MSN Careers tells you why some of your preconceived notions of what to do — and not do — in your job search might just be unfounded rumors. 7 Job Search Myths Debunked – by Julie Jansen
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Tags: Interview Tips, Job Search, Resume Tips, Resumes, thank you notes
Brenda~
Thanks for pointing to this article. It’s excellent.
I do have something to add to Myth #1: A résumé should be only one page. More often than not, when I present my one-page résumé to prospective hiring managers at Microsoft, a company for which I’ve done much writing on contract, they absolutely LOVE that it’s only one page — and they tell me so.
The reason they consistently give is, “I don’t have time to wade through pages upon pages.” They find the concise brevity refreshing. It makes their jobs easier. That alone has impact.
Too, since my one-pager only includes question-eliciting highlights of my 20-year engineering and technical writing career, my interviewers are free to choose which areas of my background to delve into during a face-to-face, which is a highly efficient communication exchange for both parties.
In sum, I view my one-page (or, sometimes, 1.25-page) version as a kind of calling card. It’s provocative and deliberately incomplete, piquing curiosity and allowing the interviewer to drive the Q&A in such a way as to suit her own, specific purposes.
I am *not* suggesting that the one-pager works for all companies and all job-seekers in all cases. But, I do know that, in some cases beyond the new-grad, and if done properly, it gets results.
~Jody
Thanks so much for your contribution Jody! I think the point you make that one size never fits all is key to the job search. What works for one employer does not necessarily work for another. Job seekers face a real challenge in determining how best to approach each individual employer.
Job seekers do, indeed, face a tough challenge in determining how best to approach a prospective employer and, to make things even tougher, the best approach changes throughout their — our — careers. There’s never a final answer!
My instinct says that a strong first step is to understand the culture of the industry in which you work or desire to work. In technology, for example, it’s important to know that time is of the essence. It can work against you to provide long, detailed descriptions of your experience and education.
In more staid industries, an interviewer may wish to languish over — and verify — the details of a four- or five-page “calling card” before agreeing to meet the candidate.
Know your field’s culture, first and foremost.
My second rule of thumb: Don’t be afraid to experiment. You learn from failed attempts.
My final rule of thumb: Do what feels viscerally right *to you.* It is, after all, a two-way street. If you’re a multi-page kinda person — go for it! If you’re a short-and-sweeter, then be that.