As the country continues to grapple with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and temporary furloughs become permanent layoffs, there’s a significant increase in talent entering the job search market for the first time or the first time in a long time. Now more than ever, a sharply written résumé is essential to stand out in a dynamic, adept applicant pool.

September is International Update Your Résumé Month, and Content Pro wants to share some common misconceptions that candidates make when tackling a résumé refresh. 

MYTH 1: You should only apply to opportunities that align with your most recent industry or job title.

New job roles are emerging as companies adapt to a changed landscape. As these positions are being developed (many for the first time!), any candidate that has experience or the core skills necessary for success in the role should feel confidence in applying. Many of the core tenants of business (e.g., professionalism, work ethic, management skills) are transferable across verticals and can be applied to new opportunities. Don’t disqualify yourself before anyone else does! 

MYTH 2: Your résumé is one size fits all. No two job opportunities are the same.

Preparing different versions of your résumé will help you highlight the experience that is most relevant to the role in which you’re applying. Start by tackling the version of your résumé that you’ll use most, and then create additional versions for different industries or job descriptions. Tailoring your résumés to expertly frame your relevant experience at the top of page 1 will streamline the application process.  

MYTH 3: Every detail of your entire professional experience should be featured on your résumé.

A résumé is a teaser to entice an interview. Composed of career highlights and tangible results that created meaningful impact for clients, a general rule of thumb is to include work history from the previous decade – with a maximum of 15 years in the past.  A critical look from an editor’s eye to identify experience that will most resonate with hiring managers will elevate a résumé to help it stand out from the crowd.  

MYTH 4: You’re solely responsible for the development of your résumé.

A dynamic and productive résumé is never created in a silo. Professional and accredited résumé writers like those at Content Pro are a worthwhile and affordable investment for anyone on the job hunt. Experienced perspective helps ensure the best chance possible for a résumé to elicit a call back or interview.  

We have a staff of dedicated and experienced Certified Professional Résumé Writers (CPRW®) who can help draft, tailor, edit and proofread résumés for job seekers, as well as provide career counsel and advice for professionals at all levels. Feel free to check out our complete career development services to see all the ways we can help you in your career journey!

All Certified Professional Résumé Writers have completed the comprehensive Certified Professional Résumé Writer program, and PARW/CC is the longest standing professional résumé writing and career coaching association in the industry with more than 2,000 members and offering four career management credentials.