Hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely, so why not make it easier for them.
Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for anyone to find that wow factor. It is the rule of thumb that a resume should be error-free. The slightest aberration is unforgivable. But I’m sure you are aware of that. Let’s talk about what you should not write in your resume.
It is not news that the unemployment rate is increasing, which means more people are interested in the same jobs you are applying for. Therefore, hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely. Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for recruiters to find that wow factor.
Here are 5 things you shouldn’t write in your resume (writing them is similar to having ‘don’t hire me’ written on your forehead).
1. Irrelevant Work Experience
You might think it’s a good idea to list every job you have held on your resume. Well, it’s not. For experts, you should only list roles held in the past 10 to 15 years and only include roles held earlier than that if they strongly demonstrate how qualified you are.
It is imperative to only include past work experience that showcases skills that can be applicable to the role you are applying for.
2.Unprofessional Email Address
This can be the difference between you getting your dream job and being dropped out even before the job interviews. Employers look for every reason to screen candidates and emails such as:-
playa4life@gmail.com or prettyx@yahoo.com as one of the reasons one may not land the job. It is a sign of unprofessionalism.
3. Exaggerations or Lies
Yes, you are allowed to fake it till you make it, but job applications are a lying-free zone – even white lies. You would be surprised to find out how much employers are willing to compromise when applicants have 3 out of the 5 skills required. Just be yourself, they might see something in you that they don’t see in other applicants.
4. Inconsistent CV Format
How your CV appears is as important as the content itself. Squeezing your text to fit one page, using fancy fonts or numbering or bulleting everything makes your CV less appealing. An employer should be able to scheme through your CV and identify your key qualifications with much hustle. Always aim to make your CV easy to read and understand.
5.Inconsistencies In Employment
Your CV is meant to sell you to a potential employer. It is the wrong place to explain why you left company X. This should be done at the interview when and if asked. Your resume is not the place to rehash your issues with former employers.
This article was originally published on Fuzu.
