Top 10 Things to NOT Put in a Resume

I once saw a resume that stated they were "In the business of selling grass"

It was later clarified that they meant landscaping!

Thanks Amy!

That brings up another good point: Do NOT write anything in your resume that may be taken the wrong way. For instance, if you're a photographer, don't say you like to "shoot people."

But what if you're applying for a position as a photographer for the syndicate? Now THAT'S what I call multitasking!

Hey Rick,

You just brought back a bad memory! I once submitted my resume for an entry-level *editorial* position, got called for an interview, met with the managing editor, then the editor-in-chief, and finally the publisher, who was kind enough to mention that I had a TYPO in my resume. Apparently I had impressed them in other ways, because they hired me as an editor even though my resume indicated that my background "emcompassed" certain skills (this was 1985 and my TYPEWRITER didn't have a spell checker).

Lesson Learned: Always have someone else proof your resume! -Julie

Thanks Julie!

Even editors arent *perrfect* with their spelling all the time. ;-)

Rick

I am currently a manager and one of the most annoying things I see in folks resumes is, " I am good with computers". That's funny I did not know that computers were bad! Then you find out later after testing their skills they can barely find the keys! Interesting.......

People shouldn't have to indicate on their resume that they're "good with computers" anymore. The only people who shouldn't have solid computer skills would be those raised in a cave by wolves. If someone wasn't raised in that fashion and doesn't have any computer skills, even the most basic of skills, that would indicate to me that they either skipped a lot of school when they were young or just plain didn't pay attention.

In either case I wouldn't want to hire someone like that!

Hi Felicia and Bill!

Thanks very much for your comments. You raise a good point about the job market today: When it comes to computer skills, you need to be specific, such as "Proficient with Adobe Photoshop" or "Expert with various desktop publishing applications" if you're an end user. On the technical end, you need to cite any certifications you might have, such as with Java or Microsoft's .Net, or maybe networking skills.

As we work in the Information Economy, you need to be very aware of your skills and determine which of them can set you apart from the competition. After all, most of today's jobs involve some use of information technology.

- Rick

I've been in the process of hiring for a data entry position for my company. The ad clearly states we're a medical billing company. Naturally it's important that the data be entered accurately. I emailed a candidate who had sent in a resume to ask if he was still interested in this position and if so what their salary requirement. On all my emails my signature line states my name, title, company name, company address with phone and fax numbers. The response to me email was...

"what hours is this for and where are you located.

Thanks"

Needless to say that resume went in the 'NO' file and I attached the email. (No capitalization, no question mark, didn't address me, left out their salary requirements, obviously didn't read the signature line and considering they sent me their resume to ask where I am?)

Thanks Sherry!

Your story reminds me of two things:

(1) Don't be casual when responding to a potential employer. Always be professional in any correspondence. (2) Log important information about every resume you send and each inquiry you make so that you can pick up where you left off more easily. The job seeker who does this well would have at least looked up your location, the things he or she stressed in the resume, and the information found in the job posting (Pongo users: The TRACKER tool records when and to whom you send all your resumes and cover letters, and which versions you send.).

As the saying goes: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

- Rick

Excellent written and oral skills.

'nuff said yeah?

Application: "Why were you fired from your last job." Response "to many SA's hanging around" I asked other mangers what does SA mean. Nobody knew but we had a laugh and threw out the application.

Slang on an application is inappropriate and so is having your friends "hanging out" with you while you are working.

If you have a disability, should you enter that somewhere in the resume? Or wait for an interview to disclose the information? Disability would have nothing to do with the job.

Hi Edd!

You don't need to disclose a disability, especially if it has nothing to do with the job. What protects you is that federal law says, in most cases, an employer can't discriminate against a disabled person in its hiring decisions For more details, see this goverment document: http://www.ada.gov/cguide.pdf (It's also available in HTML). This comes from the document: The government "prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant’s disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship. ..."

Some companies even go so far in their job ads to state what a job's requirements are so that the applicant can get a good idea whether he or she can do the job, even with a physical impairment.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Never disclose a disability on a resume. A resume is a marketing tool for your skills. They dont have to know about a disability until after they hire you and only if you need an accommodation.

