Your resume is your first impression—and sometimes, it’s the only one you get. Whether you’re applying for a job in manufacturing, warehouse work, or office support, your resume should be clean, clear, and focused on what matters most to an employer.
Before you hit send, here are 3 things you should leave off your resume—no matter what type of job you’re applying for.
1. Personal Details That Don’t Belong
You don’t need to include your full address, date of birth, marital status, or Social Security number. These details are unnecessary and can even open the door to privacy risks.
Stick to the basics:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- City and state (optional)
That’s all you need to get started.
2. Jobs You Had 10+ Years Ago (That Aren’t Relevant)
If it’s not helping your case—it’s just taking up space. Employers want to know what you’ve done recently, especially if it’s related to the job you’re applying for.
Old roles from 10+ years ago (especially if they’re unrelated) can make your resume look cluttered or unfocused. Instead, highlight the past 3–5 years of relevant experience and keep things short and sharp.
3. Negative Language or Job Drama
Avoid phrases like:
- “Left because of bad management”
- “Fired for being late”
- “Didn’t get along with the supervisor”
Even if those things happened, your resume is not the place to explain them. Stay positive and focus on what you did well. Save the explanations for your interview—if they’re even needed.
Final Tip: When In Doubt, Keep It Simple
A clear, honest, and easy-to-read resume will always beat one that’s overloaded with info. Focus on what makes you a great worker—like your reliability, your skills, and your willingness to learn.
Need help with your resume?
At Staff Right Solutions, we help job seekers every day—and we’d be happy to help you too. Call us at 973-538-2900 or visit solutionsSR.com to get started.