Common Resume Mistakes
By Martin Buckland, Master Resume Writer, AnAmericanResume.com

When I see the book “The Perfect Resume” in a book store, the title makes me cringe, as there is no such document. Decision makers view a resume from different perspectives and extract the information they need to determine if you are a viable candidate.

However, there are some resume rules; some things that should be included and others that won’t be beneficial to you.

Age, sex, martial status:

In North America, these details should be left out - they have no impact on how you perform your job and can be used for discrimination.

Political or religious affiliations:

I shouldn’t have to say this but we live in a diverse world where people do discriminate. Don’t provide an opportunity to eliminate you from contention purely because of your political or religious persuasions. Refrain from referring to religious or political affiliations.

Volunteer work:

This is an integral component of a resume, as long as it’s non-political and non-religious. It shows the reader a number of critical attributes about yourself: you are sharing, caring, willing to learn and most of all you give your time for free. What a good message to send to a potential employer!

Hobbies and leisure activities:

A few years ago human resource professionals and recruiters were looking to see what you did outside your business life. NO MORE. A resume is a business presentation. Unless your hobbies have a bearing on the position you are applying for, it’s wasted space.

Employer information:

Keep it brief, just provide the company name and location. It’s not acceptable to include the name of your supervisor or manager, their telephone number or address.

Jargon:

Yes, it’s great to include somewhere in the resume some of your industry’s jargon or buzzwords. It shows that you are up on current trends and technology and can interact well among your peers in their language.

Compensation:

Leave it out; including this information will damage your chances and possibly eliminate you from an interview. It pigeonholes you, as it can undersell you or over price you.

Reasons for leaving previous employment:

Your future employer doesn’t need to read on a resume anything about why you are no longer employed with a particular company. When confronted about the reasons for leaving a previous employer never criticise them.

References:

In short, leave off. Take your references, typed up on a separate sheet of paper with the same heading as the resume and cover letter with you to the interview.

Employment Gaps:

A very controversial subject. A resume is a truthful document and for numerous reasons people either take time off for personal, care giving or health reasons or they have been unemployed. Without an explanation an employer could make the wrong conclusion, so try to account for any employment gaps if possible.

Make sure your resume sends a powerful, positive message. Make sure you are prepared to defend its contents in an interview.

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