Useless Information on a Resume

Useless Information on a Resume While looking over some recent original resumes from clients, I was hit with an internal “So what?” response. As part of Feather Communications, my philosophy is to always think of the prospective employer and his/her response to the resume and cover letter. My initial response is always, “What will the employer think when he/she reads this?” Or, in shorter terms, the person may think, “Here’s this information, but so what?” Here is my list of “So what?” information that basically provides no added value to a resume. First, listing an objective on the resume is useless, in my opinion. The objective for anyone sending a resume is to obtain a new job; otherwise, they would not be sending the information. Other than stating the obvious, the objective provides no real purpose. Secondly, another “So what?” response comes when a job applicant says they are “available for interview.” If someone is sending a resume to an employer, the employer is assuming the person is ready for an interview. Finally, my last “So what?” response comes when I see a resume that says, “References available upon request.” Everyone has references that are available when needed. And, it is pointless to put this information on the resume; utilize that space to include other qualifications or experience-related items that an employer can see as a benefit to his or her organization. When putting together your resume, consider the “So what?” response. Think about your resume and if you are wasting any of its valuable space on information that really does not need to be included. Remember that this is your chance to shine; use both your time and the space wisely.