If you’re looking for a new job, let this sink in before you send out another resume: Less is more. According CareerBuilder.com’s Rachel Zupek, employers don’t have the time or the patience to sift through information on your resume that has nothing to do with the job. So, here are four things to leave off your resume, and why:
Your picture. Unless a job posting specifically asks for your picture - and very few will - don’t include it. Not only are your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you’re putting employers in a bad spot. If they have your picture and choose not to hire you, it’s possible that you could come back with a discrimination lawsuit. So in most cases, they’ll throw your resume away without looking at it, to avoid the issue altogether.
Next:Leave off your interests and hobbies.Telling employers that you love to skydive when you’re applying for a restaurant job is pointless. Unless your hobbies have something specific to do with the job you’re applying for, Zupek says wait until the interview to mention them, when you’re asked what you like to do outside of work.
Also: Ditch the “objective”: Employers are trying to determine whether you’re a good fit for their company, so everything on your resume should point to your experience - not what you “want” from them. Having an objective statement that says “My goal is to gain experience in such-and-such.” is all about you, not what you can do for them.
One last thing to leave off your resume: References! Many job seekers include references on their resume, or a line that says, “References available upon request.” However, this tactic isn’t as effective as it used to be. Jack Harsh is a professor at the University of Richmond School of Business. He says that when he receives a resume with references attached, he doesn’t give them much weight, because they’re not usually specific to the position he wants to fill. So, unless your references are impressive and accomplished people within the field you’re applying for, wait to mention them until you’re asked.
Your picture. Unless a job posting specifically asks for your picture - and very few will - don’t include it. Not only are your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you’re putting employers in a bad spot. If they have your picture and choose not to hire you, it’s possible that you could come back with a discrimination lawsuit. So in most cases, they’ll throw your resume away without looking at it, to avoid the issue altogether.
Next:Leave off your interests and hobbies.Telling employers that you love to skydive when you’re applying for a restaurant job is pointless. Unless your hobbies have something specific to do with the job you’re applying for, Zupek says wait until the interview to mention them, when you’re asked what you like to do outside of work.
Also: Ditch the “objective”: Employers are trying to determine whether you’re a good fit for their company, so everything on your resume should point to your experience - not what you “want” from them. Having an objective statement that says “My goal is to gain experience in such-and-such.” is all about you, not what you can do for them.
One last thing to leave off your resume: References! Many job seekers include references on their resume, or a line that says, “References available upon request.” However, this tactic isn’t as effective as it used to be. Jack Harsh is a professor at the University of Richmond School of Business. He says that when he receives a resume with references attached, he doesn’t give them much weight, because they’re not usually specific to the position he wants to fill. So, unless your references are impressive and accomplished people within the field you’re applying for, wait to mention them until you’re asked.
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1 comment:
Good Post !! Fun and informative !!
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