Is My Resume Outdated? Three Checkpoints

Is My Resume Outdated? Three Checkpoints


I have been writing resumes off and on for over 30 years. During that time, I have seen many changes. Today's professionally written resumes are job marketing documents that are highly crafted. They are written using principles of marketing and professional writing and include information that meets the needs of prospective employers. Have you wondered, "Is my resume outdated?"

If you have not updated your resume in more than 5, 10, 20, 30 years - trust me, it likely needs a radical overhaul. Every week, I see a resume that contains information that is irrelevant, outdated, or a total waste of valuable resume real estate space. This is part one of a four-part series that tackles the myths and faux pas of resume writing for today's technologically advanced job market.

Myth 1: The purpose of a resume is to get you a job.

This is clearly untrue. The purpose of a resume is to get you an INTERVIEW! Your resume must provide the information that prospective employers want to see because you only have 10 to 30 seconds to grab their attention. You must get this information across quickly and with dynamic phrasing that grabs their attention, and gives them the desire to read more and to call you to schedule an interview.

Myth 2: Always include all of your education the more you know the better.

This is "false". Everything that you put on a resume should be relevant to the specific job for which you want to apply. If you graduated from high school or college Magna Cum Laude 15+ years ago, no one cares. If you took a college level floral arranging course but are applying for an accounting job with a publishing company; that information is irrelevant. However, if you are applying for a position as an accountant in a floral business, it may be a good thing to include. That decision would depend on what other relevant information you have that could be incorporated into your resume.

Myth 3: Never put an objective statement on your resume.

The answer to this myth could be true and false, it all depends on what you mean by an "objective statement". All resumes should have an objective, a purpose or target tied to a specific job title such as; receptionist, sales manager or dental hygienist. This objective or target should be prominently positioned near the top of the resume where it is clearly visible and clearly states the job title you are applying for such as; Receptionist | Administrative Assistant.

However, if you are using one of the tired, old, self-centered objective statements that were popular in the eighties-it's got to GO! Phrases similar to the following example are what I referred to, above.

"I am seeking a position that will utilize my skills and experience in a position that will give me the opportunity to grow and develop within a stable company."

Prospective employers do not want to know what you want in a job; they want to know if what you have to offer will make their business better, make them more money or save them money.

To get the best result, a request for an interview, you need to have a focused resume with a clear job target right at the top of the resume. Remember, prospective employers are only interested in what you can do for them.

If your resume clearly communicates what you can do for them - you will get interviews. If you are struggling to write your resume, contact a professional resume writer who can help you to focus your resume information to the job/s for which you intend to apply.

Radiant Resume Services can write your resume and cover letter. We will help you shine brighter and reach your job search and career goals faster. Radiant Resume Services

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