It's hard to compress all of the important events of your life on to two pages or less. You have to factor in your educational background, work experience and if it's applicable to the job you're applying for, your hobbies and interests.
Some people sell themselves short, and others go way over the line and print false and misleading information. This article looks at some things you should never put on paper, unless you want your résumé to go straight into the trash bin.
Spelling Mistakes and Inappropriate Paper Designs
It just takes one error, that's it. Bang! Your hard work ends up at the bottom of a very tall pile of résumés. If you're serious about finding paid employment, then going over it with a magnifying glass is absolutely necessary. Always use the right kind of paper too; plain white 8.5 x 11 is the best choice. If an interviewer reads a résumé printed on bright pink paper with teddy bears at the edges it will get tossed right out the window. Keep it clear and professional!
Lies, Lies and More Lies
This is one of the biggest complaints among recruiters. People will print outrageous stories about what they've done and where they've been, and won't, or can't stop to consider the consequences. Whatever the fabrication might be -- a make believe education, qualifications conjured out of thin air, or non-existent degrees or diplomas -- whoever is considering you for a position will find out and realize you can't be trusted. Word gets around fast. Trying to repair this damage to your reputation can be at best problematic and at worst, impossible.
Irrelevant Information
If it's not related to the job then leave it out. Readers don't give a hoot if you love mountain climbing or some other kind of activity that isn't in the vicinity of the position they are hiring for. When they see something which isn't important, they lose interest and then you know what will happen. That's right; it goes to the bottom of the pile.
Long Periods of Unemployment and Unexplained Gaps
If you've been outside the workforce for a prolonged period and it shows on your résumé, lots of red flags will go up in the mind of the reader. He/she might think you don't have the goods, as far as job experience is concerned.
Don't Write a Book
Most employers like to get one page or two pages at the most. List only the most important accomplishments and include positions you've held over the past decade. Anything older than that is considered ancient history.
References
Don't include any names or addresses of past employers, or the sentence, "References available on request." Also leave out e-mail addresses and phone numbers. It's very likely they will ask you for this information face to face. It adds more clutter to what you already have and you don't want the reader to get tired while scanning your CV.
