Every detail counts
If you include too much information, or the wrong information, you may reduce your chances of getting a foot in the door. No-one wants that, especially if you’ve spent hours working on an application for your dream job. So, here are 5 things you should leave off your resume.
- Dated Professional Experience
Let’s be realistic, your recruiter won’t wade through ten pages of information on every job you have ever held. Focus instead on your professional experience in the last 10 years, which should be enough to showcase relevant knowledge, skills and experience. For most applicants, this will result in a resume of about 1-3 pages long.
There are, of course, exceptions. If you’ve taken a career break and don’t have recent experience, you may need to look outside the last decade. And if you have a truly exceptional professional achievement from 20 years ago, you may want to give it a mention. - Lots of Personal Details
Recruiters don’t need to see date of birth and marital status on your resume. These, unfortunately, can open to door to discrimination. Nor do you need to provide your full address. The following information, though, should be included:
– Your full name
– Email address
– Preferred contact number and/or mobile phone number
– Your suburb and postcode - Interests
You may be passionate about ice hockey or sci-fi movies. Your recruiter may not. In fact, many recruiters suggest you don’t include your interests on what is, essentially, a professional document. Others, however, like to use them as a way into a conversation or interview. And your interests can, of course, showcase specific skills and experience. You might be treasurer of your local football club, for example (super relevant if you’re going for a role in Accounts or Finance). The jury’s out on this one . . . - Typos
Spelling mistakes and grammar errors are big no-nos when it comes to resumes. They suggest a lack of attention to detail. If you’re not any good at spelling (and even if you are), run a spellcheck before you submit anything to a recruiter. Or ask a trusted co-worker, friend or family member to cast their eyes over your work. - Bells and Whistles
By this, we mean headshots, fancy graphics, fonts and unusual page layouts. The information on your resume should be concise, clearly set out and easy for your recruiter to read. Again, there are exceptions here. If you’re applying for a role as a graphic designer or photographer, your recruiter might actually appreciate a copy of your portfolio.
Sometimes it can be easier to focus on what not to include on a resume. We hope you find the above tips helpful when you are drafting and reviewing yours.
Do you have any tips on what to leave off a resume? The professional team at Optimal Workforce would love to hear from you on admin@optimalworkforce.com.au or 02 8077 7030.
