There are a lot of misconceptions out there about resumes. If you’re starting a new job search, it can feel overwhelming to update or create your resume. Where do I begin? How long should it be? What information do I need to include? All valid questions. I get a lot of these questions and more from the job-searching military spouses I work with daily. I’m here to bust some of those resume myths so you can better understand what a resume should be. 

Length

Myth: Private sector resumes should only be one page. 

Fact: A private sector resume should be one or two pages based on your work history and relevant experience. 

All right, let’s tackle one of the most common myths right out the gate. The days of having to condense all of your awesome experience onto one page are over. One page is typical for new graduates or someone with only a few years of experience. Once you start to gain more work experience, skills, education, and the like, it’s typical for your resume to go onto two pages. The focus of a resume should be your background and the relevant skills you could bring to the role, not the exact length. 

It’s My Autobiography

Myth: I need to include everything about my background and experience on my resume. 

Fact: Employers are generally only looking for your last 10 years of experience. 

This is a biggie. I’ll add a caveat that if you’ve held a position more than 10 years ago that directly meets a qualification the job description is asking for, include it. Otherwise, streamline that bad boy with only your most recent experience. Your resume needs to be easy to review and simple to skim within a few seconds. Gaps in your employment history in the past 10 years? Check out this post on how to frame this on your resume. 

One Size Fits All 

Myth: I can use one resume for all of my job applications. 

Fact: It’s critical that you tailor your resume for every opportunity. 

Even when you’re focusing on the last 10 years, your resume needs to hone in on what’s relevant for that particular job. That’s why it’s essential to tailor your resume for each position you apply to. I know this can sound daunting, but focus on submitting a few, high-quality applications per week as opposed to 50 generic ones. Resume tailoring is important because it highlights your skills and qualifications that match the responsibilities in a job description and show the hiring manager that you’re a great fit to move forward for an interview. 

References Available Upon Request

Myth: I need to let them know I can provide references. 

Fact: If they need references, they’ll ask.

Plain and simple, this one doesn’t need to take up space on your resume. A section on your resume is valuable real estate, so you don’t need to fill it with something the employer already knows. If they’re interested, companies will either include the ask in the job posting or request references during the interview process. References should be listed in an organized manner on a separate document. 

At Hire Heroes USA, we know the job search can be a long and challenging journey. It’s important to find a way to make the most of tips and tools to achieve balance as you navigate this process. Don’t give up simply because we’re heading into the holiday season. Job searching at the end of the year can be fruitful if you’re up for it!

We’ll be back next month with more insights to help you move forward.

Yes, it’s a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

Kyla Hensley is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA. Her husband is active-duty U.S. Army, so she understands the challenges and rewards of military life. She is an active member of the military community and volunteers her time to be involved in local family readiness efforts. Her career working with the military began at an Army Education Center in Germany. She then worked with the Army Career Skills Program and has since found her home with Hire Heroes USA. She has dedicated herself, personally and professionally, to supporting our service members and their families. She enjoys getting to know her clients individually to help them achieve their career goals and find meaningful work the same way she has. She has helped 250 veterans and military spouses find employment since joining Hire Heroes USA in 2019.