Resume Tips

6 Things to Immediately Delete Off Your Resume

By: Angie Balman

Goal of a resume: present your professional side to hiring managers and highlight why they should hire you.

Here are 6 things you should immediately remove from your resume.

1) An unprofessional e-mail address:
Still using your rebellious or cute e-mail address from high school? Time to change it! E-mail is often your first correspondence with hiring managers. An unprofessional e-mail at the top of your resume is an immediate turn-off. Also, if currently employed, do NOT use your current company e-mail!
2) Bland/Boring verbs/phrases:
For example, do not start every sentence with, “I was responsible for…” these statements are bland. You should be focusing on your achievements! Try looking up resume verbs to help spice it up a bit.
3) Clichés:
Like bland and boring phrases, clichés are overused and only help water down your resume. Highlight the unique skills and experience you bring to the table. Avoid phrases like “team player,” “hard working,” “dedicated,” “detail-oriented,” “people person,” etc.
4) Experience that is too old or irrelevant to the position you’re applying for:
Experience that is more than 15 years old is unnecessary, as is information not pertinent to the job to which you are applying. These waste space that could be used to highlight your recent and relevant experience!
5) Grammar/Spelling errors:
We are all human and spelling and grammar mistakes easily happen. However, your resume is a professional document, and should be free of these errors. Make sure to check and double check your resume. It may be helpful to have a friend or mentor edit it for you too!
6) “References available upon request:”
Yes, the hiring manager knows. This statement is not useful and is just a waste of a line. Use this space for something impactful.

Note: It is important to remember that less is more on your resume. Remove these things weighing down your resume and allow your accomplishments to truly shine!