What NOT to Include in Your Resume

26 February 2009

2 minute read

It's a tough job-hunting environment, so in your zeal to stand out you may have made a mistake on your resume that could sink your chances instead of enhancing them. So, in the interests of helping you stay safe, we present highlights of HR World's list of 25 things you should never include in your resume.

Some are pretty standard, like don't include what you hated about your last job, boss or co-workers. Others include irrelevant job experience, religion and sexual preference. However, there is one that did make me scratch my head a bit:

Hobbies: While some employers like to see that interviewees are active in the community or have won nonprofessional awards, no one really wants to know that you love knitting with your grandmother or were named the beer-chugging contest winner in college. When in doubt, leave it out.

I know this is an area where you should be careful, but many IT workers are starting to load up that part of their resume in an effort to show they have good social and communication skills. That said, it's true the wrong type of hobby can send the wrong message or lead to a misunderstanding. Plus, younger workers may include some type of activity that is mainstream for them - tattooing, maybe? - but uncomfortable to older workers.

Another area where you should err on the side of caution is your physical characteristics:

Just as you should never submit a photograph along with your résumé, it's also best to leave out your physical characteristics, such as your height, weight and hair color, in writing. Describing yourself as a "hot blonde" is asking for trouble; conversely, overweight job seekers are sometimes unfairly discriminated against.

I can attest some CEOs don't like overweight workers. In one company I worked for, the CEO masked his prejudice by saying the person was "not a market-facing" candidate. So: Leave out the physical description, and try to shed a few pounds before the interview.

AUTHORSonia Lelii

Insider Comment

Jo
Jon Jacobs
9 June 2009
Paul,
This article appeared on eFinancialCareers' US and Canada sites, and was written for those particular markets. Had it appeared on one of our Asia sites, the advice would have been different.
It is a fact that different cultural and legal norms apply in different parts of the world. I have read about this practice in parts of Asia of requiring photos, ethnicity and the like on employment applications. It's worth noting - particularly by any America-bashers who might happen upon this site - that, whereas U.S. law bans racial, religious and gender discrimination in employment, the laws in several other countries not only don't ban it, but REQUIRE it.
-Jon Jacobs, eFinancialCareers News staff
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Pa
Paul
9 June 2009
The writer should tell this to employers in Singapore. I applied for ExxonMobil's Singapore office recently and their online application process required:
1. A photo of the candidate
2. The candidate's date of birth
3. The candidate's ethnicity
You would think that a large multinational firm like ExxonMobil would have blanket policies against requiring information that could be used to discriminate against applicants.
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Su
Susan Hunt
26 March 2009
I have seen many executive search consultants over the past few months and have had conflicting opinions on whether or not to include personal interests (sports or hobbies) on a resume. I had removed it from my resume but was told to add it back in as it showed I was a well balanced person with interests outside of work. It also provides a casual and friendly way to start a conversation. But I agree - select carefully. I include that I am an experienced home renovator - it shows that I am hard working and not affraid to get my hands dirty.
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