Certain Personal Information

It is best not to include personal information such as marital status, religion and race. Employers are not legally allowed to ask these questions, and including info from those categories might just put you up for discrimination.

However, such personal information may be required if you’re applying for international jobs. Don’t include a photograph in your resume unless you are in the entertainment industry (and you’re looking for acting work). Clean up your blogs and other online information sources before linking them to your resume. (Make sure to keep all personal information confidential.)

Letters of Recommendation

Do not send these with your resume unless the company asks for them. It is best to hand them in once you are invited for a job interview. (Make sure to contact your references ahead of time to give them the heads up.)

Specific Salary

Avoid including your current or desired salary. You can include a range rather than a specific figure. If there is no choice but to address the salary question, you can touch on the issue in your cover letter, but focus the letter on other information.

Creation Date

Do not list the date when you created the resume. Every applicant should know this basic information.

Avoid Buzzwords, Outdated Phrases and Clichés

Make sure your resume is universally understood, and avoid technical terms as much as you can. Outdated and/or generic phrases should be avoided as well. Instead, include tangible information in your resume.

Avoid Anything that Can Work Against You

Do not include any information that could raise immediate red flags. Before handing your resume in, review it and check if you have listed any information that may disqualify you from being in the running.