Common Resume Myths & Misconceptions

For the person crafting their first résumé the task can seem a little bit daunting, even a bit frightening. Human Resources [HR] specialists, résumé writing professionals, school advisors, and even friends and family members all have their say. When it comes down to it you must have a résumé you feel comfortable with especially since you will be the one to read it the most. Let's take a look at some common résumé myths and misconceptions you need to be aware of before writing your first résumé.

1. Pictures are a no-no. In most European countries it is customary that a head shot photograph be included with your résumé. In the US, most résumé writing professionals frown on this practice or are outright hostile to résumé photographs. Let me tell you they are wrong to be so rigid. If you are in the fashion or aviation industries your picture is expected to be included especially when it is stipulated as part of the application process. Yes, there are state laws against discriminating, but there are none that I am aware of explicitly forbidding you from including a photograph!

2. Leave off your website address. Just below your name, address, contact telephone numbers and email address you can include your world wide web home page. Your website is an attractive 'addition' to any résumé as long as it meets the following two criteria: (a) that it is indeed attractive; and (b) that it isn't overly controversial [too political, too suggestive, etc.]. Please keep in mind that for some positions controversy is warranted. If in doubt, ask!

3. Hobbies and Interests. For the person who has built up a lifetime of work experience, I suggest they leave this information out. For the person entering the workforce, this type of information can be useful, even necessary. You don't have a solid work history to list and the HR people need to have some idea about who you are. Emphasize awards and achievements over specific hobbies and interests if you can.

4. You should only use white or off white business paper. This suggestion does apply to most fields, but if you are in creative fields -- such as music or fashion -- alternate color schemes can get you noticed. You may want to run your idea by a friend first; electric pink copier paper just might annoy even the most open person!

5. Font color must be black. Okay, let's not get crazy here. If you want to use colorful paper, don't use crazy font color schemes. You do want someone to notice your résumé, right? Oh, they will notice it alright! Stick with black, but use a dark navy if it matches the paper. All other colors can cause eye strain!

Ultimately, you must create a résumé that makes you feel comfortable. Try not to get boxed in by a rigid set of rules, especially if you are just starting out. Let flair and creativity have their place as you are marketing yourself and not a concept.

Matt writes on a variety of business, travel, health, and web management issues in addition to managing the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.net and the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net

---

Old Hiring Foxes vs. The Hedgehogs

You are about to compete for the best people again.... Read More

No Experience? No Problem!

Are you a new graduate with little or no work... Read More

Reinvent Yourself in a New Career

Some people reserve the word "vocation" for religious calling. Contemporary... Read More

Dynamic Interviewing Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. If you're reading... Read More

Waiting For the Official Job Offer

At the end of the third job interview, Helene was... Read More

Preparing For An Interview

When preparing for an interview, you need to know your... Read More

Are You Taking Your Inner Brat to Work?

Is your inner brat taking over your job? Everyone has... Read More

Master Responding to Selection Criteria and Win Your Next Job!

As a human resources specialist for many years, I've seen... Read More

Travel Writer Jobs, What Are They And How To Find Them

Travel writing jobs are few and far between. Getting into... Read More

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your... Read More

How To Power Negotiate Your Next Bonus

A raise in your base salary is a permanent source... Read More

Working On A Farm In Kent

Being a student, a person needs to look for summer... Read More

Why One Word Answers are Bad News at Job Interviews

It takes a lot of time and effort to get... Read More

How To Become a Mortgage Broker

The mortgage industry accounted for $1,815,949,279,000 in loan transactions in... Read More

Dynamic Pre-Hiring Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More

How To REALLY Look For A Job

Are you looking for a job -- really looking? Or... Read More

Handling the Dreaded Why Did You Leave? Question

If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you... Read More

Overwhelmed and Overworked: The Myth of American Productivity

Employment finally seemed back on track during the first few... Read More

Phone Interviews: Prepare to Ace Them!

More companies are saving time and effort by doing initial... Read More

Feedback: Take It or Leave It ... But Get It

The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More

7 Deadly Cover Writing Sins

Don't start off your job search with one (or more)... Read More

Consultants - If We Cant Laugh At Ourselves?

There are hundreds of varieties of Consultants these days. We... Read More

What You Need To Know Before Committing To Vocational Retraining

You've thought a lot about the kind of work you... Read More

Do You Have the courage to ignore the experts?

Do you have the courage to ignore the experts? Do... Read More

What to Do if You are Over 40 and Have Lost Your Job

Unexpectedly loosing your job can be a very traumatic and... Read More

Resume Software ? The Hidden Pitfalls

Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormat A large majority of software requires... Read More

Become A Personal Trainer

Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More

Getting A Leg Up

Legging Up Your CompetitionLet's face it. When you graduate from... Read More

Can You Compete?

Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More

Hiring the OverQualified Employee or Mining for Gold

I am having a hard time understanding why a valuable... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out... Read More

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or... Read More

Petite Modeling: What Should You Wear to Your First modeling Photo Shoot?

If you're looking into making the petite modeling industry your... Read More