What Not to Include in a Resume

Writing a resume can be a very daunting task and knowing what to include can be frustrating. Talk to 10 different people and you may get 10 different answers. Although there may be a gamut of responses depending on who you talk to, there is an absolute consensus on what you should never include on a resume.

Six things to never put on a resume include: 1) picture, 2) salary expectations/ history, 3) objective, 4) hobbies, 5) reasons for leaving your previous jobs, and 6) personal data.

Pictures

Pictures are something that many people with creative positions like to include; however, pictures simply give an employer a reason to discriminate and reject your resume.

Although some companies outside of the U.S. still require a picture (this practice is quickly disappearing), including a picture should be completely avoided. Ironically, LinkedIn is becoming the standard for applying for jobs and requires a picture to be considered complete.

Salary Expectations/History

Including salary expectations/history will paint you in a corner. If your salary expectations/history is too high, prospective employers will immediately pass you up.

If your salary expectations/history is too low, you will lose all bargaining power or can be offered a position for much less than it should pay. The only exception for including salary history may still appear on some federal/military resumes; although, this practice is obsolescent.

Objective

If you want to quickly date yourself and show that you haven’t written a resume in more than a decade, then including an objective will do the trick. Simply applying for the position already indicates your intentions (objective) for wanting the job. Instead of using an objective, including a brief professional summary is expected.

Hobbies

You would be surprised on how many people still include their hobbies on their resumes. Hobbies have no business being on your resume and it’s a complete waste of space and the recruiters time to read it.

Reasons for Leaving Your Previous Jobs

Listing why you left your previous positions only helps reduce your chances for an interview. Your resume is your ambassador and speaks on your behalf. If your ambassador (resume) is already making excuses of what went wrong at your previous positions then you can count on being passed. Always put your best foot forward with a resume.

Personal Data

Including personal data such as your age, marital status, or health is something that should be left for the interview if directly relevant (maybe you’re seeking a position where heavy lifting is required) and almost always avoided since it opens the door to discrimination.

Age discrimination “or ageism” is something that is all too common in today’s employment market. Not only should you always avoid including your age, but you should not detail any experience that is more than 10-15 years old.

If you conduct an online search to see what other sites suggest for leaving off your resume you will find some variation and additional ideas; however, these six pieces of information should always be forgone.

There is no room for including your picture, salary expectations/history, objective, hobbies, reasons for leaving your previous jobs, and personal data in today’s job market.

Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. When Maria is not working, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.