As one of the leading employment agencies in Northern California, Pacific Staffing knows that this Halloween season, some of the most frightening encounters for hiring managers won’t be with ghosts and goblins. It will be with job seekers via resumes that are riddled with mistakes, blunders and downright scary stuff.

To ensure you don’t send a hiring manager running this Halloween season, be sure to avoid the following mistakes on your resume:

1. Including Information That’s Too Personal

Unless you’re applying for a job at an antique shop, a hiring manager does not need to know that you love to collect vintage ceramic dog planters. Instead, keep the personal information to yourself and only include specific responsibilities and accomplishments that are relevant to the position.

2. Naming Your Resume “Resume”

Any idea how many resumes a hiring manager gets? While it depends on the position, it’s most likely an overwhelming amount. So if your resume document is just named “resume,” then there’s a chance it could get lost in the shuffle. Use your name in the file instead.

3. Sending a Picture

If you’re applying for a job as an actor or model, then your headshot is expected. But for pretty much every other job on the face of the planet, you should not be submitting an image of yourself. And if a hiring manager or a job posting asks for one, then you should be the one running screaming in other direction.

4. Stating Your Physical Characteristics 

Along the same lines of sending a picture, including features like your height and weight is a big no-no.

5. Including Where You Went to Grade School 

Unless you’re applying for a job at that school, then skip including grade school or high school listings. Most employers are only interested in your college background.

6. Listing Every Single Past Job

Hiring managers don’t care that you delivered pizzas your senior year of high school if it’s completely unrelated to the job you’re applying for. And including that kind of information is going to make you stand out – in a negative way. Instead, if you’re lacking in the experience department, then remember to include any volunteer work, as well as relevant course work.

7. Stating What You Don’t Have

Don’t use phrases on your resume like “limited experience” or “not yet graduated.” If you have limited experience in a certain area, then discuss it during the job interview when the hiring manager asks you about it. And if you haven’t graduated, then simply include your anticipated graduation date.

Need more help finding a job that’s right for you? Give Pacific Staffing a call. As one of the leading employment agencies in Northern California, Pacific Staffing is always on the lookout for smart, dependable and qualified people to put to work in great opportunities.

Contact us today to learn more.