Top 25 Things to Avoid in Your Resumé

Your resume real estate is precious, and you're not alone in wishing for more space. Thus, ensuring that only relevant, specific, and truthful information makes it onto the page is essential. Avoiding vague, irrelevant, personal, or false statements is crucial. This list highlights 25 things that should not be included in your resume. Take the time to read and revise your resume accordingly.

1. Avoid generic statements when listing technical skills
2. Don't include irrelevant accomplishments
3. Avoid objectives that don't communicate your skills and abilities
4. Never lie about your responsibilities in previous roles
5. Avoid listing affiliations that have nothing to do with your job
6. Don't list the same duties under your new title in the same company
7. Only list relevant job experience
8. Volunteer experience can also be valuable and should be included
9. Don't include salary requirements in your objective statement
10. Don't include irrelevant extracurricular activities or hobbies
11. Avoid saying, "References available upon request". This is a given and, therefore, unnecessary to display on your resume. 
12. Only list your GPA if it is 3.0 or above
13. Don't include street addresses and zip codes of previous employers
14. If you are not a college graduate, do not include a list of college courses in your resume.
15. Don't say you've been fired.
16. Do not state your religious affiliation (or lack thereof).
17. Also, do not mention any political affiliation.
18. Don't fabricate relationships that don't exist.
19. Don't use other people's achievements to make yourself look good.
20. Don't mention personal relationships anywhere on your resume.
21. Don't provide information about any crimes you've committed.
22. Don't provide inappropriate contact information.
23. Avoid failed projects in your work-related accomplishments
24. Omit age in your contact information
25. Reduce redundant phrases to avoid clutter in your resume

Your resume is your ticket to a potential employer's attention. Presenting yourself in the best light possible by avoiding common mistakes that could cost you an interview is essential. Be specific and relevant when listing your technical skills, accomplishments, and work experience. Avoid including irrelevant information in your resume, including personal information such as age, sexual orientation, political and religious affiliation. Don't exaggerate your responsibilities or lie about your accomplishments; this will only be uncovered during a reference check.

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