When you’re applying for jobs, you want to make your resume as perfect as possible. While you think yours might be a masterpiece, there are a lot of tiny details that should never be put on a resume — and some of them aren’t things that are easily realized.
Take a look at this list and make sure your resume has none of these seven mistakes:
1. An Inappropriate Email Address
While you might have thought it was cool at one point for your email address to be KegstandKing69@domain.com, it’s probably not the way you want to be represented in the workforce. Email addresses might be more important than you think when it comes to job hunting.
Your email address is something an employer uses for a snap judgment. It shouldn’t be inappropriate or offensive, and it shouldn’t be the joint account you have with your significant other. Make yourself an email account to use solely for professional purposes.
2. Multiple Phone Numbers
If you have multiple phone numbers on your resume, you have a greater chance of missing that important phone call when it comes through. Don’t include a home number, and instead focus on just using your cell phone. It’s something you have complete control over and is personalized to you.
3. Every Job You’ve Ever Had
Unless that summer you spent scooping ice cream in high school is very important to the job you’re applying for, leave it out. There’s definitely such a thing as having too many jobs on your resume.
Focus on the jobs that are relevant to the career path you’re pursuing. If you’re just starting out in your industry, employers don’t want to see that you job hop frequently or have big gaps in your work experience unless there’s a good reason for it.
Play up the jobs that were the most important as well as covetable skills you’ve gained along the way. That’s what employers want to know.
4. Random Social Media Accounts
Unless they’re directly connected to your professional life, social media accounts can do more harm than they can good. No employer wants to see the Instagram page you have that’s mostly pictures of your dog. However, if you’re a photographer and have an Instagram account as an addition to your portfolio, that’s another story.
Additionally, including a well-built profile on a site like LinkedIn can be a beneficial addition to your resume. Brittney Borowicz’s profile is a great example on how to hit all of the fundamentals. Her bulleted summary of her work experience highlights her key responsibilities and even includes success stories. Robert Mericle’s profile is a great example of how LinkedIn should be used as an online portfolio to things you’ve worked on, as well as giving employers your professional background. Dan Schawbel’s profile shows how to use the top skills feature so others can endorse you. He focuses on very specific skills that employers will be looking for.
If you’re in a creative field, consider creating a personal website that serves as a portfolio and showcases your work.
5. Anything Negative
All of us have made mistakes, but they shouldn’t be showcased on your resume. Your resume is being used to promote yourself to potential employers, and having negative explanations on there is going to be an instant turn off.
If there’s something negative in your past that needs to be explained, that should be brought up in the in-person interview. You won’t have a chance to get to that point if those negative things are all over your resume.
6. Your Personal Information
Identity theft is a serious concern, especially now that a lot of resumes are being sent out on the Internet. At this point in the job process, employers only really need your name and a way to contact you. There’s no reason why your Social Security number should be on the resume, and even addresses shouldn’t be included unless you want someone to know you’re a local candidate.
7. Fancy Buzzwords
Stick to strong, simple action verbs when you’re describing your job duties and skills. Phrases like “synergy” and “go-getter” are among hiring managers’ worst words to use on your resume. Use words like “improved” or “achieved” if you don’t want them throwing your resume out on sight.
A strong resume plays a big part in whether or not you land interviews. Follow these tips to make sure to catch employers’ eyes and make them want to hire you.
1 Comment
I agree that you should never put negative information on a resume. That includes negative facts about yourself and your former employers. Once your resume has been selected, how would you bring up a topic like that in the interview? I know I would have a hard time with that, especially if the interview was for a job I really want.