14 Common Misconceptions About Resume writing

Growing job opportunities have doubled the number of resumes and cover letters. HR executives find it very difficult to screen resumes and this has evolved new methods and systems to filter and short list the best candidates.

However, it is everyone’s effort to pick the best job and you will try and find out several methods to write and produce the best draft to get selected.

As a fresh job seeker your knowledge about resume writing is quite limited and some may do not have an idea as to what are the main focus areas of a resume.

As some agree that a resume is all about getting a good job and giving the best info about your education, work experience and skill set.

Let’s find out what are those misconceptions as discussed below:

1. Write it in anyway

Stop. Think for a while. This is a matter of career growth. You should put very good efforts in designing a good resume. Leave no scope for typos, grammar errors, punctuation errors or errors in sentences.

2. The longer is your resume, the better it is

Time is very precious and this is truly reflecting when HR recruiter has to screen hundreds of resumes. Your resume may get a chance of 1-5 seconds and this must prove very valuable, if you have put excellent efforts in writing resume.

Never make it more than two pages. This is a standing rule for all job seekers.

3. Focused on one particular area of job

There are employers who look for multi-level of expertise while there are others who focus on a single expert area. This differs widely and you should be able to identify the difference and choose to work on the resume.

Make sure to read the description carefully and analyze the requirements. Self-assessment should be done before applying for the job.

4. All resumes are written alike

Fresher resume is different from an experienced employee. Two resumes are never the same any time. It is true that the format of a resume stands similar but the info of each resume varies with the applicant details.

5. No need to pay attention to the language

Resume experts recommend to avoid fancy jargon and suggest to use simple, directive and progressive keywords and sentences that leave a good scope to get short listed for the job.

Language has a lot of emphasis for a resume and it will never go unnoticed.

6. Include non-relevant disclosure info

If you watch television most often or for many hours during weekends, this info is not relevant if you are applying for a desk job or  an admin officer job. Instead if you say that you publish articles for corporate magazines or business magazines, it would be appreciated as relevant info.

7. Thousands of Applicants. Is there any chance?

It is true that every job invites thousands of applicants. But there is a chance for you to win. It may be 95% or 1% or 100%. You should never miss an opportunity particularly if you are confident to get the job.

Work on your resume thoroughly and you will surely be successful.

8. Online Resume / attachment in email

Online companies have a particular pre-set format for providing your info while you are at the company’s website. Additionally you may have to attach a cv and this is an option and it depends on recruiter.

So you have to be ready to provide resume information both in the prescribed format and also attach a soft copy.

9. No need to read resume - No you should read

This is a very big misconception. As you hurry up to find a job, many a times, you forgo the job of checking or reading your resume. You should never do that. Stop for a while. Spend few minutes to read your resume before you send it as an attachment.

10. Resume format - txt, doc, pdf

Some online companies invite plain text while others accept doc and pdf formats. It is really important that you keep a copy of all formats to make it available for an employer in a neat format.

11. Start sending resume - apply for jobs

As resume gets ready, you should go through job portals. Make sure that you really have good capabilities to accept job. Get satisfied that you are fit for the job. Make a list of all the jobs and direct yourself towards applying with your resume and a perfect cover letter.

12. If there is no response

There is no need to panic, if there is no reply from employer. In fact, there are many more good opportunities waiting for you. You should be patient until it clicks on your side.

At the same time, you should never stop working on your resume to make it better, productive and result-oriented.

13. Single format of resume for all jobs

It is really a big question that comes to all whether a single resume is enough to apply for many jobs. The truth is, it depends on the job description. As you apply for different jobs, you should really check whether a resume requires re-working.

14. Resume vs interview presentation

Many freshers believe in the fact that a resume is enough to get selected for the job and attending an interview is just a formality. That’s not true. Resume will call you for an interview whereas you need to prepare yourself fully conversant with the job details and get ready to answer all the questions in the interview.