Resumes are an essential way that recruiters and hiring managers view your experience. Whether you are applying online, in-person, or at job fairs, your resume is critical because you rely on it to express why you are qualified for the position at that company.
This is why it is necessary to only include details that enhance your skills and abilities. Less is more. Here are 8 things recruiters wish you would leave off your resume.
1. Objective statement
We are giving you permission to remove the objective statement from your resume immediately. Now replace it with a professional summary. It shows who you are as a professional and shows off your high-caliber skills. Recruiters care if you have the skills to get the job done, show them that you do. Entice your reader with information that will keep them reading.
If you are looking to make a career change that doesn’t completely make sense reading your resume alone, include a summary statement instead.
2. Old work experience
You don’t need to include everything you have ever done. In fact, doing so can be incredibly distracting. All the experience you mention should be relevant to the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a Project Manager role, no one cares about your experience as balloon-animal maker during high school.
3. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
In an age of spell check there is no excuse for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Yet people still send out resumes with glaring errors on them. These errors create a terrible first impression; they send the message that you don’t care about the details, and you don’t respect the person who is reading your resume.
Because you have read through your resume so many times, it’s a good idea to have someone proofread your final version. Alternatively, use a free online grammar checker like Grammarly for English text.
4. References available on request
If you have professional experience, it is implied that you will have references. Recruiters will always ask for references if they need them from you. There is no need to point out that you have them. Bring a hard copy to job interviews, but don’t hand them over unless you are asked. It is always smart to have updated references ready to send over.
5. Your graduating grades
The only time your graduating grades are important is if you are a recent graduate, and you received notable academic achievement. As your work experience grows, your grades lose relevance. Instead focus on highlighting key metrics, achievements, awards, and promotions.
6. Internships
Internships have a place on your resume if you have limited professional work experience. If you are in your first or second job they are helpful. Long-term, the only ones you should ever mention are powerful ones. Worked at the White House or assisted the President of the United Nations? Keep these and delete the rest.
7. Computer skills
If your computer skills are specific or essential to your role, then include them on your resume. Use your discretion though. If it isn’t imperative to your role leave it out. While technical computer system knowledge is important for a programmer role, not all software skills are created equal. These days, it is assumed that you are able to navigate programs like Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
8. Hobbies
Keep in mind that your audience is your perspective employer. You need to tell them what you can do for them and how you can solve problems they have. Your hobbies do nothing to help this and can make your resume far too personal instead of professional.
Looking for more tips on writing your resume?
Resumes are the primary way that recruiters and hiring managers view your experience. Whether you are applying online, in-person, or at job fairs, your resume is critical to explain why you are qualified for their job.
This is why it is necessary to only include details that enhance your skills and abilities. Less is more.
Read about the Top 6 tips for writing your resume.
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