Writing your resume – no doubt – takes effort, however you can spend too much energy focusing on the wrong things. Most people want a professional looking resume yet end up having one that fails due to its content. You can have a stronger resume if you change the way you present your information and mindset.
Resumes, by their nature, serve to market your background and generate attention with employers. The amount of information combined with limited space often lead people to adopt two resume mindsets, giving too much information or too little. Both strategies tend to look unprofessional and give the employer an instant impression.
There are several areas that contribute to an unprofessional looking resume and being aware of them will help you overcome the immediate stigma that is undeserved, and keeps you from being a top candidate.
Lack of direction. A professional looking resume will always have a direction for the employer to follow instead of having them guess. When information looks thrown together it loses meaning to the employer and you blend in with the sea of other candidates. A good summary helps establish the direction you are seeking and what sets you apart from others.
Listing every job. Most employers are interested in the last 10-15 years of your employment history. When you start recalling every job in detail starting from day one, your resume could resemble a jumbled history of jobs. While it’s important to give yourself credits in having a well-rounded employment background consider leaving out unnecessary responsibilities and outdated technology.
Including references on your resume. There is a time and place for listing references and your resume is not one of them, including them on your resume gives an unprofessional image. References are very important and employers will most likely use them during the interview stage when they are needed.
Personal hobbies. Listing community involvement is a good selling feature because it shows initiative and willingness to help others. When you list personal hobbies such as gardening and book clubs, that doesn’t relate to the job and you are taking up valuable resume space that could be used for highlighting relevant skills.
Answering questions with your resume. Any explanations that are needed, such as reasons for relocating or job gaps, need to be used in a cover letter rather than a resume. While it may seem logical to give a reason why you left your last job, such as a “reduction in force,” it’s not appropriate for your resume. The same rule applies to compensation needs.
