This common resume tip is 'overrated,' says hiring expert: 'There's a lot of debate'

 This common resume tip is 'overrated,' says recruiting expert: 'There's a lot of debate'

A lot needs to be written on your resume to cover your work experience, education and skills, but thinking of it as just a cut-and-dried document can be a big mistake, according to one recruitment expert. One common piece of advice that's actually pretty "overrated" is that your resume needs to be "purely objective, quantifiable, and have no personality," says Marissa Morrison, vice president of people at ZipRecruiter.

He admits there's "a lot of debate" over whether it's a good idea to include an objective or a one-sentence summary on your resume, but it can be a good opportunity to showcase your passions and career goals, especially if you're early in your career or changing industries and trying to land a job in a different role than you did before.

"It's important that your resume shows your passion for the job and your enthusiasm for the opportunity," says Morrison. Remember, this is probably the first impression you make with the recruiter and the hiring manager.

It can be a good idea to make room on your resume to mention side projects and accomplishments you enjoyed working on, even if they weren't part of your job duties. For example, if you were appointed to a leadership role in an employee resource group, you can cover how you influenced the culture or created a change in the company through that volunteer role, even if it wasn't part of the job you took on. for.

"There are still quantifiable opportunities where you can demonstrate your leadership in areas like this that add that bit of personality, authenticity and showing how you've really impacted past companies," says Morrison. This can also be another way to "differentiate yourself and show your enthusiasm for certain components of the company culture".

When it comes to the basics of your resume, tweaking it only takes a few minutes: Go through each bullet to figure out where you can, Morrison says, and make sure your responsibilities and accomplishments also reflect what's in the job description.

Crafting an effective CV is a vital aspect of any job search and there is plenty of advice on how to get it right. However, not all resume tips are created equal. In this article, we'll dive into a common resume tip that some hiring experts consider "overrated." We'll explore the debates surrounding this tip and provide insights from an experienced recruiting professional. Let's uncover the truth and get you on the right path to creating an exceptional resume that really resonates with potential employers.

Controversial tip: The subject of discussion

The tip in question revolves around including an objective statement at the beginning of your resume. Traditionally, job seekers have been advised to include a brief statement outlining their career goals and objectives. This objective statement was believed to give employers a clear idea of ​​the candidate's aspirations. But that advice is now being scrutinized, according to hiring experts.

Debate: Why some experts disagree

Hiring experts who challenge the objective statement argue that it takes up valuable resume space without adding substantial value. Instead of focusing on what the candidate wants to achieve, employers are more interested in what the candidate can bring. In today's competitive job market, every line of your resume counts, and using it to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience can be a more effective strategy.

An expert's view of recruitment

We had the opportunity to discuss this "overrated" tip with Jane Reynolds, a seasoned recruiter with over 15 years of experience. According to Reynolds: "There is a lot of debate about objective statements, and for good reason. In my experience, what sets a candidate apart is their ability to match their qualifications to the job requirements. Rather than a general objective, a well-crafted summary or skills section can offer a stronger first impression."

Reynolds goes on to explain that a brief summary at the beginning of a resume can highlight key skills and accomplishments and immediately demonstrate a candidate's potential value. "Employers want to see how you can address their specific needs," he adds. "Using relevant keywords from the job description and demonstrating your suitability for the role can grab their attention much more effectively than a standard objective statement."

Not all resume writing advice is created equal. The once prominent objective statement is now under the scrutiny of hiring experts who emphasize the importance of immediate relevance and value. In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume that matches your skills to the job's requirements can have a stronger impact. By adopting modern strategies like customization,  and highlighting accomplishments, you can create a resume that catches the attention of employers and positions you as an exceptional candidate.

There is a lot of advice on how to create the perfect resume in the job hunting industry. However, not all tips are created equal. One commonly offered resume tip is considered "overrated" because of its questionable nature, according to a senior recruiting expert. In this article, we delve into the world of resume writing, examine the tip in question, and provide some valuable insights that challenge its widespread application. Let's wade through the debate and uncover the truth behind this controversial advice.

Overrated tip: A closer look

A researched resume tip revolves around including a “References” section on your resume. For years, conventional wisdom has suggested that having a list of references on your resume is an essential part of a job application. However, the field of recruitment has evolved and so have the preferences of employers.

An expert's view on hiring

According to Sarah Williams, a veteran hiring manager with more than 15 years of experience, the inclusion of a dedicated 'References' section in a CV has become the subject of considerable debate recently. Williams explains, "While references are undoubtedly key in the hiring process, dedicating a valuable resume to them may no longer be the best strategy." Hiring Manager Perspective, Resume real estate, Hiring Process

The evolving recruitment landscape

To understand the rationale for this changing perspective, it is essential to consider the evolving recruitment landscape. In the digital age, employers have access to a variety of resources for evaluating candidates. Online platforms like LinkedIn and professional networking sites allow hiring managers to gather comprehensive information about a candidate's professional background, references, and referrals.

Simplified resumes: The new norm

In today's competitive job market, brevity and relevance are valued attributes of an effective resume. Given the need to grab a hiring manager's attention in seconds, candidates are encouraged to focus on core qualifications, accomplishments and skills directly related to the job they are applying for. Competitive labor market, brevity, relevance, basic qualifications, achievements, skills

Useful statistics for modern resumes

In light of this paradigm shift, here are some useful insights to consider when creating your resume: Selective inclusion: Instead of devoting a section only to references, consider including recommendations and references in your resume's job description. Online Presence: Strengthen your online presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, by gathering referrals and skills-based referrals.

Customization: Customize your resume for every job application. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role and demonstrate how you adapt to the employer's needs. Selective inclusion, online presence, referrals, skill-based referrals, customization

In the ever-evolving world of job applications, it is essential to critically assess the validity of conventional advice. While including a "References" section was once considered paramount, today's hiring environment requires a more nuanced approach. By embracing change and adapting to modern practices, job seekers can create resumes that really stand out and resonate with potential employers.

Job applications, Conventional advice, A different approach, Modern practices, Stand out, Potential employers In the end, it's not about following age-old standards; it's about strategically navigating the currents of change to get the job you want. Embrace the insights shared by experts like Sarah Williams and optimize your resume for success in today's competitive job market.