Outdated Resume Trends You Should Ditch in 2025

A polished, modern resume can set you apart from the competition, but outdated mistakes might be holding you back. Here are six things to remove from your resume to improve your chances of landing the job!

1. Objective Statements – Employers care more about what you bring to the table, not what you’re looking for. Swap it for a compelling summary highlighting your skills and value.

2. Overly Designed Templates – Fancy graphics and colorful layouts might look nice but often confuse ATS systems. Stick to a clean, professional format.

3. Listing Every Job You’ve Ever Had – Focus on relevant experience from the last 10-15 years. Hiring managers don’t need to see your first retail job from high school.

4. Generic Soft Skills – Simply stating you’re a “hardworking team player” isn’t enough. Instead, show how you applied those skills with specific achievements.

5. Including References on Your Resume – It’s assumed you can provide them when asked. Save that space for more impactful content.

6. Using an Unprofessional Email Address – A quirky email from college won’t cut it. Stick to a simple, professional email with your name.

Updating your resume to reflect current hiring trends can make all the difference. Need help? Next Step Resumes is here to guide you!