Debunking Common Resume Myths in 2024

There is a ton of information out there about what works and doesn’t work for job seekers. This information overload is also serving to perpetuate myths about resumes and resume writing. Following the myths and dated advice only slows down your job search. But, how do you know what is fact and fiction in today’s competitive job search market? Our team of job search experts who use the technology and help people land jobs every day put together the following answers to dispel the most common myths with real insights on what is working now to stand out to hiring managers.

Myth #1 - Resumes Must Be One Page

A one-page resume will only hurt your job search for most people. While it is true that most recent college grads or inexperienced professionals should have a one-page resume, that does not apply to people with experience. In fact, limiting your resume to one page will only force you to cut out the details that hiring managers want.

Why More Pages Can Be Acceptable

The right length for a resume can change based on your industry, work experience, and job history. If you have worked in many different roles or made major career changes, a two-page resume might be best way to showcase your skills. It can show off your wide range of skills and how they fit the job you want.

A longer resume gives you room to talk about your achievements, show your impact, and mention skills you can transfer to new jobs. This is especially helpful for senior roles or jobs that need a lot of knowledge and expertise.

Keep in mind that your resume is a tool to market yourself. It should show potential employers the value you bring. Feel free to use the extra space to highlight your qualifications, as long as the information stays relevant, clear, and interesting for the reader.

Situations That Warrant a Longer Resume

Several situations can call for a longer resume. This can help you share your work experience clearly. Here are some ways a well-organized resume can help job seekers:

• Extensive Work Experience: If you have many years of relevant work experience across different companies, a two-page resume can show this better.

• Detailed Project Work: In roles like technology or research, you may have complex projects. You might need extra space to explain these projects on your resume.

• Targeting Senior Roles: When you want to apply for senior positions, employers want to see more details about your career path, successes, and leadership. This makes a longer resume useful.

• Government Job Applications: Most applications to federal jobs are 8 - 10 pages unless the posting indicates a 5-page maximum. This may seem crazy, but the hiring process for government jobs is different than the private sector. So, it is a necessity to have a much longer resume when applying to these types of roles.

Myth #2 - AI is Driving the Importance of Keywords on Your Resume

The practice of using keywords on resumes is not new. It has grown because of AI but has been around for many years. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have been checking resumes for specific keywords for decades. Still, putting too many keywords in a resume can hurt your chances. It’s important to find a good balance. =

The ATS have Been Around Since the 1990s

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are not new like many people think. Companies have used these systems since the 1990s to manage job applications better. They help recruiters deal with all the resumes they get, especially as online applications became popular.

The first ATS were simple. They focused on scanning resumes for specific keywords that matched the job description. Over time, the technology has improved a lot. Today, ATS use AI and machine learning to find better candidate matches. Still, the main goal is the same: to filter applications using specific criteria.

So, it’s important to use a resume builder that works well with ATS. These tools make sure your resume is easy for these systems to read while still looking good for people too.

All ATS are Driven by Keywords and Have Preset Fields

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use algorithms to sort and rank job applications. However, not all ATS are the same, and they can have different levels of sophistication. While it's important to include specific keywords, especially related to search engine optimization, in your resume, remember that not all ATS look for the same things or have the same features.

Today's ATS do more than just check for certain keywords. They can look at your skills, experience, education, and even spot gaps in your work history. So using basic resume templates might not help your application stand out.

This means that just filling your resume with keywords from the job description might not work well. A good resume should flow naturally and show that you understand the job you are applying for.

ATS Can be Highly Customizable

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are not the same for every company. Many businesses can change their ATS to fit their own hiring needs. This means that the algorithms, filters, and ranking rules can be very different based on the company, the industry, or the specific role they want to fill.

For example, a company that wants candidates with strong technical skills may look for resumes that show knowledge of certain programming languages or software. On the other hand, a company that values soft skills might set up its ATS to find words related to communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.

So, while it's important to make your resume format easy for the ATS to read and include the right keywords, remember to change your application for each job description. Show how your unique skills and experiences fit what the company needs.

Even Job boards Act Like an ATS

In today's job market, you should think about more than just company websites or job application systems. Big job boards like Indeed, Ziprecruiter, and Monster all have features for the employer to find and filter candidates just like an ATS. And, these platforms will integrate with the employer's ATS to push candidates to their platform or to receive the job postings. Thus, a commercial job board like Indeed or LinkedIn are intertwined with the ATS and can even function as one for many employers.

