Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

There's a lot out there regarding resumes. And not all of it is going to help you get it right.

You want your job application to make it through the process, so you'd better make sure your resume includes all the right information in the best resume format.

Amanda Augustine, TopResume's resident career advice expert, shared some valuable resume advice with

Here's the bad, and the better way to write your resume:

Bad resume advice: You need an objective statement.

Better advice: Use a professional career summary to show your value.

The objective statement is obsolete. It will only limit your opportunities, and could completely miss the mark. Instead, show what you offer. This will tell the recruiter right up top what skills you have and how they can be applied at that company.

Bad resume advice: You need an exciting, eye-catching format.

Better advice: A basic format is best, unless you're applying to a creative job.

You don't have to go nuts to impress the recruiter. In fact, you'll most likely end up doing the opposite. Crazy fonts and infographics will just make your resume harder to read and may result in a simply bad resume. Stick to the basics–your skills and experience are what matter the most.

Bad resume advice: Stick to one page, no matter what.

Better advice: Make your resume reflect your career and experience.

The “one-page” resume rule is a myth. It is not a necessity. So, how long should your resume be? It varies, depending on a few factors. You don't need to stress that a recruiter will skip over your resume just because you have a lot of experience.

"Yes, statistics show that recruiters have short attention spans," Augustine said. "That said, there's no reason why a senior executive with 20 years of experience should be expected to condense all their accomplishments and major contributions to one page. It's only if you're new to the workforce that you're expected to stick to a one-page document."

Bad resume advice: You must hide any employment gaps.

Better advice: Be honest and explain yourself.

There's no need to hide your past and employment gaps on your resume and if you try, you will probably end up highlighting the non-progressive parts of your career. Of course, filling in the gaps is easier said than done, but just be prepared with what you gained from your time away and speak to that.

So, forget the bad resume advice and go with the better, and you'll find yourself with a whole new resume!