You're Probably Making These 5 Make-Or-Break Mistakes On Your Resume

No one has the perfect resume.

But if you're constantly getting rejections without knowing why, finding a job can be immensely stressful and unsatisfying.

Without receiving feedback, you don't even know where you went wrong.

Elite Daily spoke to Alex Twersky, who runs Mediabistro's career service offerings. He said,

When people write resumes, they should adhere to the maxim that “less is more,” but they often don't. As a result, resumes can be freighted with a kitchen's sink full of unnecessary information, and that, in the world of short attention spans, is a very big mistake.

So if you need to slim down that resume, here are 5 things you should consider cutting, according to Twersky:

1. Jobs that didn't go well

This one is simple: It might be better to have a gap in your work history than include a job you'd rather not talk about in an interview.

These days, there is "no stigma" about a gap, Twersky said, as almost everyone has one.

So feel free to cut out those garbage freelance roles and short-term jobs that didn't work out.

2. Professional references

There is simply no need to list references on your resume, as a potential employer will normally request them at a later date.

Don't put yourself in a situation where you change your mind about wanting a job, but the potential employer contacts your references anyway, Twersky advised.

3. Common interests, skills and training

If an interest (like reading), skill (using the internet) or training ("Intro to Excel") does not make you stand out, they might be hurting your chances.

Twersky said,

Stating that you completed 'Intro to Excel' is the equivalent of saying that you don't know much about it. Better to list it as a skill, or even better, to explain how you used it to accomplish something on-the-job in your experience section.

4. Politics and religion

Twersky said you should avoid stating any political or religious activities you're involved with -- even if they are relevant to the position you're applying for, they can be divisive.

Help yourself out by doing some research and knowing what you're applying for, then decide if something stays or goes.

5. Personal details

You have no obligation to include your marital status and age in the US, so leave it off, Twersky said.

6. And one thing you must do:

Twersky said,

Place more emphasis on your achievements! Hiring managers don't want to wade through a thick narrative of your life history. They're not watching 'Downton Abbey,' they are trying to fill a key position!

Don't be shy about stating your accomplishments and successes, and watch those job offers roll in.