While offering up a complete comprehensive list of every project and technology you've ever used may seem appropriate for a senior level role, there are better ways to represent that key information without having an immensely lengthy resume. These are some common errors we've been finding on candidate's resumes that have automatically hindered a candidate's changes for being accepted for the interview process. Consider taking these four things off your resume to help your resume stand out.
Personal Pronouns
While it may seem like this is a fluke, ensure you don't use personal pronouns such as I, I'm, me, and my on your resume. In short, it's very hard for a hiring manager to maintain interest in a resume when there is repeated use of personal pronouns within the resume. By omitting personal pronouns and phrases, you can also shorten the length of your resume to list more concise bullets in each job description.
When reading multiple resumes with similar skillsets throughout the duration of the day, it can be mundane and uninteresting after the 39th use of a personal pronoun.
Irrelevant Experience / Information
What would be considered irrelevant? Anything that isn't specifically listed in the job description would be considered irrelevant. Irrelevant information to omit can include personal hobbies or interests, projects that have no relevant skills / technologies to the job applying, employment prior to the year 2000, and more. While some employers may specifically ask you in the interview about your personal interests, it's not something that should be provided without specific inquiry from the potential employer first.
Full Mailing Address
While in the past it may have been required, it's important not to put your mailing address on your resume now. With an increase of cyber attacks in recent years, it's important to keep your personal information as secure as possible. If it is required in their hiring process online, there will likely be some kind of secure form where you can fill this information in. If they are considering hiring you for the job, the hiring manager will ask for your full mailing address.
Anything You Can't Immediately Back Up When Hired
While this may seem like common sense, it's important to consider if you're actually fully an expert in this area. This includes listing experience that may have been worked on with a team rather than single handedly. If not, that is completely fine but be sure the information in your resume is accurately represented to the level of skill you have. As a job candidate, you should be able to speak directly about everything on your resume and may not be able to do so if providing examples of work collaborated on with other team members. Basically, don't put any skill on your resume that you can't put into action immediately in your interview or on your first day of employment since the hiring manager is looking for your specific skills and not the previous team's collaboration of work. (TIP: When listing experience that may have been worked on in a team project, be sure to list what your personal responsibilities were specifically). Skills can always develop further, but if you lie / fluff your experience on your resume it can tarnish your professional reputation indefinitely.
Interested in Speaking with a Recruiter?
Interested in speaking with a recruiter further about what to leave off your resume? Need additional help with formatting your resume? We're here to help! Send a copy of your resume to info@mCubedStaffing.com and we can get your resume formatted today!