Resumes are interesting documents because no two are ever the same. And while there are essential resume writing fundamentals we recommend everyone abide by, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes applicants don’t give enough information and sometimes they share far too much. To make the resume-writing process easier, we have compiled a list of our top five things not to include in a resume.
1. What you disliked about your previous job
The worst thing you can do right off the bat is bad-mouth your previous jobs in your resume. Not only does this start the hiring process off on a negative note, but it also can make you seem like a complainer. Instead of speaking poorly about your previous employers, turn your negative experience into a positive one by explaining that you were looking for more opportunity or that you felt your talents weren’t being adequately utilized. Positivity almost always outweighs its counterpart.
2. Your entire employment history, regardless of relevance
While it’s important to provide prospective employers with a comprehensive job history, it’s also important not to waste their time. Once you’ve been in the real-world workforce for a few years, those part-time jobs you worked in high school aren’t necessary. It’s also crucial that you remove irrelevant jobs from your resume. Employers are looking for valuable experience that will help make you an important asset to their company, not that you made a good babysitter in college.
3. Lies about employment & education
Many companies perform a background check on prospective employees, which is why it’s crucial that you are 100 percent truthful in your resume. Not only is it the right thing to do, but getting caught in a lie could also destroy your chances of being hired. Another reason not to lie on a resume is because employers often communicate with each other and if they know someone is untrustworthy, they will let their peers know. Your reputation can be quickly tarnished. So remember, if you didn’t really earn that Master’s degree or have that position, you’ll more than likely be found out.
4. Low GPAs
Many recent college graduates put their grade point average on their resume, but let’s face it – not everyone has an impressive GPA. If you are worried about putting your low GPA on your resume, then simply leave it off. Still put the school you attended, the degree you earned and the date you graduated.
5. Unrelated Hobbies
While many employers like to know what a prospective employee’s hobbies are, save most of that information for the interview itself instead of your resume. The only time we recommend adding hobbies to your resume is if they are directly related to the position you’re applying to. Being an avid reader or knitter is interesting, but it’s not necessary to include in your resume. While these aren’t the only things to keep off a resume, these are the most important. Do you have tips for resume writing? Tell us in the comments!
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