The top 5 myths of resumes

Resumes should be substantive, relevant, and tailored.

They should include all your experience, with appropriate sub-headings, in a relatively simple style.

Myth #1: A resume should be one page. Substance over length, every time. An Executive Summary or Professional Summary is a one-page document (usually used by more senior professionals for networking purposes). It doesn't matter how short or long the resume is, if it's not substantive and relevant, it won't be read regardless of length.

Myth #2: Only include the professional experience relevant to the role. My view on this is that the "whole professional self" is needed to understand your career journey. Many people now have several careers which can be separated by sub-headings. I have never once seen a prior career in a resume that isn't somehow relevant to where you have got to and the skills you are equipped with to be a high-performing legal marketer.

Myth #3: The writer assumes knowledge. Every hiring manager is busy. Make it easy for them to understand your background and career trajectory. Include a brief sentence at the start of each role outlining the type of company or firm you worked for and what your remit was in the role. 

Myth #4: A general resume is the best resume. Yes and... if you're sharing your resume with someone like myself, then yes. If you're sharing you're resume with a hiring manager, or in response to a specific role, then your resume needs to be tailored to directly answer the role you're applying for. You will naturally want to emphasize certain things which show the reader you understand the role.

Myth #5: Create a visually appealing resume. Law firms actually prefer a relatively simple, no flair, resume. A ton of visually eye-catching formatting is likely to distract them, and they will wonder if you understand law firms and how they receive information.