Now that you know what to put in your resume, let me walk you through what you should never put in your resume – these are five things which will guarantee your failure.
1. Salary expectations/history.
Even if you are responding to an advertisement that specifically asks for this information, don’t put it in
your resume! Why? Suppose your expectations or salary history are too high, the employer will ignore
your resume right at the start. If you have quoted too low, you have lost your bargaining power. So, in short
this is a no-1in situation. So remember this, it is always best to discuss all salary requirements at the
interview.
2. Personal data.
This is a waste of your resume space. No employer will actually call you based on your age, marital status,
or “excellent” health. Unless of course the excellent health is required for the job like a warehouse
manager. In India some employers insist on certain personal information being filled in. In this case,
provide minimal information.
3. Smart or not so smart cute gimmicks.
Please don’t even think of placing that cute or funny smiley face on your resume. Unless of course you
want the employer to tear it to pieces and stamp on it. Not only does this convey that you might not be
serious about the job. It might actually divert attention from your qualifications and skills.
4. Your picture.
Don’t give your employer another reason to reject you outright. If they don’t like your looks – or thinks you
are too old, too young, too fat, too thin, too goodlooking, not good-looking – you know where you can
find your resume. Yes, in the dustbin. You have to be judged based on your talents and qualifications - not
on your looks (unless you are applying for a modeling or similar kind of jobs). Again, there are many people
who will deny this vehemently and might even suggest that putting a picture will impress your employer, or
maybe a video. But, believe me; I have rejected so many resumes myself based on the picture. So stay
away from these things.
5. Reasons for leaving previous jobs.
Avoid this always. If you say you were asked to leave your previous job – employers can only hear the word
“fired”. If you say you left on your own, the employer might wonder “how long will he stay with my company”. What is the best thing to do, avoid this issue?
1. Salary expectations/history.
Even if you are responding to an advertisement that specifically asks for this information, don’t put it in
your resume! Why? Suppose your expectations or salary history are too high, the employer will ignore
your resume right at the start. If you have quoted too low, you have lost your bargaining power. So, in short
this is a no-1in situation. So remember this, it is always best to discuss all salary requirements at the
interview.
2. Personal data.
This is a waste of your resume space. No employer will actually call you based on your age, marital status,
or “excellent” health. Unless of course the excellent health is required for the job like a warehouse
manager. In India some employers insist on certain personal information being filled in. In this case,
provide minimal information.
3. Smart or not so smart cute gimmicks.
Please don’t even think of placing that cute or funny smiley face on your resume. Unless of course you
want the employer to tear it to pieces and stamp on it. Not only does this convey that you might not be
serious about the job. It might actually divert attention from your qualifications and skills.
4. Your picture.
Don’t give your employer another reason to reject you outright. If they don’t like your looks – or thinks you
are too old, too young, too fat, too thin, too goodlooking, not good-looking – you know where you can
find your resume. Yes, in the dustbin. You have to be judged based on your talents and qualifications - not
on your looks (unless you are applying for a modeling or similar kind of jobs). Again, there are many people
who will deny this vehemently and might even suggest that putting a picture will impress your employer, or
maybe a video. But, believe me; I have rejected so many resumes myself based on the picture. So stay
away from these things.
5. Reasons for leaving previous jobs.
Avoid this always. If you say you were asked to leave your previous job – employers can only hear the word
“fired”. If you say you left on your own, the employer might wonder “how long will he stay with my company”. What is the best thing to do, avoid this issue?
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