Your resume is your first impression on a potential employer, and in the competitive job market in 2025, it’s crucial to make it count. While knowing what to include is important, understanding what to leave out is equally vital. At www.hiring.day, we specialize in helping job seekers create professional, polished resumes and cover letters at an affordable rate. In this blog, we’ll explore the key elements you should avoid including in your resume to ensure it stands out for the right reasons.






1. Personal Information You Should Avoid


Certain personal details are considered irrelevant or even inappropriate to include on a resume. Avoid adding:

  • Your photo: Unless you’re applying for a modeling or acting job, photos are unnecessary and can lead to unconscious bias.
  • Date of birth or age: Age discrimination is illegal, and including this information can work against you.
  • Marital status, religion, or nationality: These details are irrelevant to your qualifications and are protected under anti-discrimination laws.


2. Unprofessional Email Addresses


Your email address is often the first point of contact with a potential employer. Avoid using outdated or unprofessional email handles like partylover123@email.com or gamer4life@email.com. Instead, create a simple, professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@email.com.


3. Irrelevant Work Experience


While it’s tempting to include every job you’ve ever had, irrelevant work experience can clutter your resume and distract from your key qualifications. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, your high school babysitting job doesn’t need to be included. Focus on roles that highlight your skills and achievements relevant to the position you’re targeting.


4. Outdated or Irrelevant Skills


Listing outdated skills like MS-DOS proficiency or typing speed can make your resume seem out of touch. Similarly, avoid including skills that are irrelevant to the job, such as expert-level knitting for a software engineering role. Stick to modern, job-relevant skills that align with the position.


5. Generic or Vague Objectives


A generic objective statement like “To obtain a challenging position in a dynamic company” adds no value to your resume. Instead, replace it with a strong professional summary that highlights your key achievements, skills, and what you bring to the table.


6. Salary Information


Including your current or desired salary on your resume is a big no-no. Salary discussions should happen during the interview or negotiation phase, not on your resume.


7. Too Much Jargon or Buzzwords


While industry-specific terms can demonstrate your expertise, overloading your resume with jargon or buzzwords like “synergy,” “thought leader,” or “disruptive innovator” can make it seem insincere. Keep your language clear, concise, and focused on measurable achievements.


8. References or “References Available Upon Request”


Including references or the phrase “References available upon request” is unnecessary and takes up valuable space. Employers will ask for references if and when they need them.


9. Typos, Grammatical Errors, or Poor Formatting


While not something you “include,” typos, grammatical errors, and poor formatting can ruin an otherwise strong resume. Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider using tools like Grammarly or professional services like www.hiring.day to ensure it’s error-free and polished.


Why These Tips Matter for Your Job Search


In the 2025 job market, recruiters often spend just 6-7 seconds scanning a resume. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your resume makes a strong, professional impression and lands you more interviews.


At www.hiring.day, we understand the nuances of resume writing and are here to help you create a standout resume tailored to your industry and career goals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, our affordable resume and cover letter services are designed to give you a competitive edge.