7 Things To Cut From Your Resume

Your resume should be a professional representation of your experience and abilities. It requires a careful balance between providing enough information and not providing too much. To maximize the impact of your resume and utilize available space as effectively as possible, there are certain things that you should consider leaving off:

1. Objective

Ditch the objective section and replace it with a strong summary of qualifications and core competencies. Clearly your objective is to land the job to which you are applying. Use this opportunity to show hiring managers what you are capable of doing rather than just telling them what you would like to do.

2. References Available Upon Request

Including this phrase, or furthermore actually listing your references, is a waste of valuable space. It is implied that these resources are available. If a hiring manager is interested in you and wants to contact your references, they will reach out to gather this information. Use this space instead to expand upon other more valuable aspects of your resume.

3. Salary

While you may want to show what you are worth, including your salary history is not the most effective way to do this. In fact, it can leave the wrong impression on employers and detract from your ability to negotiate salary later on. Unless the job description specifically asks for salary history, strike this from your resume.

4. Photo

Your headshot may present you as a respectable professional, but it does not have any impact on your ability to do the job. Unless you are applying to be an actor or model, refrain from inserting or attaching any sort of photo to your resume. Graphics in general are not recommended unless they specifically related to the position.

5. Outdated Work History

A general rule of thumb is to include employment history dating back 10 years. If you have anything relevant to include beyond this, you can list it under “additional experience,” but only include the company, years, and job title. Employers are not interested in every single job you have held since you were 16. Focus instead on showcasing your strengths and accomplishments in more recent positions that support your candidacy.

6. Personal Information

You certainly want to include current contact information such as your name, address, phone number, and email, but outside of these elements, no other personal information is necessary. Your age, gender, marital status, children, or other details are irrelevant. In fact, they could inadvertently harm your chances of getting the job.

7. Meaningless Buzzwords

Filling your resume with words such as “innovative,” “experienced,” or “creative,” does not hold much value. These terms are subjective. Instead, try to use objective and quantifiable statements. If you have worked as an engineer for the past 10 years, say so. Show what you have done to prove that you are innovative rather than simply stating that you are. Metrics can go a long way in backing claims.

Hiring managers may spend less than a minute taking a first glance at your resume. Make sure that it catches their attention for the right reasons. Chic Resumes by Grammar Chic can help you determine exactly what to include and target your resume to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Contact us today at 803-831-7444 or by visiting www.chicresumes.com to find out more.

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