Copyright © 1999-2002 by Kevin Donlin
I'd like to talk about five résumé myths that can ruin your job search.

These myths are commonly passed around by friends, co-workers and other well-meaning folks. But they're just that -- myths. And they can keep you from getting the job you want!

Myth #1 -- Your résumé must be one page long.

Reality -- A two-page résumé can be just as effective as a one-page resume, if it's interesting to read. And in highly technical fields, such as programming or biological research, a two-page résumé is often necessary to tell your full story.

Avoid exceeding two pages unless your situation absolutely demands it. A college president with 20+ years of experience might need a three-page résumé. The rest of us don't. For what it's worth, since 1995 I've written exactly two résumés that were longer than two pages ....

Myth #2 -- You shouldn't use abbreviations in your résumé.

Reality -- It's perfectly acceptable to abbreviate words like "division" (div.), "department" (dept.), "company" (co.), "university" (univ.), etc. in order to save space. Just be sure you're consistent -- if you abbreviate a word one way, you should abbreviate it the same way again.

Myth #3 -- Your résumé must list and describe every job you've ever had.

Reality -- It's OK to summarize earlier or irrelevant employment. For most people, it's best to focus on experience since 1980-1985. Dates earlier than that can mark you as "over-qualified" or "over-paid," depending on your industry. Just be sure to NEVER include false information. If you didn't graduate from college, don't claim a degree! Instead, you can say: "BA: Business course work, Large State University (three years)."

Myth #4 -- You should include references in your résumé .

Reality -- NEVER include references in your résumé.

Why?

You want to have control over when your references are called. If you include them in your résumé, an employer can contact them without your knowledge. You won't have time to prep them on the job you're seeking and the questions they might be asked.

As a follow-up to this, it's really understood that you have references (just as it's understood that you dial "1" before making a long-distance call). You can use that space to talk more about how you can help an employer. So, delete this tired phrase from your résumé: "References available upon request."

Myth #5 -- If your résumé is good enough, it should produce a job offer.

Reality -- The aim of your résumé is not to get you a job directly, although that has happened with some of my clients. The aim of your résumé is to make the phone ring (or your e-mail box fill up) and land you a job interview. It's YOUR job to prepare for that interview and get the job offer.

Best of luck to you!

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Article by Kevin Donlin of Guaranteed Résumés, a Minneapolis-based résumé service.
Since 1995, Guaranteed Résumés has provided résumés, Internet résumés, cover letters and job searches for clients in 44 states and 23 countries.

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