Avoid Many Common Errors in Resume Writing

Many job seekers either don't know or don't understand the many items which do not belong in a resume. They include the following:

• Do not use "I", "me" or "my" statements; use the telegraphic method and drop the pronoun to make it more active. Instead of "I wrote the 40-page employee manual", say "Wrote the 40-page employee manual"
  
• Avoid the use of the words "responsible for" and "duties included"
  
• Do not include personal information, such as age, health, ethnicity, marriage and family status. Employers will throw your resume out if it has such information because they could someday be accused of hiring bias
  
• No photographs unless you are a model or actor
  
• Do not explain your reasons for leaving your previous jobs or why you have employment gaps
  
• Don't send along extra papers such as letters of recommendation, certificates or samples of your work. They clutter up your presentation and are too premature. Use in the interview if appropriate
  
• Never include past or expected salary information
  
• Do not include a list of professional references