Resume Writing Rumors: Don't Believe the Hype!

by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC

There are so many rumors that circulate about the "right or wrong way" to craft your career resume. Can you recall people in your lifetime, offering you free advice on the proper protocol for resume creation?

"Always list your career history in chronological order."

"Make sure you print on cream or grey parchment paper instead of plain white so you'll get noticed in the pile."

"Don't make even the tiniest mistake or your resume will get thrown into the trash!"

What other resume writing rumors have you been exposed to over the course of your career? Do you feel they're justified, or are some of them just hype?

The fact is, each career opportunity is unique, as is each employer. Something that appeals to one hiring manager may actually be a turnoff to another. You won't know what that might be until the day of your interview... so, there’s no sense in obsessing about it or trying to please everyone.

From a career coaching perspective, think about this:

If we're always so consumed with doing the right thing, then we're going to forget to do the things that feel right to us as individuals. But if we're being ourselves, thinking for ourselves and not stressing about process and procedure, that's when we're most likely to attract the attention of employers who want exactly what we have to offer.

So if you're feeling anxious about creating your resume, don't sweat it! Two things that will get you noticed "in the pile" are if you tackle your career seeking research with confidence, and approach things in your own style. And it's worth pointing out that "in your own style" does not mean unprofessional. It simply means having common sense about the things that any hiring manager would want to read on a resume, while also giving yourself the freedom to be who you are and share your best qualities.

Here's a great tip for writing your resume. Put yourself directly into the employer's shoes. If you were running a business or managing a department, what qualities would you want in your future employees? Think about the position that needs to be filled. What skills and strengths might a supervisor equate with "the ideal candidate." Do you possess those qualities? Perfect! Talk about it in your career resume and cover letter. Let them know exactly why you are the ideal person for the job.

Does it matter if you print your resume in black ink, as opposed to gray or blue? Does every graphic designer's resume need to look like a magazine ad, with graphics and Madison Avenue copy? Will it hurt your chances for employment if you order your resume by professional achievements and skills instead of chronologically?

The answer is no, no, and no. Yes, resumes typically follow a few standard recognizable formats, but you aren't locked into one way of creating yours. Be smart about what you include, and include what's expected... but when it comes to the little things, relax and use your best judgment for the particular job and field in question.

In short: don't believe the resume hype!

For personal career guidance that includes resume writing tips as well as finding a job you love, visit our career coaching or career products pages for more information.

To learn more, read our library of career articles, or contact me, Career Coach Hallie Crawford for a personal consultation today!

Copyright 2007 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Feel free to "reprint" this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end).

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