Resume writing is a daunting task for even the most seasoned job seeker. You’re basically selling yourself to employers on a piece of paper with very limited space, and there are things you definitely need to avoid. With all the things that could go wrong, you’re most likely to go to your parents for help in this time of need.
Of course, your parents will give you some great tips on what to include and what not to include your first time around, but how much of what they say is true? Often, parents have had their current jobs or careers for the last 10 to 20 years or more; since a lot has changed within the job market (particularly the internship and entry-level job markets), their advice is probably a little outdated.
Here’s a definitive list on what to avoid including on your resume, despite the wise words of your parents.
1. Objective Statement
Including an objective on your resume takes up space you could use to include experience information, references or even links to published work if you submit online. It is redundant to include an objective in a resume because employers are already aware that your bottom line is to be offered a position within their company.
2. High School Information
Those of you with a college degree or who are in the process of completing a degree do not need to include their high school information (like the name of the school or your high school GPA), unless it is totally relevant to your position.
It is safe to say that if you were accepted into an accredited college or university, you’ll have a high school diploma or similar credentials in your arsenal as well. If employers are really curious about your high school alumnus, they will ask you about it during your interview.
3. Irrelevant Previous Jobs
When applying to big boy/girl jobs that offer luxuries such as a 401K or a dental plan, it’s okay not to include that grocery store job you had one summer in high school. Employers look for past job experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for, so it wouldn’t be in your best interest to include your brief stint as a pet store associate when applying for a position within a bank’s corporate office, unless there’s an important and obvious parallel in terms of skills.
4. Controversial or Long-Winded Hobbies
You may consider your knitting skills to be off the charts, but it’s not necessary to include irrelevant, controversial or long winded hobbies on your resume. Employers are very likely to ask you what you do in your free time, and that’s when you mention your hobbies that don’t take too long to explain or could come off too controversial.
For instance, explaining to your possible future employer that you spend your weekends picketing for certain political causes could make you come off as a liability risk, or maybe you have a really out-there hobby (“I like to wakeboard while wearing a Santa Claus costume in lakes up and down the West Coast!”); if it’s too hard to explain in one or two words and it doesn’t relate to the job, take it off your resume for now. Keep things short and sweet, and think in your own best interest.
5. Political Affiliation
No matter how strongly you feel about politics, the safest option is to keep your personal beliefs out of your resume (that is, unless you’re applying to something in the political realm). Instead, add a couple organizations you’ve worked with or are working with currently.
Political affiliations are a very personal attribute for many, and this could lead to an employer tossing your resume in the trash or an awkward encounter during an interview. This is a piece of information that could be brought up during the interview depending on the position, but unless you’re applying to be Paul Ryan or Hillary Clinton’s personal assistant, don’t include it on a resume.
Although your parents have come through with some great advice in the past, resume writing has changed over the years and it wouldn’t hurt to make sure you’re armed with the best resume specifically for you. Although resume writing is definitely one of the more difficult tasks with job hunting, after reading up on these tips, maybe you’ll be the one your parents go to for help.
