If your resume is in need of a quick clean up to make room for a new role, or maybe it’s just time for an update, here are 6 things you can remove right now:
Your Full Home Address. No need to share your complete home address when applying. Just include your city, state and zip code to ensure you come up in search results when recruiters and hiring managers are searching their resume database.
The Objective Statement. When asked to think of an objective statement, almost everyone thinks of the exact same one! “To find an opportunity within an organization that will allow me to utilize my skills and grow within the company.” Blah blah blah. The objective statement has been replaced with a professional summary. The major difference is that instead of telling an employer what you hope to find in your next opportunity, you’re letting them know what your strengths are and in what capacity you can actually be of service to them.
College Graduation Year. It’s actually illegal for an employer to ask when you graduated, as it helps them determine your age. The only thing that an employer needs to know is that you actually have your degree.
References Available Upon Request. If/when someone wants your references, they will definitely ask for them.
Skills. Depending on what type of position you’re applying for, once you’ve reached a certain level in your career and have become more specialized you can opt to include a core competency section under the professional summary that bullet points the most important skills you bring to the table for someone in your field.
Company Description. Unless you have worked entirely at very small companies with no name recognition, it’s not necessary to write a description of the company below the company name.
