Looking to craft a resume that captivates hiring managers? It’s essential to streamline your content. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Avoid Lengthy Lists

Many candidates fall into the trap of verbosity, according to career consultant Allison Cheston.

“Focus on your impact rather than just listing tasks. A resume that merely enumerates duties is less compelling. Hiring managers prefer to see results, like a 40% increase in sales due to a new strategy,” Cheston notes. Including excessive information can also obscure key achievements, warns Claire Bissot of CBIZ HR Services. If your resume is only getting a cursory glance, you don’t want them distracted by unnecessary details.

Eliminate Redundancies

Examine your resume for repetitive phrases. “Are terms like ‘manage,’ ‘administer,’ or ‘responsible for’ appearing too often? Seek fresh ways to express your role,” advises Bissot.

Repetition can also come from listing consecutive roles at the same organization, says Eliot Kaplan, a career coach. “Instead of listing five one-year positions separately, combine them into one entry that highlights your growth and increasing responsibilities.”

Skip the Photos

Including a photo on your resume can be off-putting, according to Cheston. “It can come across as odd and may create a negative impression. With LinkedIn available, employers can find your picture there if needed,” she explains. Although modern resumes can have creative designs, the rule against photos remains unchanged, adds Stephanie Naznitsky of OfficeTeam. “A picture doesn't help assess your suitability for the role and can distract from your qualifications.”

Remove Youthful Traces

Steer clear of unconventional email addresses that don’t simply include your name. “Once you’re about to graduate, eliminate any ‘.edu’ emails,” Kaplan emphasizes. This also applies to including high school details, lengthy internship lists, or your college GPA. “Your 3.7 GPA isn’t a standout,” Kaplan points out. Additionally, drop college clubs and old jobs; nobody needs to know you worked at a diner at 16.

Omit the Obvious and Mundane

Stop including generic skills like Microsoft Word and Excel. “Even my pet knows how to use them,” Kaplan jokes. Also, avoid mentioning references, as everyone knows they’ll be supplied upon request. “Recruiters don’t need your okay to contact past employers,” he adds.

If you have an “interests” section, make sure it’s actually intriguing. “Saying you enjoy Netflix or cooking isn’t engaging,” Kaplan says. Instead, get specific: think about discussing the works of Alfonso Cuaron or your favorite covered bridge tours across the states. Lastly, eliminate dull phrases like “results-oriented” and “dynamic.” They offer little insight and may bore hiring managers.

Forget Long-Term Aspirations

Employers care less about your future career goals and more about what you can offer them now. “Including this section can come off as self-centered. Your resume should focus on how you can contribute to the company,” Cheston advises.

Final Thoughts

Your resume should reflect your individuality. “Everyone’s resume is unique, and that’s how it should be,” Cheston states. “You can’t fit into a generic template—always find ways to stand out.”

Additionally, remember that your resume shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all document. Smart candidates customize their resumes for each job, emphasizing relevant keywords and experiences. “Your resume is a dynamic document that evolves with you,” Cheston concludes.