Debunking Resume Myths: 5 Key Insights for Job Seekers

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about resumes. If you’re starting a new job search, it can feel overwhelming to update or create your resume. Where do I begin? How long should it be? What information do I need to include? These are common questions about resumes for job seekers. I’m here to debunk some of those myths so you can better understand what a resume should be. Let’s tackle one of the most common myths right out of the gate.

1.) Length

Myth: Private sector resumes should only be one page. 

Fact: A private sector resume should be one to two pages based on your work history and relevant experience. 

The days of having to condense all of your experience onto one page are over. One-page resumes are typical for new graduates or those with a few years of experience. Once you start to gain more industry experience, skills, and education, it is typical for your resume to reach two pages. The focus of a resume should be your background and the relevant skills you could bring to the role, not the exact length. 

2.) It’s My Autobiography

Myth: I need to include everything about my background and experience on my resume. 

Fact: Employers are generally only looking for your last 10 years of experience. 

This is a big deal. I’ll add a caveat: if you held a position 10+ years ago, that will demonstrate you directly meet a qualification the job description is asking for or the job requires more than 10 years of experience, include it. Otherwise, streamline your resume with only your most recent experience. Your resume needs to be easy to review and simple to skim within a few seconds. An employer shouldn’t have to search hard for the information they need to determine if you’re a qualified candidate, so don’t bury this information in unnecessary details. Gaps in your employment history in the past 10 years? Check out this resource on addressing career changes and gaps. 

3.) One Size Fits All 

 Myth: I can use one resume for all of my job applications. 

Fact: You must tailor your resume for every opportunity. 

Even when you are focusing on the last 10 years, your resume needs to hone in on what is relevant for that particular job. That’s why it is essential to tailor your resume for each position you apply to. I know this can sound daunting, but focus on submitting a few high-quality applications per week as opposed to 50 generic ones. Resume tailoring is important because it highlights your skills and qualifications that match the responsibilities in a job description and shows the hiring manager that you are a great fit to move forward with an interview. 

4.) References Available Upon Request

Myth: I need to let them know I can provide references. 

Fact: If they need references, they will ask.

Plain and simple, this one doesn’t need to take up space on your resume. Every section on your resume is valuable real estate, so you do not need to fill it with something the employer already knows. If they’re interested, companies will either include the ask in the job posting or request references during the interview process. References should be listed in an organized manner on a separate document.

5.) Cover Letters Are Unnecessary

Myth: I don’t need to submit a cover letter because all of the information is on my resume.

Fact: Cover letters include key details about your qualifications for a role that are not listed on your resume. 

Cover letters are a chance to include information about why you are a good fit for a role that might not necessarily have a place on your resume. Why are you passionate about the role, company, or industry? What sort of soft skills make you an excellent candidate for this position? It’s also an opportunity to address any areas of concern an employer may have just based on your resume. This includes gaps in employment, emphasizing essential skills, and even plans for professional development to gain necessary skillsets. Finish telling the full story of why you’re the best applicant. 

There is a lot that goes into making an effective resume and what may be right for one person may not be for someone else. At this point, you may be tempted to turn over the resume writing task to the professionals, and that’s fair, but before you make that investment read, Career Coaching & Resume Writing Services: Is it Worth the Cost? 

Kyla Hensley is the Process & Training Manager at Hire Heroes USA. If you would like more information or need assistance getting in contact with your Transition Specialist, log into your MyTrak or register at www.hirehireosusa.org to be assigned a Transition Specialist.  

The post Debunking Resume Myths: 5 Key Insights for Job Seekers appeared first on Hire Heroes USA and is written by Kyla Hensley.

Starting a New Job: Maximizing Your First 90 Days

Starting a new job brings a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation. You've triumphed in the interview, endured the candidate selection process, and now, armed with determination, you've accepted the extended offer (and maybe even negotiated like a pro!). As you prepare for your first day, take a deep breath, find that outfit that exudes confidence, do your power pose, and brace yourself for this exhilarating new chapter. 

Whether it’s a short-term position, a stepping stone, or your new dream job, here are some tips to ensure you maximize the new learning curve of those first 90 days and set yourself up for success.

First 30 Days 

Although learning a new role is stressful, take advantage of your current low workload to fully understand the company and your position.

During this first month, familiarize yourself with the internal systems and available resources. Spend time identifying where to find the important information you’ll need to do your job so when the time comes, you can quickly find a datasheet or reference material.

Focus on understanding the general structure of the organization outside of your immediate team. Oftentimes, these meetings are recommended or scheduled by your supervisor. If they aren’t, request brief meetings with the teams or departments you’ll be working closely alongside. Study company organizational charts so you know who’s who. Next time you get cc'd on an email thread from the associate director of a department, you’ll know exactly who they are and the focus of their team. 

Complete all digital and in-person training, along with reading any operating procedures or reference materials for your role. Even if you don’t have everything memorized by day 30, knowing where to find the answer when you need it will pay off. Contact your trainer to see if your company offers an internal mentorship program. Working with a mentor could be a great way to thrive in your role, grow your skills, strengthen internal relationships and become more familiar with the company culture.  

First 60 Days 

Now that you have gained a solid foundation, let's dive into the details of the next 30 days.

If one-on-one meetings with your manager are not standard practice in your department, request time to speak to them individually. Use this time to discuss the optimal workflow of the role, time management tips and goals for your first 6 months – 1 year. During this conversation, determine if there are any time-sensitive projects that need focus early in your tenure. This demonstrates to your manager how seriously you are taking the job, and sets you up for success because you know exactly what is expected of you.

Since you’ve gotten to know your immediate team, use this next month to get to know auxiliary programs and teams. Even though you may not work with them daily, who are the other stakeholders who may be involved in your proposals or projects in the future? Get to know their work preferences and communication styles (check out 10 Tips for Professional Communication), so that when it’s time to engage, you're prepared for the conversation.

90 Days+ 

At this point, you’re established enough in your role to know what you’re doing well, where you may still have questions and what professional development opportunities could assist in your growth over this next year. 

Take an assessment of what has come naturally to you in this role: what are you doing well? While you need to be aware of both ends of the spectrum, understanding what you do well will allow you to capitalize on opportunities, projects and growth that inherently align with your strengths and interests. 

Communicate frequently with your manager to ensure you’re receiving the training and support you need to be successful in your role. The learning curve in a new role is different for everyone, so there’s no prescribed time to begin pursuing professional development opportunities. Check out The Importance and Value of Professional Training and plan to have this conversation with your leadership so you can strategically plan for enrollment dates, funding opportunities and how to implement new learning into your workflow. 

Your first several months at a new job is an exciting time. Use the opportunity of being new to your advantage. Lean into the training opportunities and leave no question unasked if it will help you do your job better. You've got this!

Kyla Hensley is the Process and Training Manager at Hire Heroes USA. Hire Heroes USA provides free job search assistance to U.S. military members, veterans and their spouses, and we help companies connect with opportunities to hire them. We have a proven track record of success helping over 75,000 veterans and military spouses get hired since the company was founded. The services never expire. Sign up today at www.hireheroesusa.org.

The post Starting a New Job: Maximizing Your First 90 Days appeared first on Hire Heroes USA and is written by Kyla Hensley.