I have epilepsy. For years, I made the mistake of disclosing in every interivew, or on the first week of the job, what to do in case I had a seizure. There was no need to because my seizures were years apart. However, when I asked for advice, every Joe Average American told me I was obligated to tell them I had epilepsy just in case. I didn't get any jobs until I stopped telling people I had epilepsy in the interview. When I told in the first week, I was often fired the day after I disclosed that I had epilepsy.

Your job in the interview is to demonstrate that you can do the job, not a full disclosure of every issue that might occur. Disclosure at this point makes disability the dominant status and an automatic discard. However, after they have worked with you for some time and viewed your personality and skills without knowing about a condition upfront, they will have something affirmative to compare with the disability.

Dont fear the possible reaction, "How DARE you not tell us?!?" If you ever are asked why you didn't disclose information, let them know there was no need to. Affirm that you are able to perform the job. A response after this might start with, "But what if???" and then describing a hypothetical sitatuion. Continue to politely affirm your ability to perform the job.

Has anyone see someone put a quote on a resume? How is this perceived?

I send my resume to a couple of places, then and after that I realized that I miss spelled the word "skills" for "skils". I can't believe that my computer did not catch the mistake. It was too late when I found it later- I had already applied for a position that I wanted!!!

Hi Jazmin! Thanks for visiting!

Your story reminds me of a quote that came out of the Cold War: "Trust, but verify." Do the same after you have used a spell checker.

~ Rick

Another thing to watch is what is put on social networking sites, such as myspace. Potential employers will check these, and if there is talk of illegal activity or other questionable activity such as heavy partying, then you may not get the job.

Hi Jordan!

Yes, you are very correct. While social networking sites allow us enhance our professional credentials, it's the flip side that can get us into trouble. That's why we all need to think twice before we post. My colleague, Brianna Raymond, offered some excellent advice earlier this year about policing yourself online. Here's the link: http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/136/5-ways-to-cover-your-web-tracks.cfm

Best, ~ Rick

I have no college education. I have had multiple skilled jobs over the last 15 years, but now I want to change to a different type of career, yet I don't have the ability to go to school at this time. How would I fill out a resume to let perspective employers know that I learn quickly, am teachable and at the same time, can still be an asset to the company? I have many skills, but don't know how to present them.

@ L Wantink: You pose a tough question, but here's what COULD be a good approach:

First, assuming you know yourself and your skills well, and what you want in a job or career, make sure each resume you send is tailored for a specific position that interests you. Use your Objective or Summary to highlight the skills you have that will make you a worthy candidate.

Second, outline your experience over the last 15 years, placing special emphasis on accomplishments that reflect those skills.

Third, if you have done anything even remotely related to the job you're seeking - either paid or volunteer work - make sure that's noticeable.

Since you're making a career switch, I would also advise you to have three or four professional and personal references who can be ready to vouch for your skills, your character and your work ethic. Someone who is going to *take a chance* on you would want to make sure you're worth the investment.

One more thing: Saying that you're "teachable" is fine, but in many cases, especially with larger firms, employers are skittish about hiring someone who needs a "long learning curve." Tell them very clearly that you will do whatever it takes to ramp up quickly.

Best of luck! ~ Rick

I can understand how putting that you were the president of your fraternity may not impress some, but having been there, it would definitely impress me. If you made it to that point, then you must have outstanding leadership qualities. Don't believe me? Try to assemble 100 drunk, rebelious 19 year olds and get them to do something productive for little more than pride. Oh yeah, get them to pay you for the chance to do it, too. Only someone ignorant of what it takes to make it in that position would pass it off as irrelevant. Or, it's for an analyst job or something which requires little interaction with or management of others.

SA's at my school mean Student Advisor. The position is similar to an RA at most other schools.

I have a serious problem, I have been in the navy reserves for 5yrs now, I wrote out some what of a resume the best way I know how , I;m despretely wanting to gain a ferderal job, the resumes are pretty difficult to make them presentable enough to be looked at..... I'm about 10 word a min. typist. how in the world does someone like me getr these kinds of jobs., with out going crazy !!!! please any help would be great !!!

