Are any of these items things you need to leave off your resume?
Resume formatting and requirements change quite a bit as technology advanced and the job market changes. It can be a bit daunting trying to stay informed of these things. But you are in luck because Career Resumes publishes information regularly and we offer a FREE RESUME CRITIQUE so you can be assured your resume is updated to the latest requirements.
The latest information we are seeing in the industry is eliminated the following things from your resume. Be sure to check your resume for these items and review our Resume Finishing Touches checklist as well.
10 Things to Leave Off Your Resume
#1. Hobbies and Interests
Your resume should be strictly about your career, skills, and experience working. You will have time to talk about your hobbies and interests in an interview. In fact, you will probably be asked, so have an answer ready.
Related: Common Interview Questions
#2. The reason why you left your previous job
If you left your last job, got laid off, or were fired (or any job on your resume) don’t include in your resume or cover letter information about this. This is another discussion to have in the actual interview.
Related: How to Answer “Why did you quit your job?” In an Interview
#3. Salary
Never include your current or past salaries on your resume or cover letter. If you are asked this information in an application it is best to avoid answering it if you can. This limits your ability to negotiate. An appropriate answer could be “in line with current industry standards” or something similar.
Related: How to Answer the “Desired Salary” Question
#4. Basic Computer and Tech Skills
At this point, most employers will assume you have basic computer skills such as MS Office applications. If there is something specific listed in the job description that is pertinent to the job you are applying for, you should address that. For example, specific software applications or website knowledge.
#5. Vague Soft Skills
Soft skills are very important to include in a resume, but they must be backed up with data and info. Generic soft skills like “team player,” “strong communicator,” or “fast learner” should be implied – like computer skills. It’s much better to include specific achievements and things that you’ve done that would prove you have these skills.
Related: The Soft Skills Employers are Looking For
#6. Sell Yourself – Don’t Tell Yourself
Weak verbs are a good indication you are doing too much telling and not enough selling. Use strong verbs that will make an impression, such as “developed” instead of “made”. In order to show your value and what you bring to the table, emphasize your achievements rather than your day-to-day duties.
#7. Your GPA
The only exception to this is if you are directly out of school and are asked for it. Your GPA is not always an indicator of how well you will do at a particular job. Hiring managers don’t usually consider GPA too much. In addition, once you are in the working world, mentioning your GPA can make you seem inexperienced.
#8. Too Much Info
Avoid long paragraphs and too much information. Employers and hiring managers are busy and receive a lot of resumes. Yours should be skimmable with bulleted lists and bolded words.
#9. “References available upon request”
You want to be sure to have your references ready to go when you are asked for them. However, wait to be asked. Hiring managers will assume you have them – you don’t need to tell them you do.
#10. Your Picture
Including your picture is outdated and may even go against some companies’ inclusion policies. The only exception to this is if you are directly asked to provide your picture. We encourage you to inquire as to why they are asking before you provide one.
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