For the most part rules are good, but some become outdated and can actually hinder you from reaching your goal. Certain job search rules that people still follow religiously do not apply anymore. They were devised in a different time and era and are no longer relevant. Let’s take a look at 10 job search rules you need to break.
1. The one-page resume rule
You’ve probably heard that your resume should not be longer than one page. One page might work if you have no experience, but two page resumes are the norm nowadays. Be brief, but if you need two pages that is perfectly fine. Employers are used to seeing two page resumes.
2. Formal language
Your resume should be free from slang, but not so formal that it sounds like it was written by a business jargon machine. Stuffy corporate language is often times too dry. Write in a formal yet natural tone as if you were talking to a friend about what you have accomplished.
3. Writing an objective
Resume objectives hurt more than they do help – especially if they are not written specifically for the job you are applying to. Employers care more about what you can do for them – not your objective.
4. Education first
Most people commonly put their education first because that’s the way it has always been. Most resumes should not be the other way around with the education beneath the work experience portion. Your work experience means more to most employers.
5. References available on request
This is sort of like the one page resume rule. It’s an old school thing that’s somehow hung on but is not relevant. No need to put this on your resume anymore.
6. Follow up call to employer
Many employees wait a few days after they have turned in their resume and call the employer to schedule a job interview. This is very pushy and annoying to the employer. Besides, once you submit your resume to an organization they have all the leverage. It’s in their court and there’s nothing you can do but wait.
7. Arriving early
It’s good to be early, but there’s no need to show up to the reception early. It may make the employer feel pressured to stop what they are doing and it’s pretty annoying to them. If you’re early then hang out somewhere else other than the reception area.
8. Weaknesses
Most savvy interviewers frame their weakness as something that’s really more of a positive – such as “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” These answers have become very cliché and the interviewer will know you are not telling the truth. Instead tell them about a genuine weakness you have and then explain how you are overcoming it.
9. Salary figures
It used to be a major no-no to talk specific salaries at interviews. Nowadays you have to be prepared. Instead of using a specific figure like $70,000, use a range like 65-80.
10. Hard sell
Some job seekers utilize the hard sell tactic to make themselves seem confident. Never ask directly for the job. It puts the interviewer on the spot. They want to hire the best person, not the most aggressive and pushy one.