Obsolete skills are the abilities you once needed for your job that aren’t useful anymore. Even if you still know and use these skills to solve certain problems or tasks, they’ve become outdated because the world is changing so fast in every area.
These old-school skills won’t hurt you, but they can be a problem if you’re looking for a new job and your resume is mostly made up of those.
Still, what truly matters is understanding why this happens and learning to recognize when your job is starting to change so you can adapt in time. That’s exactly why we put together this guide—to help you understand what obsolete skills are on a resume and what to do about them.
Key Takeaways
- Obsolete skills are abilities that were once valuable but have become outdated due to changes in technology or workplace needs.
- Including outdated skills like fast typing or faxing can make your resume look old-fashioned and out of touch, which is an obstacle to landing a job.
- Employers want to see that you’re in touch with trends and adaptable, so it’s important to focus on current and in-demand skills.
- To recognize obsolete skills, review your resume regularly and compare it with recent job postings in your field.
- Stay ahead by gaining experience with modern platforms, updating your skills, and staying informed about trends that could impact your role in the future.
What Is Skills Obsolescence and What Does it Mean for Employees?
Obsolete skills are abilities that used to be important for a job but have lost their value over time. Whenever a significant change in how people work happens, like the invention of machines or computers, some job skills eventually become less relevant or even unnecessary.
For example, knowing how to type on a typewriter or use outdated software may have been essential in the past, but those skills rarely matter in today’s workplaces. What’s unique about obsolete skills is that people still use them, often in a different form. However, they usually don’t help employees stand out from others anymore.
That’s why it’s important for employees to pay attention to how things are changing in their job field. If new tools, systems, or work methods show up, it’s smart to learn about them early. Upskilling in these areas can help employees stay competitive and ready for whatever comes next.
7 Obsolete Skills to Remove From Your Resume and Job Applications
Obsolete skills you should remove from your resume and job applications include those that make your documents look outdated and less competitive. Let’s take a look at seven common outdated skills that no longer belong on your resume:
#1. Typing Speed
Typing speed was highly valued when computers first became popular and even for several years after that. If you could type quickly in the late ‘90s or early 2000s, you brought value to your company.
Today, it’s simply expected that you can type fast, accurately, and without any trouble. In other words, typing speed is no longer a special skill and definitely won’t help you stand out. So, there’s no reason to include it on your resume.
#2. Microsoft Office
There was a time when being skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint could really set you apart because not everyone was comfortable using computers. So, knowing how to use these programs was a huge plus.
Today, basic Microsoft Office skills are considered standard. Employers expect you to know how to create a Word document, build a simple spreadsheet, or assemble a basic presentation. Even though this skill is still used, it is usually better not to list Microsoft Office in your resume.
The only exception for including it on your resume is if you can build complex Excel formulas, create detailed macros, or design high-level PowerPoint presentations. This is a more advanced level of using Microsoft Office and can actually work in your favor.
#3. Faxing and Filing Documents
Fax machines and paper filing cabinets used to be part of every company. People who worked in offices 10–15 years ago spent a lot of time sending faxes and organizing files. Back then, these tasks were considered essential for daily office operations, but today they are outdated.
Nowadays, most companies store documents and data on digital storage and rely on online communication. Simply put, convenience and technological progress have moved past the old, bulky processes.
So, if your resume still mentions tasks like faxing or filing paperwork, it could make you seem out of touch with how modern offices work.
#4. Manual Data Analysis
Before automation tools became widespread, manually crunching numbers in Excel or even on paper was a necessary part of many jobs. If you were good at it, you added real value to your team.
Nowadays, manual data analysis is quickly being replaced by software like Tableau, Power BI, and even AI tools that can do the work much faster and more accurately. Being able to read and understand data is still important, but doing it manually isn‘t impressive anymore.
#5. Basic Graphic Design Skills
A while back, knowing how to create simple graphics or use basic design tools like Microsoft Paint or early versions of Photoshop could make you stand out, even if you weren’t applying for a design role.
