Top Five Resume Deal Breakers

5. Gimmicks and Graphics

Never, ever incorporate smiley faces or similar graphics into your resume. In fact leave out graphics all together. Your résumé should be two colors: black and white. Anything else will only divert attention away from your achievements and will label you as a jokester not to be taken seriously. And your colorful résumé will end up promptly in the garbage.

4. Hobbies

Personal interests and leisure activities are forbidden résumé material. Unless it pertains to the job in question, leave it out. Outside activities will most likely be brought up in the “getting to know you” portion of the interview.

3. Reasons for leaving your previous jobs

This is a big no. Not only will it never work in your favor, rest assured that if they want to know, they will ask. You’re just wasting space on your résumé. And on the same token, never bad mouth former employers or co-workers. You really don’t want to be “that guy”.

2. Salary Requirements

Even if you are responding to an ad that requests such things, tactfully decline to include them. If you shoot too high, you will be immediately ruled out. If you’re too low then you’ve lost all bargaining power. It’s always better to discuss such things in the interview. Preferably the second interview.

1. Your picture

Unless you are a model or an actor, there is no reason to include your picture. However bad it may be, the person screening the resumes will ultimately judge you on your appearance and may not give you the job because of it. You want to be recognized for your talents and accomplishments. Not your unibrow.