Ironically, this comment about the importance of using spell check actually has two misspelled words in it. More accurately, the individual words are spelled correctly but their use is incorrect within the context of the sentence. Instead of "sent", the word "send" was used. Additionally, "miss spelled" was used instead of "misspelled." Because each of these words is spelled correctly, a spell check program would not catch these mistakes. It still pays (literally!) to have someone else proof anything that you send out. Just make sure that they know what they are doing!

While managing my husband's medical practice, I often had to review resumes and applications during the hiring process. Two applicants still stand out in my mind. The first wrote that she was "easy to get alone with." I did NOT hire her to work with my husband!

The second, when asked on the application to describe her best asset, wrote a detailed description of her pickup truck. I got a good laugh, but she did not get the job.

Hi Diane!

Thanks very much for dropping in. You can't overstate the importance of having your resume proofread (Check out Brianna's latest post - which went up today), as well as not leading your husband into potential temptation.

And I guess some people take the word "asset" literally. ;-)

Best ~ Rick

I have been working at the same factory for two years. The money is okay, but living "paycheck to paycheck" is getting old. I have NO computer experience and have a G.E.D. (Did you cringe?) Lol. I know I need to do something, but what? Will anyone take the chance on me?

I look at dozens of resumes every day. I think you hot the nail on the head with 2 issues: 1. spelling/grammar; 2. odd email addresses. Also, adding too many extracurricular activities such as coaching your kid's soccer teams. That scream, "I have to leave at 3:30 every Tuesday!"

I have a great poem that will open the eys of those who rely on spellchecker. I wish I knew the author.

Spellbound

I have a spelling checker It came with my PC. It plainly marks four my revue Mistakes eye cannot sea. I've run this poem threw it, I'm sure your please too no. Its letter perfect in it's weigh, My checker tolled me sew.

Hi Donna!

Thankks for the endorssmint and the poem, as well as the reminder that I need to coach socker practiss tonite (after 5:00)! :-))

Best, ~ Rick

Rick,

Thank you for the advise and overall this is a great post with valuable comments; all of which i can learn from. I do have some additional questions in which I could use some input.

1. Instead of using "reference upon request" what should I say?

2. My professional experience is limited. I am only 4 years out of college and maintained the same job throughout. However, during said time, I started 2 companies on my own (still active) and while they may not be cash cows, I gained a lot of experience that would be valuable to a prospective employer. My questions is. Do i include those 2 companies. I am wary a employer might see that as a time commitment issue or something like that. Any thoughts?

@ Justin --

In response to your questions:

(1) "References upon request" -- Don't say anything! You know they'll likely be asking for and checking references. Just be ready with the names and contact information for 3 or 4 people whom you know will sing your praises.

(2) It depends on whether and how the experience relates to the position you're applying for. If, as you say, they aren't cash cows, think of the products or services you deliver. Do you deliver on time? How are your customer service skills? How effectively have you marketed your businesses? etc. Think of the core skills that are required of you to sustain those businesses, and how those skills line up with the core skills of the position you're applying for.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Rick, With regard to personal references, I'm old school and prefer to list. The field I am in Customer Service/Sales Account Manager I feel would respond well to the names listed as my references. Each will "sing praises" about me, as you put it. I feel listing my references may get added attention to my resume, as I'm experienced but lacking a college education. Do you still suggest not to list references?

Most sincerely, Teresa

Hi Teresa!

I hear you, and thanks for the personal perspective from your industry. Unless the job ad specifically states that the company wants references, I'd still leave them out of the resume. Rather, if you're called in for an interview, prepare a sheet of paper with the names and contact information for three or four people who will "sing." Generally, employers will want to call them only if they would like to extend a job offer to you.

College education or not, your experience should be able to speak for itself.

Additionally, if you're into social networking at all - notably LinkedIn.com - try to score some recommendations from clients or former co-workers. They can speak volumes, especially for companies that would rather forgo reference checks in favor of doing web searches on people they want to hire.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Good Morning,

I am a seasoned professional with 9 years in the IT field. I have worked as an account manager and project manager in a very diverse environment. All of this time has been spent with a large, well known service delivery outsourcing company. I am also PMP certified. I have sent in my resume for various positions and have not been contacted for any reputable positions. I have only been called for contract work and by head hunters. I have gone over my resume repeatedly and cannot find anything that stands out as inappropriate or find any typos, etc. Any thoughts on what might be going on?

