7 Things to Leave Off Your Resume

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In places like Canada, for instance, it may help to have multiple versions of your resume'. For example, some employers request a resume', some request a curriculum vitae' (which is in an entirely different format). Some ask for a "CV" but really expect to see a resume'. This can be confusing. Eventually, I made a resume'/CV hybrid. Also, having your resume' in multiple languages can be useful in some cases.

sylvia of LA 4:25PM July 13, 2011

Dear Mrs. Green,
Good tips; however I would like you to clarify your point about pictures being included in a CV. A simple head shot picture seems quite appropriate for executives and particularly for sales people. A good impression is always positively received. Furthermore, we see head shot pictures used all the time with the persons appropriate background noted below (e.g. - corporate websites, etc.) How does it show naiveté and why does it freak you out? It seems like a good way to aid the prospecting; especially when one of today's hiring steps is to do a phone interview (via HR or other)...helps put a face behind a voice. Thanks for clarifying your point and adding additional insights. - Bill

William Corbett of PA 10:15AM August 16, 2010

Of course more men include the photo, as many have military experience, and most services require a full lenght photo in dress uniform. There are a number of reasons for it, but usually a promotion, award or retention board is involved, and they do require it.

Miami Mike of FL 11:02AM July 06, 2010

To Mike S of CA:
It's immediately obvious that the author meant that MEN include their photos more than women and that she doesn't understand what the heck that's about and further, she advises against it. I think her meaning was equally as obvious to you by your defensive tone.
To Ms. Green - I greatly value your advice and agree with your suggestions (although I am NO expert), but I have two questions: 1) If one must completely abandon all "subjective" statements from said resume and stick merely with hard facts and figures...well, a scary, almost ominous feeling starts to set in for some of us, I think! The deeply ingrained fear that we will be overlooked, that our shiny, dynamic, fabulousness will go unnoticed and we will therefore go "unhired." GASP. I think I need a 12-step program to get over THIS particular addiction. How do you suggest I just turn my back on those beautiful, flowing, juicy words of self-congratulatory hyperbole? What's a "highly skilled, self-motivated and uniquely talented professional" like myself to do? 2) In all seriousness (and I kid, but I am serious with both these questions), I am also wondering specifically about the "don't tell me you're a great writer" comment. Show, don't tell -- I get it. and I totally agree. Usually. However, I find it QUITE difficult, if not almost impossible to mention my writing ability in a positive manner when applying for a writer position. especially a creative writer position. Do you suggest (and I'm not being sarcastic for once, I promise) that I weave a web of magical story-telling, an amazingly well written, engrossing prose in my cover letter -- which somehow passive aggresively or subconsciously conveys the breadth and scope of my writing acumen and experience whilst never once actually being able to type the words, "me good writer. So say some." Yeah, you're right, I wouldn't hire me either. ;-) Thanks for "listening" I would love to hear your ideas on this! You're great. truly!

Erika of OR 4:33AM January 20, 2010

Nice post, most of resume writing services suggest to remove photo from resume... also conside free resume critique option: http://interviewpattern.com/post/Free-resume-critique-mouse-trap.aspx

AJ of WA 11:35PM November 27, 2009

The girl who replaced me sent a photo with her resume and got hired immediately and made more per hour than I did (with less experience!)

Bah of TX 5:00PM August 24, 2009

"Your photo. Seriously. Stop. It's unprofessional and makes you look naive. Interestingly, more men do this than women. What is this about? (If anyone knows, please tell me. It freaks me out.)"
More men leave out the photo than women, or include a photo? And this is interesting to whom? And why is it interesting?
Is this an example of what not to do in a resume, making ambiguous statements and then commenting on them - without explaining what you mean, leaving the reader in the dark, as if you're talking to yourself not the reader?

Mike S of CA 9:32PM August 19, 2009

Many places in Europe are racist and sexist. They use photos for physically screening applicants.

bobcap of AZ 3:25AM June 27, 2009

I am getting an MBA at INSEAD, which is a top ten B-school globally and is located in France. The career services office here INSISTS that photos go on any CVs it sends out (e.g., in resume books or what not) and does not let MBA participants have any say in the matter. I have tried to explain to them that this is inappropriate in the U.S. and that a place that calls itself "the business school for the world" should be sensitive to local variations in how CVs appear, but to no avail.

INSEADer of CA 6:50AM April 21, 2009

I read and pretty much agree with all of your suggestions. However I recently came across an article published by Monster relating to "breaking away from tradition." This article suggested that if you were an indivdiual who change jobs frequently, like myself, a functional resume would be a good choice. Their (Monster)opinion was based on the fact that you would put more emphasis on your strength, your abilities and somewhat less emphasis on your brief tenure at various jobs. What is your opinion, based on my and am sure many others who had to change jobs for circumstances out of our control; i.e. company shutdowns, lay-offs, medical in natures. I am asking because although I appear to meet 90 to 100% of what the position I'm applying for requires, in both the education and experience background, I am getting nothing but your standard rejection letters or sometimes not even that. I am was speculating that the person reviewing my resume see that I have more than four (4) employers in a ten (10) year time spand; but there they have no idea that in two out of the four company shut down or I was one of hundreds (100) of the laid-off candidates. I appreciate any/all feedback.
Thank you

Carlos Garay of CA 4:58PM April 08, 2009