Stop putting this on your resume
None of these will get you rejected by themselves, but they're all space a stronger line could be using instead.
Posted Sep 23, 2026
- 1
"References available upon request"
Assumed. If they want references, they'll ask. This line is a placeholder that says nothing.
- 2
A generic objective statement
"Seeking a challenging role where I can grow" describes almost anyone. A short summary that says what you actually do and what you're looking for works harder.
- 3
Every task you were ever responsible for
A bullet list of duties reads like a job description, not a record of impact. Prioritize what you changed or produced over what you were assigned to do.
- 4
Outdated or irrelevant skills
Software you haven't touched in a decade, or skills unrelated to the role, dilute the skills that are actually relevant to this posting.
Every line is competing for a few seconds of attention. If a line doesn't help make the case for this specific role, it's costing you more than it's giving.
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