While there are several factors that contribute to the creation of an excellent resume, contemporary formatting rules can be particularly important to show that candidates are up-to-date on current business practices. Many employers could interpret the submission of an outdated resume as a sign that the job candidate does not possess the internal motivation and diligence to properly construct and edit a current resume. In recognizing that submitting an outdated resume can cause you to be viewed unfavorably by a prospective employer, avoiding outdated practices can be of great help to you. Here are several commonly cited resume tips that are outdated and may no longer necessarily apply:
- Don't Go Over One Page
In the past, many career experts have argued that writing an extensive resume worked against the best interests of the job candidate. The rationale was predicated on two ideas. First, the employer often has several resumes to sort through, and reading through pages and pages of content would not allow recruiters or managers to quickly access needed information and, thus, pass over a lengthy resume. Second, resumes should be tailored to include only information relevant to the position for the candidate is applying. Since people tended to place information regarding credentials and accomplishments that were unrelated to the sought after position, they could eliminate unnecessary inclusions to shorten the resume.
While the rationale for the one-page doctrine is valid, it can be viewed as an outdated perspective. These days, many career experts are beginning to recognize that employers are interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the qualifications and job history of their applicants. Moreover, attempting to squeeze a ton of information into one page can be unappealing from an aesthetic perspective. Finally, omitting your accomplishments can preclude the prospective employer from recognizing how qualified you are and/or gaining a better understanding of your personality and proclivities. Furthermore, it is more common for workers to have held multiple positions throughout the course of their working career than in previous generations, which necessitates more space on a resume. Since this is the case, it's not always necessary for you to confine your resume to a single page. I more accurate tip would be to make sure that necessary information is clearly laid out in a visually coherent and logical manner.
- Always Include an Objective
One of the best ways to determine whether a resume tip is outdated is to note whether it includes absolutes. If a resume tip is presented in an all-or-nothing fashion, it is almost certain to be outdated because it doesn't take into consideration factors such as the personality or specific instructions of the employer or the fact that resume techniques are constantly being updated. An example of such an outdated resume tip that is commonly found would be to "always include an objective." Specifically, objectives don't inform the employer about how you can resolve their problems or provide them with an understanding of why you would be an indispensable asset to their company. Once a requirement of formal resume formatting, most employers and hiring professionals agree that an applicant's objective is fairly obvious: to secure the job. Thus, providing them with a brief summation of your personal objectives can be irrelevant and therefore a waste of space.
- Always List References on the Resume
While references were once considered to be an indispensable aspect of the resume by many career specialists, some of these experts now argue that it isn't always necessary. These days, it is often unnecessary to list references on the resume. You can include a "References Available Upon Request" notation on the resume instead of taking up space with the data, though even this is becoming passé according to some hiring managers. Prospective employers know to ask a candidate for references in they meet initial requirements and the company is serious about moving the candidate forward in the selection process. This is oftentimes an advantageous endeavor given that employers may not want any references.
If you are attempting to attain a job, you should know that submitting an excellent resume can play an integral role in helping you accomplish this objective. By recognizing the types of outdated resume tips that can preclude your document from appearing current, you can increase the likelihood of attaining the job of your dreams.
