5 Things You Don't Need on Your Resume Anymore

Introduction

In today's competitive job market, having an effective resume is essential. Don Georgiovich, an expert from Job Interview Tools, recently explored a popular article by a supposed senior recruiter from Google, highlighting what you should no longer include on your resume. Here are the five items that are considered outdated and unnecessary:

1. Full Address

The first recommendation is to omit your full street address. Instead, it suffices to mention your name and city, such as “Don Georgiovich, Cleveland, Ohio.” Including your street address can clutter your resume and provide no real benefit to prospective employers. A clean, concise contact section is crucial.

2. Objective Statement

The article suggests eliminating the objective statement. Many people believe that an objective statement should clarify the position you seek. While some assert it’s outdated, Don fervently disagrees. A short, one-line objective can provide clarity to employers. Therefore, you can say something like, “Seeking a management position in the finance industry,” which can effectively communicate your aspirations.

3. Detailed Work History

The third point is to avoid detailing your entire work history. Listing every responsibility in your previous positions can dilute the effectiveness of your resume. Instead, focus on accomplishments relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Don emphasizes the importance of tailoring your resume to each position, reflecting your most relevant experiences without going back more than 10 to 15 years.

4. Weak Action Verbs

Another mistake to avoid is using weak action verbs like "helped" or "was responsible for." Don recommends using strong action verbs such as "streamlined," "implemented," and "increased." This shift makes your contributions more impactful and engaging to potential employers. Additionally, avoid personal pronouns; they are unnecessary since your name is already at the top.

5. References Available on Request

Finally, it's suggested that you remove the phrase "References available on request." This outdated practice does not add any value to your resume and has been considered unnecessary for decades. Employers understand that references are essential and will ask for them when they are interested.

Additional Tips

In addition to the five recommendations, Don highlights other aspects to avoid:

• Outdated skills, such as referencing old software versions.
• Work history beyond 15 years.
• Having a lengthy resume that exceeds one and a half pages.
• Using a tiny font, which can hinder readability.

Don also suggests including your LinkedIn profile URL, as it adds more professional context about you without taking up much space. Ensure it’s personalized to make it easily recognizable and memorable.

If you’re struggling with your resume, Don offers a guide titled Resume Masterpiece. This guide is designed to assist you in writing a comprehensive and effective resume.

Keywords

• Resume
• Objective Statement
• Work History
• Action Verbs
• References
• Job Applications
• LinkedIn Profile
• Outdated Skills

FAQ

Q1: Should I include my full address on my resume?
A1: No, it's recommended to only include your name and city to keep your resume concise.

Q2: Is an objective statement necessary on my resume?
A2: It's advisable to include a brief objective statement to clarify your job aspirations.

Q3: How much work history should I include on my resume?
A3: Focus on relevant experiences and limit your work history to the last 10 to 15 years.

Q4: What type of action verbs should I use in my resume?
A4: Use strong action verbs like “streamlined,” “managed,” or “developed” to convey your achievements effectively.

Q5: Should I mention references on my resume?
A5: No, simply eliminate the phrase "References available on request" as it is considered outdated.