Making the decision to pursue or change careers can be a major risk—especially when considering the livelihood and satisfaction that work provides to us throughout our lives. However, it is often much riskier to wander throughout unsatisfying jobs and periods of unemployment instead of making a few bold moves in a job search.

When looking for a job, most individuals will want to play it safe—especially if they are at the entry level. This mode of thinking may work for some, but it is becoming less and less attractive to employers. With competition high in many industries, getting a job in today’s economy often means being able to stand out—standing out from the crowd, of course, often starts with the resume.

So how can you craft a bold resume that stands out without getting it thrown in the trash can? Here are a few risks that can be good in some cases, and other risks that can land a job seeker in hot water.

Resume Risks Worth Considering

Not every job search is the same; many job seekers will have to adapt their resume, cover letter and overall presentation to fit what goals they have in mind. When it comes to resumes, consider these risks—and when they are appropriate to take:

  • Getting Personal

With many hiring parties scanning resumes through software programs to search for keywords, it may seem that there is no room for personalization on a CV. However, it is important to remember that if a resume makes it through initial review, it will eventually come before a human. Showing off the human side is a great way to make a connection before even meeting a hiring manager.

It takes strategy to get personal on a resume. Instead of listing personal interests, it may be more appropriate to showcase one’s “brand” by detailing volunteer experience or professional organization memberships. Those who are looking to land a position that is reliant on interpersonal skills—such as management—may want to work this into their work history and core competencies.

Of course, the summary is often the best place to showcase not only professional worth, but also personal worth. This section of the resume provides a chance for individuals to discuss specific industries and how they see themselves moving forward in it.

  • Changing Up Keywords

Some job seekers are lucky enough to already have a polished resume, but like a career, these documents will likely evolve over time. While many professionals grow used to the carefully selected keywords and competencies they describe themselves with on their resumes, it is important to note that these terms can become outdated.

A recent study by CareerBuilder reviewed the heavy impact of keywords on hiring managers, finding that many popular resume terms are no longer enticing. Avoiding these keywords and thinking creatively may not only keep your resume fresh, but also prevent a recruiter from having to pass on the application.

Resume Risks That Spell Trouble

While outcomes can always vary when taking a resume risk, some can put a job seeker in more trouble than they were worth. Avoid these risks at all costs:

  • Lying on A Resume

Lying on resumes has become such a hot topic in the employment world, prompting greater assessment of how wide this practice is. Recent studies have shown that many applicants are not only lying on their resumes, but also that employers are checking into this information a great majority of the time.

There are several reasons why it is important to never lie on a resume. For one, it could land one in a job that is not even a good fit. Others can find themselves in legal trouble and ruin future employment options if the employer decides to press charges for job fraud.

  • Graphic Gimmicks

The digital resume is a relatively recent introduction, and for many it has opened up a new way to present work history and accomplishments. While digital resumes have allowed for new design and style, some may be getting the wrong idea about how to make a CV graphically appealing.

It is essential to recognize that while digital resumes can really amplify what is on a paper resume, the latter should remain simple with enough white space and proper formatting. These conventions are not meant to limit personal expression; they are just easier on the eyes of recruiters who may be reviewing a stack of resumes.

For this reason, it is never worth taking graphic design to entice hiring managers. Changing the resume paper to a bright color or including a personal photo may not be taken seriously by the employer. Above all else, it is the words that recruiters are looking for to find meaning in a work history.

Still Not Sure About OB-DZ913_resume_FA_20090706170245?

As the employment landscape continues to change, new resume conventions will pop up and outdated practices will fade away. For many, this change can be overwhelming and cause uncertainty when completing job applications.

Fortunately, Chic Resumes and our team of professional resume writers stay current on the changing world of resumes. Our writers are ready to help craft a powerful resume that will help individuals stand out—without taking too much risk. Call (803) 831-7444(803) 831-7444 or email resumewriting@grammarchic.net today to learn more about our versatile resume writing services.