Culpwrit

In an effort to include everything important in your resume, don’t forget to remove what isn’t. Your resume is the first thing an employer will see — don’t let it be the last because you made one of these 6 mistakes:

Too Much Information

Unless specified, don’t include any reference to your physical attributes, marital status or sexual orientation. That includes sending a photograph. Not only is that too much information, but such details can put employers in an unprofessional position — hiring or not hiring you based on those specifics is illegal.

Irrelevant Information

Check your resume — is it packed with details and flowery statements? Get rid of the wordiness and say what you need to say in as few words possible. Not enough white space makes a resume look heavy, and may turn away a future employer before he or she even has a chance to read your first line. Realize that your resume will be the first impression you make on future employers.

That’s Personal

Scrap any identifying information that employers don’t need, including your birthday and physical address. Never include your Social Security number, driver’s license or credit score. Your phone number and professional email address are all that’s needed, but it’s appropriate to share an online portfolio or LinkedIn account if you’d like. A better place for those links, though, is below your email signature if you’re corresponding over the web.

Sensitive Stuff

Any references to politics, salary expectations or history has got to go. These details are sensitive and if shared too early (or at all) can mean risky business. A job application that solicits your salary expectation should be left blank. If you have the right traits, they’ll call you anyway, and you can negotiate in the interview. Even if, you’re a die-hard Republican or lifelong Democrat references are unprofessional and can keep you from scoring a callback.

Little White Lies

You may not have made up a position or lied about your work history, but read your resume. Do you make yourself sound better than you are? If someone read your resume, would they insinuate anything you don’t really mean? Stick to the facts and keep your reasoning transparent. White lies have a way of revealing themselves.

Missing Must-Haves

After the editing slaughter, you’re resume may be a little bland than before. Just make sure you not only removed the bad, but kept or added the good.

Fill your resume with the must-haves: contact information, relevant work history, specific examples of skills, stats and keywords applicable to the position you’re applying for. Also, make  sure everything is up-to-date. These are the things that’ll score you an interview — then it’s up to you to take care of the rest.

While finishing his degree in finance, guest poster Gene Morris enjoys spending his free time reading and writing about business and tools for financial management.