Less is More: 5 Things to Cut From Your Resume Right Now

Is Your Resume Overstuffed? Here’s How to Trim the Fat.

When it comes to building a resume, it’s tempting to throw in everything but the kitchen sink. You want to show recruiters you’re experienced, skilled, and the perfect person for the job. But here's a secret: sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is hit the "delete" key.

A cluttered resume can overwhelm a busy recruiter, burying your most impressive achievements under a mountain of irrelevant information. A great resume isn't about length; it's about impact. By strategically removing certain items, you can create a cleaner, more powerful document that grabs attention for all the right reasons.

Let's look at five things you can probably cut from your resume today to make it instantly better.

1. Your Entire Life Story (aka Irrelevant Work Experience)

That job you had at a cafe ten years ago was great for teaching you customer service, but is it relevant to the senior marketing role you’re applying for now? Probably not. Your resume should be a targeted marketing document, not an autobiography.

• Focus on Relevance: Only include work experience from the last 10-15 years, unless a previous role is exceptionally relevant.
• Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Customize your experience to fit the job you want. If a past role doesn't support your current career goals, it's just taking up valuable space. Platforms like Resumost.com make it easy to create and save multiple versions of your resume, so you can tailor your application for each specific role without starting from scratch.

2. Outdated Fonts and Clunky Formatting

You wouldn't wear an outfit from the 90s to a job interview, so why is your resume stuck in the past? Fonts like Times New Roman and Comic Sans can make your resume look dated.

• Choose a Modern Font: Opt for clean, sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. They are easier to read both on-screen and in print.
• Keep it Clean: Use white space, clear headings, and consistent formatting to create a professional, easy-to-scan document. According to usability experts at Resumost, a clean layout can significantly improve a recruiter's reading experience.

3. Salary Expectations and Personal Information

This is a big one. Including your current or expected salary on your resume can put you at a disadvantage before you even get to the negotiation stage.

• Leave Money Talk for Later: Salary should be discussed during the interview process, not on your resume. Let them fall in love with your skills and experience first.
• Protect Your Privacy: In today's world, there's no need to include your full address, date of birth, or marital status. A city, state, email, and phone number are all you need.

4. Vague Buzzwords and Corporate Jargon

Are you a "results-oriented team player" with a "synergistic approach to problem-solving"? These phrases are so overused that they've become meaningless.

• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of using clichés, provide concrete examples of your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements with numbers and data whenever possible. For example, instead of saying you "improved sales," say you "increased sales by 15% in six months."

5. Typos and Grammatical Errors

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many resumes are sent out with glaring errors. A typo can be a deal-breaker for many recruiters, as it suggests a lack of attention to detail.

• Proofread Meticulously: Read your resume forward, backward, and out loud.
• Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend, mentor, or family member to review it for you. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes you’ve missed.

By trimming these five things, you'll create a resume that is lean, professional, and focused on what truly matters: your value as a candidate.

Ready to create a resume that makes the cut? Visit Resumost.com to build a modern, professional resume in minutes.