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Myths Of The Resume

How To Avoid Misconceptions About Your Resume

Oct 22, 2007 Paym Bergson

What type of Resume suits your style of work, or lack of work, does not depend on what others think, but what YOU think.

One size (or style) does NOT fit all. Are you falling for these myths in writing your resume?

Three Styles of Resumes

Basically, there are three main styles of Resumes - chronological, functional, and a hybrid or combination of these two. Note that chronological is actually a reverse chronological, where you list your work and education from most recent to past history. Functional lists your experience and skills, without the date information. A combination allows you to use the best of each - showcasing your skills, along with a basic list of employment or education.

The Myths

Usually, you're told to use a particular one depending on your stage in life. Students are often told to use the chronological (as supposedly students have little skills); those more mature are often told to go with a functional, perhaps to avoid listing all those jobs (and thus showing age, or too many jobs).

The Truth

The Truth? Use the one that makes sense to you. While the hybrid or combination can accommodate most, if not all situations, the reality is YOU need to feel comfortable. After all, you are the one who will have to support your Resume at the interview.

The myth that you do not have skills is merely a perception. If you have been a contributing member of ANYTHING - you have transferable skills. Students - you have proven time management skills by taking your courses, studying for those courses, and working part-time, or volunteering. Stay at home parents have proven budgeting skills - by managing the household budgets (usually on a shoestring, too!). And there's no such thing as too many skills, or too much experience. It's how you channel it that counts.

Final Presentation

What most companies are looking for is someone to do the job - and do it well. It isn't the type of Resume that counts, but how it looks in the final presentation. Does it showcase your talents, and do your talents target the job the employer is looking to fill? Is it easy to read, is the information clear? Is it clear of any typos, spelling errors, or grammatical errors?

If not, it won't matter what style you used for your Resume.

For more information check out this course on Resume Writing.

Or check out previous columns such as Updating Your Resume.

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