Every day, recruiters have to view hundreds of resumes in only a few hours. According to studies, recruiters – on an average – take less than a minute to go through a resume. Some other studies indicate that the time taken can be less than 6 seconds. Applicant tracking software used by bigger companies does that in just 1 – 2 seconds. Thus, you have to take care to omit things that hiring managers do not like to see in your resume. Find out about those things that you should avoid, for ensuring that your CV does not land up in trash.

Gaps in professional history

It is well known that even the best candidates often have those periods when they are not actively involved with some company – due to loss of job or some other reason. It is important to mention what you have been doing during that time. You can write something such as taking time off for travel, marriage or caring for an ailing family member etc, as the reason.

Entire life history

The last thing that recruiters want to see is a detailed history of your life, and what you have been doing until now. You should include only information that is relevant, and omit all the non essentials. Include relevant skills and experience for the job position that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for the post of a marketing manager it is of no use writing about your internship as a writer with a publishing house.

False information

Avoid providing false details that can easily be verified and quashed. Many people tend to offer false details in resumes, and even fabricate a few projects to make them look good or expand that short period of internship to a year to look professionally ‘older’. However, down the line these could be found out easily.

Fancy fonts

Do not include fancy fonts and unique formats with the hope that being creative will make you ‘outstanding’. In many cases, recruiters are actually annoyed by such antics and find them to be distinctive. It is best to keep your resume clear, simple and as concise as possible.

Ubiquitous skills

Never include basic skills that every other candidate has these days. Job applications often mention proficiency in the newest versions of MS Excel and Office, which is nothing extraordinary these days. Brevity is the key to succeed, and you should highlight only the most relevant skills and abilities for the position.