When it comes to crafting a resume that will catch the attention of potential employers, there are some key things you should avoid. Here are five things that should be excluded from your resume:
- Objective statements – While it used to be common to include an objective statement at the top of your resume, it’s no longer necessary. An interviewer expects that you’re interested in the job and have read the job description, so instead of stating your objective, focus on highlighting your skills and qualifications that match the job requirements.
- Length – Keep your resume concise and to the point. Hiring managers are often skimming through several resumes, so make sure your content appeals to them and the right keywords stand out. One page is usually sufficient to present your work experience. If you need to cut down, include your most recent and relevant roles in date order to the job you’re applying for.
- Fluff and filler material – The information at the top of your resume is what will catch the reader’s attention, so it’s important to focus on what they want to know. Highlight your skills and qualifications that make you the right fit for the job, and avoid any unnecessary fluff or filler material.
- Aesthetics – A resume should be visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid including photos or unnecessary design elements that could detract from the content. Clean lines and simple formatting are key.
- Employment gaps – If you have gaps in your employment history, it’s important to address them. Don’t avoid them, as employers want to see that you have been active and not idling your career. Briefly explain what you did during that time, whether it was intentional (such as taking a gap year to travel) or due to circumstances beyond your control (such as a layoff or caring for a sick family member).
- Work ownership – If you did the work, own it! Use strong action verbs and eliminate words like ‘helped’ or ‘assisted’ when listing your job duties and accomplishments. Be confident in listing all of your achievements and demonstrate the ways in which you directly contributed to your company’s success. If applicable, include measurable figures in dollars and percentages.
By avoiding these five common resume mistakes, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of potential employers and landing your dream job. Remember to keep it simple, clean, and focused on what the employer wants to know.