When applying for jobs, it’s important to write a resume that’s concise, focused on your qualifications for the job, and shows the reader why you should be selected for an interview. It’s equally important to use your cover letter to showcase the skills you have that are most relevant to the position. Your cover letter should highlight the most important parts of your resume.
There are some things that you don’t need to include in a resume or cover letter. Your personal information should be kept personal, and your application materials should focus on your professional credentials. There is no need to include anything not related to work unless it boosts your chances of getting hired. In fact, too much information can knock you out of contention for the job.
What to Leave Off a Resume and Cover Letter
You will have only seconds to make an impression on the hiring manager, so be sure it’s a good one. Here are tips for what not to include in your job application materials.
Top 15 Things Not to Include in a Resume
Here are 15 things that should be left off your resume, including why not to include them, and what should be listed on a resume.
Top 15 Things Not to Include in Cover Letter
Review 15 things that should not be included in a cover letter to apply for a job, why not to include them, and what to include in your cover letter instead.
Employment References
References shouldn’t be included on your resume or sent when you apply for a job unless an employer asks for them. Instead, create a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.
Words to Include (and Avoid) in Your Resume
There are some words that will engage the hiring manager; there are others that won’t help you get chosen for an interview. Here are which words to include on a resume, and which words to leave off.
Statements to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
Mentioning salary when the employer doesn’t require it or mentioning that you’re looking for a job that will help you advance, aren’t going to help you make the case for getting an interview. Here are cover letter statements that could hinder your chances of getting an interview.
What to Leave Off In Some Circumstances
In some cases, what to leave off depends on what level job seeker you are and the type of job for which you’re applying. Here’s when to include and leave off optional information from your resume and cover letter.
- How to Explain a Resume Gap
- How to List College if You Didn’t Graduate
- Should You Include a Cover Letter if It’s Not Required?
- What to Include When You Have Been Out of Work
- When to Include a GED
- When to Include a Name Change
- When to Include a Profile or an Objective
- When to Leave Off Your GPA
- Which Years and Dates to Include
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Read More: 11 Tips for Updating Your Resume | How to Write a Resume | How to Write a Cover Letter
