When you’re looking for temp consulting jobs, ensuring your resume is on point is essential. Often, candidates believe that creating a high-quality resume means adding every skill they possess. However, there are many capabilities that don’t have a place on your resume.
In reality, leaving skills off of your resume is acceptable, particularly if they fall into specific categories. By editing out the right abilities, you have more space to showcase the critical capabilities you bring to the table. Plus, it prevents your resume from becoming overly long or cluttered, making it more readable.
Fortunately, deciding what to cut isn’t overly challenging. Here’s a look at some skills that you can leave off your resume.
What to Consider Leaving Off Your Resume
Basic Computer Skills
Today, stating on your resume that you’re familiar with Microsoft Office, email platforms, and similar widely used technologies isn’t necessary. Most employers assume that all candidates are at least reasonably proficient when it comes to basic computer skills. As a result, listing them on your resume just wastes space.
The only exception is if you have specific advanced capabilities that provide employers with value. For example, the ability to create, modify, or edit macros in Excel is considered a higher-level skill. If it’s relevant to the job, mentioning that capability is potentially worthwhile.
Languages Without Fluency
When it comes to mentioning foreign languages on a resume, you should only include those in which you’re reasonably fluent. If you aren’t comfortable having typical conversations with someone fully in that language, you may not have enough fluency to benefit the employer by speaking it.
Plus, including the language on your resume could be interpreted as a claim of fluency. Once it’s revealed that your language skills aren’t that developed, your manager may interpret that as dishonesty on your application. At times, that can come with repercussions, including potential termination.
Older Technology
Even if a technology was once crucial in your field, if it’s been broadly replaced with a modern solution, you don’t need to mention the outdated tech on your resume. All that potentially does is show your age. In some cases, it may even cause employers to doubt whether you possess the updated capabilities they require today.
However, there is an exception when it comes to listing older technology. If a job description specifically mentions skills relating to it, then include that tech in your skills section. When a technology is listed in the job description, the company likely still uses the solution in some capacity. As a result, your experience with it could provide value.
Irrelevant Skills
Generally, if a skill isn’t relevant to the position you want to land, it doesn’t need to be on your resume. The purpose of your resume is to show the hiring manager that you’re capable of succeeding in the job they need to fill. If a capability doesn’t support that idea, then it’s better to use that space on your application for something more relevant.
Ultimately, leaving the right skills off your resume does work in your favor. If you’d like to learn more or are interested in exploring new temp consulting jobs, Alpha Consulting wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
