RESUME RED FLAGS: WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE

Published By Blog Breed

Let’s face it, writing a resume can be a real snooze fest. It’s tough to toot your own horn and make your accomplishments sound impressive.

So here’s the deal: creating a resume in a hurry or spending too much time perfecting every detail are both disastrous strategies. The result? Including info that no one really cares about.

Unfortunately, most blunders in the job hunt start with a wonky resume. And, if you mess up your resume, it could be the kiss of death for your chances of getting hired. Why you ask? Well, if you can’t get your resume in order, what other tasks might you bungle?

Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid so you can put your best foot forward.

Adding Your Hobbies

We get it – your hobbies are awesome! Whether you’re into knitting, video games, or disco dancing, you might be tempted to include them on your resume to show off your well-rounded personality. But hold up – unless your hobbies are professionally relevant, you might want to reconsider.

Employers want to see your qualifications and experience, not your love for extreme ironing. So, before you start listing every hobby you’ve ever had, ask yourself: is it relevant to the job you’re applying for?

For example, if you’re applying for a role as a yoga instructor, go ahead and mention your passion for yoga. But if you’re applying for a software engineering job, leave out the fact that you’ve watched every episode of “The Office” (even though we applaud your dedication). Remember, your resume is a professional document, not a dating profile.

Also Read: TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FIT AND HEALTHY AT HOME

Mentioning Objective

In the past, everyone used to include objectives in the resume. But, nowadays, adding an objective just takes up space and doesn’t do much to showcase your skills and experience. Employers are more interested in seeing what you can bring to the table, rather than what you hope to gain.

So, instead of a boring old objective, why not try starting off with a snazzy summary statement or just jump right into your awesome experience? Let’s make your resume pop and land you that dream job.

Providing A List Of All Your Primary Schools

If you’re still in high school and applying for a part-time gig at your local retail store, it’s okay to list your high school education. And, if you won any awards or honors in high school, go ahead and brag a little! But, when it comes to middle and elementary school, it’s time to leave those memories of the past.

If you’re a college graduate, high five! You’ve made it to the big leagues. However, unless you did something extraordinary in middle schools, like win the science fair or invent a new type of candy, skip listing those schools on your resume. Employers are interested in your college education and any relevant work experience, not your achievements in second grade.

Having Expectations For Pay

When it comes to salary expectations, it’s wise to keep a lid on it during the earlier stages of the interview process.

Don’t be a premature penny-pincher and hold off on revealing your desired compensation until you’re further down the line. No need to put a number on your resume either – let the employer make the first move, and then you can bust out your sweet negotiation skills.

 If you throw out a figure that’s higher than their budget, it could be a dealbreaker. On the flip side, if you lowball yourself too early, you might end up with a wallet that’s feeling a bit light. So play it smart and keep those salary expectations close to the vest until the time is right.

Including The Phrase “References Are Available Upon Request”

Have you ever seen the classic movie, “A Christmas Carol”? You know that scene where Ebenezer Scrooge is telling Bob Cratchit, “You can have the day off, but it will be UNPAID!” It’s kind of like that when someone adds “References are available upon request” to their resume.

Of course, your references are available if they’re requested! It’s just unnecessary information that clutters up your already impressive list of qualifications. Let your experience and skills speak for themselves, and save the “References available upon request” line for another day.