Here are five things you should not mention in your resume

The official document summarising your professional qualities, such as relevant job experience, abilities, education and significant achievements can be the make-or-break between getting or not getting the job of your dreams. A resumé, usually accompanied by a cover letter, helps you exhibit your skill sets and convince companies that you're qualified for the position. To increase your chances of being accepted for it, however, will depend on what you’ve included in your resumé. Here are the five things to avoid mentioning in your CV.

1. Sharing excess information:

While it is tempting to include everything you have accomplished on the professional front, you run the risk of providing too much information, and relevant portions not getting the attention they deserve. Being concise is essential for capturing the interviewers’ attention.

2. Misrepresentation in credentials or experience:

Untruthful assertions or plain lies are at the top of the list of things which must not be included in a resumé. These could be half-truths, mistakes or misleading information, but they all add up. Many hiring managers are flexible when it comes to accepting an applicant who exhibits the right attitude, even if he/she does not check all qualification or experience boxes. Avoid inflating your background, as it could cost you a plum position.

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3. Information on hobbies:

Unless it is relevant to the position you’re applying for, mentioning a hobby can be avoided on the resumé, since space is at a premium and hiring personnel really look for information that is complementary to the position at hand. You may make a mention of it, if your career choice is in consonance with your interest. For instance, watching movies can be a great and relevant hobby if you are going to apply with a film production house.

4. Text in passive form:

Use active verbs. Make the most of your resumé’s potential to impress a hiring manager by using powerful action verbs and a description of everything that makes you a wonderful fit for the position.

5. Unnecessary personal information:

Only include material that is applicable to the position. Save details like age, political leanings, religion and other personal details for the interview. Hiring managers try to be objective when looking at resumés so ensure that your personal details do not affect their judgement while shortlisting you for the interview. There was a time when the date of birth was always mentioned on a resumé but now it is avoided as a practice.

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While writing a resumé, the most important aspect is to think about what actually can stick to a recruiter because they go through hundreds of resumés in a day. A well-written CV makes it easier for them to understand what you might offer for the position, so focus on your strengths.