Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out
résumés with too much information.
Employers don't have the time or the patience to sift through irrelevant
information like your hobbies, interests or how many grandchildren you have.
Just stick to the basics and you're good to go.
Here are things to leave off your résumé and why:
·
Your
picture - Why to leave it off: Unless a job posting specifically asks for
your picture (and very few jobs will), don't include it just for fun. Not only are
your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you're putting employers in a bad spot. If they have a
picture of you and choose not to hire you, it's possible that you could come
back with a discrimination lawsuit. In
most cases, they'll throw your résumé away without looking at it, to avoid the
issue altogether.
·
Interest
and hobbies - Why to leave them off: Unless your interests and hobbies have
something to do with the job you're applying for, there's no reason to include
them. If you want to show how your passion for art would be an asset to a
graphic design position, that's one thing. But telling employers that you love
to skydive on an actuary application
is another. In general, make any applicable connections between your hobbies
and the job in your cover letter. Better yet, save them for the interview when
you're asked what you like to do outside of work.
·
Personal
attributes - Why to leave them off: Similar to sending a picture with your
résumé, your height, weight, age, race
or religion are all unimportant to an employer. Though it's illegal for
employers to discriminate against applicants because of any of these factors,
some will do so, regardless. Keep everything on your résumé pertinent to the
job, and you'll be fine.
·
References
- Why to leave them off: Many job seekers still include references on their
résumé or they include a line that says, "References available upon
request." This tactic is not as effective as it used to be. Wait to broach
the topic of references until you're asked for them.
·
Minute
details - Why to leave them off: Hiring managers don't need to know the details
of every task you've ever done in every job you've ever had. It's just too
much information, and usually half of
that information isn't relevant. Employers want to be able to see at first
glance that you're a great candidate, so pick out those details that are most
relevant to the job for which you're applying and omit the rest.
·
Negativity
- Why to leave it off: Never put anything negative on your résumé. Don't
include your reasons for leaving. If you left the position due to a layoff or
you were fired, for example, bring it up only if asked.
Never write anything bad about a previous employer. Don't explain gaps on your
résumé by stating that you were in prison for 10 years for killing your
husband. Keep your résumé all positive, all the time.
·
A selfish
objective - Why to leave it off: Employers are trying to determine whether
you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé should
point to your experience. Employers would rather see a summary of
qualifications that displays your accomplishments and background than a generic
objective statement like "To gain experience in..." Adopted from
http://msn.careerbuilder.com
