Less is More when it comes to resumes

Original Author Unknown

Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out résumés with too much information. Employers don't have the time or the patience to sift through irrelevant information like your hobbies, interests or how many grandchildren you have. Just stick to the basics and you're good to go.

Here are 10 things to leave off your résumé and why:

1. Your picture
Why to leave it off: Unless a job posting specifically asks for your picture (very few jobs will), don't include it just for fun. Not only are your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you're putting employers in a bad spot. If they have a picture of you and choose not to hire you, it's possible that you could come back with a discrimination lawsuit. In most cases, they'll throw your résumé away without looking at it, to avoid the issue altogether.

2. Interest and hobbies
Why to leave them off: Unless your interests and hobbies have something to do with the job you're applying for, there's no reason to include them. If you want to show how your passion for art would be asset to a graphic design position, that's one thing. But telling employer that you love to skydive on an actuary application is another. In general, make any applicable connections between your hobbies and the job in your cover letter. Better yet, save them for the interview when you're asked what you like to do outside of work.

3. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
Why to leave them off: Most employers assume that if you're OK with sending out a résumé littered with typos and mistakes, you'll have the same lack of concern for the work you do as an employee at their company. While spell check picks up most errors, it can miss something major (did you work the late night shift? Or did you forget to include the "f" between "i" and "t"?), so have several eyes look over your résumé before sending it out to employers.

4. Personal attributes
Why to leave them off: Similar to sending in a picture with your résumé, your height, weight, age, race or religion are all unimportant to an employer. Though it's illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants because of any of these factors, some will do so, regardless. Keep everything on your résumé pertinent to the job, and you'll be fine.

5. References
Why to leave them off: Many job seekers still include references on their résumé or they include a line that says, "References available upon request." This tactic is not as effective as it used to be. Jack Harsh, adjunct professor at the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, says that when he receives a résumé with references attached, he gives them virtually no weight. "They seldom are specific to the role my company seeks and are not meaningful in considering qualifications or traits of successful candidates," he says. Wait to broach the topic of references until you're asked for them.

6. Minute details
Why to leave them off: Hiring managers don't need to know the details of every task you've ever done in every job you've ever had. It's just too much information, and most of the time, half of that information isn't relevant. Employers want to be able to see at first glance that you're a great candidate, so pick out those details that are most relevant to the job for which you're applying and omit the rest.

7. False information
Why to leave it off: Plain and simple, no one wants to hire a liar. Don't say that you have a master's degree if you've only earned your bachelor's; don't say you're presently employed at a company if you've recently been fired; don't list your salary history as 20 percent higher than it was. Everything you tell an employer can be verified, so play it safe and be honest.

8. Flair
Why to leave it off: No one wants to look at a résumé on fluorescent paper, covered in crazy fonts and symbols. Similarly, links to personal Web sites, your photo-sharing site, or strange e-mail addresses can also be left off. Employers are less likely to respond to likes2party@email.com than just DMiller@email.com.

9. Negativity
Why to leave it off: Never put anything negative on your résumé. Don't include your reasons for leaving. If you left the position due to a layoff or you were fired, for example, bring it up only if asked. Never write anything bad about a previous employer. Don't explain gaps on your résumé by stating that you were in prison for 10 years for killing your husband. Keep your résumé all positive, all the time.

10. A selfish objective
Why to leave it off: Employers are trying to determine whether you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé should point to your experience. Employers would rather see a summary of qualifications that displays your accomplishments and background than a generic objective statement like "To gain experience in..."

Job Hunting during Challenging Times

During challenging job-hunting times, some people are resorting to desperate measures thinking that it will help their chances of securing a new position. 

Here are some useful tips from Worlco that will help you avoid a few of the major pitfalls during the job-hunting process. 

1. Be honest.  The old adage  … “Honesty is the best policy” really applies here.  Misrepresenting your current compensation, education level or dates of employment will be detected in nearly all cases.  Misrepresentation of material information on either your resume or application will be cause for immediate disqualification or termination.  

2. Covering gaps in your employment history.  Rather then trying to fabricate activities to cover gaps in your employment history, be honest and prepare a good explanation of why you were out of work and what you did during that period of time (i.e. care for a relative, started a small business, took time off to travel, spent time with children, looked for a new job, etc.).   

3. Have good responses prepared for the most commonly asked questions.
   1. “Tell me about yourself?” – Describe your most recent experience, first.  Presenting job related information in a concise manner is a “learned” skill.  Take the time to practice what you’re going to say. Your high school record is of little importance at this point in your career.
   2. “What do you want to do next in your career?” – Be specific as to what you would like to see in your next job and where you would like your career to head (i.e. management track or technical track).
   3. “Why did you leave a company or why are you currently looking?” -- Be able to, specifically, tell why you left a job and what you thought the new opportunity might be or why you are currently in the market.  What motivates you to look for a new job at this point in time?

4. Resumes …
   • Use spellchecker.  Misspelled words and poor grammar are “show stoppers” in most companies. 
   • Don’t try to be all things to all people in your summary.  Make your summary as specific and informative as possible. 
   • Explain gaps in your work history (remember the honesty discussion). 
   • Pictures, graphics and Internet links should be avoided (it’s too time consuming to download and deal with).  Using a simple Word attachment is most effective. Don’t let Zip, PDF or Mac technology hinder your chances.  Don’t try to get “too cute”. 
   • Don’t be too general, technology industry managers want to know, (a) what you have done, (b) when you did it and (c) with what technology.  Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. 
   • Be cautious about “spreading yourself too thin” across the Internet.  Blasting your resume to hundreds of companies is difficult to follow-up on and can work against you. 
   • Keep your references informed; the worse thing that can happen with a reference is for them not to be prepared when the reference call comes. 
   • Positive first impressions are critical either ‘in person’ or ‘in written form’.

We look forward to helping you find the right job and Best of Luck in your job search