Don’t you ever wonder why simple job search techniques aren’t taught in high school or college? There are so many things we’re just expected to know, but no one really tells you what they are. There are plenty of questions people are too embarrassed to ask, even those who have been on the job market for a while. Here are five of the top questions people don’t want to ask and the answers to help you navigate your job search.
1. How Long Should My Resume Be?
No one tells you exactly how long to make your resume, you just sort of have to figure it out for yourself. But there are some guidelines that are worth following that will help your resume get more views.
You don’t have to cram everything on to one page anymore. Now, two pages are completely acceptable. Where many job seekers get into trouble is when they appear to have published a novel because they don’t know how to showcase just the highlights.
2. How Far Back Should My Resume Go?
On a similar note, you also don’t have to catalog everything you’ve ever done since you started your first job at 15. You can cultivate your resume to include only the things that are specific to your job goals.
For instance, the rule of thumb is to only go back 10 years. But you can also showcase the specific jobs that are a better representation of the kind of job you want. In this case, you may want to consider a functional resume, rather than a traditional chronological one.
3. Should I Include My Salary Requirements?
You may think it’s a good idea to be upfront about your salary requirements for the job. It sounds like you’re being honest and open which will be a desirable trait for potential employers. But what is more likely is that you’ve sold yourself short or priced yourself out of the market.
Companies do have budgets, but you don’t have to worry about the salary until you are ready for negotiations. At that point, do your research and find out what this job typically pays in your area, then determine what you would want to accept.
4. Should My Resume List My References?
There was a time when listing references and phone numbers on a resume was the norm. Then, people started adding a “references available upon request” at the bottom of the resume. Neither of these are necessary anymore, and they can even be a problem.
You should be choosing specific references based on the job. Be sure to communicate to the individuals on your reference list before providing their name and number to a potential employer. Then, you can provide this list when asked.
5. When Should I Update My Resume?
Lastly, many people want to know when or how often you should be updating your resume. Your best bet is to keep it updated at all times. You never know when you might need it and if you suddenly have to update it, you may forget key information.
A great trick to making your resume a living document is to join LinkedIn and create a profile. This profile can be much more extensive than your actual resume, but you can update it regularly and then pull from that information when you need to.
Do you have more questions about your job search? Harvard Resource Solutions, now hiring for jobs in Southeast MI, can help today.
