Resume Myths

How to write a resume is indeed one of the most discussed topics among young people and much has been written about the dos and don'ts of framing a resume. There are as many styles, suggestions and guidelines to building that perfect resume as there are candidates desiring to write one. Those looking for tips on resume writing may even come across differing points of view and conflicting opinions which may further confuse them. However it is important not to accept every suggestion at face value and to ponder awhile and use your own judgment to decide what should and should not be included in a resume. In this article we sift through some popular resume myths that prevail and help you to discard those that are obsolete and irrelevant.

Myth: You should include your entire employment history in the resume
There is really no need to mention about previous experience if it is not related to the post you have applied for. Recruiters look for relevant information and anything that does not pertain to the position sought is simply ignored and risks the danger of your entire resume being shelved. Also, as you progress and gain on experience, you don't have to continue to list your earliest employment details as this would give away your age and that is one aspect about which you should remain as vague as you can.
Myth: A single resume is sufficient for all your applications
An identical, generic resume sent to various employers gives an impression of an indifferent individual who has not taken the pains to find out more about the job profile or the work culture of the organization in which he/she seeks employment. One of the most important aspects about resume writing is to anticipate and reflect the requisites of the job and the vision of the organization. Therefore creating a special resume for every post applied to would go a long way in sending across the right signals to your recruiters and would be well worth the effort.
Myth: A little dishonesty or embellishment is acceptable
While it is true that you have to project your best side, it is absolutely essential that every word written in your resume is correct and honest. Including fictitious job titles or putting down untrue grades and degrees is not only unethical but would definitely backfire and you would only end up losing out on all opportunities. Being true and completely honest pays each and every time so even if you lack in some aspect, your honesty will more than make up for it.
Myth: Your resume should not extend beyond one page
The length of your resume depends upon your seniority and experience. Fresher candidates and those with less than 5 years of experience would usually be able to restrict their resumes to one page. However experienced applicants with a vast employment history would need at least two pages. It's not as much about the length as it is about the style and professional appeal.
Myth: It isn't advisable to include unpaid/voluntary work
Volunteer work is important as it speaks a lot about your character and motivation levels and shows that it's not just money that drives you. If that work is related to the job you have applied for then it would surely be a bonus. If you have taken a break in career for parenting, it's certainly a point worth mentioning as it shows you to be a sincere and committed person who takes every responsibility seriously.
Myth: It's a good idea to list hobbies and interests
If your hobbies bear no relevance to the post you have applied for then it does not make much sense to include them in your resume as you will just be wasting precious space where you could have stressed on something more significant. However if you have a special interest or hobby that is related to your profession, it would certainly be worth a mention. For example if you are a fashion designer who is interested in photography, it might earn you some bonus points. But for most part, it's best to leave out such kind of information and make room for more important facts.
Myth: A resume is only about your employment history
Employers are not satisfied only with knowing where you worked previously and what your responsibilities were. It would interest and impress them to know how successful you were at handling that responsibility. Therefore listing half a page of duties undertaken would not catch the eye of the recruiters as much as giving quantifiable proof of a task well performed.
Myth: Include salary expectations
It is better to play safe about this aspect as it is impossible to predict how it would be taken by the employers. If you quote a figure that is too high, it may discourage the recruiters from reading your resume any further. At the other extreme, you may actually end up selling yourself short and take home a lesser amount than what you would have otherwise got.
Myth: Use a fancy and decorative layout
Nothing is more impressive than black ink on white paper, so keep the look simple and smart. A neat, legible, systematic resume without any unnecessary frills is the one that is going to be the most attractive and professional.

Now that some of the popular resume myths have been busted, nothing should come between you and the framing of the perfect resume that would put you in top contention for your dream job.