Hiring managers are often inundated with resumes. That’s when they might look for certain items on them as a reason to eliminate candidates and make their pile manageable. You’ve probably already heard references to TMI (too much information). Well, it applies to your resume, too. There is some info that just doesn’t need to be included.
While you might think all these extras are giving a prospective employer more reasons to hire you, the opposite is typically true. It gives them more excuses to screen you out. Don’t make that mistake.
Here are four things to keep off your resume. They will streamline the document and prevent you from revealing more than is necessary.
Long Paragraphs
This piece of advice might be the most valuable you’ll receive. That’s because most hiring managers will scan a resume first, looking for key points that indicate you are a viable candidate. If you have paragraphs that are long and dense with text, they may not be able to identify the highlights of your experiences, or they’ll get frustrated and toss it.
Bullet points and short paragraphs are perfect for employers who like to skim a resume before examining it more thoroughly.
Your Objectives
Honestly, most companies are not all that interested in what you hope to gain from this job. They want to know what you are going to do for them if you’re hired. So, instead of stating your objectives, give them a list of your accomplishments, and make sure they are relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Remember, your only objective is to show the value you will add to their business and give them a reason to hire you.
Sentences That Start With “I”
Start every statement with words that show skill, action, or accomplishment. Here are just a few examples:
- adapted
- created
- solved
- reduced
- performed
- planned
This is a brief sampling, but you get the idea. Use these verbs in place of nouns or pronouns to engage the reader.
Unrelated Experience
Irrelevant experiences from long ago are just a waste of precious space on your resume. Every part of it should lead anyone who reads it to conclude that you meet the qualifications for the open position. Highlight your recent and significant experiences so the recruiter spends the most time considering them.
Use this same approach for your skills. Make sure they are up-to-date and pertinent to the job. If they aren’t, don’t include them.
Are you ready to change jobs and need help with your resume?
We are here to help you. Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so let us use our expertise to help you find your next job.