4 Things That Shouldn't Be on Your Resume in 2024
As we dive into 2024, the job market remains incredibly competitive. Companies are receiving more applications than ever before, which means your resume needs to stand out—but for the right reasons. As a career coach with years of experience, I've seen countless resumes, and I can tell you that there are four key things you should avoid putting on your resume this year. Let's break them down and help you create a resume that will catch a recruiter's eye in those crucial 6-13 seconds they spend scanning it.
1. The Overly Lengthy Objective Statement
Gone are the days when a long, flowery objective statement at the top of your resume was considered essential. Recruiters simply don't have the time to read a paragraph about what you want from a job. They're looking to quickly assess if you have the skills they need.
Instead, consider using a headline and two columns of key skill sets. Our research at Work It DAILY shows that 74% of recruiters prefer this format. It allows them to quickly check off the skills they're looking for, making your resume much more likely to land in the "yes" pile.
2. Too Much Text
I've seen resumes with tiny margins, minuscule font sizes, and every single job responsibility crammed onto the page. This approach is overwhelming and, frankly, off-putting to recruiters. It can come across as desperate or even narcissistic.
The trend for 2024 is simplification. Your resume should be as dry as toast—just the facts, presented clearly and concisely. Think of your resume as a marketing teaser. It should provide just enough information to make the recruiter want to call you to learn more.
3. Excessive Bolding and Italics
While you might think emphasizing certain words or phrases throughout your resume will draw attention to your key accomplishments, it often has the opposite effect. Too much bolding or italicizing can make your resume look cluttered and hard to read.
Use formatting sparingly and strategically. Bold your job titles and dates of employment, but leave the rest clean and simple. The goal is to guide the reader's eye through your career progression and key skills without overwhelming them.
4. "References Available Upon Request"
This phrase is a relic of the past and takes up valuable space on your resume. It's understood that you'll provide references if asked, so there's no need to state it explicitly. Use that space for something more impactful instead.
Time to Review Your Resume
Now that you're aware of these four resume don'ts, take a moment to look at your own resume. Do you see any of these outdated or ineffective elements? If so, it's time for a revision.
Remember, in today's job market, simplicity and clarity are key. Your resume should be easy to skim, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences without unnecessary clutter. Think of it as a snapshot of your professional self, designed to intrigue recruiters and make them want to learn more about you.
Need Help with Your Resume?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the task of updating your resume, don't worry—we've got you covered.
I invite you to check out Work It DAILY’s FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp. This resource is designed to help you rewrite both your resume and LinkedIn profile in a format that will significantly boost your job search efforts. The best part? It won't cost you a penny.
In this competitive job market, having a strong, modern resume is more important than ever. Don't let outdated resume practices hold you back from landing your dream job. Take the time to refine your resume, removing these four elements, and watch as more opportunities come your way.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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