6 Outdated Job Search Rules

As times change so do conventions. Things that were commonplace 10 years ago are now obsolete. This is especially true when it comes to the job search.

There are many rules that are associated with the job search that, while true years ago, are now obsolete. Here are six of them that you should no longer follow when applying for work:

• Limit your resume to one page. Two-page resumes are perfectly acceptable assuming you need that amount of room to list all of your credentials. You should still avoid them if the two pages are filled with mostly irrelevant information.
• Write formally. It's actually not advisable to write in this kind of style. You don't want to be unprofessional sounding, but you also don't want to sound stiff.
• Education comes first. Your college career is not going to be your best selling point for nonprofit jobs. Employers are much more interested in your relevant work/volunteer experience.
• Call the employer to schedule an interview: Job seekers don't get to decide when an interview happens; the employer does. Doing this will make you come off as pushy and arrogant.
• Arrive to the office early: It's actually a very good idea to arrive early to the area where your interview is, but don't go into the office early. There's a reason why you were given a specific time.
• Include "references available upon request" at the end of your resume. This is an unnecessary addition to your resume. Employers these days assume you will provide references, so there is no need to mention this.

Not all of these outdated rules will disqualify you from a job, but they should still be avoided. What other old aspects of the job search do you find obsolete now? Let us know in the comments section below.