​Things to Avoid on Your Resume

When it comes to your resume, there are certain dos and don'ts that you should follow to ensure your resume is the best it can be. By following these simple tips, you can avoid making common mistakes that can cost you the job.

First and foremost, do make sure your resume is clear and concise. Hiring managers often have to go through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes, so you want to make sure yours is easy to read and highlights your most relevant qualifications. 

Another important tip is to customize your resume for each position you apply for. Tailoring your resume shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

On the other hand, there are certain things you should avoid doing if you want your resume to stand out.

Resume no-no # 1 Don't use fancy fonts or graphics: Stick to a professional-looking font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and resist the urge to get creative with your layout. Hiring managers want to be able to scan your resume and gather the information they need quickly. If your resume is difficult to read or crammed with too much information, it's likely to get passed over.

Resume no-no # 2 Don't forget to proofread: Avoid typos and grammatical errors. This shows that you ignore details and may do the same as an employee. Take time to read your resume carefully once you have finished writing it. Don't rely on spell check to correct all of your mistakes. Instead, read it aloud and ask friends, family, and others to help you find any errors.

Resume no-no # 3. Don't list hobbies or interests: When it comes to your resume, there are a few things you should avoid if you want to make a good impression on potential employers. One of these is listing your hobbies or interests. This can be unprofessional and even irrelevant to the job you're applying for. Hobbies and interests can also reveal personal information you may not want to share with your employers, such as political views or religious beliefs. Unless these are directly relevant to the job, it's best to leave them off your resume. Instead, focus on listing professional experiences and skills pertinent to the job you're applying for. This will give employers a better sense of whether you're a good fit for the position and help them see how you can add value to their company.

Resume no-no # 5: Don't include a photo: While it may seem like a harmless addition, including an image on your resume can do more harm than good. Pictures on resumes are generally seen as unprofessional and can hurt your chances of getting the job. Also, they take up space from areas that could be used for your skills and qualifications. It's better to leave the photos for your social media profiles and save your resume for your experience. 

Resume no-no # 6: Don't use unprofessional language
When it comes to your resume, avoid using unprofessional or informal language. This includes slang, profanity, and abbreviations. Not only will this make your resume look unpolished, but it could also turn off potential employers. If you're unsure whether a specific word or phrase is appropriate for your resume, err on caution and leave it out. There are plenty of other ways to convey your qualifications and experience without resorting to unprofessional language. Instead, you want to convey that you're a serious job candidate worth considering for the role.

Resume no-no # 7: Don't include a resume objective
It is thought by many to be an outdated part of the application process today. In reality, it just takes up valuable space on the page and tells them something they already know: you want the job. As a Career Coach since 2007, I have been a big fan of summaries instead of the objective because you can use a resume summary as an elevator pitch. This will give the employer a better idea of whether or not you're suitable for the position.

Resume no-no # 8: Don't lie or exaggerate about your skills or experience
When it comes to your resume, honesty is always the best policy. Don't try to exaggerate your skills or experience to make yourself look more qualified than you are. This will only backfire on you when you're called in for an interview and expected to know everything you claimed to be an expert in on your resume. Instead, be truthful about your abilities and accomplishments, and focus on highlighting the qualities that make you the best candidate for the job.

In conclusion, when it comes to your resume, these are a few things you should avoid if you want to create a winning document. Additionally, keeping these things in mind when crafting your resume will help you put your best foot forward. Creating a winning resume takes some thought and effort, but it's worth it when you land the desired job.

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