I am an experienced content creator and copywriter. I have a strong background in content development, copywriting, SEO, email marketing and creating engaging social media strategies. I use my knowledge and creativity to help elevate brand identities so they can stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. I’ve also worked as a security guard during the summer months before graduating and I have lots of experience organizing events.
Did you just get a little thrown off?
One common mistake job seekers make is filling their resumes with irrelevant information that distracts potential employers and dilutes the value of their qualifications. Hiring managers and recruiters only have so much time they can spend on each resume, especially if the pile is big.
So identifying irrelevant information — and removing it! — is essential if you want to increase your chances of landing an interview.
Identifying Irrelevant Information on Your Resume
Prioritizing content that demonstrates your suitability for an open position is the key to making an impression on hiring managers. By identifying and removing those unnecessary details, you can make your resume not only concise, but also tailored to the specific position you’re applying for, improving your chances of standing out among the competition.
Here are a few key areas to pay attention to:
Personal Details
When it comes to your personal details, some items might not be relevant to the job. It is generally not necessary to include your age, photo, or full address on your resume. Instead, focus on providing a professional email address and phone number.
Unrelated Work Experience
Another aspect to consider is your work experience. While it’s tempting to list all the jobs you’ve held in your career, focus on the ones that most closely relate to the position you’re applying for. Avoid including every single position you’ve held, especially if you have a longer work history.
If you have a diversified work history and are applying for a different industry or role, try to draw parallels between your past experiences and the job you’re seeking. Showcase your transferable skills and accomplishments that make you a suitable candidate for the new role.
Mismatched Job Requirements and Skills
Like unrelated work experience, mismatched skills are another area to pay close attention to. You might possess various hard and soft skills, but not all of them need to appear on your resume. Keep it concise. Pick the skills most relevant to the job and demonstrate how they make you a perfect fit.
Go through the job description and carefully. Examine the skills and qualifications needed for the job. If you find any mismatched skills on your resume, consider removing or updating them to better align with the position.
Be mindful of the certifications you list too. Avoid including ones that do not add value to your application. Stay relevant to the position and focus on what would make the most impact on a potential employer.
Education
You don’t have to include every degree or certification you’ve received, especially if it’s not applicable to the job. Resist the urge to mention your GPA unless you’re a recent graduate with an exemplary GPA that demonstrates your academic excellence. Stick to noting the degrees and major courses that matter most for the job you’re applying to.
Outdated Achievements
Same goes for achievements. It’s important to showcase your accomplishments. But some achievements may not be relevant anymore and it may be time to let go. 🥹
For instance, activities or awards from a long time ago, such as high school or college extracurriculars, might not hold much value for a potential employer.
The same goes for outdated training that may no longer be in demand, whether you’re on a construction site or behind a computer.
Focus on your most recent and relevant achievements.Â
