Top 10 Things to NOT Put in a Resume
February 28, 2008 (9:57AM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
With apologies to David Letterman, here's my list of top 10 things you should not put in a resume (in bold), followed by possible responses from employers – well, more likely kept to themselves:
1) Took time management seminar
Response: "Did you have a problem managing your time? You won't here."
2) Organized office football pool for 5 years
Response: "Hmmm, last I checked, that wasn't in the job description."
3) References available upon request
Response: "Thanks. If we're interested, we'll ask for them."
4) E-mail: ilikesbeer@address.com
Response: "Thank you for sharing. Circular file!"
5) Saved company money
Response: "Well, that's nice. But how much?"
6) Didn't work for six months due to medical condition
Response: "Legally, I can't ask about this, but since you volunteered this information, I'm off the hook."
7) Thirty years with just one company
Response: "So, why do you want to make a change now?"
8) OBJECTIVE: Accounting position
Response: I like reading resumes as much as I like doing my taxes, so make it easier on me and give me more information.
9) Was president of college fraternity
Response: "Wonder if he knows the `ilikesbeer' guy?"
10) Verry detail-focussed
Response: "Yeah right! ‘Nuff said."
Let's hear from you! If you've been a hiring manager or are one now, what resume faux pas have caused you to laugh, shake your head in amazement, or wonder how some people wind up getting hired? And, on the other side, have you ever made an embarrassing error in your resume that you later corrected, either on your own or after someone brought it to your attention?
Jump into the discussion. There are people out there whose careers you may wind up saving!
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?
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