We spend a lot of time talking about what you should include in your resume and how you should include it.  Let’s switch gears and discuss what you should never include on your resume.  You want your resume to stand out but not for all the wrong reasons. Below is a short list of what not put on your resume.

  1.  Your Picture – there are multiple reasons not to include your picture on your resume.  It’s illegal in the US to discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and ethnicity.  Most recruiters don’t want to see what you look like.  Pictures included on resumes can open employers up to potential discrimination lawsuits.  Also, it can cause unintentional or unconscious bias based on any number of factors like what you’re wearing, how old you appear in the picture…  Next it takes up space on your resume that can be devoted to listing your relevant skills and accomplishments which are more appropriate and important on your resume.  Lastly, it can be problematic for ATS (applicant tracking systems) which already reject 90% of candidates, even if they’re qualified. (See my post on What the Heck Is An ATS: https://resumereviewservices.com/what-the-heck-is-an-ats/).
  2. Hobbies and Interests That Don’t Have a Direct Correlation To A Position – Everyone has hobbies and outside interests they enjoy.  Recruiters aren’t interested in how you spend your spare time.  Unless it is related to the position you are applying to.  For example if you are a Marine Biologist and volunteer at a local aquarium that would be worth mentioning on your resume or even a cover letter.  Or if your field is finance and you like to dabble in crypto currency on the side that is relevant and can be included.
  3. Jobs That Are Older Than 10 – 15 Years –  Ideally, including 10-15 years of experience allows you to show a comprehensive overview of where you started, how you have grown and where you are now. The older a job is the less recruiters care about it.  Unless a job which is older than 10 or 15 years is directly related to the position you are applying to it’s best to leave them off.  Instead, focus on your most recent accomplishments and jobs.  Most entry level jobs are only loosely connected to what you are doing now. However, one way to include content from old jobs is to include some of the important skills you learned at earlier jobs in your skills section
  4. Personal Pronouns “I”, “Me”, “We” – Leave off personal pronouns.  It’s your resume, it’s understood you took the action.  Start your accomplishment statements with an active verb.
  5. References and Salary Information – Neither are relevant at this stage of the game.  Both of these topics will be covered during the second round of the interview process.  Also leave off the line “References Available Upon Request” it’s a space waster.  Employers are aware you’ll provide the information if you want the job.  Same with salary information.  That’s best left to the negotiation stage.