When to Break Resume Writing Rules

Everything that you traditionally learn about writing resumes has you following a certain set of rules, but as with many rules of the world, resume rules were made to be broken; sometimes. Though it is not suggested that you go off on a tangent and totally retro-fit your resume in some new cosmic way there are certain times when it is okay to bend the rules just a bit.

Bending resume rules is done all the time though most of the time not on purpose. There are some hard and fast resume rules that simply should not be broken such as having typos and bad grammar, but here are a few examples of resume rules and when it is acceptable to bend them:

• RULE; Don’t apply for a position that you are not qualified for: Even if you don’t have the experience that may be required for a job, you may have something even better in the eyes of an employer; personality and charisma. Employers know that there are certain things that can and cannot be taught in the workplace. If you possess all the skills that can’t be taught such as being a team player, showing leadership, having a great attitude, and so on you may get the position over someone who has the experience but lacks the social skills. When translating this on your resume, don’t focus on writing about your lack of skill, but rather hone in on all the reasons you would be a perfect fit for the company.

• RULE; Avoid fancy formatting on your resume: While it is a standard rule that you should not write a resume that is cluttered or confusing and instead stay plain and simple, sometimes that just won’t cut the mustard. If you are applying for a creative position such as in design you may need to get a little creative in order to stand out from the rest of the crowd. This can be as simple as a sprinkling of font here and there on your resume that is inspired by the company’s website in which you are applying for.

• RULE; Keep your resume to one page: This is another general rule that can indeed be broken. If you are just starting out in your work life then you will not have much to put down on your resume and so it is not necessary to fill two or three pages full of fluff that is not relevant or interesting. But if you have a lot of experience and accomplishments that have been gathered in your 20 plus years in the workforce then you may have to give more than one page for your resume. Just be sure that your resume content is relevant to the job in which you are applying for or the industry that the job is in and avoid being too boastful. Never leave out a relevant accomplishment that may set your resume on the top of the pile –even if it is a bit longer than the rest.-

Play within the guidelines of resume writing rules for your best shot at getting the interviews you desire, but don’t be afraid to play in those grey areas from time to time. Remember, your resume is your foot in the door so to speak, so you have to be sure it will sizzle and pop; even if a rule or two must be broken.

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