Things to forget while writing a resume

Things to forget

You may have noticed there's been no discussion about photos, personal statistics, or job references. That's because they don't belong on a resume. Here are all of the elements you should omit from your resume:

 The heading "RESUME." Employers know a resume when they see one. Don't waste space by stating the obvious. Allow yourself an extra line for shameless self-promotion.

I Why you left past jobs. Even if there were positive reasons—a promo¬tion, transfer, or being spirited away by the competition—this is the kind of detail to trot out during your interview, not put on your resume. As for the negative possibilities—disciplinary problems, layoffs, out¬right firings—you wouldn't even think of including them, would you? I didn't expect so.

I Job references. Wait until the employer asks for references before you provide them. Of course, you should have them handy on a sepa¬rate sheet. Just don't automatically include them with your resume. And, since most employers will presume that your "references" are "available on request," you needn't include that phrase at the bottom of your resume, either.

However, if one of your references is someone known to or re¬spected by the employer, you could attach a separate sheet with his or her address and phone number.

Make sure every reference on your list is aware he or she may receive a phone call...and is fully prepared to swear you are as close to divinity as any human could be.

I Salary information. Providing salary information—either your "his¬tory" or "requirements"—allows a prospective employer to eliminate you from consideration (you're too expensive) or determine how little he can get away with paying you. Don't include it on your resume.

A better way to address the situation is to mention in your cover letter that you will be happy to discuss your salary requirements when you have a better idea of what the job entails. But avoid discussing salary at all until the prospective employer mentions it! There is abso¬lutely nothing to be gained by bringing it up first.

I Personal statistics. Details of your personal life aren't important to your ability to perform the job, so leave them out. What does the fact that you're 6'4" and married have to do with managing a record store? It's considered unprofessional to include such information.

I Photos. Unless required by your profession (actor, model, broadcast journalist, etc.) don't include a photo. Many employers, to avoid po¬tential discrimination, will remove the picture before circulating the resume, anyway

I Personality profiles. Hiring professionals agree that statements such as "hard working," "team player" and "dedicated" are ignored be¬cause they are biased. So leave out your personal attributes and let your experience prove that you're "hard working," "a team player," and "dedicated."

I Feelings about travel and/or relocation. If they are positive, you may mention them in a cover letter, especially if one or both have been listed as requirements for the job. If you are anti-travel and dead-set against relocating, why are you applying for a job that requires both?

I Testimonials. Testimonials—endorsements from former employers—don't belong on a resume. Let your accomplishments and experiences speak for themselves. If you have a testimonial on the writer's com¬pany letterhead, you can attach it to your resume, if you wish. Just realize it could be construed as biased and, therefore, ignored.