But today, with tools like Canva being super accessible, a lot of people can create graphics, even if they have no design experience. Basic graphic design skills have become pretty standard and aren’t really a standout skill anymore.
#6. Answering Multi-Line Phones
Being able to handle a busy switchboard or multi-line phone system was once a must-have office skill. If you could juggle multiple calls, you would stand out in administrative or receptionist roles.
Most companies now use digital communication tools like Slack or Zoom. Taking and transferring calls the old-fashioned way just isn‘t a major part of the job anymore. Instead, employers are looking for strong computer skills, especially comfort with messaging apps, scheduling tools, and customer service platforms.
#7. Using Legacy Software
In the early days of the Internet and office computing, knowing how to use software like Lotus Notes or Internet Explorer gave you a huge advantage. They were industry standards for email, collaboration, and browsing.
However, those programs are considered outdated now, and most companies have moved on to faster, more secure platforms. If you mention them on your resume, it can suggest that your tech skills aren‘t up to date.
Why You Shouldn’t Include Obsolete Skills When Job Hunting
You shouldn’t include obsolete skills when job hunting because it could cloud your real strengths and send the wrong message. Listing obsolete job skills could tell recruiters you might not have kept pace with new practices and make you seem not up-to-date with current trends before they even read your cover letter.
It also makes your resume look outdated and generic. Imagine seeing a resume filled with faded skills or usage of unsupported software. That kind of resume has little chance of reaching the next round of interviews. Instead, you should highlight projects where you used current platforms or earned recent certifications.
Another reason why you shouldn’t use outdated skills on a resume is that recruiters might assume you’re not tech-savvy or adaptable. We’re approaching the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is driven by AI analytics, cloud tools, and collaborative apps. If your resume lists irrelevant skills, employers may worry you won’t be able to learn new methods quickly or fit into modern workflows.
So, remove job skills that are no longer relevant and swap them for skills in current demand. Focus on showing how you’ve picked up new tools or led digital projects, so the employer can rest assured you’re the right fit.
How to Recognize Obsolete Skills on Your Resume
To recognize obsolete skills on your resume, you need to take a closer look at what employers are looking for these days. That said, here are some easy ways to spot and fix obsolete skills:
#1. Review Job Ads and Industry Trends
A simple way to identify obsolete skills is to compare your resume with current job descriptions. Look at five to ten job listings in your field and ask yourself if the skills on your resume show up there. If the answer is ‘no’, that could indicate that they are no longer in demand.
You have to keep up with industry trends to stay competitive. Pay attention to new tools, platforms, and skills that are frequently mentioned on social media, in industry magazines, or in professional communities.
#2. Watch Out for Basic or Default Skills
Some skills are now considered a given, such as knowing how to type, use email, or basic Microsoft Office programs, and are expected in most roles. If you recognize some of these or similar default skills on your resume, it is likely that employers will view your resume as too basic.
To avoid this potential risk, focus on showcasing your greatest accomplishments, advanced skills, and specific tools that demonstrate your value.
#3. Use Online Resume Checkers or Ask for Feedback
There are great tools online, such as Jobscan or Zety, that can scan your resume and highlight potential resume red flags, like outdated skills.
If you prefer a more personal approach, then you can ask someone in your industry, like a mentor or coworker, to give feedback. A second opinion often helps you catch things you may have missed, especially if you’re unsure what skills are valuable and what are not.
#4. Replace Old Skills With New and Relevant Ones
Once you spot an outdated skill, do not just delete it and leave a gap, as this could negatively impact your resume. Instead, think about how you can replace it with something more relevant.
For example, in case you have “faxing documents” on your resume, you could replace it with “digital document management” if you have experience with tools like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you don’t have it, it is time to jump into learning new ones.
4 Tips on How to Handle Skills Obsolescence
Tips on how to handle skills obsolescence can be helpful if you are struggling with shifting demands in the workplace, changes in technology, or new tools. To stay confident and capable, it’s essential to recognize the shift from old skills to new skills and learn how to adapt.
