Crafting a Winning Resume: What to Include and Avoid
Your resume is your passport to landing that dream job. It’s the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it plays a critical role in determining whether you secure an interview or not. To ensure your resume stands out from the crowd, it’s essential to know what to include and what to skip. In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable insights on creating a winning resume.
What NOT to Mention:
Unnecessary Personal Information
The days of including personal details such as your age, complete address, social security number, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs on your resume are long gone. These details not only take up precious space but can also lead to unintentional bias.
Marital Status
Your marital status has no relevance to your professional qualifications. In fact, including this information can be seen as unprofessional and may lead to unconscious bias. Focus on showcasing your skills and accomplishments instead.
Parent’s Name
While it may seem bizarre, some people tend to include their parent’s names on their resumes. However, in the modern job market, this information is entirely unnecessary and can be omitted without hesitation.
Salary History
Your previous salary history is private information that should not be disclosed on your resume. Revealing this information could potentially result in you being lowballed when it comes to negotiating your starting salary with a new employer.
References
It’s common practice to leave references off your resume. If a prospective employer requires references, they will typically ask for them separately during the interview process. Including them on your resume clutters the document and takes up valuable space.
Oh, and Please Don’t Write Your Resume in the 3rd Person!
While it may be common in certain fields, writing your resume in the third person can come across as impersonal. Use first-person language to create a more engaging and authentic connection with potential employers.
What You SHOULD Mention:
Contact Information & Relevant Links
Include your up-to-date contact information, such as your phone number and email address. Additionally, consider adding relevant links to your LinkedIn profile, Github repository, or personal website. These links can provide employers with a deeper insight into your professional background.
Resume Summary
Craft a compelling resume summary that highlights your key qualifications and career objectives. Avoid using generic buzzwords and focus on using keywords that are directly relevant to your experience and the job you’re applying for.
Relevant Professional Experience
Detail your relevant work experience in a clear and concise manner. Emphasize your accomplishments and contributions in previous roles. Tailor this section to match the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
Skills/Certifications
List your skills and any relevant certifications that are pertinent to the job you’re seeking. This section allows you to showcase your expertise and demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
Education
Include your educational background, starting with your most recent degree or certification. Mention the institution, degree earned, and graduation date. If you have additional qualifications or certifications related to the job, list them here as well.
Personal Projects
If you’ve worked on personal projects, side hustles, or freelance work that’s relevant to the position, don’t hesitate to include them. These projects can demonstrate your initiative, creativity, and passion for your field.
Awards/Achievements (Optional)
While not mandatory, mentioning any awards or achievements related to your profession can bolster your resume. It highlights your exceptional skills and dedication to your work.
Remember, a well-crafted resume can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired job. By omitting unnecessary information and focusing on showcasing your qualifications, skills, and achievements, you can create a winning resume that sets you apart from the competition. Your resume should be a reflection of your professional excellence, so make every word count.
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