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Monday, August 26, 2013

6 More Things to NOT Include On Your Résumé

Résumé Killers

Here's Part 2 of a list of things I've found to be big résumés turn-offs.  (Click here for Part 1.)  Have any extras to add or have you had experiences with these?  Comment below, because I'd love to hear!

#1 A boring heading

It's important to have your name and contact information at the top where the reader can see it.  It's best to use a different font or style or size (or all three) to help it catch the eye.  Here's one area where you might consider a little color to help your name pop.  Remember, hiring managers and recruiters look at hundreds of résumés a day.  Make sure yours is memorable.

#2 Your picture

That's what LinkedIn is for.

#3 .txt format

 Save your résumé in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.  I know some websites require .txt files, but Every Other Time, use a different format that will allow you to get creative with style and to show your professionalism.

#4 Your reason for leaving a position

This is information that's discussed in the interview.  These things may need more explanation than what you would fit on a résumé.  Don't shoot yourself in the foot by giving a poorly dictated reason for leaving for possible employers to consider before they even meet you.  Also, you have just a few seconds to grab your reader's attention and get them to call you up for an interview.  Don't waste time with information they can ask you later.

#5 References or even "References available upon request"

It's just not necessary.  Obviously, you would provide references if they were requested.  This is another thing talked about in the interview.  On the résumé, they just take up valuable space.

#5 Salary information

This is another thing employers don't need to know right now.  In fact, it might not be important at all until you begin to negotiate salary.  The purpose of a résumé is to secure an interview, not to work out the details of employment.

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