There's an Exception to Every Job Hunting Rule
When it comes to job hunting, you’ve heard all the rules: Like, never send a résumé more than a page long, never apply for a job for which you have no experience, and never say negative things about your old boss. Well, like most things in life, every rule has an exception. So here’s when to break those job hunting rules. according to CNN.
- Rule #1: A résumé should never be more than one page long. The exception? When you’ve had 5 or more years of experience in one field, and you need more space to showcase your major accomplishments! The key is to pack your résumé with as much information as possible relating to the job you’re applying for! In other words: Never send an extra page detailing your experience waiting tables – if you’re applying for a marketing job.
- Rule #2 : Never interview with a company that isn’t hiring. The exception? When working for that company would be a dream come true for you! The truth is, there’s no harm at all in setting up an informational interview to learn more about a company you’re interested in.
- Rule #3: Don’t apply for jobs if you don’t have enough experience. The exception? If you’ve got an outstanding personality that works well with others. A survey found that half of all executives would be willing to hire someone with no experience, over a candidate with years of experience – if that person had an explosive personality. Why? Because job skills can be taught, but people skills can’t.
- Rule #4 : Never say negative things about your old boss. Believe it or not, there’s an exception to this rule too. That’s if a negative experience contributed to you leaving your old job. Experts say there’s a way to put a positive spin on a bad situation. For example, if you quit your old job because your boss invaded your privacy too often, you might say something like this: “I got along with my boss, but I kept finding him sitting at my desk, going through my personal things. I need to work with a boss with whom there’s shared trust.” That explains your reason for leaving, without badmouthing your former boss.
