As the country continues to grapple with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and temporary furloughs become permanent layoffs, there’s a significant increase in talent entering the job search market for the first time or the first time in a long time. Now more than ever, a sharply written resume is essential to stand out in a dynamic, adept applicant pool.
September is International Update Your Resume Month and today I am sharing the common misconceptions that candidates make when tackling a resume refresh:
1. 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 changed landscape. As these positions are being developed (many for the first time!), any candidate that has experience or the core skills necessary for success in the role should feel confidence in applying. Many core tenants of business - professionalism, work ethic and management skills to name a few - are transferable across verticals and can be applied to new opportunities. Don’t disqualify yourself before anyone else does.
2. MYTH 2: Your resume is one size fits all. No two job opportunities 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 resumes to expertly frame your relevant experience will streamline the application process.
3. 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. A critical look from an editor’s eye to identify experience that will most resonate with hiring managers will elevate a resume to help it stand out from the crowd.
4. 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 career coaches are a worthwhile and affordable investment for anyone on the job hunt. Experienced perspective helps ensure the best chance possible for a resume to elicit a call back or interview.
As the owner of Choose Your Worth Resume Services, I am a dedicated and experienced certified professional who can help draft, tailor, edit, and proofread your resume, as well as provide career counseling and advice along all stages of your job search.
Reach out today for more information: TraceyOrosz@chooseyourworth.com
