According to a recruiting firm survey, employers cited some of the worst mistakes that job seekers make on their resume. They are:



1. Unnecessary Details About Your Life



Unless you are applying to a position overseas, the only personal details to include are full name and contact information, including email, phone number and address. Stay away from age, race, political or religious affiliation (unless you plan to work for one), marital status, etc.



2. Your Work Responsibilities That Don’t Relate or Are Not Recent



Limit your experience to jobs that are relevant (unless you are a graduating or recent student) to your career goal now and avoid listing early jobs that are over 20 years ago.



3. Salary Expectations



This information can be addressed in the cover letter, but not listed on the resume. Typically, you state that you will be happy to discuss it at an interview. Save that discussion for a later stage of the interviewing process once the interviewer brings it up.



4. Crossing the Line Between Fact and Fiction



This should really go without saying, but crossing line between embellishment and fabrication cost get getting hired. Two of the most common areas in which the facts are fudged are the employment timeline and college degree (having one). No matter how miniscule the chance it may seem, is it easy to get caught.



5. Things That Were Once Labeled “Confidential”



In many jobs, you will handle proprietary information. Confidential information should never be shared on a resume. If you’re sharing the names of your clients (unless you know this can be mentioned), in-house financial data, or anything else that might be for your eyes only, it can backfire. The prospective employer will know that you can’t be trusted with sensitive information; and your current (or former) employer might find out what you have been sharing and it could be grounds for dismissal or even a lawsuit.



6. Reasons for Termination



The purpose of a resume is to get you in door and, therefore, should put you in a positive light. Don’t include that you were terminated and the reason for it—save it for the interview.



7. Overly Verbose Statements



There is a fine line between selling yourself and overselling yourself. Avoid a disconnect at the interview. Present resume readers with a clear picture of your skills and experience in straightforward language that makes sense to employers based on your position and level of responsibility.