Here are four ways to take control of your career and maintain your competitive edge:
#1. Evaluate the Current Skill Set
The first step in moving forward is evaluating your current skills and seeing where you stand. Take time to explore the job market and resume trends for 2025 to see how the skills you use every day match up with the direction your industry is heading.
While researching what’s currently in demand, you’ll begin to notice what’s outdated, what still holds value, and where you’ll need to adapt to new tools or improve your technical skills.
#2. Learn and Upskill Continuously
It’s important to keep learning and upgrading your skills regularly, as it’s easier to keep up with the introduction of new tools and processes when learning becomes part of your routine. For example, if you’re a chef, stay curious and explore the trending new flavors or techniques that are being used.
Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or another field, following industry updates, exploring online courses, or picking up certifications helps you stay ahead.
#3. Know What Not to Include on a Resume
Just like it’s vital to include the right skills and experience in a resume, it’s also important to know what not to include. If you list old tools or outdated skills that are no longer used, it may suggest you haven’t kept up with industry changes or haven’t worked on yourself in a while.
That’s why you should stick to relevant experience and resume keywords for modern jobs, as well as avoid overloading your resume with things that no longer add value.
#4. Revise Your Resume Regularly
With time, routines can take over, and growth can slow down without you even realizing it. To avoid this, set a regular schedule every six months or once a year to go through your resume and see what you can add.
If nothing new comes up for a while, it’s a signal that it might be time to step out of routine, set fresh goals, and work toward meaningful resume achievements that show career progress.
10 Most In-Demand Skills in 2025
As the job market shifts with new technologies and changing demands, it’s important to focus on skills that are popular, well-paid, and relevant. Here are 10 in-demand skills you should consider learning and updating your resume with:
- Digital literacy. Knowing how to use computers, software, and online tools is essential in almost every job today. It is the new standard for being “literate” in the modern workplace.
- Digital analysis. The ability to understand and interpret data helps businesses make smart decisions. It’s all about spotting trends, solving problems, and improving results.
- AI & machine learning. Working with or managing artificial intelligence tools is very useful—these tools automate tasks and help businesses work faster and smarter.
- Cybersecurity awareness. Understanding how to protect digital systems and data is a must nowadays. It helps prevent cyberattacks and keeps sensitive information safe.
- Emotional intelligence. Understanding others’ feelings and being aware of your emotions makes you a better teammate and leader. That’s why emotional intelligence interview questions are so common—they reveal how well you communicate, empathize, and collaborate with others.
- Critical thinking. This skill means thinking clearly and solving problems logically. It’s about analyzing situations and making smart, informed decisions.
- Adaptability. Things change fast, and being flexible helps you stay relevant. Learning how to use new tools or adjusting to changes shows you can handle anything that comes your way.
- UX/UI design. Designing easy-to-use, appealing apps and websites is in demand. It involves improving user experience through layout, visuals, and interaction.
- Cloud computing. With more businesses moving their operations online, skills in managing cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud help companies store, secure, and access data online.
- Project manager. Leading teams, managing time, and meeting goals are valuable skills in any field as they ensure work gets done smoothly and on schedule.
Final Thoughts
Obsolete skills are a normal part of how work evolves, especially with fast changes in technology and industry needs. It’s essential to recognize which of your skills are losing value so you can update them and make your resume more valuable to today’s employers.
It’s important to stay open to learning and adapting instead of holding on to outdated knowledge. Do that by regularly updating your resume with new, in-demand skills and keeping up with modern resume trends. This way, you’ll stay relevant and feel more confident in your job search.
Obsolete Skills FAQ
#1. How can I tell if a skill is obsolete?
You can tell a skill is obsolete if it’s no longer listed in job descriptions, replaced by newer tools or methods, or rarely used in your workplace. If employers aren’t asking for it, it’s likely outdated.
#2. How can I upgrade my professional skills?
You can upgrade your professional skills by taking online courses, attending workshops, getting certifications, or learning on the job. To do so, focus on current industry tools, technologies, and soft skills that employers request.
#3. Can obsolete skills still be helpful?
Yes, some obsolete skills are still helpful, especially if they show problem-solving, attention to detail, or adaptability.
