Things You Should Leave Off Your Resume

Are you sending out your resume and waiting to hear something back? While it may be possible that you don’t have some of the qualifications employers are seeking, it is equally likely that some things on your resume could turn off the employer.

You may wonder why you should leave some things off your resume that can seem beneficial. Most of the time, having extra information isn’t necessary to land a job. Below are four things that can be omitted from your resume.
 

• References. Typically, it would help if you left your references out of your resume. It adds unnecessary space, and all the employer wants is 1-2 pages to skim through quickly. The only exception is when they ask for your references.
• Where you live. It is no longer necessary to provide your mailing address on the top of your resume because it is highly unlikely that an employer will send you something by mail. Another reason to consider not providing your address is that an employer may search your commute to the office or job location and rule you out based on distance. A good phone number and email address are preferred at the top of your resume.
• Too much information. Employers want to be able to skim your experience. When explaining a previous role, limit the section to 2-3 lines. Where you graduated high school and your GPA is also unnecessary. These aren’t always indicators of how well you will do at a particular job. Only include any college experience you may have.
• Your picture. Although it seems like a good idea to provide a face to the name on your resume, some hiring managers consider pictures on resumes unprofessional. Even if the hiring manager doesn’t discriminate against you based on your photo, it might be seen as a distraction from what is crucial such as your skills, education and work experience.

It’s important to remember that it takes time to perfect your resume. If you need a second opinion, ask a friend or family member. Or if you are seeking more guidance, there are many free resume examples online to utilize. If you are still in college, there are free resources that allow you to seek help and have someone look over your resume and provide edits.

There is always a solution to any problem, and we are here to provide you with any guidance you may need.