If you’re in school and preparing to enter the job market, pounding the pavement in search of your big break, or working your way up the corporate ladder — so, basically anyone other than ladies who lunch — you’re probably swimming in unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, some of the classic job hunting tips are out of date. While some of the oldies are still goodies (a firm handshake, being on time, etc) many need a face lift. Here are some examples of classic career advice that you don’t have to take. In fact, you really should just leave these tips behind altogether:
Outdated Tip #1: Keep your resume to one page. I have to admit, I didn’t realize that this was no longer a rule until recently. I was having trouble keeping my resume to one page and then, upon some research, saw that more than one is no longer a faux pas. It makes sense that this rule has evolved. In today’s job market college graduates are taking more internships than ever before, and that bulks up a resume. It’s important to try to keep it concise and to use a bulleted, easy-to-read format rather than dense paragraphs.
Outdated Tip #2: Include an objective at the top of your resume. This is such good news! Personally, I find few things more stressful than writing an objective and catering it to each job. The objective is outdated. The company knows your objective is to get the job. They want to see why you’re a good fit. Skip right to the point — and save yourself that precious resume real estate.
Outdated Tip #3: Invest in good paper. Well, I never really knew that this was a rule to begin with…so I’m glad it’s not anymore. When was the last time you submitted a hard copy, anyway?
Outdated Tip #4: Use formal language. Your resume should obviously be professional, but it shouldn’t sound like you used a thesaurus. It’s your story. It should sound like you wrote it. A professional version of you, at least.
Outdated Tip #5: Include every job/internship. You’ve probably had a job that is completely irrelevant to your current career goals. Why clutter your resume with it? Include the jobs and internships that best highlight who you are as a candidate and why you would be perfect for the role. This is key to tailoring your resume to the job at hand.
Outdated Tip #6: Follow up with a phone call. I’ve written about a successful follow-up to an interview before. It’s totally OK (and recommended) that you check in. It shows interest and commitment. However, it’s old advice that a phone call is the way to do it. We’re in the age of email. Uninvited phone calls seem pushy and aggressive. Whoever you’re waiting to hear from would appreciate an email over a call that interrupts their day. So, put the phone down.
Happy hunting!
xo The Capitalista
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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is a PR & Media Outreach Manager. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college.