Update Your Resume Month: Top Four Myths of Resume Writing Debunked!
As our country continues to grapple with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, “America is getting back to work”. Now more than ever, a sharply written resume is essential to stand out in a dynamic, adept applicant pool.
September is National Update Your Resume Month and we would like to share a few common misconceptions that candidates make when tackling a resume refresh:
MYTH 1: You should only apply to opportunities that align with your most recent industry or job title.
New job roles are emerging as companies adapt to a changing landscape. As these positions are being developed, any candidate that has experience or the core skills necessary for success in the role should feel confident in applying. Many core tenants of business - professionalism, work ethic, and management skills to name a few - are transferable and can be applied to new opportunities. Don’t disqualify yourself before anyone else does.
MYTH 2: Your resume is one size fits all.
No two jobs are the same. Preparing different versions of your resume will help you highlight the experience that is most relevant to the role in which you’re applying. Start by tackling the version of your resume that you’ll use most, and then create additional versions for different industries or job descriptions. Tailoring your resume will streamline your search.
MYTH 3: Your entire professional experience should be featured on your resume.
A resume is a teaser to entice an interview. Composed of career highlights and tangible results that created meaningful impact for clients, a general rule of thumb is to include work history from the previous decade - with a maximum of 15 years in the past. Identifying experiences that will most resonate with hiring managers will elevate a resume to help it stand out from the crowd.
MYTH 4: You’re solely responsible for the development of your resume.
A dynamic and productive resume is never created in a silo. Professional and accredited resume writers are a worthwhile investment for anyone job searching. An experienced perspective helps ensure the best chance possible for a resume to elicit a call for an interview.
Idaho Next Steps Coaching’s Stephanie Renk and Vera Savany-Hughes are Certified Professional Resume Writers through the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Careers Coach (PARWCC). They are dedicated and experienced at drafting, editing, and producing professional, ATS-friendly resumes for job seekers as well as providing career coaching and interview preparation to help job seekers land the jobs they want with confidence!
