Resume Clean-Up Guide: What to Delete for a Better Job Search

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. However, some information can hurt your chances of landing an interview. Streamlining your resume by removing unnecessary or irrelevant details can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Here’s a guide on what you should remove from your resume or CV to ensure it’s polished and professional.

Remove: Personal Details: Marital Status, Religion, and Age

In many countries, including Australia, it’s unnecessary to include personal details such as your marital status, religion, or age. This information is irrelevant to your ability to do the job and can unintentionally introduce bias.

• Keep: Your full name, phone number, professional email, and location (city, state).

Remove / Update: Unprofessional Email Addresses

Your email address is often one of the first things an employer sees, so it’s important to keep it professional. Email addresses like “[email protected]” or “[email protected]” can create a negative impression and may suggest a lack of seriousness.

• Replace with: A simple, professional email using your first and last name (e.g., [email protected]).

Remove: Irrelevant Hobbies and Interests

While hobbies can add personality to your resume, they’re often irrelevant unless they directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Employers are more interested in your professional skills and experience than your personal activities.

• Keep: Hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills, such as leadership roles in volunteer organisations or industry-related activities.

Remove / Replace: Long Paragraphs of Text

Recruiters and employers often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume, so large blocks of text are a big turn-off. Keep your resume concise and easy to read by using bullet points and short, punchy sentences to convey your achievements.

• Replace with: Bullet points highlighting your key achievements and responsibilities.

Remove: Outdated or Irrelevant Work Experience

Including every job you’ve ever had, especially if it’s unrelated to the position you’re applying for, can clutter your resume. Focus on the job experience that is most relevant to the position you are applying for, and eliminate anything more than 10-15 years old unless it’s still highly relevant. Note: this tip may not be relevant if you have been out of work for a long period or are looking for your first job.

• Keep: Experience that aligns with the job requirements, even if it’s from a few years ago.

Remove: High School Information (If You’re an Experienced Professional)

Once you’ve been in the workforce for a few years, your high school education becomes less relevant. Employers are more interested in your recent professional experience and any further education.

• Keep: Higher education degrees, certifications, or ongoing training relevant to the job. 

Remove: Too Many Personal Details

It’s common for job seekers to share personal details like their home address, but this is unnecessary in modern resumes. Your general location (city and state) is enough to give recruiters and employers an idea of your proximity.

• Keep: Your LinkedIn profile or any professional portfolio links.

Remove: Fancy Fonts and Unnecessary Graphics

While your resume needs to look clean and professional, using too many fonts, colors, or graphics can be distracting. Stick to one or two standard fonts (like Arial or Helvetica) and avoid using images or logos, unless you’re in a creative industry that calls for a more visually engaging resume.

• Keep: A simple, clean design that highlights your qualifications clearly.

Final Thoughts: Revisiting your resume for impact

Your resume is your chance to show employers why you’re the best candidate for the job. By removing outdated, irrelevant, or unprofessional elements, you can ensure that your resume is concise, clear, and impactful. Stick to the facts, focus on your most relevant experience, and keep your personal details to a minimum. A streamlined, professional resume will help you stand out and improve your chances of landing a job you’ll enjoy.

Need extra support in your job search? Contact our employment team at CoAct.