We've recently covered writing a resume and the perfect CV but before you send it over to recruiters, take one long hard look and think what else needs to change to make it better.
According to Business Insider a hiring manager will spend an average of 6 seconds to determine if an applicant is fit or not fit for a position. Make that very small window count by striking out the following from your resume:
Objective - well, you obviously want the job because you applied.
Reasons and explanations you want to job. Skills, qualifications and experience should be the reason why you get invited to an interview.
Irrelevant experience - customize and align your resume to the position you wish to apply for.
Experience from over a decade ago, especially if it's not relevant to the job.
Short-term employment - whether you quit or were let go, avoid including a position you held for only a brief period.
Time off - it will possibly show up in your work experience so there's no need to put it in there.
Personal details overload - have an email address and one phone number and that's it. Remove multiple contact numbers and addresses.
Opinions - phrase your sentences appropriately, state facts and not opinions of yourself.
False claims and blatant lies, period.
Hobbies - definitely has to go not unless it will increase your chance of getting hired.
Too much text and bullets - having too much of these will make the reader lose interest because if everything is important then nothing stands out.
References - prepare a separate list of character and professional references ready. You don't need to submit it but in case they ask, you're prepared.
Formatting - make sure font and spaces are uniform unless of course you're applying for a creative position like layout artist or graphics specialist. Otherwise, these things should be uniform and consistent.
A less-than-professional email address, period. Make another one, it's fast and free.
Details related to your current job - contact information, company jargon and names of your coworkers and boss.
Generic explanations of projects and achievements. Make sure you state these in quantified terms.
Reason for leaving a job or a company. This isn't the appropriate place and it won't necessarily improve chances of getting hired.
