6 Things to Take Off Your Resume in 2025
Modern tips for standing out in today’s job market
In today’s fast-moving hiring landscape, first impressions matter more than ever. As resume screening tools get smarter and recruiters juggle dozens of applications at a time, outdated resume formats and language can quietly hold candidates back.
Whether you're actively job hunting or just keeping your resume fresh, here are six things to remove in 2025—along with what to include instead to position yourself as a competitive candidate.
1. Your Full Home Address
Including your full street address used to be standard, but in today’s digital hiring world, it’s unnecessary and potentially a privacy concern.
Do this instead:
Include only your city and state. For remote roles, consider adding your time zone to clarify availability.
Example: Seattle, WA (Pacific Time)
2. Objective Statements
Generic objective statements like “Looking for a challenging position where I can grow” don’t help your case—and may make your resume feel dated.
Do this instead:
Write a brief professional summary that highlights your top skills, domain expertise, or what sets you apart.
Example: Full-stack developer with 4+ years building scalable SaaS platforms. Experienced in React, Spring Boot, and agile workflows. Passionate about performance, clean code, and team collaboration.
3. Your Entire Work History
You don’t need to include every job you’ve had since high school. Older or irrelevant positions only dilute your message.
Do this instead:
Focus on the past 10–12 years of experience, especially roles aligned with your target position. Tailor each resume version to match the role you’re applying for.
4. Weak Action Verbs
Phrases like “responsible for” or “helped with” can undersell your value and sound vague.
Do this instead:
Use strong, specific action verbs like “led,” “streamlined,” “increased,” or “launched.” Focus on measurable achievements whenever possible.
Instead of: Helped improve onboarding process
Try: Streamlined onboarding, reducing new hire ramp-up time by 30%
5. Outdated Skills and Tools
Listing basic tools like Microsoft Word or typing speed as key skills signals an outdated resume.
Do this instead:
Include technical or job-specific tools that are relevant in your field today. Review the job description to align your skills section accordingly.
Example: Salesforce, Tableau, Python, Figma, Jira, HubSpot
6. "References Available Upon Request"
This phrase is considered filler in 2025. Employers will ask for references when needed.
Do this instead:
Use that space to highlight certifications, leadership experience, or role-specific keywords that help you pass through applicant tracking systems.
Bonus Tip: Clean Formatting Counts
Stick to one font (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
Use consistent formatting for bullet points and dates
Avoid excessive bolding, italics, or colors
Save and submit your resume as a PDF unless stated otherwise
Messy formatting can quietly undermine an otherwise strong resume.
Final Thought: The Rules Have Changed—Your Resume Should Too
Recruiters in 2025 aren’t just scanning for credentials—they’re looking for clarity, relevance, and adaptability. Cleaning up your resume with modern standards will help you stand out faster and make a stronger case for the value you bring.
If you're unsure where to start or want feedback, our team is happy to help. Whether you're applying now or preparing for future opportunities, we’re here to support your job search.
Considering a career move? Reach out to our team or check out our advice section to stay ahead in today’s hiring market.