<h1>Your resume is your first impression, and hiring managers often spend just <strong>a few seconds</strong> scanning it before deciding whether to move forward with your application.&nbsp;</h1><h2>That means <strong>every word counts</strong>, and cluttering your resume with unnecessary details can work against you.</h2><hr><h3>What to Leave Off Your Resume</h3><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:79.16%;"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_120708031_75ac2df53e.png"></figure><p>To make the most of your limited space, here are <strong>a few things you should remove immediately</strong>:</p><h3><strong>1. Personal Details That Aren’t Relevant</strong></h3><p>Including information like your full address, marital status, age, religion, or nationality is unnecessary. Employers in Malaysia do not require these details, and they take up valuable space that could be used to highlight your <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/write-your-experience-in-chronological-order?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>skills and accomplishments</strong></a>.</p><h3><strong>2. An Unprofessional Email Address</strong></h3><p>If your email looks something like <strong>"coolguy123@email.com"</strong>, it’s time for an upgrade. Use a professional format with your <strong>first and last name</strong> for credibility.</p><h3><strong>3. Long Paragraphs Instead of Bullet Points</strong></h3><p><strong>Hiring managers skim resumes</strong>, so make yours easy to read with concise bullet points instead of long paragraphs. Focus on action-driven language and <strong>quantifiable achievements</strong> to make your impact stand out.</p><h3><strong>4. Generic Skills Without Context</strong></h3><p>Instead of listing skills like “Teamwork” or “Leadership” without context, demonstrate them through <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-about-extracurricular-involvement-on-resume?&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>real-life examples</strong></a> in your experience section. For example:</p><ul><li><strong>Improved team efficiency by 30%</strong> by streamlining workflows.</li><li><strong>Led a team of five</strong> to successfully complete a project ahead of schedule.</li></ul><h3><strong>5. Irrelevant Work Experience</strong></h3><p>Not every past job needs to be listed. <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-about-your-projects-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Prioritize relevant experience</strong></a> that aligns with the job you’re applying for, and leave out unrelated roles unless they showcase transferable skills.</p><h3><strong>6. Your Photo (In Some Cases)</strong></h3><p>While some industries in Malaysia accept resume photos, many global companies<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/resume-profile-photo-dos-donts?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <strong>prefer resumes without pictures</strong></a> to avoid bias. If in doubt, check the job listing or company guidelines.</p><h3><strong>7. References (Unless Specifically Requested)</strong></h3><p>“References available upon request” is outdated and unnecessary. <strong>If an employer needs references, they will ask for them later in the process.</strong></p><hr><h3>Craft a Resume That Stands Out:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/perfect-resume-checklist?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Perfect Resume Checklist</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/easy-to-screen-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>5 Tricks That Recruiters Love In Resumes</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-a-video-cover-letter-can-land-you-a-job?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>How A Video Cover Letter Can Land You A Job</strong></a></li></ul><hr><p>Want to <strong>find a company that values your skills and work personality?</strong> Take <strong>Hiredly’s </strong><a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Work Personality Test</strong></a> to match with the best workplaces for you. Plus, <strong>join the </strong><a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Young Leaders Community</strong></a> to connect with like-minded professionals and stay ahead in your career. Start your job search the smart way with <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=working_from_home:_a_blessing_or_burden?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hiredly</strong> </a>today!</p>