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
- HOT SHOT DRIVERS WANTED $4K/WEEK
R and J Hotshots — Arlington,VAWe are looking for drivers specifically for a dually with a 40 foot hotshot trailer. Drivers will have two and a half weeks on the road and four days off....
- Part-Time Aircraft Cleaner- DCA Airport
Prime Flight Aviation — Arlington,VAPrime Flight Aviation - 2901 Thomas Avenue - Responsibilities: Clean, wash, and sanitize aircraft cabins including seats, seat pockets, tray tables, lavatories, and overhead compartments; Ensure galleys are stocked and...
- Laboratory Analyst I
Fairfax Water — Herndon,VAUnder close supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor(s), performs routine laboratory and field analysis work to assure that drinking water meets regulatory and internal process requirements. Performs general laboratory maintenance and...
- 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.
- Cleaner - PT or FT
Homeaglow — Ashburn,VA[Housekeeper / Janitor] - Earn up to $25-hr. + 100% of tips / Flexible hours (you set your own schedule) - Homeaglow is hiring professional house cleaners. Be your own...
- Nanny Needed For My Children
Care.com — Ashburn,VAWe are looking for a great nanny for 1 child in Ashburn. We would prefer someone who could help out with light housekeeping. We would prefer a nanny who does...
- Cleaner - Evening Shift, Part Time
CSI International — Chantilly,VACSI International - - Responsibilities: General cleaning of the building and keeping it maintained and in good condition; Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors; Empty trash and recycling bins; Notify supervisors...
- DRIVER/DOOR ATTENDANT
Crestline Hotels and Resorts — Herndon,VACrestline Hotels and Resorts - - Responsibilities: Drive guests to the desired location within a one-mile radius of the hotel; Ensure security of the vehicle and its keys; Greet arriving...
- Benchmark Utility
Benchmark Utility Services — Sterling,VAConstruction Project Manager – Lead Industrial Utility and Heavy Civil Infrastructure Builds Job Overview Company: Benchmark Utility ServicesSalary/Pay Rate: $120,000 to $145,000+ per...
- IAD High-Lift Driver
ABM — Sterling,VAABM Industries - 1 Saarinen Circle - Responsibilities: Operate cabin service vehicles including Lav trucks, cabin service trucks, and high lift trucks.; Assist in loading and unloading of the trucks...
- Airport Rental Car Driver
Managed Labor Solutions — Sterling,VADo you enjoy working outside an office and are passionate about driving late-model cars? Need a flexible schedule plus access to DailyPay? Managed Labor Solutions (MLS), a leading nationwide rental...
- Store Cleaning Associate
TJX — Sterling,VAT.J. Maxx - 24630 Dulles Landing Dr Ste 180&190, Dulles Landing Shop Ctr - Phase I, Sterling, VA 20166, United States of America [Cleaning Technician] As a Cleaning Associate at...
- Houseman/Shuttle driver
Schulte Companies — Herndon,VASchulte Companies - - Responsibilities: Cleans and maintains all hotel public areas, including restrooms, hallways, stairwells, etc. to meet quality standards; Cleans bathrooms, dusts furniture and pictures, vacuums, sweeps and...
- Public Area Attendant l Hotel Burg | Leesburg, VA | Modus by PM Hotel Group
PM Hotel Group — Leesburg,VAPM Hotel Group - 208 South King Street - Responsibilities: Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and polish surfaces, floors, and fixtures in public areas; Ensure restrooms are clean, well-stocked, and sanitized;...
- Shake Shack Crew Member
Shake Shack — Sterling,VAHourly Rate: $16.00/hour + Tips*Our secret to leading the way in hospitality? We put our people first!* At Shake Shack, our mission is to Stand For Something Good in all...
- Veterans Preferred - Laundry Supervisor
Hyatt — Reston,VAMilitary Veterans are Encouraged to Apply. ...
- Get Paid to Test Games from Home – 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...
- Senior Data Operations Analyst
Trans Union LLC — Reston,VATransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice Personal Information We Collect Your Privacy Choices Team Overview The Data Operations team is responsible for collecting, monitoring, and managing...
- Data Center Technician - I&A Logistics Support 2
Experis/Manpower Group — Aldie,VAOur client, a leader in the technology and data management industry, is seeking a Data Center Technician - I&A Logistics Support 2 to join their team. As a Data Center...
- Part-Time Commercial Cleaner
CBRE Government & Defense — Reston,VACBRE Government & Defense - 11011 Sunset Hills Road - Responsibilities: Provide daily cleaning support to high-traffic areas of the building designated by the supervisor; Stock bathrooms with toilet paper,...
- Cleaning Crew
Our Team — Herndon,VAOur Team - JobID: 600-273392921 [Cleaning Technician / Custodian] As a Cleaning Crew at Our Team, you'll: Clean and disinfect all restaurant surfaces to meet health standards; Sweep, mop, and...
