Three Things to Cut From Your Resume

A great resume is crucial in a tough job market. Great resumes are clean, concise and powerful. The information on your resume must dazzle the recruiter and prove that you are the perfect candidate for the job. The trick to composing an effective resume is knowing what to include and how to include it, or conversely, what not to include. There are three items that you should definitely cut: objective statements, extraneous information and lies.

Objective Statements

Unless you are looking for your first job and need to fill in space, omit the objective statement. The simple act of applying for a job says that your career objective is to get that job. Broadcasting it across the top of the page wastes valuable space.

Irrelevant or Extraneous Information

Job-seekers commonly make the mistake of including unnecessary or irrelevant information. A great resume is no longer than one page. Therefore, use that space wisely. Remove any unnecessary information that is not directly relevant to the job for which you are applying.

A great resume is a balance: not too dense, but not too insubstantial. Some career experts advise not listing any job more than 10 to 15 years old. Even if you had the same job for 20 years, do not fill the space with prior jobs that are no longer relevant.

You do not need to spend the same amount of space describing each of your prior jobs. Your goal is to show as concisely as possible that you are qualified for this job, so focus on the prior job that is the most relevant to the job for which you are applying. Describe your accomplishments for that most relevant job in about five bullet points. Focus on specifics and highlight skills that are specific to the job.

Cut out any personal information. Hiring managers do not need to know your birthday or your hobbies. Blank space is better than fluff.

If information is assumed, it is not necessary to include. For example, do not waste a line on your resume saying “References available upon request.” It is understood that if a recruiter asks for references, you will provide them. There is no need to say it.

Misinformation

It is tempting to embellish or outright lie on your resume, but you must resist. The consequences of being discovered are not worth the risk. Your professional credibility is at stake. Use jazzy language to make yourself sound impressive on your great resume, but do not lie. When reviewing your resume, be careful that nothing you include could be disputed.

Resumes are your first impression. Show hiring managers that you have the qualifications plus that extra something speciaI that they absolutely need. Composing a great resume takes work, but it does make a difference. Make sure every word counts.

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