The target resume format allows job seekers to draft a resume corresponding to the prospective job profile so that it enhances their chance of getting an interview call. However, one has to be very careful in drafting one, as the resume applies to only one job profile. Hence, a target resume has to be different from a generic one. There are certain points that will help you differentiate a target resume from generic resumes. Read further to find what are the points one should not include while writing target resume.
Ambiguously Stated Career Objective
Only those job seekers who are looking out for a particular job profile use a target resume. It is expected from a target resume that the job applicant is clear about his career goals and job expectations. Hence, an objective that does not translate the applicant's career plans clearly, will confuse the recruiter regarding his expectations from the job. Such an objective will turn things against the job seeker.
Irrelevant Job Experiences
Try to exclude any of the job experiences that are irrelevant to the job you are applying for. A target resume is designed in accordance to the job profile and thus should include only those experiences that relate to the job profile. A diverse experience may give an impression to the employer that the applicant is confused as to which field he wants to work in. For Example: An applicant who has initial experience in accounts, then sales and now he wants to continue in sales can either exclude the accounts experience or mention it in short
Inappropriate References
If you are including references, ensure the person you refer belongs to the same field and who can give confirm and support your expertise in that area of knowledge. If the employer decides to conduct a background check of the applicant and if the resume holds a reference from an organization with a different profile, such a reference would go against the job applicant. The information given by such organization about your designation, work and abilities, though impressive, will be ineffective for the prospective employer.
Unrelated Skills and Hobbies
Every employer expects his employees to have the basic skills of leadership, communication and coordination. In addition, it is important to display expertise in field-related skills. However, mentioning those skills that are not relevant to the area of work will discourage the employer from considering you. For Example: To include arithmetical and statistical knowledge in key skills in an accounting resume is appropriate. To include designing skills in accounting resume is inaccurate.
Lengthy Resume
Ideally, a target resume should not exceed 2 pages. Write the target resume concisely where each word contributes in your effort of gaining an interview call. A lengthy resume may put forth a vague and confused impression of the job applicant.
Emphasis on Personal Details
Avoid writing personal details unless very essential. If you wish to include them, restrict them in few words. For an employer the professional details are important. He may or may not consider reading the personal details. Hence, do not lengthen your resume with unnecessary emphasis on personal details.
Many tips are available to help you construct a target resume. But often applicants make a blunder by including certain irrelevant details. Hence, here is some assistance for those who ask, what are the points one should not include while writing target resume? I hope it will help solve confusion regarding what to include and what not include in target resume.