4 things you should leave out of your resume
It’s time to find a new job. Maybe you’re tired of selling widgets, maybe you just want to live at the beach. Whatever the reason, you’re probably geeked up and ready to go. Maybe you got a fresh haircut, a new suit, and some shiny new black shoes. That’s fantastic. Let’s slow down a bit. Maybe it’s a been a while since you’ve applied for a job, so let’s take a peek at that resume and see how it’s looking. As you update your resume, here are a few things you should leave out if you want a real shot at getting that new gig.
Your current work email address: Never use your current work email as your contact email address on your resume. It’s not a good look to use your company email to help you score a new job. The first thing that pops in my mind is someone filling out online applications while they’re getting paid to do something else. Use a personal email address that looks professional. If your personal account is coolguy99@hotmail.com, it’s time to get a new one.
Anything that tries to make you appear smart: Unless you graduated high school last Thursday, avoid bragging about high school achievements. If you’re 35, hiring managers don’t care that you were in Beta Club. And avoid fancy words. You should use the same words on your resume that you use in conversation. Trying to appear smart usually looks like you’re trying to appear smart.
Any irrelevant information: Your resume is your chance to display the skills and experience that are useful to you in acquiring a job. Anything that doesn’t help you reach that goal should be stricken from your resume. Your part time job cutting grass in high school and the words “references available upon request” both qualify as irrelevant. Save room for valuable information.
Anything that makes you look like a weirdo: So, you spend your weekends being a party clown. Your time is your time, but I wouldn’t brag about it. For one; nobody likes clowns. Also, this fact isn’t going to help you get a job, so don’t waste anyone’s time with that nonsense. If you’re applying to work at a circus, ignore everything I just said.