When you make a profile or upload your resume, pay attention to the language in the job descriptions you want. Use important keywords in a natural way and try to show your achievements with numbers when you can. This will help your profile stand out to employers searching for specific skills or experience.

Myth #3 - Your Resume Should be No More than 800 Words

Limiting a resume to a certain word count does not make much sense. Instead of counting words, focus on making the content relevant and impactful. There are many strategies, layouts, and formats that can work to build a resume that stands out. But, ultimately, all of these serve to optimize your resume. A well-crafted resume isn’t subject to a word count limit (unless an employer imposes that). Instead, it should be a marketing tool for the job you want.

To make the most of your limited space, use bullet points to highlight important achievements and skill sets. Quantify your experience whenever possible, using numbers to showcase results and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "increased sales," say "increased sales by 25% in one year." This gives employers a better understanding of your capabilities and adds credibility to your resume.

Additionally, don't be afraid to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. While this may take more time and effort, customizing your resume to fit the specific requirements and qualifications of a job can greatly increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Remember, the goal of a resume is not just to list all of your experiences and skills - it's also to highlight the most relevant and impressive aspects that make you a strong candidate for a particular job. So be strategic in your approach and make sure to include only the most important and impactful information. Focus on getting the right information on your resume first. Once you do that, only then should you worry about the length of the resume or whether or not there is too much information on it.

Myth #4 - Add Pictures and Design to Your Resume to Stand Out

Including pictures and fancy designs on your resume may look nice, but it can actually hurt your chances. Complex resumes can confuse the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that recruiters use to review job applications from college students. These systems exist to read the text on your resume to put the information into the right fields that enable a recruiter to search and filter the candidates.

Unfortunately, most ATS still are not very advanced in their capabilities to read resumes. Although there are some innovative platforms out there now, many larger employers are still using the same dated technology because of lengthy contracts and the expensive costs of updating their HR technology. So, for most job seekers, the best bet is still to pick a resume that is easy to read and focused on the content - not the design.

ATS Can't Read the Pictures

While adding visuals to resumes may feel modern, especially for creative jobs, it’s important to know that ATS often have trouble reading images. These systems mainly use text to find important details and connect candidates with potential employers.

Using pictures or complicated designs on your resume can confuse the ATS. This may result in your application getting misunderstood or completely rejected. Even though resume trends change, keeping your resume ATS-friendly is key. This ensures your application gets to human recruiters.

People in creative fields can include their portfolio sites to enable people to check out their work. Hosting your capabilities in a public place like a portfolio site or your LinkedIn profile ensures that people can see your work in the hiring process. And, it will improve your ability to get through the applicant tracking systems.

Although it may seem boring, you can still create a professional-looking resume. Use a format with clear headings, bullet points, and easy-to-read fonts. These tips can help your resume stand out without using elements that could hurt your chances.

Some HR Technology Removes Pictures and Names to Minimize Bias

There are platforms or modules that remove pictures from resumes and even names to minimize bias in the hiring process. So, even if the ATS can read the pictures, there is also a good possibility that the employer may be using HR technology to remove them. The use of these systems is intended to reduce bias when deciding who to interview. One helpful practice is using software that hides information like names, photos, or personal details on resumes. This method is called "blind recruitment."

With blind recruitment, hiring managers can pay attention only to the applicant's skills, experience, and qualifications. This way, they won't be influenced by hidden biases based on gender, ethnicity, or other personal traits. Adding a photo to your resume may seem like a good idea, but it's smart to think about these practices.

By following these guidelines and showing your qualifications fairly, you help create a fairer hiring process. Plus, this can improve the chances of being judged on your skills alone.

Myth #5 - Keep Room for Your Hobbies

It's important to have a good balance on your resume. Make sure to have enough space for both your skills and hobbies. Adding your hobbies brings a personal touch. It shows your interests outside of work and may help you connect with the hiring manager. Still, don’t let your hobbies take over the skills section. Your skills and qualifications for the job you are applying for should be the main focus of your resume. Thus, only include the additional personal interests or hobbies on your resume if they add value to your message and you have space for it.