Thanks in advance, Marian

Hi Marian!

Thanks for writing. It's hard for me to see what's happening with your resume. From what you describe, think about the following:

(1) Is your best stuff near the top of the resume? Does your professional summary describe the "value" you can bring to a company and does it highlight any important skills and certifications? Your PMP certification should be prominently mentioned, especially if you're applying for a project management position.

(2) Does your experience promote your accomplishments more than your duties? Explain how you solved problems for previous employers? Did you beat deadlines for important projects? Did you come in under budget? Did you work on more than one successful project simultaneously?

(3) Have you "custom fit" your resume to match the description of each job you apply for? The more the content of your resume matches words and phrases with the job description, the more likely your resume will get noticed.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

I am entering the job market after an 18-year absence due to raising my children. I had been a Secretary for 5-years at one company and had 8-years of general clerical experience at three previous employers, which included 4-years in the United States Army.

I have had part-time employment in retail off and on during my absence, because the hours were more flexible, but I want full time employment in an office setting again.

I have bought software to brush up on my typing skills, as well as, reacquainting myself with word processing and other office procedures. I am computer literate and I am willing to learn or be trained in new requirements.

I am trying to write my resume and I'm not sure how to start. I also have a unique problem that I need suggestions on how to handle. Every company (other than the Army) that I have been employed with in a clerical type position has gone out-of-business. The only references I would have if a prospective employer asked for them, would be personal. There are retail employers that would be able to verify I worked for them, but the managers I worked with at the time are gone.

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on how I should start, I would greatly appreciate them.

@DMay

Thanks for your comment! I'm jumping in on Rick's post because this topic is near and dear to me. (I, too, faced the hurdle of re-entry after many years.) Your situation is so common I decided it deserved a whole blog post of its own!

Please see my post for 12/17/08 titled: "How to Write a Resume When You Haven't Worked for Years." (I used you as my example ;)

Best of luck, Julie O'Malley, CPRW

Isn't working for a company for a long period of time, gaining experience in different aspects of the company an asset to put on a resume?

After 28 years of employment with one company, I find myself wanting a change. Why wouldn't I put that on my resume, I am proud of my work history with this company!

Thank you in advance,

Karen

Hi Karen!

Thanks for dropping by. You have every reason to be proud of your long work history with just one company. Allow me to clarify my statement with these points:

* Hiring managers appreciate loyalty, but they will also be wary of someone who has been used to being part of one "work culture" for such a long time. Unless your company has fallen on hard times (and it's well known outside company walls), be prepared to explain to another employer why you want to make the switch. It's rare today to find an employee with such a lengthy tenure. Employers are used to seeing resumes showing experience at several companies over the last 15-20 years of a person's career.
* If you've held different positions with the company, especially if you were promoted during those 28 years, give each position a separate heading in your resume along with a list of your top accomplishments in each position.
* To guard yourself against an employer who might find you "too old" or "too experienced," account for only the last 15 years on your resume. You can put the prior work under "other experience" or something similar. Employers are chiefly interested in your most recent work history.

Hope this helps!

Best regards, ~ Rick

Thanks for your comments Rick, I can see where employers may be wary of someone in the same industry for so long. Too bad some employers jump to their own conclusions even though the applicant has the qualifications for the position they are applying for. I am learning alot from your site - this from someone who hasn't had to construct a resume in a very long time. Thank you. Karen Donovan

I regard myself as a sales professional. Sales skills are basical to almost any product, no matter the industry. Product knowledge is only the tip of the sales iceberg. My experience is that HR people do not accept this. If your background is not in the area of the company your resume ends up in the circular file. The industry in which I have worked for the past 11 years, home improvement, has all but died. I'd like to transfer to sales in a call center environment due to health issues. How do I relate my skills and experience in face to face sales in a way that the HR department of the call center company will view them as assets worthy of their consideration?

Thank you for any advise you may give,

Mary

Hi Mary!

I've never worked in sales, but I'll give it my best shot.

