What Not to Include on Your Resume


A well-crafted resume contains only the information that proves you're a qualified candidate. Eliminate resume clutter by removing useless information that potential employers often view as filler and a waste of their time. Here's a short list of the worst offenders:
  • "References available on request." Listing the actual references on your resume is even worse.
  • Your Social Security number or driver's license number.
  • The date your resume was prepared.
  • Your company's telephone number.
  • Your high school or grammar school if you're a college graduate.
  • Dates you spent involved in college extracurricular activities.
  • Dates you were involved with professional or civic organizations unless using them to fill in gaps or add heft to your claims.
  • Names of (human) past employers; put these on your reference sheet with contact information.