Relevant Skills Over Quantity

When you show the right skills on your resume, quality is more important than quantity. To create a strong impression, many people make the mistake of listing lots of skills without thinking about how they relate to the job they want. This can weaken the effect of your good qualifications and make it hard for recruiters to see your strengths.

Rather than trying to list every skill you have, look closely at the job description. Find the specific skills that the employer is looking for. Focus your skills section on the skills that matter most for that job. This shows you understand what the role needs.

Hard skills are often technical and can be measured. You should give examples to show how good you are at them. For example, instead of just saying "project management" as a skill, mention a project you managed successfully. Include important results and what you did in that project.

When to Include Hobbies

While your hobbies and interests may not always need to be on your resume, it can help to include them at times. For jobs or fields that value soft skills, adding hobbies that show these abilities can be useful.

For example, if you want a job that needs teamwork, leadership, and excellent time management skills, mentioning your time on a sports team or with a community group can highlight those skills. If you work in a creative area, you might want to explore resume examples and add a link to your personal website or portfolio on your resume, so potential employers can see your work and interests.

In the end, you should decide to include hobbies based on the specific job you want. Think about whether the details will give value to your application by showing relevant skills or experiences that relate to the job.

Myth #6 - The Cover Letter is Dead

Cover letters are still relevant in 2024. In the current competitive market, employers are returning to their requirement to filter out the candidates that are mass applying to any and every job. Although they aren't treated the same way as a resume, cover letters provide job seekers an important chance to tell their story and why they are a good fit for the job.

Cover Letters are Now a Filtering Tool

Cover letters are important in the hiring process. Employers are receiving an average of 250 applications per job posting in 2024. Most job boards are reporting a 45% increase in applications to each job posting in 2024 over the same time period in 2023. This rise in volume means that employers are doing everything they can to filter out the notice.

Many employers are now using cover letters to filter out candidates who aren't serious about the job or who are merely robo-applying to jobs. These employers are looking to the cover letters to cut down on applications before they are submitted. They are also reviewing cover letters to filter out candidates who lack attention to detail or commitment through the use of poorly written or generic cover letters. Thus, job seekers can stand out in today's market if they take the time to customize their cover letters before hitting submit. Although the cover letter will not get you the job on its own, it can help you make it through the many rounds of cuts before a decision about who gets interviewed even happens.

Cover Letters are Not Parsed for Keywords

Cover letters are useful for showing your personality and telling your story. They are not usually checked for keywords like resumes. In fact, cover letters go in an entirely different place in your candidate profile in the ATS. Thus, focus less on the keywords in your cover letter and more on the story you want to tell the person who is skimming the cover letter. Tie your experience to the job that you are applying for and explain why you want the job.

Myth #7 - Everyone will Know what This Means

Using complicated words and acronyms without explaining them is a common mistake on resumes. Even if these terms are known in your industry, you should not expect a hiring manager to understand them. This can cause confusion and hurt your chances of making a good first impression.

Your resume should clearly show your skills to all types of people. Keep in mind that not everyone reading your application will have the same knowledge of your field as you do.

Acronyms can Mean Different Things to Different People and Their Computer Systems

A common mistake when writing a resume is thinking that everyone understands the technical language or abbreviations from your industry. Even if these terms are normal for you, they can be unclear or confusing for people outside your field, including recruiters, hiring managers, or applicant tracking systems that need simple language to understand your skills. It’s also essential to provide a professional email address for better communication.

When you add these terms to your resume, focus on being clear and easy to understand. If you use an acronym, explain what it means the first time you mention it. Write it out fully, and then add the shortened version in parentheses.

Keep in mind that your resume shows your communication skills. Using clear and short language shows you can explain complex ideas well. This can help you make a good impression on potential employers.

Not Everyone Seeing the Resume will be an Industry Expert Like You

It’s good to keep in mind that the first person who looks at your resume may not know all the technical terms or acronyms you use. A hiring manager in your field may understand your language, but recruiters or HR professionals who first check the applications might not.

Using too many industry-specific words can make it hard to understand. This can cause your resume to be misunderstood or missed. Instead of focusing on long technical terms, highlight the impact and relevance of your work experience using simple and clear language that everyone can understand.

Try to show your achievements with numbers and examples. This gives context to your work and shows the value you added in previous roles. It helps recruiters see your skills even if they do not know your specific industry. Remember, being clear is crucial to make sure your resume shows your value to many readers.

