Hiring managers have to go through a lot of resumes for any position. Studies have shown that companies receive 75 resumes on average. This is a high number which is why they don’t have the time to look through each resume closely. It has been said that six seconds are spent on each resume to decide if it is a fit or not for them.
If you wish to pass this six-second initial test, you must consider certain steps. Solid qualifications for the job are a must but along with it, the resume must also highlight them. This is why it is better to eliminate any unnecessary information from your resume.
Here are 10 things not to put on your resume:
1. What Is Your Objective?
This is an unnecessary piece of information considering that it’s obvious. If you’ve applied for the job then that is your objective. However, in case you are changing the industry of operation then it is a good addition. It is even better to include a summary in that situation.
2. Which Work Experience to Add?
A cluttered resume can easily get you into the not fit pile. Therefore, it is important to eliminate the unnecessary work experiences you have. The mentioned work experience should revolve around the position you are applying for. However, if the experience points towards additional skills then keep it in. It might not be directly related but it can show aspects that can be translated to the position in question.
3. Personal Details About Yourself.
It is discouraged to include personal details about yourself in the resume. This includes your marital status, religious preference, as well as SSN. That is your Social Security number. There were important to add in the past but this no longer holds. Instead, it is considered illegal for your employer to ask them.
4. What Are Your Hobbies?
You can use this space for something more relevant. Hobbies are not relevant for the post unless they can be connected to the job. Therefore, it is better to eliminate this information and fill the space with something more important. Something that won’t be considered a waste of the company’s time.
Also Read: Types of Resume and Which Type Is Best For You
5. Are You Being Honest?
Blatant lies will not get you anywhere. This has been proven by a study conducted involving hiring managers and resume mistakes. A lie will not make up for the qualification you are lacking. This is why it is considered best to not tell lies at all. The important thing is to emphasize the skills you have instead of those that you do not. Hiring managers do not expect perfection. Instead, some of them may be willing to consider a candidate who has three out of five qualifications.
6. What’s Your Age?
One way to escape the various kinds of discrimination that takes place is to remove your age. You can eliminate your graduation date as well. According to research, one way to give away your age is a formatting mistake. That is double spaces after a period.
7. Is There Too Much Text In Your Resume?
Trying to fit everything on one page is not the best way to get your point across. Instead of using a 0.5-inch margin, it is considered best to use 0.8 margins. Along with this, the font size must also be paid attention to. The goal isn’t to make everything fit. It is to make them realize that you are fit for the position. With six seconds to spare, they cannot go through the abundance of the text put in a resume. Therefore, a food recommendation is to have lots of white spaces.
Also Read: Most Common Career Success Myths That Are Holding You Back
8. Have you included time off?
There is no need to include information about you taking time off. Whether it is to travel or to take care of your family, your employer does not need to know. However, this may differ according to the place of operation. Some countries consider it important to include information about traveling. This is not the case in the US.
9. What Are Your References?
There is no need to add references to your resume. If the employer wishes to speak to them, they will ask you. This will also give you time to contact the references. You can let them know that they will be approached by the employer so they can be prepared. Moreover, adding “references upon request” is also an unnecessary waste of space. You can use this line to mention something else that can help you to land the job instead.
10. Is Your Formatting Consistent?
The content of any resume is of great importance. However, this does not mean that you do not focus on the formatting of it. It is encouraged to adopt a format that is easiest for the manager to scan. Something that helps them to quickly pick out the key qualifications and career goals. Furthermore, if you pick a format then you should stick with it. Do not mix and match but keep it consistent throughout.
These are some of the basic tips that will help you land the job you have been preparing for. Therefore, review your resume and see which aspects you may be missing. It is possible that with these basic tips, you’ll be able to catch the eye of the recruiter.
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