby, anything that sets you apart from other candidates is worth mentioning. By following these simple tips, be sure that your resume or CV will help you land the job of your dreams.
Expectation #2: A Lengthy Resume Will Help You Get More Interviews
In today’s digital world, google “careers,” and you’ll see that the majority of job postings only want a resume that is one page long. So why is a shorter resume better? For starters, it’s easier to read and digest. A hiring manager is looking for specific hard and soft skills and qualifications, and they don’t want to have to scan through a lengthy document to find them. In addition, a shorter resume shows that you can be concise and clear in your writing, which is an important skill in any profession.
Expectation #3: Following Resume Format Rules is Not Essential
Guess what? It is. There are several types of resume formats that job seekers can use to highlight their career opportunities.
- The most common resume format is the chronological resume, which highlights work experience in chronological order;
- Another popular option is the functional resume, which focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than work history;
- For an applicant with a lot of experience, a combination resume is a good option. It includes the elements of chronological and functional formats;
- Finally, for those who are changing careers, the targeted resume is an effective option. It will help you answer the tricky interview questions of recruiters. By customizing your resume according to the specific requirements of the job you want to apply for, you can increase your chances of landing an interview.
Expectations #4: Mistypings Don’t Matter
Believe us; it is essential that your resume is well-written and free of errors. Recruiters are often reading dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes on a daily basis.
If your resume is full of typos and grammatical errors, it will communicate that you are sloppy and lack attention to detail. On the other hand, a polished and professional-looking resume shows that you take care of your work and are detail-oriented. In today’s competitive job market, taking the time to proofread and edit your resume can make all the difference for recruiting firms.
Expectation #5: Sending the Same Resume for Different Job Positions is Fine
Simply having a resume is not enough. In order to be truly effective, you need to tailor your resume to each individual job you are applying for. This means highlighting different aspects of your experiences and skills depending on the position you are applying for. If you focus on a job in sales, you’ll want to demonstrate any sales experience you have in the industry. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job in customer service, you will want to focus on your communication and people skills to expand your job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this information has helped to ease some of the stress surrounding the hiring process. Remember, it is important to be yourself and showcase your unique skills and experiences on your resume. And always proofread! Typos can be a deal breaker for most hiring managers. Good luck!