If you are looking for a job, you'll find that there are many things that you need to keep in mind, but one of the most important things that you will need to consider is the fact that you are going to be in a situation where your resume is going to get a chance to do the talking long before you are able to. If you are considering putting some real time and effort into your resume (and you should!) you'll find that there are many different things that you should consider, but first, before you send it, think about these resume myths that can hold you back and knock you out of the running for a job that you really love long before you even set foot in the building.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. We've all heard the stories about people who get the job just because their resume was sitting on the top of the pile and while it might be true for a few people, you simply cannot count on it being true for you. The people who are running the interviews will have many different people to choose from, and if you can't show them that you are the best right away, you'll find that you are going to suffer for it. Make sure that you do your best, whether you are feeling lucky or unlucky.
2. The longer my resume is the better.
Remember that your future employer is going to be going through dozens, perhaps even hundreds of resumes. If they can't take it all in in a glance, you'll find that you are going to get put at the bottom of the pile. When you are considering putting together your resume, make sure that you hit the highlights, but don't let it spill over onto a second page. It's great that you have so many accomplishments, but make sure that you pick out the best ones and put them on the single page that your resume requires. In this case, less is definitely more.
3. I should put my salary expectations on my resume.
This is not the place to put down how much you expect to make. When you talk about salary, you'll find that it is best to do so in person. Remember that putting money on your resume is a good way to get it tossed away, so keep your expectations about a salary increase for the interview. It is hard for people to decide if you are worth the money that they are going to invest in you if they can't see you. If they see the number first, you might as well kiss the job good-bye.
4. My resume should be sterile
When you are looking around at the resume samples that you can find online, remember that you are looking at some very generic samples. One way that you need to make your resume stand out is that you need to think about moving forward and really considering how you can make sure that your resume is eye catching. Remember that including a nonstandard but still impressive accomplishment on your resume is one way to get them to look twice and this can make all the difference when it comes to standing out from all the rest.
Whether this myth got started with the belief that one hundred was some sort of magical number or you are simply thinking that you should be prepared, you should not need a hundred copies of your resume. While of course you should bring extras to the interview, you'll find that generally you should get around twenty or thirty, if that, printed up at a time. You'll find that having that many resumes around can be depressing, so just save it in your email and get it printed out as you need it.
6. I don't need a cover letter.
No matter where you send your resume, remember that getting a cover letter that is personalized and that can make sure that you are in the right place is important. You'll find that your cover letter is what will really sell your resume. If you think of yourself as a product, your resume is your nutritional information while your cover letter is your advertising. Your cover letter can get across personal points that your resume can't, and you'll find that your cover letter can let your future employer know that you already know a fair amount about the company and what its goals are.
7. Once I have submitted my resume that is all I can do.
When you are looking forward to getting a new job, it is true that your cover letter is an important part of the process, but you'll find that it is far from the only important part. Once you have your resume submitted, remember that you will still need to think about making sure that you get your foot in the door for an interview by calling in. Give your prospective employers a call to make sure that everything is in order and that you can provide more information at need. Take some time to make sure that they don't forget that you exist.
8. Once I hand them my resume at an interview, there is nothing more I can do.
After you have exited your interview, make sure that you send them a thank you note. You'll find that with just a little bit of time and effort that you can leave an excellent impression on your prospective employers. Take the time to really think about your options and to make sure that you can get ahead in the way that you intend to.
