Dated words & phrases
These don't say anything about your ability — they're just older style habits. Swap them to keep the focus on your results.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Objective: To obtain a challenging position… | A 2–3 line professional summary aimed at the job |
| References available upon request | Delete it — employers assume this |
| 30+ years of experience | 15+ years of experience |
| Responsible for… | Led / Managed / Delivered… plus a number |
| Hard worker, team player | A result that proves it (e.g. “Cut overtime 18%”) |
| Results-oriented, detail-oriented | Show the result instead of naming the trait |
| Lotus Notes, Windows XP, fax | Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace |
| Proficient in email and internet | Leave it off — it's expected |
| Graduation year from decades ago | Degree and school only |
| AOL or Hotmail email address | A simple Gmail or Outlook address |
| Home phone / Tel / Fax label | One mobile number, no label |
| Full street address | City, State |
| Two spaces after a period | One space |
| Every job since the start of your career | The last 15 years in detail; older roles summarized or omitted |
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