What to Avoid on a Resume

Statistically, recruiters only spend a few seconds looking at your resume before deciding to pass or take a deeper look at the contents.  There are some common things to leave off the resume to help boost the chances of your resume being considered:

  • Reasons for leaving your previous employer – focus on your accomplishments and the positives. The exception to this is a Federal Resume.
  • Salary information or date available – This may be asked for on an application. Otherwise, it is understood that you are actively seeking employment and salary, and benefits will be discussed during the job offer process. The exception to this is a Federal Resume.
  • Abbreviations. Always write it out first.  Not all abbreviations are universal and may not be recognized through applicant tracking systems.
  • References. This should be a separate page. No need to say, ‘references available upon request’. It is generally accepted that they are available.
  • Pictures.  Adding a picture can cause bias and should be a concern if an employer is asking for that up front.  When including a photo on a resume, the chances of your resume getting discarded are up to 88%. 
  • Graphics. For both computer applicant tracking systems and recruiters, adding extra graphics can be challenging to read. They can also be difficult to edit and will take up precious space.  For professionals in graphic or digital design, a small personal brand graphic is acceptable.
  • Repeating yourself. Highlight the differences in employment and experiences.
  • Negative information or details could discriminate against you.  It is your choice on the content to add to a resume. Include information that promotes your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.
  • Multiple fonts, colors, or extra formatting. This can be difficult to read and distracts from the content.
  • Too much space.  Single space within a section and double space between sections.  Consider using columns for sections such as skills or awards. Use the full page and balance the content on the page.

Have a concern or question about your resume? Connect with the Pierce College Career Center staff.

Employer of the Day

Talk with recruiters in an informal environment about positions they are recruiting for, the application process, and what it is like to work for that employer. Open to all. See details in Handshake.

Homewatch CareGivers of Tacoma

Puyallup Campus

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: College Center Building, 2nd Floor

Fort Steilacoom Campus

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.             
Location: Cascade Building, 3rd Floor           

Military and Veterans Symposium

Bridging the Gap: Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian Life

Are you a service member transitioning from military to civilian life? Come to the free symposium to find out more about practical tools, resources, and connections for your next chapter. Open to all members of the Pierce College community.

Date: November 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Campus, Cascade Building, CAS 420 and 421 (Fireside and Performance Lounge)

Priority Deadline for Financial Aid

Submit your FAFSA or WAFSA application by the priority timeline to ensure Financial Aid will have adequate time to process your aid. Funding for each year is determined separately, and a financial aid application must be submitted each year. The Financial Aid year at Pierce College runs from Summer Term (July) through Spring Term (June). Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA or WAFSA for Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 Terms. The 2026-2027 FAFSA and WAFSA application are available now for the upcoming academic year which begins July 1, 2026. Be sure to check your student portal in ctcLink for updates from Financial Aid on any awards or needed items.

Academic Term You Want to Begin Financial Aid Priority Timeline Tuition/Fees Due Academic Term Begins
Fall 2025 July 21, 2025 September 8, 2025 September 22, 2025
Winter 2026 November 3, 2025 December 18, 2025 January 5, 2026
Spring 2026 February 2, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 6, 2026
Summer 2026 May 4, 2026 June 22, 2026 July 6, 2026

Your Career Center is Open During Winter Break!

Your Career Center is open when the college is open! The college will be closed November 27 and 28, December 22 to 26, and January 1.

Winter break may be a wonderful time to take a deeper look into career pathways or jobs that align with your skills, values, and goals. Additionally, this may be a good time to update your resume, start planning and search for an internship for spring, or practice your interview skills. Many employers wait until the new year to post their openings. Be ready to apply with a professional resume, cover letter, and references.