Things to Stop Putting on Your Resume
Most resumes don’t get tossed because of what’s missing—they get tossed because of what’s still hanging around. A good resume should read like a sharp highlight reel, not a cluttered scrapbook. If yours feels like it’s trying to do too much, it probably is.
Here are three things you can delete from your resume right now (and yes, your future self will thank you):
1. Outdated Information
Your first job at the mall in 2008? The lifeguard gig from high school? Let them go. If it’s older than 10–15 years or totally unrelated to where you’re headed, it’s just taking up valuable space. Same goes for “References Available Upon Request.” (Trust me, every recruiter already assumes they’re available.)
Focus on the last decade or so, and highlight what shows you’re ready for the next step- not what you were doing when flip phones were still cool.
2. Personal Details
This one still surprises me, but I see it all the time: age, marital status, full address, or a list of hobbies. Not only does none of that help you get hired, but it can also invite bias. Keep it clean and professional: name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn link. That’s all you need.
Unless you’re applying to be a pastry chef, “loves baking” doesn’t belong on page one.
3. Vague Buzzwords
If your resume says you’re a “hard worker, team player, detail-oriented problem solver,” I guarantee you’re not alone- about a thousand other people typed the same thing. The problem is, those words don’t actually prove anything.
Swap the fluff for results. Instead of “strong leadership skills,” say “Led a team of 10 and boosted sales by 20%.” Numbers speak louder than adjectives.
Final Thought
Your resume doesn’t need filler- it needs focus. Every single line should show your skills, your results, or your value. If it doesn’t? Hit delete.
Ready for a professional glow-up? My Resume Glow-Up service trims the fluff and highlights what actually gets you interviews. Let’s make sure your resume earns its spot at the top of the stack.
