9 Things To Remove from Your Resume ASAP

When you’re applying for jobs, your focus is likely on including all the right elements in your resume: your work history, professional skills, and anything else that might help you stand out as the ideal candidate.

However, while you’re busy adding the right details, you might overlook certain elements that could detract from your application.

Some information simply doesn’t belong on your resume and could even cost you a chance at an interview. So, how do you know what to leave off? Fortunately, we have the answers.

Here’s what you should remove from your resume to increase your chances of landing that interview and securing the job.

Key Takeaways:

• Ensure you have a professional email address on your resume; swap out any outdated or unprofessional ones.

• Avoid listing off-putting or polarizing hobbies; include only those that are relevant to the job.

• Keep your resume focused and omit any irrelevant work experiences from high school or college.

• Stick to a straightforward format; complex designs may confuse applicant tracking systems.

9 Things to Remove from Your Resume

1. A resume objective. Your resume objective is often redundant and takes up valuable space. Most candidates will typically state something generic like “a hard-working individual seeking a challenging position.” This doesn’t provide much value to hiring managers.

   What you can do instead:

   Use a resume summary statement. This allows you to highlight your most impressive accomplishments and relevant experience. A strong summary directly addresses potential concerns hiring managers may have by demonstrating that you possess all the necessary qualifications.

   Instead of stating how great you are, tailor your resume to showcase the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Remember, hiring managers often spend only seconds reviewing a resume, so make every detail count.

2. An inappropriate email address. Using an email address from your current employer or an unprofessional one can hinder your application. An employer email conveys a lack of discretion, while a casual address like 420blazeit69@hotmail.com suggests immaturity.

   What you can do instead:

   Choose a professional personal email address for your applications, ideally a variation of your first and last name on a reliable platform like Gmail (e.g., hankhill@gmail.com).

3. Off-putting or polarizing hobbies/interests. If you have unconventional hobbies, such as leading a community gun club or writing niche fan fiction, consider leaving them off your resume. Employers might view them unfavorably.

   What you can do instead:

   Only include interests and hobbies that relate to the position or enhance your candidacy. For example, if you’re a personal trainer who runs marathons, that’s worth mentioning. However, if your interests are unrelated or controversial, it’s best to omit them.

4. Irrelevant and outdated work experiences. When applying for a specific role, omit unrelated work experience, such as a part-time job from high school. Your resume should not be a comprehensive history; it should emphasize your qualifications for the job at hand.

   What you can do instead:

   Only list work and volunteer experiences that are pertinent to the position. Focus on achievements and projects rather than routine tasks. If you’ve had a long career with several roles, consider creating an “additional work experience” section for older jobs, possibly omitting dates to prevent age discrimination concerns.

5. Big fancy words. Terms like “utilize,” “synergy,” and other buzzwords don’t enhance your qualifications; they merely make you seem insincere. Such jargon can distract from the crucial details of your resume.

   What you can do instead:

   Use straightforward language that you would use in conversation. Your resume should highlight your qualifications clearly, not showcase an extensive vocabulary. However, incorporating strong action verbs can make your achievements more impactful. Quantify your accomplishments where possible; numbers help hiring managers gauge your contributions effectively.

6. Creative formatting. Using overly creative resume designs won’t make you stand out positively; it may actually work against you. Many employers utilize applicant tracking systems, which can misinterpret elaborate formats and cause your resume to be discarded before a human sees it.

   What you can do instead:

   Stick to classic fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and maintain a clean layout. Consistency is key; if you choose to end bullet points with a period, ensure all of them do. For creative roles, showcase your creativity in your portfolio rather than on your resume.

7. References to yourself in the third person. This approach can come off as pretentious. Phrases like “Mark edited the university newspaper” can alienate hiring managers.

   What you can do instead:

   List your name and contact information at the top of your resume. Write your bullet points in the first person without using pronouns—begin each point with a strong verb to clarify your contributions.

8. Excessive details about college. While college experiences are significant, excessive emphasis on them can waste space on your resume. Most hiring managers are not interested in your college affiliations or social activities unless they directly relate to the job.

   What you can do instead:

   Utilize your education section to highlight internships or relevant experiences. Extracurriculars are only worth mentioning if they demonstrate valuable skills or leadership that apply to the role you’re pursuing.

9. Lies. This should be a given. Fabricating experiences or accomplishments is a surefire way to derail your job prospects. Employers can easily verify your claims, and being caught in a lie could jeopardize your position.

   What you can do instead:

   If you lack specific qualifications, emphasize your willingness to learn and grow rather than inventing experiences. Many employers are open to training candidates who show potential, so honesty is always the best policy.

Final Thoughts

Creating a resume is a detailed process that requires careful consideration of every element, from margins to the information included.

Your resume must be carefully curated to demonstrate that you are the best fit for the job. Be honest, stay relevant, and avoid unnecessary details. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next opportunity!

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.