Don't Fall For It: Identify and Avoid Resume Myths.

Creating a compelling resume is a crucial step in landing your dream job, but there are many myths and misconceptions about what makes a good resume.

Mar 19, 2023

There are a lot of myths out there about resumes. Many individuals believe that if they follow specific guidelines, their resume will stand out. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, following some of the most common advice can hurt your chances of getting hired or delay your job search! Therefore, it's essential to know which advice to follow.

In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common resume myths and provide you with the right approach to stand out.

Recruitment Myths: Resume

Apparently, to increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters, it's important to use a resume template that is optimized for ATS robots. 🤔

Wrong! 🤦‍♂️ That's like saying all restaurants need to serve the same type of food in order to be successful. Just because you have a special template doesn't mean it's the only way to get noticed by recruiters and beat the “ATS robots”.

Here are the top 5 resume myths that all candidates should know:

⚠️ Myth 1: Your resume must be one page long.

While it is generally recommended to keep your resume as concise as possible, there is no hard and fast rule that says it must be one page long. The length of your resume should be determined by the relevance and quality of your experiences and skills, rather than an arbitrary page limit.

⚠️ Myth 2: You need a special resume template to beat ATS robots.

While having an aesthetically-pleasing, well-formatted resume is important, there’s no special type of resume template that will get past an ATS robot. While it is true that certain formatting and layout choices can increase the chances of your resume being seen by a human recruiter, there is no foolproof way to beat ATS systems.

Instead of focusing on finding a "magic" template, it is generally better to create a clear and concise resume that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. Resume templates that will beat ATS robots don't exist!

You can learn more about this myth here: How ATS Bots Could Reject Your Resume and Job Application.

⚠️ Myth 3: You need to use a resume scanner to get feedback on your resume's impact and ATS compliance.

False. While resume scanners can be a helpful tool, they are not a substitute for a thorough review by a human recruiter or career professional. It is important to have your resume reviewed by someone who can provide personalized feedback and guidance on how to improve the content and formatting of your resume.

I tested several of them and my un-updated LinkedIn profile scored higher than my updated resume.

⚠️ Myth 4: Your resume should include your entire work history.

Your resume does not need to list every job you have held. Instead, prioritize the most recent and relevant experiences that showcase your qualifications for the job you are applying for.

In addition to highlighting relevant work experience, your resume should also include your education and any relevant certifications or professional development courses. Depending on the industry and position, it may be helpful to include specific skills or technical knowledge that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.

Finally, be sure to proofread your resume carefully to catch any spelling or grammatical errors!

⚠️ Myth 5: Hidden keywords in the resume will help you beat ATS robots.

While it is important to include relevant keywords in your resume, trying to sneak in hidden keywords in an attempt to "beat" an ATS (applicant tracking system) is not a good strategy. This can come across as spammy and may actually hurt your chances of getting hired.

Here's the bottom line: The best thing you can do with your resume is to keep it simple, clear, and concise. Focus on what matters – your experience, skills, and accomplishments – and make sure your language is professional but not overly formal.

That way, you can be sure that your resume will stand out from the rest!

What other resume myths have you heard?

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below - let's debunk some common resume myths together!

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