Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies, has some resume writing advice. Learning how to write a resume means knowing what not to include. As you prepare this document, something that has to wow potential employers before you ever step through the door, you’ll want to remain aware of things to leave off your resume.
When it comes to creating your resume, it’s best to think of this document as a marketing campaign. By phrasing your talents and experiences in just the right way, you’re marketing yourself to potential companies as someone who is absolutely essential.
When you understand this, it becomes easier to take note of the things to leave off your resume.
What To Leave Off Your Resume
Knowing how to write a resume goes beyond knowing what to say. You also need to keep in mind the things you shouldn’t say. When it comes to what not to include on your resume, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Objective statement:
Old resumes used to make room for an objective statement, which was designed to summarize the resume itself. The problem is, why are you wasting valuable resume space on something your potential employer already knows? The employer already knows you want the job. Use that space instead to create a headline for why you deserve the job.
References available upon request:
This is another thing that’s a waste of a resume space. Your employer inherently assumes you have up-to-date references that are available upon request. When they want them, they will know to ask you.
Photograph of yourself:
Unless the job demands a certain physical look, employers do not want resumes that include photographs. A picture can indicate to your employer how old you are, what you look like, your ethnic background, and more. All of those things can potentially create discrimination accusations later on, so employers prefer to simply disregard applications with photos altogether.
Physical attributes:
Unless the job specifically requires certain physical demands, you don’t need to mention any physical attributes whatsoever. In the first place, your employer doesn’t care. In the second place, your employer doesn’t want to be part of anything that can potentially open them up to discrimination accusations later on.
Age:
Of these 5 things to leave off your resume, this is one of the biggest. Again, what not to include on your resume ultimately comes down to wondering if your potential employer really cares. When it comes to age, they are almost never going to be interested.
Looking for a job? Searching for talent? Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies, can help.
Find a job by searching below
- Data Entry Clerk Work From Home - Part-Time Focus Group Participants ($750/Week)
Apex Focus Group — Ashburn,VASeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Hiring: Part-Time Data Entry Personnel (up to 25/hr)
Maxion — Arlington,VAWant to make extra money on YOUR schedule? Join our exclusive list of research study participants and start earning extra income today! Perfect for anyone seeking remote, part-time, or temporary...
- Data Labeling Specialist: Remote Contract
Workada — Washington,DCWorkada produces high-quality labeled data for advanced technology systems. Our team reviews, categorizes, evaluates, and quality-checks digital content so those systems can better understand information and handle real-world tasks. What...
- Medical Receptionist
One Medical — Washington,DCAbout Us One Medical is a primary care solution challenging the industry status quo by making quality care more affordable, accessible and enjoyable. But this isn't your average...
- UPS - Warehouse Worker/Package Handler $21+/hr
UPS — Gaithersburg,MDUPS is seeking Warehouse Workers / Package Handlers to assist with sorting, loading, unloading, and processing packages in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Warehouse Workers are responsible for unloading packages from...
- Remote Video Game Tester – 5-10 Hours/Week, Earn Up to $500+ Per Game
Babki LLC — Ashburn,VAWe're looking for passionate gamers to join our elite group of mobile game testers. Get paid to play and test the latest games. $500+ average monthly pay 5–10 hours per...
- Remote : Get Paid to Play Games
Free Cash — Bethesda,MDReceive a $5 welcome bonus when you complete your first offer!Make money in your spare time by completing online tasks:Take paid surveys (5-15 minutes each)Test new mobile games and appsShare...
- Front Desk Supervisor/Customer Service - Hilton $16-$35/hr
Hilton Hotels — Gaithersburg,MDHilton is seeking a Front Desk Supervisor to oversee front desk operations and ensure guests receive excellent customer service throughout their stay. The Front Desk Supervisor assists with daily front...
- Part-Time Store Cashier/Stocker
ALDI — Leesburg,VAALDI is looking for enthusiastic part-time cashiers and stockers. As a cashier, you'll provide friendly, efficient checkout service, while as a stocker, you'll help keep shelves stocked and organized to...
- FedEx - Retail Customer Service Associate $16-$22/hr
FedEx — Gaithersburg,MDFedEx is seeking Retail Customer Associates to work in FedEx Office retail locations assisting customers with shipping services, printing services, and business service solutions. Retail Customer Associates are responsible for...
- Costco - Customer Service Associates/Cashier - Hiring Now
Costco Wholesale — Gaithersburg,MDCostco is seeking Customer Service Associates to assist members with purchases, returns, and front-end store operations. Customer Service Associates are responsible for greeting members, operating cash registers, processing payments, assisting...
- Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives
U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Ashburn,VAFebruary 2026 Update GL-5/7 grade levels Border Patrol Agent (BPA) – in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector (Entry Level) A MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER! If you're...
- Public Health Worker - Entry Level Training Program
Dreambound — Herndon,VANote : This is an educational program, not a job. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee employment but will equip you with valuable skills for the public health...
- Walgreens - Customer Service Associate $16-$19/hr
Walgreens — Gaithersburg,MDWalgreens is seeking Customer Service Associates to assist customers, operate cash registers, and support daily retail store operations. Customer Service Associates are responsible for greeting customers, operating the register, processing...
- Earn From Your Mobile Phone Usage - No Surveys Required
Nielsen Pulse — Poolesville,MDSeeking USA residents aged 18 and over to participate in a unique research project. No in-person activities required; this study is conducted 100% online. Share your web usage anonymously with...
- Software Job Training Program
Year Up United — Washington,DCYear Up United is a one-year or less, intensive job training program that provides young adults with in-classroom skill development, access to internships and/or job placement services, and personalized coaching...
