Your resume is not your online profile
With so many online profiles one has to fill out these days, it’s often easy to mix what should go on your Facebook page and what should rather be kept away from your resume.
Content that’s acceptable to post on professional networ king sites might not be appropriate for your resume. For example, many people add a head shot to their LinkedIn profile, photographs don’t belong on a resume. Hiring managers are interested in your qualifications, not what you look like.
Not only is it unprofessional to include a picture, but it also puts hiring managers in an awkward position. It’s illegal for employers to discriminate based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, race, gender and age. A photograph obviously gives away much of this information. If you want to craft a picture-perfect resume, don’t include an image.
RESUME: “I am 26 and a very healthy, able-bodied person. I can send you a pic.”
That won’t be necessary.
COVER LETTER: “I welcome any queries and enclosed a link to a picture, just for reference. Please note, I’m much smarter than I appear.”
We’ll take your word for it.
COVER LETTER: “See the attached resume and pitcher.”
Strike one!
Details about your personal life and family also have no bearing on your ability to perform a job.
“PERSONAL: Single, no dependents.”
Your resume is not a census form.
“OBJECTIVE: A job so I can pay for my daughter’s wedding reception in Las Vegas.”
Focusing on your needs and not those of the hiring manager was a bad bet.
“OTHER: I am my uncle’s favorite niece.”
We’d be more impressed if you explained why you’re the boss’ favorite employee.
Finally, remember that as the job applicant, you’re not in position to call the shots:
COVER LETTER: “Seeking a boss who shows respect and wants to be respected. Must see me as a human being and treat me like one. Must be calm and collected and not flip out when I ask for an hour off to attend ‘Muffins With Mom Day’ at my 4-year-old’s preschool.”
