When it comes to your resume, sometimes what you leave out is more important that what you put in. Hiring managers generally have just a few minutes to review applications they receive. As a result, your qualifications may not catch an employer's eye if they are buried among irrelevant information. For instance, details about your personal life, including your hobbies, pets and family, have no place on your resume. The following candidates failed to heed this advice:
"HOBBIES: My favorite show is 'House' on Monday evenings."
We'll assume you'd be unable to work late those days.
"PERSONAL: I have a parrot that talks as much as I do."
In this case, Polly wants a job offer.
"ABOUT ME: Loving son and dependable brother."
And how would you describe yourself on the job?
COVER LETTER: "I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I raise Rottweilers."
Do they have accounting skills?
"HOBBIES: I enjoy ruining, spending time with my family and going out of town."
About that first one ...
"ACTIVITIES: Participated in a psychology experiment about eating."
The Sigmund Freud of food.
Many professionals include an objective statement at the top of their resume. This section can be beneficial if it matches the job for which you are applying. It must be specific, however, and your objective should focus on your career goals, not personal ones.
"OBJECTIVE: To be married to a loving, sincere, loyal, understanding, witty and funny woman with whom to have four intelligent, handsome and good-natured children."
We hope you find Mrs. Right.
"OBJECTIVE: None."
You might consider reapplying after you've found one.
(For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to (650) 234-6998.
(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies" and "Job Hunting For Dummies," 2nd Edition. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition.)
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RESUMANIA
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