Your resume says a lot about you as a professional. It provides the reader with a snapshot of qualifications and skills that make you the unique person and potential employee that you are. But, did you know that you might accidentally be dating yourself or your skill set? Below are some common skills that were impressive in the past, but not so much anymore.

WPM
WPM or Words Per Minute used to be listed on resumes when keyboarding skills were not common and it was consider an asset. It would show the employer that you could type faster and more efficiently than someone else. However, most homes have computers and college level work (and high school) is done on a computer. Unless you are applying to a job that would require a high WPM (think 911 operators, court reporters, and some government positions) it is not necessary to list it on your resume. If you do decide to list it, bear in mind that is an impressive number; 40 WPM on a resume is not impressive and it could take away from your other, more impressive skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft
I hate to say it, but this is expected nowadays. If you are applying for any entry-level or above position you should have a basic, working knowledge of Microsoft Office. You’re taking up valuable space on your resume by even listing you are proficient. Only list this as a skill if you are certified, or are proficient enough with it to pursue your certification, as this will show you are an expert.

TIP: If you’re applying to a job that requires you have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, try demonstrating that in your work experience. Telling an employer what you did with the software (especially if it is relevant to the position) will give them more insight than just the word “proficient.”
\
Second languages
A small caveat to this one – only list a second language if you are fluent and would consider certification. Proving you are fluent will be a lot more impressive than merely saying you are fluent. The fact that you speak basic Russian may not be important to the employer, and the fact that you’ve simply listed it means little. The truth is, employers need individuals who speak other languages fluently and can read and write in those languages too.

References Available Upon Request
You’ll notice a theme here – this is expected. You should have references ready to provide should the employer request them. Listing this on your resume is taking up space and can date you.
It’s not that these skills aren’t important, as it is vital for most employees to have at least basic Microsoft/computer skills; the question is whether or not you want to focus on them. Keep in mind that the more information you provide, like the items listed above, the more cluttered your resume will appear, which means the vital and unique information may get lost.

When writing your resume, ask yourself, “How impressive is this skill?” and “How unique is this skill?” If the answer to both is, “It’s not”, consider using your resume to focus on those things that make you more qualified than the next person.
Source: http://studentsleads..com.ng/2016/07/what-to-remove-from-your-resume-top.html