- Cleaner
THE CLEANING AUTHORITY — Germantown,MDThe Cleaning Authority - - Responsibilities: Perform professional house cleaning services; Be trained on Detail-Clean Rotation System; Work in different homes every day; Work with a partner to complete tasks;...
- Phlebotomy - Start Your New Career
Dreambound — Herndon,VALow cost job training - healthcare, tech, business, and more Make more money in just a few months Financial aid for those who qualify Flexible payment options Find top-rated training...
- Entry-Level Java Developer
SAIC — Ashburn,VAJob ID: 2612488 Location: Ashburn, VA, US Date Posted: 2026-05-12 Category: Software Subcategory: SW Engineer Schedule:...
- Warehouse Part Time Days
Lowe's — Sterling,VAYour Impact at Lowe's As a Receiver/Stocker, you help keep the store clean, safe, and ready for customers by accurately receiving freight, stocking shelves, and organizing merchandise and top stock....
- IAD Aircraft Cleaning Agent
Swissport — Dulles,VASwissport - - Responsibilities: Fold blankets; Vacuum aircraft floors; Wipe down and clean mirrors in lavatories; Clean and remove trash from seat pockets; Replenish seat pockets with airline materials ...
- Cyber Software Developer
Redhorse Corporation — Herndon,VAAbout the Organization Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S....
- Houseperson
Peachtree Hospitality — Ashburn,VAPeachtree Hospitality - - Responsibilities: Maintain cleanliness in hallways, lobbies, and public spaces; Assist Room Attendants with linen delivery and trash removal; Restock housekeeping carts and supply closets; Respond to...
- Warehouse Associate - Immediate Hire
AD | MatchMeJobs — Ashburn,VANew Warehouse Positions Open. No Experience Required. Hiring Now. Apply Today!
- Window Cleaner Technician
FISH Window Cleaning — Sterling,VAFish Window Cleaning - JobID: 100-168168128 [Cleaning Technician] As a Window Cleaner Technician at Fish Window Cleaning, you'll: Clean windows inside and out on commercial and residential buildings three stories...
- Software Developer (Java)
The Judge Group — Herndon,VALocation: Herndon, VA Description: Company: Top firm to the DOD Position: Software Developers / Engineers, Automation Developers & Testers Location: On-site Herndon, VA or Bowie MD, or Atlantic...
- Second Shift Commercial Cleaner
Inspection Cleaning & Restoration — Leesburg,VAInspection Cleaning & Restoration Corp - - Responsibilities: Perform all cleaning duties for facilities using provided ServiceMaster products, tools and procedures; Sweeping, mopping, polishing, trash removal, restroom cleaning, windows,...
- Business Associate Analyst*
Brooksource — Ashburn,VASharepoint Content Specialist CTH Full-Time We are seeking a content specilialist & BA to join our Health Insurance's business architecture team. In this role, you will will support business, QA,...
- Customer Service Associate
Walgreens — Potomac,MD* Models and delivers a distinctive and delightful customer experience.* Registers sales on assigned cash register, provides customers with courteous, fair, friendly, and efficient checkout service.Customer Experience* Engages customers and...
- PT Clerk - Grocery - 0797
Giant Food — Ashburn,VAWho Is Giant? With over 2 million weekly customers and annual sales topping $5 billion, Giant is the #1 grocer in the Baltimore-Washington area. What began as one store on...
- Cyber Data Analyst
Booz Allen Hamilton — Chantilly,VAJob Number: R0239042 Cyber Data Analyst The Opportunity: As cyber data analyst, you love diving into data and turning it into meaningful insights. With the abundance of structured and unstructured...
- Data Center Cable Technician
TEKsystems c/o Allegis Group — Chantilly,VAJob Description: We are seeking experienced cable technicians to support the installation of new conveyance systems, structured cabling, server cabinets, and related infrastructure inside a large data center in Northern...
- Receiving Clerk
Restaurant Depot LLC — Chantilly,VAPosition Title: Receiving Clerk (aka CRT Clerk)Department: ReceivingSupervisor: Inventory ControllerFLSA: Non-exemptPosition Summary:Works closely with Receiving Manager/Supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the Receiving Department.
- Cleaning Specialist
Miller's Ale House — Sterling,VAMiller's Ale House - - Responsibilities: Clean and maintain kitchen floors, walls, drains, and equipment; Cleans and maintains all FOH floors (wood and/or tile), windows, trash, & various designated areas;...
- Java Developer (one day a week in Ashburn VA) with Security Clearance
Elite Government Strategy — Ashburn,VAJob Summary EGS is looking for a mid-level Java Developer to join a contract with a federal government client in support of an important mission. In this role, you will...