3 Things You Must & Must Not Include on Your Resume
In a competitive job market you must present yourself in the best possible way by submitting a killer resume. Generally you only get one opportunity to apply for a position, so you simply cannot afford to get it wrong.
Writing your resume is not necessarily an easy thing to do. We have compiled three things you must and must not include on your resume to get you started.
THE DO’S
Do account for any significant periods of time spent out of the workforce. Unexplainable gaps within your career history may be a concern for the reader. Taking time out to raise your family is a completely normal thing to do and nothing to be ashamed of, so call it for what it is. Simply list “parental leave” or “raising family” alongside the relevant dates.
Recruiters or Hiring Managers simply do not have the time to read your life story, no matter how interesting. For that reason do keep your resume to a maximum of 3 pages if possible by including only quality and relevant information.
Do include a really short and punchy summary of your career experience and key attributes at the beginning of your resume. This will provide an appealing snapshot of who you are, what you have done previously and how you can add value to the organisation.
THE DON’T’S
Unfortunately discrimination in the workplace and in the recruitment process are commonplace. Omit personal information that may expose you to unethical practices including your age, ethnicity or marital status for example. This information does not determine your suitability to the role you are applying for, nor your ability to perform the designated tasks. Essentially such information holds no value at all.
Despite being genetically blessed, you must not include a photo of yourself on your resume. Save this for your LinkedIn profile. You will have the opportunity to impress an employer with your immaculate presentation when you’re invited to interview.
Referee information will be requested at or following a successful interview with an employer, so you must not include the names of your referees at the end of your resume. Instead replace with a closing statement such as “references will be made available on request”.