Beware of Artificial Fillers & AdditivesSo far, we’ve talked about ways to enhance or adjust the content of your resumé. Now let’s look at what should be left out, or at least minimized.
Salary history or salary requirements. I’ve never heard one good reason to mention your past, current, or expected salary. If you see a classified ad that says, “Only resumés with salary history will be considered,” don’t believe it. If your resumé is strong enough, you’ll be contacted. Once contacted, be forthright.
References. If you have high-impact or well-known professional references, fine. Otherwise, “References: Available Upon Request” will do just fine. Avoid personal references like your minister or your attorney, unless they happen to be Billy Graham or Sandra Day O’Connor.
Superfluous materials. When submitting a resumé, avoid enclosing such items as your thesis, photos, diplomas, transcripts, product samples, newspaper articles, blueprints, designs, or letters of recommendation. These are props you can use during your interview, but not before. The only thing other than your resume that’s acceptable is your business card.
Personal information. Leave out anything other than the absolute essentials such as, “Married, two children, willing to relocate, excellent health.” By listing your Masonic affiliation, right-to-life activism or codependency support involvement, you could give the employer a reason to suspect that your outside activities may interfere with your work.
Not long ago, we received a resumé from a candidate who felt the need to put his bowling average on his vita. I guess he thought that kind of information might improve his chances of being interviewed. Would I show his resumé to an employer? No way.
Remember, the greater the relevancy between your resumé and the needs of the employer, the more seriously your candidacy will be considered.
The keys to a dynamite resumé are complete, accurate content and appropriate professional appearance.
