Job seekers tend to focus on what to include on their resume, but it is equally important to know what NOT to include on your resume.
What information to include is in your hands, but remember that even small mistakes can backfire and reflect badly on you and in turn hurt your chances of getting shortlisted.
Here are a list of things that you should NOT include on your CV.
1) Personal Information; What to include and what to exclude:
The basics of personal information that you have to include are Name, Address, Email, and Mobile. This information is necessary for a person to contact you. Make sure that all contact details are current and in working condition.
- Address
Your address has to be a place where you can be reached.
#Avoid giving an address of some remote location even if it is your permanent address. If you have no permanent address or you are changing locations frequently, do not list it. You can give an email ID instead.
- Email IDs
Your email ID must be in working condition and you should frequently check it.
You can include up to 2 email id's on your CV. Just ensure you do not include your current company ID on your CV.
# Do not include email IDs that are descriptive - like sexysanjoo, chooserekha , Manjeetforsuccess - Please choose a mature email ID for your job hunt- the best ones are simple with just combinations around your name.
- Links.
You should include links and details of your Linkedin profile, Skype and website, and to your portfolio.
# What not to include are links that make a person move out of your CV and into your company or college website or to other places on the internet.
- Photographs.
Your photograph needs to show you with a frontal view, in formal attire and a smile. There should be a clear background behind you. Prepare 2 versions of your CV –with and without a photograph.
# Avoid sending your CV with a photograph, unless it has been asked for. Someone may reject you for no reasonable fault but just because of how you look. Also remember, photographs are graphic files and are heavy to email, which can lead to technical difficulties in opening your CV or email.
2) Do NOT include statements of self praise and emphasis:
Many job seekers tend to put in declaratory statements in their “Objective”.
Here are some examples:
Objective: “Talented, multifunctional visionary seeks …”
- “Looking for middle or senior position with an organization where I can contribute…”
- “Award winning national sales manager looking for a challenging work environment... “
No company or recruiter is interested in what you want and what you are trying to say so vehemently. They are interested in only what they want.
# Cut it out- Create a short summary instead- just 2 to 4 points maximum telling them what your expertise is, so that your value to them is clear from the start.
3) Do NOT include explanations for job changes in your CV.
Many job seekers find it necessary to explain why they left a company in the past.
For example-"Left company because - I had a baby, had an accident, left to avoid relocation, got retrenched, company closed down, left because of no growth prospects, daddy got posted abroad" – The reasons are varied.
This is highly avoidable because the explanations you give can have different interpretations for different hiring managers. Lets take the example given above to get an idea on how others may view it.
Example: She had a baby last year so she has to cope with a 1 year old kid’s problems- She would be taking leave whenever the kid falls sick. Oh he had an accident? Maybe he is a rash driver or is he hiding a disability related issue? She left because daddy got posted out? So next time daddy get another posting she will quit. Got retrenched, company closed down, left because of no growth prospects ? Hey this may be a person with a problem – probably someone who gets shunted our easily - Maybe because he is dispensable?
#Do not give reasons for leaving a company on your CV. The reasons can be misinterpreted. You can give an explanation for a job change when you are called in for an interview instead.
4) Do NOT include your salary details.
Job seekers tend to mention their current salary details or give their CTC ( Cost To company ) figures in their CV. They mention it either with their current job, or give salary figures for all the jobs that they have worked in.
Including salary details on your CV is a fundamental blunder. This is because companies have different structures for salary preparation. And if you don’t fit into their structure you may get rejected. They may also reject you because you are over their budget.
By including it, you are creating a reason for rejection without getting a fair chance to be called for an interview where you get a chance to negotiate or compromise.
# Never include your salary details on your CV. Give yourself the chance to discuss and negotiate your salary requirement during the interview.
5) Do NOT include references, unless specifically asked:
There was a time when references were a necessary part of a CV. Job seekers used to go through a lot of trouble getting references from impressive contacts.
Today , there is no need to give references on your CV. If you are a job seeker, employers know that you can produce references. So you do not have to say – “References on request”.
In today’s environment a reference check happens to be the employer’s privilege. Every company has their own requirement- It could be talking to your client, your boss, other ex- employers, your colleagues. So if you are selected for a position, they will probably ask you for a specific kind of reference.
# Avoid putting references on your CV when there is no need for it. It makes your CV unnecessarily long. You can produce them when specifically asked to do so.
6) Do NOT include family details.
Job seekers tend to include information about their marital status, kids, employment details of spouse/ father ,religion.
This kind information creates impressions about you that you have no control over. Suppose a company is not keen to hire a person who is married, why take the chance of getting rejected without a fair chance? Personal data is not compulsory to show. People are keen to know what you can contribute to their organization. So stick to showing your expertise rather than your personal life.
And never mention your religion on your CV. This is often a ground for prejudice and getting rejected.
# Avoid giving personal information on your CV.
7) Do NOT include a conclusion statement at the end of the CV.
Remove the oath bearing statement at the end of your CV that says- I declare that all information is true and updated to the best of my ability - along with a date and signature. It is understood that you shouldn't lie. Also, it is a CV not an affidavit.
# There is no need for it at all. It is redundant and it just occupies space.
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Stay clear and concise on what you want to show on your resume. There is so much competition out there, you cannot afford to make mistakes in what you communicate to others through your CV.
For a FREE EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK on errors and mistakes on your CV, mail your CV to omgreek@yahoo.com, and get tips and advice on how you can improve the impact of your CV and boost your job search.
Also feel free to connect with me on Linkedin for regular CV tips, vacancies, interview tips and advice on how to conduct a successful job search.
You can also connect with me on facebook at: https://fb.com/omgreekk
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