The first thing I'd want to know is if you have strong telephone skills. Can you articulate well? Can you explain the company's products or services clearly to a customer over the phone? What percentage of your previous clients kept coming back with more business? How well do you listen to customers and potential customers? Think back to previous successes you had that came about by phone rather than face to face and stress those in your resume and cover letter.

Also, how well do you know call center technology that you will likely have to use?

If I were in HR, that's the kind of stuff I'd be looking for given your extensive sales experience.

Good luck! ~ Rick

Hello. I'm caught between several barrels here. I'm a journeyman plumber. I have epilepsy, only recently diagnosed, and thus am not allowed to drive any more. Even in the construction side of the trade, driving is a near necessity. I've tried commercial plumbing only to find out the sad truth of what Steve, above, said. Pink slips often come shortly after disclosure of a condition as this. My last company was good about it but the recent economic mess resulted that opportunity crumbling.

Additionally, I have more hospital time coming up, including a week or so of assessment and a possible future surgery to alleviate the epilepsy.

I don't know how to find a job, with so many issues-- future absences especially. I'll go into an interview or start a job and then say, "I can do the job but I need a week off and then more time when it comes to surgery????" I have some ideas still about maybe working in the hospitals as a maintenance person or somewhere else that my plumbing ticket could benefit me but I'm stuck trying to write a good resume.

When they want 'accomplishments' on a resume and not just 'activities' how does a plumber say that? 'Cut and glued pipe' 'Cut and threaded gas pipe' Yeeehah. I have no idea how much money I save my employers. I am very reliable and pride myself on being there every day, on time. I want to work and could benefit from help. Anyone. I have a house and family... Thank you.

I am an IT Professional, and I have a question related to work history. I went to work for a software company in 1995, and a few years later it merged with another company - all under a brand new name. (My hire date was not considered changed.) In 2007 my company again merged with another company - taking on the other company's name. (Again, my hire date was not considered changed.) In 2008, my company was BOUGHT by a prominent software company. My job with the old company was officially terminated, and I was hired by the new company. So I have an official hire date with the new company, but my original hire date of 1995 was honored for vacation, benefits, vesting, etc. With each company the job title changed, but during all of this time the job itself did not change. How should I list that on a resume?

Hi Julie!

I would treat it all as one job, assuming your service has been uninterrupted over the last 14 years. List the name of the current employer. In a brief description of the job after you state your title, offer a *brief* history of the ownership changes. For example:

PROMINENT SOFTWARE COMPANY....1995-present

Job Title (Hired originally by ABC Company, which later merged with DEF Company, then GHI Company, which was bought by Prominent in 2008).

Hope this helps! Good luck! ~ Rick

Thanks for info Rick. But, brings me to another question. If it was addressed elsewhere, I missed it. I was laid off at the end of May from "Prominent Software Company". That means I don't list 1995-present, but rather 1995-2009, right? I thought I read somewhere that I can briefly explain in the cover letter that I am recently unemployed due to economic downsizing, or something like that. But should I even mention that, or address it if I get an interview and it comes up?

Hi again!

Yes, you list it as "1995-2009." As for your layoff, don't mention it in the cover letter or resume. (They might assume it if they see "1995-2009.") If they ask you, don't be down about it or even appear desperate. Just say you're no longer employed full time, yet looking for the next career opportunity. If yours was part of a mass layoff, simply saying you were part of a "reduction in force" should clarify that.

Don't express any bitterness toward your former employer about the layoff either. Keep it positive!

~ Rick

Is it legal for a hiring manager to use your e-mail address, given to them on a resume, to search Myspace, ect. for personal information?

@ Lauren - I'm not a lawyer, but I don't see how doing a search on your e-mail address would be a problem. (However, hacking into your e-mail is something entirely different.)

Yet, if I were a hiring manager, I'd try to find a little more information about you through a web search.

~ Rick

I have been working at a call center for a local utility for the last 3 years. Previous to that I worked at a bank, an oil and gas company, a youth center, and elementary school, deli and a couple of other jobs over the last 13 years. I have tried desperately to gain employment with a school district as I had previously in 1996. I have applied so many times now I simply cannot remember how many. I received a call back for one interview but was unsuccessful. What is the best way to get my foot in the door? I called the HR department to one school district when asking what it is they were looking for when reading over resumes for a classified position and she never really answered my question but stated that most are hired from within. How can I stand out from the rest when I am not a current employee of the school district?

