More than 37 million resumes are uploaded onto the Indeed website each week.
Uploading your resume on a site like Indeed, Monster, or LinkedIn is a great way to get noticed and land your dream job.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that the thing holding them back from their dream, is their resume.
Continue reading to discover what not to include in a resume this year, so that you can finally land that job!
1. Blocks of Text
When learning what not to include in a resume, the first thing on the list is large blocks of text.
Having a long paragraph for your objective or job summary can turn people away from your resume. You should leave gaps between sections and use bullet points whenever possible to make reading easier.
You can use a free template for resume building to help space your information in the most beneficial way.
2. General Statements
Most of the time when someone is looking at your past job title they have a general idea already of what you do.
Adding broad statements in your job descriptions can be unhelpful and leave people uninterested. Try to be specific and use numbers where you can. Showing the effect you made is more important than your general duties.
3. Putting Yourself First
The purpose of a resume is to display your skills and show a company how you can benefit them.
You shouldn’t start sentences with “I.” Sentences that begin this way are weak and should begin with strong action words of what you did.
4. Irrelevant Information
When searching for a job you must keep in mind what experience you have that pertains to it.
Adding irrelevant information or things that you did a long time ago can set you back. Employers don’t want to waste their time and by looking at your resume, they will be able to identify what is important and what is fluff.
5. Fluffy Words
This may seem like the same as irrelevant information, but adding fluffy words goes far beyond that.
Many people believe that using big and impressive words will positively catch the attention of others. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Changing out strong words with fluffy ones can be distracting.
Keep it simple!
6. Spelling and Grammer Errors
When looking through resumes, employers will not want to see resumes with an abundance of grammatical errors.
Not only does this show an inability to edit oneself, but it also shows the care that you put into applying to the job. Employers are seeking professional candidates that review their information for accuracy and errors.
7. Low GPAs
If your GPA is below a 3.0— don’t add it!
Drawing attention to low GPAs won’t impress a potential boss and could make you a less serious candidate. Only include educational information if it is consistent (like making the Dean’s List) or is above average.
You Should Know What Not to Include in a Resume
Job hunting can be stressful or an exciting period that involves taking on new challenges.
To successfully land an interview and position, you must first know what not to include in a resume. Using this guide can help you format your resume to the best draft its ever been.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles with tips on landing a job and moving up in your career!