Myth #8 - Education Always Goes at the Top of Your Resume

There are only a few limited times when your education section should stay at the top of your resume. For most people, the education section should go to the end of your resume. Not moving your education section to the proper spot on your resume is a tell-tell sign that you are older or using dated advice to build your resume.

Where to Place Education Based on Experience

Placing the education section on your resume depends on how much work experience you have and the specific job you're applying for. For new graduates who have little professional experience, it’s a good idea to put their education at the top of the resume. This way, they can show their academic qualifications and important classes first.

As you gain more work experience, you should focus on your skills and achievements instead. In this case, you will move your education section down on your resume. This typically happens after about 3 - 5 years of experience. However, if you went back to school, to get an MBA for example, then you may decide not to move your education all the way to the bottom of your resume. In that case, you may want to keep the education section on the first page. But, you can still put that education under your summary and/or highlights in this case.

For those with 5+ years of experience, since they graduated, it is expected to find your education section at the end of your resume. And, in this case, most people would expect the year for your graduation to be removed. At this point, it is only relevant that you got the degree - now when. And, your experience is far more relevant than the fact that you have a degree. Although it may be tempting to cut the education section entirely, don't. Leaving the education off your resume will only serve to filter you out of the candidate pool if the degrees are part of the requirements for the position. So, leave your education on the resume, but move it down and minimize the details in the section to what is relevant for your current job search.

Myth #9 - A Degree Isn't Necessary

The value of a college degree is often talked about in different fields. In some organizations, they will require a degree to join the company. This may be because of the belief that the work is so complicated the culture that values education or that it is simply a filtering tool because the organization receives so many applications. Whatever the reason, know that you can't overcome the degree requirement if you don't have one, and applying for these positions is a waste of your time. Instead, you are better served to find the "or equivalent experience" types of roles to ensure that you are landing at a place that values what you bring to the table.

Some Places will Require a Degree Regardless of Level

While the job market is changing, many jobs still require a college degree, no matter how much experience you have. This is especially true in regulated areas like healthcare, law, education, and finance. In these fields, certain licenses or certificates depend on having the right degree.

If you don’t have a degree, you might not get hired, even if you have a lot of experience. This shows how important it is to research the job requirements and industry standards for the positions you want.

Before you decide not to get a degree, think about your future in your chosen field. Consider if the benefits of higher pay, job security, and job growth are worth the time and money you would invest.

Include All of Your Education - Even if Not Completed

When you list your education on your resume, it's important to be open about all your academic experiences. This includes any programs or courses you've taken, even if you didn't finish a degree. Not mentioning incomplete degrees or certifications can create gaps. This may lead to questions from potential employers.

If you have done relevant coursework or training for the job you want, add it to your resume. Make sure to highlight the specific skills or knowledge you gained. This shows your effort towards professional development and your interest in improving your skills.

Being honest about your education shows integrity. It shows that you are willing to share your learning journey. This gives potential employers confidence in your qualifications, allowing them to look at all of your experiences.

Don't Forget About Your Continuing Education and Certifications

In today's fast-changing job market, learning continuously is vital. It helps you stay competitive and shows that you care about your professional development. Don’t forget the importance of continuing education courses, professional certifications, and workshops. These options can really boost your resume and show how committed you are to excelling in your field.

By adding relevant certifications or training programs to a "Professional Development" section on your resume, you can make your application stronger. This section gives you extra room to explain your special knowledge and skills, helping to show a complete picture of your qualifications.

When you display your commitment to continuous learning, you show that you can adapt and care about growing your career. You also express a desire to learn new skills. This makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Myth #10 - Numbers Aren't Necessary

Using clear numbers in your resume makes it much stronger. It shows real proof of what you have achieved. This helps potential employers see the value you added in your past jobs. Just listing your tasks is not enough. Showing the results of your work shows how effective you are. It also helps your resume stand out from those that use unclear words or don’t show measurable results.

The Importance of Quantifiable Results

Having clear ideas of what you achieved is very important for your resume. It shows proof of your skills and success in past jobs. Just listing what you did or what skills you have does not make as strong of an impact as showing results with numbers.

