A recruiter’s first impression of your CV can determine whether you move forward in the hiring process or get passed over. In industries like IT and insurance, where applications are highly competitive, the details you include matter—but so do the details you leave out. A cluttered CV filled with unnecessary or outdated information distracts recruiters from seeing your strengths.

Here are five things to remove from your CV today if you want it to be read and remembered.

1. Outdated Personal Information

Recruiters do not need to know your full home address, date of birth, or marital status. These details add no value to your application and can raise privacy concerns. Include only your name, phone number, email, and a link to your professional profile. Anything beyond that risks cluttering the top of your CV.

2. Irrelevant Job Roles

Listing every job you have ever held, including ones unrelated to your target role, dilutes your CV. A recruiter scanning for IT or insurance experience will not find value in old part-time jobs or early roles outside your field. Remove positions that do not connect to the job you are applying for and focus instead on the last decade or the most relevant roles.

3. Empty Phrases and Buzzwords

Recruiters frequently encounter clichés like “hardworking professional,” “results-oriented,” and “team player” on CVs. These are vague and do not demonstrate actual skills. Replace them with evidence of impact. If you cannot back up a phrase with measurable results or a specific achievement, cut it from your CV.

4. Unnecessary Formatting Elements

Design flourishes such as logos, graphics, or elaborate fonts often make your CV harder to read. They can also confuse applicant tracking systems. Eliminate unnecessary design elements and maintain a simple, professional layout. Simple layouts ensure recruiters and hiring software focus on your content, not your design choices.

5. References and Excessive Details

There is no need to include “references available upon request.” Recruiters assume you will provide them if needed. Similarly, avoid lengthy descriptions of outdated skills or training courses. If a certification or program is no longer relevant, remove it. Your CV should highlight your strongest, most recent qualifications.

A strong CV presents the right information clearly. Cutting outdated details, irrelevant roles, and empty buzzwords makes room for your most valuable skills and achievements. This makes it easier for recruiters to quickly see your value and move your application forward.

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