8 Things You Should Never Put On A Résumé

Using business jargon is unnecessary and makes it seem like you’re overcompensating
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When you’re on the hunt for a new job, the last thing you want is to unknowingly sabotage your chances. The best way to keep that from happening is to ensure that your résumé is airtight. To start, get rid of these eight things.

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1. An objective If you’re applying to a job, chances are your objective is to get that job. Objectives or statements of purpose take up space that could be put to better use ― and your cover letter is where you should really expand on what you have to offer.

2. A less-than-professional email address Yogagirl25 is great for organizing brunches with friends, but when you’re applying for a job, stick to an email account that’s straightforward and professional. If that means making a new account, do it (seriously, Gmail is free).

3. Basic skills It’s 2016. If you don’t know how to use Microsoft Word you should probably take a computer course before trying to find a job. Any skills that are assumed or super general should be left off in favor of actual specialized skills (like proficient in front-end coding or fluent in Mandarin) that you’ve garnered.

4. Annoying business jargon We’re sure you’re more than qualified to ideate on the latest market trends, but using business jargon is unnecessary and makes it seem like you’re overcompensating. Be straightforward in your descriptions of jobs and your work will speak for itself, no fancy language necessary.

“Be straightforward in your descriptions of jobs and your work will speak for itself, no fancy language necessary.”

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5. Anything you did in high school Unless you’ve just graduated, stick to what you did in college and after. Being the recording secretary of the National Honor Society doesn’t carry much weight in the grand scheme. Same goes for your college GPA.

6. Irrelevant hobbies Being well-rounded was important when you were applying to colleges, but when you’re trying to get a job, the initial stages of the application process usually focus on getting qualified people in the door. If you make it to an interview, that’s the time to talk about your amateur cycling career.

7. “References available on request” This line is fairly useless. If an employer wants to reach out to references, they’ll ask. And chances are, you’ll oblige. Saying that you have references is stating the obvious and is another unnecessary space waster.

8. A second page Just stick to one. Imagine how many résumés the person doing the hiring has to read. Would you want to be burdened with multiple pages?

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