Myths and Realities

A résumé, or curriculum vitae (CV), is a record of your history and achievements in a concise yet comprehensive form. An effective résumé does not summarize everything you have done in your life. Details of your education and qualifications are essential, but other information should be carefully selected. It provides information about past activities that demonstrate your suitability for activities in the future.

Read each statement below and judge if it is “True” or “False”.

1. The only use of a résumé is to get a job.
2. You should write a different résumé for every different situation.
3. A résumé is a description of yourself that shows you have as many different talents as possible.
4. It's a good idea to include an objective at the start of the résumé.
5. When looking for a job, it's best to send your résumé to hundreds of employers rather than to just a few.
6. Employers like reading a detailed and lengthy résumé because it gives them complete information for screening candidates. Try to get as much as possible on each page.
7. You should NOT include your hobbies or recreational pursuits in your résumé e.g. reading, cycling, etc.
8. It's essential to put salary expectations and references on your résumé.
9. You should list all your courses and grades.
10. You must include details of your age, sex, marital status, ethnic origin etc. as well as a photo of yourself in your résumé.
11. Potential employers are more interested in your holiday jobs and extracurricular activities than in your academic record.
12. The résumé is less important than other activities, e.g. interviews, in getting a job.
Different industries and positions will require different skill sets from potential employees. You should emphasize (or omit) certain aspects on your CV based on what the job requirements are.
Could include certificates, awards, letters, etc.
Employers like people who are driven and motivated.
Since employers probably have to consider a very large number of applications, they won’t have time to carefully read every small detail in the CVs. Having a short CV that includes all your qualities would stand out more to the employer.
By providing evidence of a particular skill that will help convince the employer of your competence and professional suitability e.g. for an aspiring travel agent, organizing cycling tours, reading travel guides.
It is generally basic etiquette to not mention your desired salary in the early stages of your application, because it would prevent employers from contacting you if they deem the figure too high or low.
For example, if you are applying for a job in the field of psychological research, you should only include relevant courses (i.e. psychology, statistics, etc.) where you received good results.
For example, in the U.S., it is common for people to include their height and weight in their CV to indicate that they are physically healthy and able to work. In Hong Kong, however, this type of information is unnecessary as it just adds fluff to your CV.
Remember that these activities and experiences should pander towards the requirements of a particular employer. In other words, they should be relevant to the job that you are applying for.