What You Hated About Your Last Job: If you turn your resume into a ranting session, you're starting off on the wrong foot. During an interview, the hiring manager will most likely ask you why you left your last job, but you can use this challenge to remain positive. Explain that you wanted to work with a company that promoted more mobility within the business or that you felt your strengths weren't adequately utilized at your last job.
What You Hated About Your Last Boss or Co-Workers: Even if your last boss really acted like a tyrant or no one in the office could stand that jerk next to the water cooler, complaining about the past only makes you look like the bad guy. Showing that you are able to work with all kinds of people will take you far in the business world.
Religion: Discussing religion in the workplace is another big no-no for Americans. Including your religion, or lack thereof, on a resume is too controversial and is irrelevant to the job. So unless you're applying for a job at a religious institution, exclude this information.
Lies About Job Experience: If you haven't worked in a managerial position for more than five years, you'll be outed with a simple phone call to your last boss and immediately disqualified from the rest of the hiring process. If you feel uncomfortable about your lack of skill, focus on the positive and show how other great qualities would make you a great manager or supervisor.
Lies About Educational Background: If you lie about where you went to high school, the hiring manager might not find out, but if you fake the fact that you have higher degrees than you really do, someone is bound to discover your lie. Background checks are standard at most offices, and even if you get the job, your lack of skill will quickly be revealed.
Bad Grammar: Bad grammar absolutely does not belong on a resume. It shows that you are lazy, uneducated and don't care enough about the job to pay attention to detail. Even if you think you have great grammar skills, it's best to let someone else look over your resume as a precaution.
Physical Characteristics: It's also best to leave out your physical characteristics, such as your height, weight and hair color, in writing. Describing yourself as a "hot diva" is asking for trouble; conversely, overweight job seekers are sometimes unfairly discriminated against. This may be okay in a resume if you are applying as a model.
Negative Thoughts, Words or Ideas: Even if you have a hard time believing in your strengths, your resume is not the place to show weakness. If you know that you're not a born leader, consider writing that you work well in groups or that you take direction well. Putting a positive spin on yourself will help the hiring manager see you that way also.
A Messy Format: In this day and age of advanced but easy-to-use formatting systems and computer programs, there is no excuse for a resume with messy indents, unequal spacing and other formatting errors. If you're hopelessly inept at working with computers, ask a friend for help.
Staff Writer
This article was written and edited by a staff writer.
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