10 Things Not To Do On Your Resume

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10 Things Not To Do On Your ResumeA resume is essential for people that are searching for, and applying for different positions.  A resume is not just a piece of paper about you. Rather, it is a document that you use to create a “brand” for yourself and your own name and reputation. You use a resume, along with a cover letter to give potential employers details about who you are and what your background is like.

Making and submitting a resume is the first step on the ladder to a successful career. However, most people tend to focus on the last step, (getting a job) more than the first one. It is also important to seek out particular places of employment. Many people think they want to just work anywhere as long as there is a position open.

If you are not truly happy, then you will have to start over again from scratch. Think about this when creating your resume. While many of us only emphasize on what should be included on a resume, there are wise people who also give importance to what doesn’t belong. If you make it too long and full of unnecessary clutter, then no one will want to read it. Let’s explore the top 10 things that you should put on your resume.

  • Avoid a crazy, overconfident and unrealistic objective. Do not try to portray yourself as the next Bill Gates. Keep your statement simple and realistic. If it doesn’t make sense to you, then it won’t make sense to the employer. An arrogant and impractical objective statement will not create a good impression upon employers.
  • You should not include your previous job experiences that are irrelevant to the nature or field of job you are applying for. Remember to include only what they need to see. This is where you get rid of that unnecessary clutter.Please don’t write about experiences that do not match the required job description.
  • Never put achievements that are achievements just according to you. Although everyone has slightly different views of achievement, you should avoid including those achievements in your resume that are not related to your professional field. For example, winning some eating competition is something that must not be included in your resume.
  • Avoid over displaying your physical characteristics: Employers hiring you are not interested in knowing how muscular you are or how many abs you have, so never define yourself that way. However, letting them know what activities you are involved in is o.k., but only on your cover letter.
  • Never put strange hobbies: Don’t include hobbies that would make someone cringe when reading your resume. Avoid strange and irrelevant hobbies like knitting sweaters for pets. Try to include generic and less detailed hobbies like playing tennis, reading, and social work.
  • Avoid private matters to show in your resume. Avoid any religious affiliations, political orientations, sex orientation, and marital status.
  • Do not use highly sophisticated and obscure words: Be simple in your sentence structure, tone, grammar and vocabulary. Avoid big words to impress others, and always be natural and genuine.
  • Do not write unprofessional contact details: Many people tend to write email I.D.’s that seem strange; for example, crazyathlete.dummy.com.  Never put this kind of contact information. Your email I.D and entire contact information must seem professional. If necessary, create a new, professional sounding email account.
  • Avoid fancy formatting: Keep your resume as simple as possible. Never use different fonts, colors, designing, and borders in your resume. Keep it simple, easy to read, and refreshing.
  • Avoid personal details: Do not put your social security number down or even your bank account details. Eventually, this is completed during the hiring process.

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