When preparing your cover letter and professional resume during your job search, it's important to stay on top of industry trends. Employers usually look for something different in resumes and application materials that go beyond what a general template includes. Craft a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers by removing these 11 things from your document.
1. Non-Industry Jobs
When crafting your professional resume, only list jobs and duties that are relevant to the position for which you're applying. Include detailed achievements and skills directly related to the job to keep the employer's interest.
2. Clichés
Stand out from other candidates by eliminating clichés or overused phrases, such as "team player" or "enthusiastic worker," from your resume. These phrases don't mean anything to the employer and take up space you can use to provide more detailed examples of your work.
3. Abbreviations
Avoid using acronyms or abbreviations that are not well-known within the industry so that your professional resume is concise and clear.
4. Bulky Paragraphs
Offer information about your qualifications and experience in a format that is easy to absorb. Instead of writing lengthy paragraphs, use bullet points so the key information is easy to identify.
5. False Information
Employers do check references and perform background checks, so make sure your professional resume and cover letter includes details that are accurate, honest and free from exaggerations.
6. Complex Words
There's no need to impress an employer with an expansive vocabulary. Keep your wording concise, and avoid words that are complex, especially if you can use simpler words.
7. Objectives
The days of including an objective on your professional resume are long gone. Clearly, if you are applying for a position, your objective is to get the job. Use this space to expand more on your qualifications.
8. Unprofessional Profile Names
Prior to crafting your resume, change your email and web addresses to names and domains that are professional. Try reserving your first and last name versus including an odd-sounding email on your application materials that could taint your credibility.
9. Hobbies
Stick to professional skills and experience when submitting application materials versus including personal information, such as hobbies. Unless the hobby is relevant to your ability to complete the job duties, leave it off of your resume.
10. Salary Information
Discussions about salary requirements should be reserved for after you are offered or a job or at the end of an interview. Avoid including your current or former salaries on your resume, as this might disqualify you for consideration.
11. Job Loss Details
Never include details or explanations about why you left a previous position on your professional resume. An interview is the appropriate time to offer such explanations.
Concise application materials help to increase your employment opportunities. Refrain from including irrelevant information on your professional resume, and stick to concrete examples of your success in the industry.
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