@ April -- That's a tough one to answer. If there is no way you could latch on to even something part time to at least get you "in the door," I'd encourage you to look at another school district if you want to work in education. There comes a point in time when, if one strategy isn't working for you, you need to try something different.

I have a B.S. in English secondary education.

It's been 6 years since i taught at a public school. I worked as a professional substitute, because I wanted to get into a variety of schools, and good subs are always needed. I had a lot of crazy experiences, but I like thinking on muy feet, and winging it at the same time. Gaining control of thirty eighth graders, is a challenge I mastered. Of course, i wanted a contract position, but that didn't happen.

I also bartended for many years. Yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment, but I need work. I can offer loads of experience when it comes to handling chaos, or groups of people looking for a leader, structure. What would you suggest in seeking a different career, but using my education, and life experience.

Natural ability to inspire people, with a sense of humor, I accomplish my goals. I also am creative in designing original activities, whether in the classroom, or at a board meeting.

I have a degree in Poli Sci and went up for a job not too long after finishing college. The woman interviewing first was the person I would be replacing. She asked me about my Poli Sci degree and had I planned on doing something else. I told her I had planned on going to law school but had found out my scaly skin wasn't quite tough enough to become a lawyer - (in other words I wasn't quite snake enough to stomach it). She then told me she was leaving this job to go to law school. I looked her right in the eye and told her that she looked like she had great scaly skin and I bet she'd do well...you won't believe but I got the job anyway! Don't take that risk have an appropriate answer for any question pertaining to your resume.

I noticed throughout the comments that you emphasized correct spelling. I was surprised to see several of your own!!!

@ Belinda -- Which only goes to show you that no one is perfect

Were there really several?!? Most were intentional, but I did find two (June 30, 2009, plus the one you quoted - "advice") and corrected them.

Thanks for letting me know! ~ Rick

I have two questions. First, due to a lenghty illness I have a two year gap in employment between my current position(the past 4 1/2 years) and the one I had before that. It does create a glaring hole in my resume. What can I do to lessen the negative impact of the gap on my resume? Second, I am searching for new employment for a number of reasons, but primarily due to a large pay cut (this was company wide) and reduction in responsibilities due to the project I was working on being scrapped for economic reasons. How do you address that in an interview situation?

@ Wendy - On the gap, if you did no work (paid or volunteer) during those two years, address the gap if they ask you about it. You can merely say you had to take time off to address a health situation that has since been resolved, as evidenced by the fact that you've been working for the last 4 1/2 years.

The second item is a bit tricky. You can focus on "seeking a new challenge." Leave the pay cut aside for the moment and turn the loss of a project into a positive by saying "I'm looking for something more challenging in an environment where I can make a difference. The key here is to not bad-mouth your current employer.

I had a male applicant who had a picture of himself in a suit, copied to the top of his resume about 4" in height. He was leaning against an old English lightpole, displaying a big toothy grin, holding a sign that read, "Look no further, here I am!" It was like looking at a train wreck, but held my attention long enough to read the remainder of his resume. His experience was spotty, lacked depth, had many grammatical errors - all which was to be overlooked by the unique picture he elected to include on his resume. It gave me a refreshing chuckle from the many, many resumes I had been going through, ... but it quickly went into the z-file. Have you ever heard of any resource center or resume service actually suggesting putting a picture of yourself on a resume? Greg

@ Greg -- Nice story, Greg! As to your question, yes, I've seen suggestions about pictures on resumes and even "gimmick-y" art such as what you saw. But I don't buy it. The job search is serious business and resumes should be serious as well. The hiring manager wants to see what you can do rather than what you look like. I also think that including a picture can do more harm than good; you may have great qualifications but if they don't like your face, don't bank on an interview.

Greg,

I used to work for a large non-profit that had offices in Africa. One of my jobs was reading over resumes for a position we had open in are Uganda office. Every applicant from Uganda (about 200 of them) attached a picture of themselves on the top right hand side of the resume