Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Stop putting your full address on your resume
3. Get rid of your objective statement
4. Stop detailing your entire work history
5. Stop using weak action verbs
6. Don't include "references available on request"
7. Do not use outdated skills on your resume
8. Limit your work history to the past 10-15 years
9. Keep your resume to a maximum of 1.5 pages
10. Include your LinkedIn profile link in the header
11. Avoid using a tiny font on your resume

Things You Shouldn't Put on Your Resume

Resumes play a crucial role in the job application process. They are the first impression employers have of You and are essential in determining whether or not you are a suitable candidate for a position. While there is plenty of advice available on what to include on your resume, it is equally important to know what to omit. In this article, we will discuss some key things that you shouldn't put on your resume Based on recommendations from a senior recruiter for Google.

1. Stop putting your full address on your resume

Traditionally, resumes included the candidate's full address, including their street address. However, this practice has become outdated and unnecessary. Including your full address only takes up valuable space on your resume without adding any significant value. Instead, opt for a more concise approach by including just your city and state. For example, "Don Georgiovich - Cleveland, Ohio." This provides the necessary information without cluttering your resume.

Pros

• Saves space on your resume
• Reduces the risk of potential privacy concerns

Cons

• Some employers may still prefer to have the full address information

2. Get rid of your objective statement

Objective statements were once a common component of resumes. They provided a brief summary of the Type of position a candidate was seeking, making it easier for recruiters to identify their interests. However, objective statements have become outdated in recent years. Recruiters and hiring managers now prefer resumes that directly highlight a candidate's skills and qualifications. Objective statements add unnecessary clutter and do not effectively showcase your expertise.

Pros

• Allows more space for Relevant information
• Provides a clearer focus on skills and qualifications

Cons

• Some employers may still prefer to see an objective statement

3. Stop detailing your entire work history

It can be tempting to include every job, task, and responsibility you have ever had on your resume. However, this approach is not effective and can overwhelm potential employers with irrelevant information. Instead, focus on highlighting relevant experiences and accomplishments that Align with the position you are applying for. Tailor your resume to showcase your expertise in areas that are directly related to the job requirements.

Pros

• Emphasizes relevant experiences and accomplishments
• Avoids overwhelming employers with irrelevant information

Cons

• Risk of excluding potentially valuable experiences

4. Stop using weak action verbs

Choosing the right words to describe your experiences and accomplishments is crucial when crafting an effective resume. Weak action verbs like "helped" or "was responsible for" do not make a strong impact and can diminish the overall quality of your resume. Instead, use strong and impactful action verbs that clearly demonstrate your skills and achievements. Examples include "streamlined," "implemented," "strategized," "increased," "managed," and "developed."

Pros

• Makes your resume more powerful and impactful
• Highlights your skills and achievements effectively

Cons

• Requires more careful selection of action verbs

5. Don't include "references available on request"

Including a line like "references available on request" on your resume is unnecessary and outdated. In today's hiring process, employers assume that you will provide references if requested. Adding this line will not affect whether your resume gets Read or not. If a company requires references, they will typically ask you during the interview process. Instead of wasting valuable space on your resume, wait until you are specifically requested to provide references.

Pros

• Saves space on your resume
• Unnecessary since references are typically requested during the interview process

Cons

• Some employers may still prefer to see the line included

6. Do not use outdated skills on your resume

Including outdated skills can make your resume seem outdated and less relevant to potential employers. It is important to focus on skills that are Current and directly applicable to the job you are applying for. Avoid listing skills that are no longer in demand or have become irrelevant in your industry. Instead, highlight modern skills that demonstrate your expertise and proficiency in areas relevant to the position.

Pros

• Highlights your up-to-date skills
• Demonstrates your proficiency in relevant areas

Cons

• Risk of excluding potentially valuable skills

7. Limit your work history to the past 10-15 years

While it may be tempting to include your entire work history on your resume, it is generally recommended to limit it to the past 10-15 years. Older experiences may not be as relevant to employers and can overshadow more recent and valuable experiences. By focusing on recent work history, you can showcase your most relevant skills and accomplishments, making your resume more concise and impactful.

Pros

• Highlights your most recent and relevant experiences
• Allows you to emphasize recent skills and accomplishments

Cons

• Risk of excluding valuable earlier experiences

8. Keep your resume to a maximum of 1.5 pages

Recruiters and hiring managers typically spend a limited amount of time reviewing each resume. To ensure that your resume is thoroughly read and understood, it is essential to keep it concise and to the point. Aim to fit all the relevant information on one page if possible. However, if you have extensive experience, it is acceptable to extend your resume to a maximum of 1.5 pages. Avoid exceeding this length as longer resumes are more likely to be skimmed or overlooked.

Pros

• Increases the chances of your resume being thoroughly reviewed
• Emphasizes concise and impactful information

Cons

• Risk of excluding additional relevant information

9. Include your LinkedIn profile link in the header

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Including a link to your LinkedIn profile in the header section of your resume can provide recruiters with additional information about your professional background and skills. It serves as a convenient way for employers to explore more about your qualifications beyond what is listed on your resume. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is well-maintained and provides a Cohesive narrative of your career.

Pros

• Provides additional information about your professional background
• Allows employers to explore your qualifications in more Detail

Cons

• Some candidates may not have an active or comprehensive LinkedIn profile

10. Avoid using a tiny font on your resume

Your resume should be clear and readable, ensuring that employers can easily navigate through the information. Using a tiny font size, such as 9 or 10.5, to fit more content on one page may hinder the readability of your resume. This is especially true when it is viewed on computer screens. Opt for a legible font size, preferably Arial, ranging from 10 to 11 points. This ensures that your resume is easily readable both on paper and digital screens.

Pros

• Enhances the readability of your resume
• Allows employers to navigate through the information easily

Cons

• Risk of potential content limitations due to increased font size

In conclusion, it is essential to be mindful of what not to include on your resume. By avoiding outdated practices and focusing on relevant information and skills, you can present a more impactful and concise document to potential employers. Remember, your resume should reflect your own accomplishments and qualifications, making it the best tool to highlight your suitability for a job.