What Not To Include In Your Resume

The Word "Resume"

Do not label your resume "resume." One look at your resume, and the employer should know exactly what type of document it is. In addition, don't name your resume "resume" when you save the file. Use your name so the hiring manager will know whose resume it is at a glance. Here's how to name your resume

The Date You Wrote the Resume

Some people make the mistake of dating their resumes. The employer does not need to know when you wrote your resume; the dates you include regarding past education and employment are the only dates you need to include.

Any Personal Data Beyond Your Contact Information

Do not include any personal information beyond your address, email, and phone number. Leave out your age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, and the names and ages of your spouse and/or children. While some of this information may be required in a CV, it should be left out of a resume.

You should also leave out important numbers that could allow someone to steal your identity, such as your social security number, drivers license number, and any credit card information.

Photographs

While many companies outside of the United States require a photograph with each resume, those within the US do not. In fact, most companies prefer you not to include a photograph so they can safely adhere to the Equal Opportunity Employer Legislation (which prohibits companies from making hiring decisions for discriminatory reasons)

Physical Characteristics (height, weight, etc.)

Like a photograph, including your physical characteristics on a resume opens the door to possible accusations of discrimination against the company. Companies therefore prefer that you do not include any physical descriptors.

Grammar School and High School

Grammar school is never included on a resume. If you are still in high school, are in your first couple years of college, or if a high school diploma is your highest degree, you can certainly include your high school information. However, once you complete any other form of education, eliminate this information from your resume.

Low GPAs

College students and recent graduates often include there GPA in their resume. However, if you are worried about a low GPA, simply leave it off your resume. You can still include your school, graduation date, and any awards received.

Unrelated Work Experience

You don't need to list every job you have held on your resume. Generally, you only want to include positions you have held in the past 10 - 15 years, unless an earlier job strongly demonstrates your qualifications. Leave out any positions that are unrelated to the job for which you are applying unless it will leave gaps on your resume.

However, if you have limited job experience, you can include slightly unrelated positions as long as you demonstrate how they prepared you for a job in your new field. For example, if you are applying for a job in sales, you can include your earlier job as a cashier if you explain that the job helped you develop your customer service skills.

Unrelated Hobbies

Most companies do not want to see your hobbies on your resume. However, if you have a hobby that relates to the company, you may include it. For example, if you are applying to work at a sporting goods store, you could list your interest in particular outdoor activities.

Names and Contact Information for Former Employers

Because you will have a separate list of references you do not need to include any contact information for your former employers on your resume.

Salary History

Salary is an issue you can discuss with the employer during an interview or once you have been offered the job; you do not want to establish a salary range before you have even been offered an interview.

Criminal Record

If you get hired, the company will likely conduct a search of your criminal record. However, there is no need to include this information on your resume.

"References Available Upon Request"

Generally it is assumed that a job applicant will have references. Instead of including the references on your resume or saying "references available upon request," you can send the hiring manager a separate sheet of references or wait until you are asked to provide references.

Negative Words/Ideas

Avoid saying what you did not do or have not yet accomplished; focus on what you have done or are in the process of achieving. For example, if you are still in college, do not say "not yet graduated," but instead list the year in which you will graduate. If you didn't graduate, simply list the dates you attended.

Instead of saying that you have "limited experience" in administrative work, simply provide examples of your previous experience.