5 Skills to Ditch on Your Resume in 2025 (and What to Include Instead)

The job market is evolving faster than ever, thanks to rapid technological advancements and shifting workplace priorities. As we head into 2025, it’s crucial to keep your resume updated and relevant. This means not only highlighting your most valuable skills but also recognizing which ones have become obsolete or even detrimental to your job prospects.

Top 5 Obsolete Skills to Avoid Mentioning in CV in 2025

Here are five skills you should avoid mentioning on your resume in 2025, along with advice on what to emphasize instead:

1# Microsoft Office Suite (Basic): Knowing how to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint was once a differentiating factor. Today, it’s the bare minimum. Employers expect proficiency in these programs as a given. Instead of simply listing “Microsoft Office Suite,” focus on specific software or tools relevant to your target industry. For example, mention your expertise in project management software like Asana or Monday.com, data analysis tools like Tableau or Power BI, or design programs like Adobe Creative Suite.

2# Social Media Management (General): “Social media management” is too broad a term in 2025. Social media has become a complex landscape with diverse platforms and specialized strategies. If you have social media expertise, be specific. Highlight your skills in content creation, social media advertising (e.g., Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads), analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platform analytics), or community management. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the social media landscape and your ability to contribute meaningfully.

3# “Hardworking” or “Dedicated”: These are subjective traits that are difficult to prove on a resume. Instead of stating these qualities directly, demonstrate them through quantifiable achievements and results. For example, instead of saying “hardworking,” describe a project where you went above and beyond, “Led a team of five to successfully complete six cross-functional projects, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency.” This provides concrete evidence of your work ethic and capabilities.

4# Basic Customer Service: In today’s customer-centric world, basic customer service is expected. To stand out, focus on highlighting skills related to customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce or HubSpot, conflict resolution techniques, or strategies for building customer loyalty. This shows you can go beyond basic interactions and contribute to a positive customer experience.

5# “Team Player”: While teamwork is essential, this phrase has become cliché. Instead, showcase your collaborative skills by providing concrete examples of successful team projects. Describe your role, the challenges you overcame, and the positive outcomes you achieved together. This demonstrates your ability to work effectively in a team and contribute to shared goals.

Why These Changes Matter – The ATS Factor?

Beyond simply being outdated, listing obsolete skills can actually harm your chances of getting noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are used by most companies to filter applications, and they rely heavily on keyword matching. Here’s how outdated skills can hinder your ATS ranking:

• Mismatched Keywords: ATS systems are programmed to identify specific keywords and phrases relevant to the job description. If your resume is filled with outdated skills, it might not contain enough of the current keywords the ATS is looking for.
• Skill Libraries and Synonyms: While ATS systems use skill libraries to identify synonyms and related terms, these libraries are constantly updated. Obsolete skills might not be included, meaning the ATS won’t recognize them as valuable.
• Misinterpretation: The ATS might misinterpret outdated skills as a lack of knowledge or experience with current technologies, creating a negative impression.
• Focus and Clarity: Including obsolete skills dilutes the impact of your relevant skills. It can make your resume appear cluttered and unfocused, making it harder for both the ATS and human recruiters to identify your key strengths.

In essence: By including outdated skills, you’re essentially speaking a language the ATS no longer understands.

To avoid this:

• Regularly update your resume: Review your skills section every few months to ensure it aligns with current industry trends and technologies.
• Research job descriptions: Pay close attention to the skills and keywords emphasized in job descriptions for your target roles.
• Stay informed: Keep abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices to ensure your skills remain relevant.

By keeping your resume focused on current and in-demand skills, you’ll improve your chances of passing through ATS filters and landing that interview!

Remember: Your resume is your first impression. Make it count by showcasing the skills that truly set you apart in the evolving landscape of 2025 and beyond.

References

• https://urbeuniversity.edu/blog/12-best-skills-to-include-in-your-resume
• https://www.washington.edu/doit/key-elements-resume
• https://www.concorde.edu/blog/8-impressive-skills-list-your-resume
• https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-describe-skills-in-your-cv/
• https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/learn/blog/skills-to-put-on-cv.

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