Avoid these 5 things on your resume

Frustrated at not landing job interviews? It may be due to mistakes on your resume. This guide uncovers the five elements that, surprisingly, don’t belong on your professional profile.

Prepare for some enlightening revelations as you journey through what NOT to include on your CV – Who knows? This could be the game-changer in your job search!

Key Takeaways

• Outdated or stylised fonts should be avoided on your resume as they can make it hard to read and look unprofessional.
• Personal information like your age or home address is not needed on your resume. Avoid including links to outdated or irrelevant social media profiles.
• High school education is not necessary to include on your resume, especially if you have a university degree or higher.
• Hobbies and interests should be left off your resume. Employers want to see skills that relate to the job instead.
• References are not required on your resume. Save space for showcasing your skills and work history instead.

Avoid These 5 Things on Your Resume

Outdated or stylised fonts should be avoided as they can make your resume look unprofessional and hard to read.

Outdated or stylised fonts

Using old or fancy fonts on your resume is not a good idea. This can make it hard for a boss to read. Keep it easy and go for simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. This will show that you care about how clear your work is.

Personal information

You may want to keep your personal details safe. So, avoid putting too much personal information on your resume. Details like your age or home address are not needed by the boss. Also, do not put links of outdated or irrelevant social media profiles on your Resume.

Update every link you share in the resume! Make sure what you show is clean and useful for the job. Lying about skills can also harm you a lot. Be honest always! Being true will help both you and your boss in many ways.

High school education

Job seekers, take note. The high school education part is not needed on your resume. Most jobs ask for a college degree or more these days. If you finished high school, that’s great but it may not help you get the job.

It can make your resume too long and most bosses will not read it all. Keep your resume short and filled with the best stuff about you!

Hobbies and interests

Your love for painting or playing the guitar is nice, but not fit for your resume. Employers want to see skills that relate to the job. You may think it shows who you are as a person, but it can make your resume too long.

Use this space instead, to focus more on work-related things. Keep in mind, removing unrelated hobbies and interests helps keep your resume short and neat.

References

Leave off references on your resume. They take up space that’s better used to show your skills or work history. You don’t need them yet. If an employer wants them, they will ask you for them later.

The Importance of Simplicity

Ensure your resume is in an easy-to-read format, allowing employers to quickly scan and identify relevant skills and experience.

Easy-to-read format

A clean, clear layout is a must for resumes. Employers should find your details with ease. Go for bold headings and bullet points to show your skills and experience. Avoid fancy fonts or colours that could distract the reader.

Make sure all text sizes are equal and keep plenty of white space around each section. It helps draw attention to what matters most – you!

Highlighting relevant skills and experience

Your skills and experience should shine bright on your resume. They let bosses know you can do the job well. Those skills that match the job advert are key, put them at the top of your list.

For example, if a job needs good team work, show times when you worked in a great team.

Not every piece of work you have done is important. Only choose those jobs that make sense for this new role. This helps bosses see real proof that you fit their needs. You add power to your resume with this choice of relevant jobs and skills.

How Your Resume Can Stand Out

Tailor your resume to the specific job description, showcasing your relevant skills and experience that align with the requirements of the position.

Tailoring it to the job description

To increase your chances of getting hired, it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Here’s how:

• Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications they are looking for.
• Highlight those relevant skills and qualifications in your resume.
• Customise your resume by using keywords from the job description.
• Include specific examples or achievements that demonstrate how you meet their requirements.
• Focus on showcasing your experience and accomplishments that align with the job.
• Remove any irrelevant information or experiences that don’t relate to the position.

Showcasing your achievements

Highlighting your achievements is crucial when creating a resume. It helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your skills and abilities. Here are some key achievements you can showcase:

• Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter of 2021.
• Led a team of five members to successfully complete a project ahead of schedule.
• Implemented a new customer service system that resulted in a 30% decrease in customer complaints.
• Received Employee of the Month award for exceptional performance and dedication.
• Developed and launched a new marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 50%.

Using a professional email address

Use a professional email address when creating your resume. Avoid using personal or inappropriate email addresses that may give the wrong impression to potential employers. A professional email address should consist of your name, preferably with no numbers or random words included.

This shows professionalism and makes it easier for employers to contact you. So, make sure to create a separate email account specifically for job applications if needed, and use a simple and clear email address that reflects your name.

Other Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including irrelevant work experience can make your resume appear cluttered and unfocused. Stick to relevant and recent experience that directly relates to the job you are applying for.

Including irrelevant work experience

When creating your resume, it’s important to only include relevant work experience. Listing unrelated jobs or positions that have no bearing on the job you’re applying for can clutter your resume and make it harder for employers to see your qualifications.

Stick to highlighting the experiences that directly relate to the skills and knowledge needed for the position you are seeking. By doing this, you’ll be able to demonstrate clearly how your previous work has prepared you for the job at hand and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Using company-specific jargon

Avoid using company-specific jargon on your resume. While it may seem impressive to use technical terms or acronyms related to a specific industry or organisation, it can actually hinder your chances of getting hired.

Recruiters and hiring managers from different companies may not be familiar with these terms and could find them confusing. It’s best to stick to clear, simple language that everyone can understand.

Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and accomplishments in a way that is universally applicable and easy for anyone reading your resume to comprehend.

The Impact of Your Resume

Your resume has a significant impact on employers as it is their first impression of you and greatly affects your chances of getting an interview.

First impression on employers

The impact of your resume on employers is significant. It’s the first impression they have of you as a potential candidate for the job. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid including unnecessary or irrelevant information that may detract from your qualifications and skills.

By presenting a clear, concise, and well-organised resume, you increase your chances of making a positive first impression and getting invited for an interview. So make sure to focus on highlighting relevant work experience, education, and skills while keeping the format easy to read and professional-looking.

Affects your chances of getting an interview

Your resume plays a crucial role in determining whether you get an interview or not. Employers often form their first impression of you based on your resume, so it’s important to make it count.

Avoiding mistakes such as including personal information, outdated fonts, and irrelevant work experiences can significantly impact your chances. Additionally, typos and spelling errors can create a negative impression.

Tailoring your resume to the job description and showcasing your achievements will help you stand out from other applicants. Remember to keep it simple and highlight relevant skills to increase your chances of getting that interview.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to creating a strong resume, there are certain things that should never be included. Outdated or stylised fonts, personal information, high school education, hobbies and interests, and references are all red flags for employers.

Remember to keep your resume simple and focused on showcasing relevant skills and experience. By avoiding these common mistakes and tailoring your resume to the job description, you can increase your chances of standing out from the competition in the job market.

FAQs

1. Should I include my hobbies and interests on my resume?

No, it is generally not recommended to include hobbies and interests on your resume unless they are directly relevant to the job you are applying for.

2. Can I put a photo of myself on my resume?

No, in most cases it is not necessary or appropriate to include a photo of yourself on your resume, as employers should focus solely on your qualifications and experience.

3. Is it okay to exaggerate or lie about my skills or experiences?

No, it is never acceptable to lie or exaggerate about your skills or experiences on your resume. Employers value honesty and integrity, and any falsehoods could harm your chances of getting hired.

4. Should I include references or their contact information on my resume?

No, it is not necessary to include references or their contact information on your resume. You can provide this information separately when requested by employers during the hiring process.

5. Can I use fancy fonts and colours to make my resume stand out?

No, it is best to keep the formatting of your resume simple and professional. Stick with standard fonts (such as Arial or Times New Roman) and black text color for easy readability by employers.