Your resume is your first impression. The language and content of your resume can increase or decrease your chances of landing the job. Filling precious resume space with verbose language or buzzwords can backfire. Here are 10 words to remove from your resume today:
1. Unemployed
The dates of your employment are shown on your resume. Don’t further emphasize you are unemployed.
2. Hardworking
Company already assume you are a hardworking individual, don’t call it out.
3. Objective
Most resumes are self-explanatory. There is no need to take up valuable space with an objective. It is redundant.
4. Synergy
Words like “synergy” are buzzwords and over used. Try and avoid them in your resume.
5. Reference Available Upon Request
Having “references upon request” at the bottom of your resume is a sign that a candidate is overeager. If a recruiter wants to call to know more about you, they will reach out directly. There is no need to point out the obvious
6. Rock star
The term “rock star” has been over used in the last few years, especially in the technology industry.
7. Dabbled
Using “dabbled” indicates that you were exposed to a skill or technology. If that is the case and you don’t use the skill or technology in your position(s), leave it off your resume.
8. Expert
Stay away from the word expert, unless you truly are an expert. If you include it in your resume, be prepared to back it up during the interview
9. Excessive personal information
Avoid including your birthday, family information, visa status, etc. This information doesn’t speak to your qualifications.
10. Hobbies
Content that does not relate to the job and does not address what qualifications can eliminate you as a candidate. It is safer to leave hobbies off your resume. Let me company focus on what you do at work, not after work.
Body language reveals a lot about a person. Your body language at work….how professional interact conveys a lot to your peers and manager.
So what does your body language say about you?
Body Language #1: Leaning back in your chair
What It Says About You: It says you are leaving forward into a problem. Don’t lean backwards because it shows that you’re alienating.
Body Language #2: Crossing your arms in a meeting
What It Says About You: Crossing your arms shows you are cut off from receiving ideas…you are defensive. If your body position is open, you are open to receiving new ideas and what people are saying.]
Body Language #3: Gesturing with your hands
What It Says About You: Gesturing with open palms shows you are honest and sensitive.
Body Language #4: Tapping your pen on the table
What It Says About You: This shows you are impatient or in discomfort
Body Language #5: Licking your lips
What It Says About You: Chewing on your lips or licking your lips shows you are nervous and /or bored
Body Language #6: Stretching or yawning.
What It Says About You: Stretching or rubbing you head in meetings signals that you’re bored.
A resume is the most important step in getting a job. The smallest error can cost you the interview and your dream job. Your resume paints a picture of your experience, successes and career. Most hiring managers weigh an applicant’s resume heavily when filling a position. Every piece of information in the resume should be clear, accurate and well-thought-out.
Below are 4 common resume mistakes job seekers should avoid:
Typos and grammatical errors are costly errors because such mistakes can easily destroy your credibility. This can be easily avoided by proofreading your resume. Give it to a friend or family member for a fresh set of eyes. It’s not worth missing out on a job opportunity because of an avoidable spelling mistake.
A common mistake in many resumes where many job applicants spend most of the space highlighting the job responsibilities instead of focusing on their accomplishments. Prospective employers want to see specific, quantifiable accomplishments on your resume. These accomplishment speak to your ability and what you can bring to their team and company.
Exhibiting your specific skillsets are important, especially when you are seeking a technical or IT job, but too much jargon or too much “tech talk” in your resume can often prevent the company from identifying your accomplishment and viewing your experience.
It is important to highlight your experience and accomplishments, but if your resume is too long the hiring manager may not finish reading it….a miss important details that relate to their opportunity. A good rule of thumb is to give enough details about your previous positions, while emphasizing your accomplishment, but leave some more detail you can expand on in an interview. This will help you peak the hiring managers interest in you and help you empress them during the interview.
Delta Computer Consulting, Inc. is certified through the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) as a woman-owned and woman-operated business.
