What You Should Not Include in Your Resume: 15 Things to Avoid

Creating a resume that stands out from the rest is important when job hunting, but it’s equally important to know what not to include in your resume. The last thing you want is to make a negative impression on a potential employer or recruiter. In this article, we will explore the things that you should not include in your resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to make a great first impression on a potential employer, so it’s important to ensure that it showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications effectively. However, there are some things that you should avoid including in your resume. In this article, we will look at 15 things that you should not include in your resume.

Personal Information

While it’s important to include some personal information on your resume, there are some details that are best left out. These include your date of birth, marital status, religion, political affiliation, and social security number. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you based on these factors, so there’s no need to include them.

Photograph

Including a photograph on your resume may seem like a good idea, but it’s best to leave it out. Your appearance has nothing to do with your ability to do the job, and including a photograph may lead to discrimination based on age, gender, or ethnicity.

Irrelevant Work Experience

When listing your work experience, it’s important to focus on the jobs that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Including irrelevant work experience will only clutter your resume and make it harder for employers to see your relevant skills and experience.

High School Education

Unless you’re a recent high school graduate, there’s no need to include your high school education on your resume. Employers are more interested in your college education and work experience.

Short-term Jobs

If you’ve had a series of short-term jobs, it’s best to leave them off your resume. This can give the impression that you’re unreliable or have trouble holding down a job.

References

There’s no need to include references on your resume. Instead, you can provide them when requested by the employer.

Salary History

Including your salary history on your resume is not necessary and may work against you. If your salary history is significantly lower than the salary range for the position you’re applying for, the employer may offer you a lower salary than they would have otherwise.

Reasons for Leaving

Your resume is not the place to explain why you left previous jobs. Save that information for the job interview.

Unprofessional Email Address

Make sure that your email address is professional and appropriate for the workplace. Avoid using email addresses that are overly personal or inappropriate.

Grammar and Spelling Errors

Having grammar and spelling errors on your resume can give the impression that you’re careless or not detail-oriented. Take the time to proofread your resume carefully.

Objective Statement

Objective statements are outdated and unnecessary. Instead, use a professional summary that highlights your skills and experience.

Hobbies and Interests

While it’s fine to include some personal interests on your resume, avoid listing hobbies that are irrelevant or controversial. Stick to interests that are related to the job or showcase your skills.

Clichéd Phrases

Avoid using clichéd phrases on your resume, such as “team player” or “results-driven.” Instead, use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

Fancy Fonts and Graphics

While it

may be tempting to use fancy fonts and graphics on your resume, it’s best to keep it simple and professional. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read font and avoid using images or graphics that can make your resume look cluttered.

Lies or Exaggerations

Lying or exaggerating on your resume is never a good idea. If you’re caught, it can damage your reputation and ruin your chances of getting the job. Stick to the truth and focus on showcasing your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Too Much Information

While it’s important to include relevant information on your resume, be mindful of including too much information. Your resume should be easy to read and highlight your most important skills and experiences.

FAQ

What should I include on my resume?

You should include your relevant work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments.

Should I include my high school education on my resume?

Unless you’re a recent high school graduate, there’s no need to include your high school education on your resume.

Is it okay to use a fancy font on my resume?

It’s best to keep your resume simple and professional, so stick to a clean, easy-to-read font.

Should I include my salary history on my resume?

No, it’s not necessary to include your salary history on your resume.

Can I include my hobbies and interests on my resume?

It’s fine to include some personal interests on your resume, but stick to interests that are related to the job or showcase your skills.