June 22, 2022

DON'T: 9 Things to Never Put on a Resume


There are many things to keep in mind when crafting a resume. 
 
Yes, my friend, many things.
 
With such a limited amount of space, you have to ensure that everything you include is important and accurately represents your skills and experience.
 
However, there are also some things you should avoid including. Here are 9 things you should never put on your resume.
 
6 seconds!
 
Yes, just 6 seconds a hiring manager spend reading a resume!
 
Not actually they read; they just take 6 seconds to scan a resume.
 
So, no doubt it's important avoiding to include unnecessary things on your resume.
 
Let's know those.
 
 
Table of contents

9 Things you should never put on your resume.

 
Things-to-Never-Put-on-a-Resume.jpg 268 KB


Personal stuff

Marital status, kids number, your spouse's career, religious beliefs, your political affiliation, your health status, your hobbies, all these are completely unnecessary. 
Is there really any link between your job with these personal stuff? What do you think, my dear?
No, not at all.
Remember, no employer will ask these questions because it's illegal to ask.
NOBODY CARES! Your resume space is valuable. Don't waste your resume space with unnecessary personal stuff.
Instead, use the precious resume space to write your achievements, experience, skills, and education.
Don't share your social security number or driver's license number. Don't put yourself at risk of identity theft. I hope you understand.
 

A photograph of yourself

Are you a model? Are you an actor?
 
If not, then don't focus on your photograph, my friend. Rather, it's better to focus on your experience, achievements, and skills when writing your resume.
 
You might disagree with me on this point, but I believe that if you want to get a job, you need to have the required skills for the position and show how good you are at them, not how good you are looking. 
 
That's not to say that your looks don't matter at all - they do - but they shouldn't be your resume's main focus.
 
Rather a resume photograph could give a chance to a bad hiring manager to discriminate against you based on your color, weight, etc.
 
A resume photograph could not be a path to that, right? What do you think, dear?

Leading US companies do not prefer photographs on a resume. That's why I have included this point and recommend you not include your photo.
 
But an exception is everywhere. The same goes for this point. Some companies outside the US prefer candidates' photographs. 
 
My suggestion: Check carefully before submitting your resume to which country's company you are applying. 
 
Another thing is if you think your appearance could help you get the interview call, then include your LinkedIn profile link. Many companies find job candidates through LinkedIn. So be sure your profile is up-to-date or not. Good luck.

Career objective

An objective used to be an important part of a resume, but it is now outdated. Including an objective on your resume can actually work against you. It can make it look like you're unsure what you want to do or that you're not qualified for the position.
 
Hiring managers are more interested in your qualifications and what you can bring to the table than your career goals. They want to know how you can help their company, not how the company can help you achieve your goals. Stick to describing your qualifications and experience instead of writing an objective.
 
Leave it off unless you're willing to rewrite your objective for every job you apply.

A cute or unprofessional email address

When applying for a job, DO NOT include an unprofessional email address on your resume. This can make you seem unprofessional and like you don’t take your job search seriously. 
 
There are a few different ways to create a professional email address for yourself. 
 
  • You can use your name followed by @gmail.com. 
  • Or create a new email address with a professional domain name. Whichever option you choose, make sure that your email address is easy to remember and looks professional.

Salary details

When it comes to salary, there are two things you should never put on your resume: 
  • Your current salary 
  • And your desired salary. 
When it comes to your current salary, you don't want to give an employer any ammunition to lowball you. You're worth more than what you're currently making, and by revealing your current salary, you're essentially telling the employer that's all they need to pay you. 
 
You don't want to price yourself when it comes to the desired salary, right? It would be best if you take an opportunity to negotiate your salary.

References

References are never put on a resume. References are only given when requested by a potential employer.
 
Extra tip: Only put your present boss's name as a reference if that person is aware of and supportive of your career shift.
 

Don't lie

Do not include any false information on your resume. 
 
It will only come back to haunt you. You can't get away with lying. Employers are more intelligent, and they will catch you. Plus, it's just wrong to lie.
 
Incorrect information on your resume can get you in a lot of trouble. You could be fired if the company finds out, and it won't be easy to find another job if they do. 
 
There are many other things to put on your resume that will help you stand out. Make sure to list your skills, accomplishments, and experience. If you have any awards or certificates, be sure to include those as well. 
 

Personal pronouns

 
Avoid using the first or third person in your résumé. Please don't include "I," "me," "she," "he," or "my." The résumé is, of course, about you. So, it's important to avoid using personal pronouns in a résumé.

College Graduation Dates

When it comes to listing your education on your resume, what matters is what degree you have obtained. 
 
Putting the graduation date of your college or university on your resume is not necessary and could work against you.
 
Employers are not interested in when you earned your degree but rather in your acquired skills and knowledge. 
 
So, instead of putting your graduation date on your resume, list the degree earned. This will ensure that your resume is focused on what you can offer potential employers.

Wrapping it up

A resume should be a reflection of your best qualities and accomplishments. There are certain things that should never be included on a resume, such as personal information, your age, or your salary history. 
 
If you are confused about what an excellent resume should look like or what are good skills to put on a resume or want to know more about what is considered appropriate, email us, and we would be happy to help. 
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