7 Things to remove from your Resume/CV
7 Things to remove from your Resume/CV, Your resume has exactly 7.4 seconds to make an impression, according to eye-tracking research by Ladders. In today’s competitive job market, those precious seconds can mean the difference between landing your dream job and getting lost in the application pile. As a professional who has reviewed thousands of resumes, I’ve noticed that many job seekers unknowingly sabotage their chances by including outdated or unnecessary information.
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The job search landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. With the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and changing employer preferences, your resume needs to be more focused and impactful than ever. Let’s explore the seven elements you should remove from your resume immediately to increase your chances of success.
Why Updating Your Resume Matters Now More Than Ever
In 2024, over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen resumes before human eyes ever see them. These systems look for specific keywords, clear formatting, and relevant information. Additionally, hiring managers are increasingly focused on candidates who can demonstrate immediate value and relevant skills.
A well-optimized resume isn’t just about removing outdated elements – it’s about strategically presenting your professional story in a way that resonates with both automated systems and human readers. Recent studies show that professionally optimized resumes are 60% more likely to result in job interviews compared to non-optimized versions.
1. Objective Statements: Replace with a Powerful Professional Summary
Remember those generic objective statements that started with “Seeking a challenging position…”? They’re now considered one of the biggest resume red flags. Modern hiring managers want to know what you can offer their company, not what you’re looking for in your career.
Instead: Craft a compelling professional summary that highlights your key achievements and value proposition. For example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving digital transformation and revenue growth. Achieved 200% ROI on campaign investments and led teams of 10+ to execute award-winning strategies.”
2. Unnecessary Personal Information: Protect Your Privacy and Stay Professional
Gone are the days when including your marital status, age, or full home address was standard practice. This information can lead to unconscious bias and poses unnecessary privacy risks in today’s digital age.
Keep only:
- Your name
- Professional email address
- City and state
- LinkedIn profile URL
- Portfolio link (if relevant)
3. Outdated Work Experience: Focus on Relevant History
Hiring managers are primarily interested in your recent professional journey. Including that summer job from 15 years ago or every position you’ve ever held dilutes the impact of your relevant experiences.
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Generally, limit your work history to:
- Last 10-15 years of experience
- Positions directly relevant to your target role
- Roles that demonstrate career progression
4. Irrelevant Skills: Streamline Your Expertise
In an effort to appear well-rounded, many candidates list every skill they’ve ever acquired. However, including basic computer skills like “Microsoft Word” or outdated programming languages can make your resume look outdated.
Focus on:
- Industry-specific technical skills
- Current software and tools
- Soft skills that align with the job description
- Certifications relevant to your target role
5. “References Available Upon Request”: Save Valuable Space
This phrase is understood as a given in modern job applications. Employers know they can ask for references if they’re interested, and this outdated statement wastes precious resume real estate.
Instead, use this space to:
- Add another compelling achievement
- Include relevant certifications
- Highlight leadership experiences
- Showcase industry awards
6. Unexplained Employment Gaps: Address Them Strategically
While employment gaps are more common and accepted today, leaving them unexplained can raise red flags. The key isn’t to remove them entirely but to frame them constructively.
Consider:
- Highlighting freelance work or consulting
- Mentioning relevant volunteer experiences
- Noting professional development activities
- Using years instead of months if gaps are small
7. Old Academic Information: Keep Education Relevant
Unless you’re a recent graduate, detailed academic information like GPA, course lists, and academic awards should be minimized or removed.
Retain only:
- Degree and major
- University name and location
- Graduation year (optional)
- Highly relevant certifications or continuing education
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Expert Tips for Implementation
When updating your resume, remember these key principles:
- Quantify achievements whenever possible
- Use action verbs to begin bullet points
- Ensure consistent formatting throughout
- Tailor your resume for each application
- Keep design clean and ATS-friendly
Moving Forward: Your Action Plan
Your resume is a living document that should evolve with your career. Take these steps today:
- Review your current resume against these seven points
- Remove outdated elements
- Replace with relevant, achievement-focused content
- Have a professional review your updated version
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FAQ Section
Q: How long should my resume be?
A: Aim for 1-2 pages depending on experience level. Entry to mid-level professionals should stick to one page, while senior executives can extend to two pages.
Q: Should I include a photo on my resume?
A: In most countries, particularly the US, UK, and Canada, photos are not recommended and can actually hurt your chances.
Q: How far back should my work history go?
A: Generally, focus on the last 10-15 years unless earlier experience is highly relevant to your target position.
Q: What if I have employment gaps?
A: Address gaps honestly but strategically by highlighting activities during that time, such as freelancing, volunteering, or professional development.
Q: Should I use a creative design for my resume?
A: Unless you’re in a creative field, stick to clean, professional formatting that works well with ATS systems.
Remember, your resume is often your first impression on a potential employer. Make it count by keeping it current, relevant, and focused on what matters most to your target role.
