Resume Myths: Busted!

What do business owners, Human Resource professionals, hiring managers and recruiters really look for and want in a resume? This year, Career Directors International decided to find out by surveying the people who “review resumes as part of their sourcing, hiring and recruiting processes.” Among those who replied, 70% had more than 5 years of experience reviewing resumes and selecting candidates and they looked at resumes for workers, managers and executives at every level and throughout the U.S.

According to the 2012 Global Hiring Survey from the global professional association, Career Directors International, the following myths about resumes are now officially busted:

Myth 1. One page is enough for any resume. More than a third of respondents stressed that length was not an issue so long as the information was relevant; another third felt that two pages was the optimum length. The important point, and one I have stressed over and over again, is that content trumps length. Your content must be strong on accomplishments and targeted to the job. It must prove your value as an employee.

Myth 2. Your resume has to make use of the newest technology—including smart phones and QR codes. Actually, only 6% of the respondents review resumes on their smart phones every day. Tolerance for QR codes is even lower: a whopping 21.5% of respondents would refuse to use the QR code if it appeared on the resume and most respondents considered it a fad. While trends may change, right now smart phones and QR codes aren’t primary tools for recruiters.

My next blog busts some executive resume myths.

If you want to make sure that your resume works in the real—not the mythical—world, email Robin’s Resumes® today.