Job searching. It’s been around for ages. But, undoubtedly, the methods have changed. After all, we no longer send our resumes by carrier pigeons or show up to interviews in covered wagons. However, there’s still plenty of prevalent outdated job search advice that many people choose to adhere to—simply because things have “always been done that way”.
With constant increases in technology, the job hunt has changed drastically in recent years. And, if you refuse to adapt and instead stick to that age-old advice your loving grandma passed along? Well, you’ll likely find yourself at the bottom of the resume pile.
So, it’s time to knock off those cobwebs and make sure your job search approach is fit for this modern age. Here are seven outdated pieces of advice that you need to kick to the curb—immediately.
1. Use Snail Mail
Let’s face it—with so many applications completed online, pretty much nobody uses snail mail to pass along their resumes and application materials anymore. Some people assert that sending your resume in the mail is a surefire way to stand out. But, in all honesty, you’ll likely just stand out for all the wrong reasons.
An applicant that doesn’t appear to know how to use email or follow clear instructions? It’s safe to say they’re not landing toward the top of the “to be interviewed” list.
The same holds true for that classic advice of camping out in an office lobby until someone finally agrees to meet with you. Not only does this method now seem ancient, it’s also pretty obnoxious.
2. Include a Photo on Your Resume
Including a professional headshot on your resume definitely had its moment in the sun. However, it’s important to remember that this was popular before the internet became such a crucial tool in the job searching process.
Now, hiring managers are going to immediately look at your online profiles—meaning they’ll not only know what you look like, but also your mom, your friends, and your dog. So, nix the photo on your resume. It only makes you look bizarre and old school—and maybe even a little arrogant.
3. List Your Address
Back in the day, you’d list your landline phone number (remember those?) and your personal address on the top of your document. Cell phones didn’t exist, and neither did email. So, that crucial information was basically all a hiring manager could use to get in touch with you.
Today? Well, they can email you, call you, text you—hey, they can even tweet you. So, they really won’t need your home address until you actually accept the position. If you really feel inclined to make it clear where you’re currently located, just list your city and state. That’s enough information.
4. Call to Follow Up
The phone used to be a powerful tool for your job hunt—emphasis on the words used to. Today, most of your job-related correspondence is going to happen through email. And, you should plan to keep it that way unless otherwise instructed by the hiring manager.
Yes, kicking it old school and picking up the phone might seem like a great way to take initiative and demonstrate your passion for the position. But, to hiring managers, constant phone calls only serve to break up their workdays and annoy them.
So, stick with emails for your follow-up messages. And, even then, make sure you aren’t overbearing and obnoxious. Once a week should be your absolute maximum.
5. Always Wear Your Most Formal Attire
Getting absolutely decked out in your most professional attire was typically the recommended norm for job interviews. And, for good reason. You definitely want to present the most polished version of yourself. If you aren’t sure what you should wear for an interview, opting to err on the more professional side is always recommended.
However, now that you have the internet at your fingertips, it’s important that you do some digging into what the company is like before officially settling on that freshly pressed tuxedo. When you’re interviewing for a position, you not only want to portray yourself as professional—but also a great fit for the job and organization. If you show up in a three-piece suit when the entire office is in shorts and flip flops? Well, you’re clearly illustrating that you have zero understanding of the company culture.
6. List Your References and Hobbies
You need to keep your resume as crisp and concise as possible. That means you’ll need to cut out all of that clutter—including your references and hobbies that everyone tells you absolutely have to include.
Today, every employer assumes you’ll have references at the ready if they request them. So, including your references right on your document—or even a cliché “references available upon request” line—is really just wasting precious real estate.
As far as your hobbies are concerned, hiring managers typically don’t care too much if you enjoy golfing or crocheting. If you really feel the urge, you can briefly touch on your interests or passions in your cover letter (particularly if they relate somewhat to the open position). But, reserve your resume for strictly job-related information.
7. Utilize Fancy Language
Perhaps you’ve heard that you should stuff your resume full of big words to demonstrate how intelligent you are and how stellar your vocabulary is. It makes sense, right? But, today, it’s really not a smart tactic.
Why? Well, most employers utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan through those initial resumes that arrive in their inboxes. This high-tech robot takes a quick look through a resume to pick-up on necessary criteria—most importantly, keywords related to the position they’re aiming to fill.
If you neglected to utilize these necessary words in favor of packing your resume with the most complicated phrases you could find in the dictionary? Spoiler alert: the ATS won’t like you, and you probably won’t land an interview. Simplicity is always better.
There’s no denying that the job search process has changed a lot—and it will undoubtedly continue to evolve with constant advancements in technology.
If you’re aiming for success in your job search (and, who isn’t?) you’ll need to advance and change too. So, ditch this outdated job search advice in favor of bringing your approach into this millennium. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
