8 things Designers should remove from their Resume at All Costs

These are undoubtedly the top eight things that frustrate recruiters, and designers should remove them from their resume at all costs.

As designers, we know the importance of crafting an exceptional resume. It serves as our first impression to potential employers and can make or break our chances of landing our dream job.

But just as crucial as knowing what to include is recognizing what to leave out. In this article, we’ll dive deep into this critical subject and explore the eight pieces of information that designers should never include in their resumes.

#1 Unprofessional email address

Never use Unprofessional email address in your resume

Using an unprofessional email address on your resume can be a major turn-off for potential employers. It suggests that you don’t take your job search seriously and may lack the professionalism required for the role.

Instead, opt for an email address that includes your name or initials. You want to make a positive impression and remove any potential obstacles to getting the job. Here are few email ID templates you can use:

1. [first_name].[last_name]@gmail.com: This is a simple and classic email ID that uses your first and last name. It’s easy to remember and identifies you as a professional.
2. [initials][email protected]: If you want to incorporate your profession into your email ID, you could use something like “Designs” as the keyword.
3. [first_name][email protected]: Another option is to include your profession or area of expertise in your email ID, like “Designs”. This makes it clear what you do and can help you stand out to potential employers.

#2 Avoid Generic Statements

Generic statements are common on resumes and can make your application blend in with others. Instead of using vague phrases like “excellent communication skills” or “team player,” provide specific examples of your accomplishments and skills to showcase your value as a product designer. Consider the following examples:

• Rather than stating “excellent communication skills,” highlight how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product, leading to a 25% increase in sales.
• Instead of simply stating that you’re a “team player,” describe how you’ve contributed to team efforts by leading design critiques, resulting in a 50% improvement in design quality over three months.
• Rather than just mentioning your proficiency in design software, showcase your expertise in a specific program like Adobe Creative Suite, detailing how you’ve used it to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for web and mobile applications.

The more specific and measurable, the better!

#3 Never use First-Person Pronouns

Convey a better Job Description

Using first-person pronouns like “I” and “me” may seem like an innocent way to describe your accomplishments. However, it’s important to consider how such language may be perceived by potential employers. Rather than taking the focus away from your achievements and placing it on yourself, opt for a more concise and objective approach.

Use bullet points and active verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, such as “Led a team of 5 employees” or “Managed a team of 5 employees.” By doing so, you’ll be able to showcase your leadership abilities while keeping the spotlight on the impact you’ve made.

#4 Long paragraphs

Avoid long paragraphs on your resume, as they can be difficult to read and may bore the recruiter. Instead, use bullet points and short, concise sentences to describe your experience and accomplishments. This will make your resume much easier to read and more likely to grab the recruiter’s attention.

#5 Lies or exaggerations

Exaggerating your skills and achievements might seem tempting, but it can damage your professional reputation and hurt your chances of success. Employers value integrity, so be authentic and accurate when representing yourself. Remember, your resume is just the beginning — it’s your hard work and dedication that will truly make a difference in your career.

An example of this would be a job candidate who lists proficiency in a particular software program on their resume, even though they only have a basic understanding of it.

#6 Salary history or expectations

Including your salary history or expectations on your resume can be a mistake. This can limit your negotiation power and harm your chances of getting the best compensation package. Instead, showcase your skills and achievements on your resume and wait until the interview process to discuss salary.

Remember, presenting yourself as a strong candidate puts you in a better position to negotiate the compensation you deserve.

#7 Unprofessional social media links

If you include links to your social media profiles on your resume, make sure they are professional and appropriate. Avoid including links to personal accounts or accounts that showcase unprofessional behavior. Social media can be a powerful tool for designers, but it’s important to use it wisely.

For instance, avoid including personal social media accounts on your resume, such as Twitter or Instagram. Instead, add links to professional accounts that showcase your design work and experience, like Behance or Dribbble.

Actionable tip: Review your social media accounts before adding any links to your resume. If they don’t reflect your professional brand or showcase your design work effectively, remove the link or consider creating a separate professional account. Use your social media presence wisely as it can be a valuable tool for designers.

#8 Personal details

Finally, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or nationality on your resume. This information is not relevant to the job and may even lead to discrimination. Focus on your skills, experience, and achievements, and let those speak for themselves.

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Summing Up

In conclusion, creating an impressive resume is about showcasing your skills and accomplishments in a manner that is most appealing to potential employers. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can increase your chances of securing your desired job and establishing a rewarding career as a designer. Best of luck! I hope you land your dream design job 🦄.