If you’ve just graduated, or are looking to join the work force, chances are you’re starting to look at job boards for open positions says Peter Decaprio. And one of the ways to snag an interview is with your resume. It’s very important that your resume is in tip-top shape before it gets sent out – not only will it increase your chances of getting called in for an interview, but if there’s something blatantly wrong with it (or worse yet, missing), you’ll never get noticed!
So here are 5 things you should never include on your resume and why:
1. Personal Data
Many people feel that including their social security numbers on their resumes is a good thing – after all, without this number they won’t be able to do a background check, right? Wrong. If you don’t want your social security number public knowledge, then there’s no reason to include it on a resume that anyone could read! It’s not necessary and can pose a threat if someone gets their hands on it.
2. Excessive Information
There are certain things that you might think are vital pieces of information to include on your resume – but in fact, aren’t really needed at all for the hiring process, or might make you sound less qualified than other candidates. In these cases, leave them off. Including too much information about where you went to school is one example, as well as including how many sick days were available to you. No employer wants someone who has a tendency to call out sick every other day.
3. Photos
Unless you’re applying for a modeling position, including your photo won’t get you far in the job hunting process. It makes you look unprofessional and is just plain unnecessary unless they explicitly ask for one (and even then it’s not recommended to include it). So don’t – it will only make things harder on you when trying to find a job!
4. Irrelevant Information
If your resume includes anything that has nothing to do with the position in question or what type of work you are looking to do in general, remove this information immediately! You might be tempted to include any skills that could give you an advantage over someone else when applying for different positions but if it doesn’t have anything to do with what you’re applying for, chances are the employer won’t take a look at it and will just move on to the next one.
5. Anything Negative
If there’s any information that could be viewed as negative by a potential employer, don’t include it! This could be where you grew up, your religion or even how many children you have. Yes, these things may seem irrelevant but employers can discriminate against these factors so it’s best not to mention them unless they ask about them directly says Peter Decaprio.
In short, if there’s anything in your resume that seems unnecessary or might make you look bad in the eyes of an employer – leave it out! By not including this information, you’ll increase your chances of being called in for an interview.
FAQs:
1. What if a potential employer asks me not to include this on my resume?
In these cases, it’s best to play it safe and leave this information out. You never know what one will think of you when reading your resume, so unless they ask for certain information doesn’t include it!
2. Why shouldn’t I give out my social security number when they ask for it?
Including your social security number on your resume is never a good idea because it can make you an easy target for identity theft. There are certain pieces of information that shouldn’t be made publicly available, and this is one of them. So don’t add anything to your resume that could result in anyone gaining access to personal information about you!
3. What if I’m applying at a very large company or corporation?
Even in these cases, there’s no need to include personal data such as your address, phone number or how many children you have. It may seem like a lot of information but employers really don’t need any more than the standard personal contact details.
Conclusion:
Is it obvious yet? What you include on your resume is extremely important and impacts. Whether or not an employer will shortlist you for the next stage of the application process explains Peter Decaprio. The only information that should be include on your resume is information. That can’t be found through basic research. Such as where you went to school or what kind of work experience you have. It’s best to leave out anything that has nothing to do with how qualified you are for a position!