Using numbers helps employers see what you really contributed and the value you added to the company. When you add specific achievements to your resume, you turn unclear statements into strong proof of what you can do.

For example, instead of saying you "managed a team," you could say you "led a team of 10, leading to a 15% rise in project completion rates in one year.” This not only shows your ability to lead but also highlights the real benefits of your work.

Tie the Numbers to What You Did and How it Helped the Organization

Numbers only add value to your resume if you link them to what you did and how it impacted the organization or its clients. This shows how your skills led to the results for the company and its customers. This is also what makes your resume stand out to the hiring managers because it shows that you understand the why behind what you did and how it helped the organization.

For example, instead of just saying you "increased sales by 20%,” explain how you did it. Did you start a new product line? Did you help keep more customers? Did you make the sales process better? Being specific makes your statements stronger.

Also, try to connect your numbers to bigger business results when you can. Did your project management skills save the company money? Did your teamwork help raise customer satisfaction ratings? By highlighting the wider effect of your work, you show that you understand business goals and your part in reaching them.

Myth #11 - Keep Your References on Your Resume

Including references on your resume is not needed and is not a good idea. This practice takes up space that you can use to highlight your skills and experience. It can also create issues for your references since their contact information will likely be scrapped by bots if you publish your resume online. Now most people submit their references when applying online or through a separate reference sheet when requested by an employer.

Protect Your References from the Data Scrappers

Job boards are ripe with bots that are pulling data for various purposes. Putting your references' contact information right on your resume can put them at risk of data scraping without their permission.

Data scraping means that automated tools or software look through the internet and gather information that is publicly available. This can happen from websites, online documents, and other platforms. This collected information might be used for many things such as targeted ads, stealing identities, or sending spam.

When you keep your references' personal information safe, you show that you are professional and respect their privacy. You also show that you understand the risks of sharing sensitive information online.

Making the Most of Your References

Professional references are very helpful when you search for a job. They give potential employers valuable insights into your work ethic, skills, and character. This can boost your chances of getting an interview.

Before you list someone as a reference, make sure to contact them directly. Ask for their permission and check if they are okay with giving positive feedback about you. This will help them be ready with good answers and make sure they are not surprised if a potential employer calls them.

Also, talk to your references about the jobs you are applying for. Share the skills you are focusing on in your application. This way, they can customize their answers to fit the job and show how you are right for the position.

Myth #12 - A Perfect Resume Will Replace Networking

Having a good resume is important, but you also need to focus on networking. A resume alone cannot secure a job. It is just one part of finding work, so think of it as a tool that works alongside personal connections.

Networking helps you create relationships, learn about the industry, and find job openings that are not advertised. Going to events, adding professionals on LinkedIn, and having informational interviews can help you find more chances and give you an advantage in your job search.

Employee Referrals are Essential for Most Organizations

Employee referrals are a strong tool for job seekers and companies. Many companies focus on hiring from within and have programs that reward employees for bringing in good candidates. This is important because referrals usually lead to better hiring choices. Employees already in the company can talk about a candidate’s skills, experience, and fit with the company culture.

For job seekers, using their professional network and asking for referrals can greatly improve their chances of getting a job. A referral acts as a strong endorsement from someone trusted in the company, making your application more noticeable.

So, don’t ignore the value of networking and forming relationships in your chosen field. Join industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to contacts in companies you like. Ask about job openings or see if you can have informational interviews.

You Still Have to Win the Interview

A great resume can help you get a job interview. However, getting an interview is just the first step in getting hired. The interview is your chance to show your qualifications, personality, and communication skills.

During the interview, your resume is just the beginning of a bigger conversation about your skills and experiences. Be ready to talk more about what you have put on your resume. Share specific examples to back up your achievements. Also, be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer may have.

Keep in mind, that a job interview is a two-way street. It is also a chance for you to see if the company culture, work environment, and job duties fit with your career goals and values.

Conclusion

It is crucial to dispel prevalent misconceptions about resumes to build a robust professional profile. Customizing your resume to suit your specific circumstances is essential. Incorporating relevant keywords and quantifying your accomplishments are key. Remember, resumes should be tailored to showcase your individual skills and experiences. Embrace a contemporary approach to resume writing, discarding outdated concepts and emphasizing current job market priorities. Stay proactive, adaptable, and competitive in advancing your career.

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