Resumes are a crucial tool for job seekers, but it's important to know what to include and what to leave out. Here's a breakdown of what three experts recommend removing from your resume to increase your chances of securing an interview or landing a role.
Don't Include a Picture
Natasha Hawker, managing director of a human resources and recruitment service, advises against including a picture on your resume. While some countries may require a photo, in Australia, recruitment agencies often remove them due to unprofessional content. Hawker warns that photos can be unprofessional and may even be a source of bias.
Avoid Distractions and Personal Information
Jon Giorgioski, director of a resume consultancy practice, emphasizes the importance of avoiding distractions and personal information. He suggests not including photos, graphics, or any additional documents like university transcripts or reference letters unless specifically requested. Giorgioski also advises against listing personal details such as date of birth, marital status, and full home address, as these can create privacy concerns and potential biases.
Personalize Your References
Hawker recommends not including the details of your referees and instead writing "referees available upon request." This approach ensures that you maintain control over your personal information and avoids unsolicited phone calls.
AI-Generated Content: Personalize and Fact-Check
With the rise of generative AI tools for resume writing, Hawker highlights a common mistake: forgetting to remove parentheses or square brackets from AI-generated responses. She stresses the importance of personalizing and fact-checking the content to ensure it aligns with your skills and experiences.
Avoid Over-Personalization
Giorgioski warns against resumes that are too generic, as they may fail to showcase a candidate's unique skills and experiences. He suggests that strong resumes should demonstrate the impact of previous roles and how they relate to the position being applied for.
Be Mindful of Disparity Between Resumes and LinkedIn
A discrepancy between the positions listed on a resume and LinkedIn can be a red flag for recruiters. Giorgioski advises candidates to ensure consistency between their resume and online profiles to avoid raising suspicion.
Volunteering and Hobbies: Context Matters
Volunteering experience can be valuable, especially if it's relevant to the job. Hawker suggests that volunteering at a zoo or animal shelter, for instance, could make a resume stand out if the role involves animal welfare. Giorgioski agrees, emphasizing the importance of finding connections between hobbies and the job application.
Leadership Roles: Timing is Key
Hawker advises including leadership positions like school captain in the early stages of your career. However, as you gain more experience, these roles should be downplayed. Giorgioski adds that the relevance of leadership achievements diminishes over time, but recent graduates may still benefit from highlighting such positions.
Tailoring is Key
In the end, a well-crafted resume stands out. Hawker and Giorgioski agree that resumes should be tailored to each job application, avoiding the temptation to create a generic resume. Teycheney adds the value of a second pair of eyes, recommending a colleague or professional review to catch any potential issues.
By following these expert recommendations, job seekers can create resumes that effectively showcase their skills and experiences while avoiding common pitfalls that may deter recruiters.