- Retail Customer Service Associate
FedEx Office — Vienna,VAPOSITION SUMMARY: The Store Consultant consistently delivers a positive customer experience to all customers, utilizing consultative skills to anticipate customer needs, suggest alternatives and...
- Security Guard (Armed/Unarmed)
Fast Guard Security Service — Ashburn,VA[Security Officer / Patrol] - Earn $20/hr (Unarmed) or $30/hr (Armed) / Flexible Scheduling / Rapid-Response Assignments / Nationwide Full-Time & Part-Time Openings - As a Security Guard Armed/Unarmed at...
- Goodwill - Store Clerk/Cashier $14-$21/hr
Goodwill — Gaithersburg,MDGoodwill is seeking Store Clerks / Cashiers to assist with retail store operations, customer service, and processing sales transactions. Store Clerks are responsible for operating the cash register, handling cash...
- Security Officer - PT & FT available
Inter-con Security — Ashburn,VA[Security Guard / Safety Officer / Patrol] - Industry Leading Pay / Opportunity for Medical-Dental-Holidays-Vacation-Sick Pay-401(k) / Uniform and equipment provided / Recognition and Reward Programs - As a Security...
- Frito-Lay - Warehouser/Material Handler $18-$26/hr
Frito Lay — Gaithersburg,MDFrito-Lay is seeking Warehouse Workers / Material Handlers to work in distribution centers loading, unloading, moving, and organizing snack products for delivery routes. Warehouse Workers are responsible for loading delivery...
- Dispatcher - Leesburg VA
Keolis America — Leesburg,VADispatcher - Leesburg VA Job Category: Operations Requisition Number: DISPA006557 Posted: July 13, 2026 Full-Time On-site Rate: $29.62 USD per hour Leesburg, VA 20175, USA Description...
- Target Guest Associate $16-$20/hr
Target Stores — Gaithersburg,MDTarget is seeking Guest Advocates / Guest Associates to assist customers, operate registers, and support front-end store operations. Guest Advocates are responsible for greeting customers, scanning items, processing payments, handling...
- Find Receptionist, Entry Level, & Hourly Jobs Near You
AD | Jobs2Careers.com — Ashburn,VAApply to Full Time Receptionist Positions Hiring Immediately. Great Benefits. Top Pay. Apply Today!
- Billing Specialist
Pro-Vac — Manassas,VAAt Pro-Vac, we are not just providing hydro-excavation and storm/sewer maintenance services; we are supporting the critical infrastructure that keeps communities moving. We believe in delivering safe, efficient, and innovative...
- Applied Researcher II
Capital One — Mc Lean,VAApplied Researcher II Overview: At Capital One, we are creating trustworthy and reliable AI systems, changing banking for good. For years, Capital One has been leading the industry in using...
- Store Shopper
Wegmans — Leesburg,VASchedule: Part time Availability: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Includes Weekends). Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older Location: Leesburg, VA Address: 101 Crosstrail Blvd SE Pay:...
- Best Buy - Cashier / Customer Service Associate $15-$18/hr
Best Buy — Gaithersburg,MDBest Buy Cashiers and Customer Service Associates assist customers with purchases, returns, exchanges, and general product questions while providing a friendly in-store experience. Responsibilities include operating the register, handling cash...
- Package Sorter - Immediate Hire
AD | MatchMeJobs — Ashburn,VANew Warehouse Positions Open. No Experience Required. Hiring Now. Apply Today!
- Specialty Business Manager, Derm - Newport News, VA
Takeda Pharmaceutical — Ashburn,VABy clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line...
- Metadata / Data Cataloging Analyst
Guidehouse Careers — McLean,VAJob Family: Data Engineering & Architecture Consulting Travel Required: Up to 10% Clearance...
- Receiving and Inventory Control Clerk
Wright Manufacturing — Frederick,MDDescription: Due to our continued growth, Wright Manufacturing, Inc. (WMI), an award-winning producer of commercial-grade lawn equipment, is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Receiving and Inventory Control Clerk to join...
- Retail Merchandise Associate
Home Goods — Sterling,VAHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your...
- CVS Health - Retail Store Associate - Apply Now
CVS — Gaithersburg,MDCVS Health is seeking Retail Store Associates to assist customers, operate cash registers, and support daily retail store operations. Retail Store Associates are responsible for greeting customers, processing transactions, handling...
- Pre-Kindergarten Teachers
Georgetown Hill Early School — Potomac,MDPre-K Lead Teachers – Come Grow With Us! Do you light up when a 4-year-old finally grasps a new concept? Do you believe play is learning? We're looking for a...
- Crew
Trader Joe’s — Ashburn,VAIs it you? Our Crew Members create a warm and friendly shopping experience in our stores. We answer questions, offer suggestions, and ensure our customers know they are welcomed and...
- APP Hospitalist Culpeper Medical Center
UVA Health — Manassas,VAUVA Community Health Culpeper Medical Center ...
- Big Ticket Coordinator
HomeSense — Rockville,MDHomesenseAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your...
- Medical Support
US Navy — Vienna,VAJob Title : Medical Assistant/Technician (Hospital Corpsman) Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Hospital Corpsmen assist healthcare professionals and provide medical and dental care to Sailors, Marines, and...
- Special Agent, $40,000 Recruitment Incentive
The United States Secret Service — Washington,DCRecruitment Incentive: Applicants may be eligible for a $40,000 recruitment incentive in accordance with regulatory requirements. Click apply for complete details on the recruitment incentive details and...