10 things to leave off your resume

Your resume is your first impression to potential employers, and it’s crucial that you present yourself in the best possible light. However, there are certain things that you should leave off your resume to avoid turning off potential employers. 

Here are 10 things to leave off your resume:

1. Irrelevant work experience: Including work experience that is not relevant to the position you are applying for can clutter your resume and distract from your relevant skills and experience. Only include work experience that is directly related to the position you are applying for.
2. Personal information: Your resume should focus on your professional qualifications and experience, not personal details such as your age, marital status, religion, or ethnicity. Employers are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of these personal characteristics, and including them on your resume could unintentionally harm your chances of getting the job.
3. Hobbies and interests: While it’s important to showcase your personality and interests during an interview, including them on your resume can come across as unprofessional and distracting. Stick to professional achievements and experience or anything you feel is relevant to the position your applying for.
4. References: Including references on your resume can take up valuable space and is unnecessary. It’s assumed that you will provide references if requested, so save this information for a later stage in the hiring process.
5. High school information: Unless you are a recent high school graduate with no college experience, it’s unnecessary to include information about your schools on your resume. Focus on your college degree and relevant work experience instead.
6. Objective statement: The objective statement is outdated and unnecessary on modern resumes. Instead, use a professional summary or profile to showcase your skills and experience.
7. Salary information: Including salary information on your resume can give the impression that you are more focused on compensation than the job itself. Save this information for later in the hiring process.
8. Unprofessional email addresses: Your email address should be professional and straightforward, such as your first and last name. Avoid using email addresses that are unprofessional or inappropriate.
9. Spelling and grammar errors: Even a single spelling or grammar error can give the impression that you lack attention to detail or are not serious about the job. Proofread your resume carefully or use a grammar checker to ensure that it is error-free.
10. Lies or exaggerations: Never lie or exaggerate on your resume. Employers can easily fact-check your claims, and if they discover that you have lied, it can ruin your chances of getting the job and harm your reputation in the industry.

In conclusion, your resume is your first impression to potential employers, and it’s crucial that you present yourself in the best possible light. By leaving off these 10 things, you can ensure that your resume showcases your professional qualifications and experience in a clear and concise manner.