20 Outdated Things People Should Avoid Doing On Their Resumes

A resume is the first document your potential employer will use to evaluate your suitability for the advertised job before you are invited for an interview or the next assessment step. When crafting your resume, including key details to improve your chances of being considered for the job is essential. However, some outdated practices on resumes could harm your chances of getting your dream job.

1. Your Home Address

Including your full home address is no longer necessary due to the prevalence of electronic communication. It is important to remember that companies rarely use physical mail for hiring decisions.

2. Soft Skills

Most employers assume that job applicants already have soft skills. Instead of adding soft skills, focus on showcasing specific hard skills relevant to the job, such as proficiency in software like WordPress, Python, or Salesforce.

3. Skill Dots

Using skill dots or bars to rate your proficiency in various skills is also not recommended. These visual indicators can be confusing for those reviewing your resume.

4. Computer Types you have used

There’s no need to mention your ability to use both Mac and PC on your resume. It’s generally assumed that most individuals can operate both types of computers, making this information redundant.

5. Personal Information

You should also avoid disclosing personal information like age, race, or religion. These details can lead to bias in the hiring process and are usually irrelevant to your qualifications.

6. GPA

Once you’ve gained work experience, your GPA becomes less relevant. Removing it from your resume is advisable unless you are a recent graduate.

7. High School Details

Most employers do not need to know about your high school information, especially if you have college or work experience to showcase.

8. Start Dates for Education

Skip mentioning the start dates of your educational pursuits on your resume. What matters most is your graduation date or expected graduation date if you’re still in college.

9. Salary History

You should also avoid sharing your salary history on your resume. Including this information could lead to issues during future compensation negotiations.

10. References

You should also not include a list of references or mention that they’re available upon request on your resume. It’s widely understood that you can provide references when asked during the interview process.

11. Negative Remarks About Previous Employers

You should avoid adding negative comments about past employers on your resume. The resume should focus on your achievements and qualifications rather than grievances about previous workplaces.

12. Non-Work Related Social Media

Exclude any non-work-related social media profiles from your resume unless they’re directly related to your profession or portfolio. Including unrelated social media accounts or outdated profiles can distract your employer from your professional qualifications.

13. Embedded Charts and Images

While visually appealing, embedded images can cause problems with most Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and may not display correctly. Avoid including images in your resume; recruiters prefer straightforward skill representations through text.

14. Unprofessional Email

Use a professional email address for job applications, business communication, and business cards. Avoid using addresses that are overly informal or shared family accounts. Create a dedicated, professional email address, ideally incorporating your name and relevant credentials for a polished impression.

15. Adding multiple phone numbers

There is no need to add several phone numbers, even if you have them. One phone number is enough for your potential employer to contact if they want to.

16. Objective Statement

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Objective statements are becoming obsolete because they focus on what the candidate wants or dreams to achieve, not what they offer. Instead, you can include a professional summary that highlights your skills, achievements, and what you bring to the table for the employer. It’s a quick snapshot of your value proposition.

17. Text-Heavy Templates

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Recruiters spend minimal time scanning resumes, which is why the visual layout of the resume is crucial. Heavy text blocks can be off-putting for most reviewers. You should instead format your resume with an “E-pattern,” where job titles and lengths are on one line and achievements are bulleted. It helps create a more scannable and visually appealing layout.

18. Resume Length

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Keeping a resume concise is crucial. Employers want relevant information that directly relates to the job. For most individuals, limiting the resume to one or two pages is ideal. This prevents overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details and ensures a focus on key skills and experiences.

19. Personal Stories

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While personal anecdotes might be engaging, a resume isn’t the place for detailed personal stories. It should focus on professional achievements and qualifications that align with the job. Including personal stories can distract reviewers from these critical points and dilute the impact of your resume.

20. Including Hobbies

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Traditionally, resumes would sometimes include hobbies, but this practice is now considered outdated. Hobbies don’t often relate to job qualifications and can take up valuable space that could be used to highlight more relevant skills and experiences.