When reading a resume, recruiters or hiring managers are less concerned with how long it is than whether they are getting the information they need quickly and accurately. Therefore, it is a big mistake to load your resume with information that recruiters and hiring managers do not need.
For example, they do not need:
- Your philosophy of life. Unless you are applying for a position at a religious organization or a political organization, recruiters and hiring managers do not need to know your religious or political views. Unless you are applying to cook at a vegan restaurant, they do not need to know that you are a vegan. Unless you are applying to a sports organization or retailer, they do not need to know your favorite sports.
- Your past failures. A resume is a “marketing” document: it is marketing you. Past failures might come up in the interview, but they do not belong on your resume. Never apologize on your resume for results you did not achieve.
- Your personal information: marital status, health, sexual orientation, or age. This information might open up recruiters and hiring managers to charges of discrimination. Besides, if they really want that information they can probably find it on your Facebook account, right? (Warning: Make sure your social media presence is as professional as your resume—for the time of your job search at least.)
- Your social security number or any other information that could lead to identity theft. Professional recruiters and hiring managers in the United States do not ask for that information. You have no control over who will eventually read the resume or what they might do with the information.
- Your entire life story. Recruiters and hiring managers want your resume to tell them how your accomplishments, education, and skills will benefit their company. Keep your resume targeted on the job you want and the qualifications that a job posting highlights.
- Distractions. Too many colors, too much bolding and italicizing and capitalization, too many changes in font and font size are all distractions from the content. You want recruiters and hiring managers to absorb the content of your resume, not waste time fighting their way through the design.
For a professional resume that keeps hiring managers and recruiters interested in reading more about you, please contact Robin’s Resumes®.