6 Things That Make You Look Amateur on Your Resume

6 Things That Make You Look Amateur on Your Resume 6 Things That Make You Look Amateur on Your Resume Not everyone has the golden resume, filled with impressive job experiences that any employer would be crazy to bedrngnis consider. When we are just starting out, it can be hard to even fill the page of a resume simply because we dont have the experience yet. But thats not a reason to have your resume look amateur.Here are six things that make your resume look less professional, and what you can do to avoid them1. Short-term jobs. If you quit a job after a few weeks because you couldnt see your future there, dont put it on your resume. Employers look at short-term jobs as a sign that youre flighty, and you want to avoid that perception at all costs.If you have more short-term jobs (that relate to the one you want) than long-term, or many short-term consulting arrangements, you can add them into a section for one year. If you are listing many consulting assignments, make sure its clear in your resume that it was not a full-time, permanent position.2. Job experience that doesnt relate. If youre trying to work as an administrative assistant, but one of your past jobs was working as a restaurant server, leave that one off the list. However, if your job history doesnt provide enough experience for the Work History section of your resume, find ways to connect the unrelated work to what you want to do.For example, when you worked as a server, were there any tasks that related to the administrative assistant position youre vying for? You might be surprised to find that some of the skills you learned will translate for the job you want. Highlight these points in your resume. 3. Every responsibility you had at a job. Focus on a high level, and keep only what relates to the job youre applying for. A resume isnt the place to copy your job description instead, its meant to highlight the best of what youve done at past companies and tie it to what you will do with your next e mployer.4. References. While you do need a list of people who can vouch for you as an employee and overall exemplary citizen, you dont have to include the list with your resume. And dont add the phrase References Available Upon Request. Its a given you have and will provide references when it comes to that point in the interview process.5. Hobbies. Many argue that listing your hobbies on your resume gives the employer a better sense of your overall character. While that might be true, hobbies can also be used against you and employers can jump to conclusions about you before having the gunst der stunde to meet you. Unless the hobby relates to the job you want and its not covered in your job experience, keep it off.6. Why you left a job. Save this for the interview. Some job applications may ask for this information, but never volunteer it on your own. Explanations on your resume are required to be brief and could easily cast you in a negative light. Its much better to discuss this i n person when youll have the opportunity to explain further, if necessary.Lindsay Olson is a founding partner and public relations recruiter with Paradigm Staffing and Hoojobs.com, a niche job board for public relations, communications, and social media jobs. She blogs at LindsayOlson.com, where she discusses recruiting and job search issues.