Myth #1: Your resume will get you the job.
Reality: A great resume may not be enough to land the job.
Other candidates may meet the qualifications more closely.
Unwritten rules may govern the hiring process. When you
answer an ad, your cover letter may be even more critical
than your resume.
But a weak resume can defeat your chances, even if you're
otherwise qualified.
Myth #2: You won't need a resume if you get your job through
networking.
Reality: Occasionally you'll make a great impression on an
employer who has complete authority to hire you. However,
often the hiring decision must be approved by another level
of management and/r the Human Resources department. Your
future boss may have to "sell" you as the ideal new
employee.
Myth #3: Your resume shows your skills and previous duties.
Reality: Your resume should demonstrate that you know how to
get results. More important, you need to show that these
accomplishments have prepared you for the job you seek now.
Anyway, after the age of sixteen, you no longer have duties.
You have responsibilities and achievements.
Myth #4: Omit objectives and personal information.
Reality: Phrase your objective as a strong selling point:
"Award-winning sales executive seeks opportunity to utilize
proven managerial skills. Can motivate sales force and
exceed sales goals."
Use personal information to showcase qualities that make you
a good fit for the job. Maybe you've coached a teenaged
soccer team or served as treasurer of the PTA. And you can
help the interviewer bond with you. When I wrote, "Single
with two cats," most interviewers commented -- and I was
able to tell if my future colleagues had a sense of humor.
Myth #5: Once you create a resume, make a thousand copies
and keep sending them out.
Reality: Expect your resume to undergo modification as you
add accomplishments and target different employers. You
can also ask your network for comments -- and you'll
probably be surprised at what you learn.
************************************************************
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., author, speaker and consultant, works
with midlife professionals who want to rebuild, renovate and
revitalize their careers.
Resume and Interview Preparation:
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/jobsearch.html"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change."
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.htmlWebsite:
http://www.cathygoodwin.comContact: mailto:
cathy@... 505-534-4294
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