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12 Phrases to AVOID in a Resume




1. Detail-Oriented

A well-structured CV with no spelling mistakes and concise explanations will show that you pay attention to the little things. It's preferable to use such space to cover material that is more pertinent to the position rather than clearly mentioning this in the article.


2. Team-Player

Provide examples of your past teamwork to demonstrate your ability to work in a group. Active verbs like "mentor" or "cooperate," which are more interesting and convey a sense of individual agency, can also be used.


3. Results-Driven

The recruiting manager will presume you provide results for your current employer if you are employed. If you can show through key performance indicators (KPIs) what outcomes you've accomplished, this message will have a greater impact.


4. Self-Motivated

Use your work summary to discuss the independent work you've started on behalf of the company rather than depending on a self-assigned label. Describe your memberships in professional groups to further demonstrate your drive to develop your abilities outside of your current workplace.


5. Go-Getter

This phrase is overly general. Describe a time when you took leadership of or oversaw a project rather than using one word to encapsulate a concept that is essential to your professional development. An actual instance demonstrates initiative.


6. Hardworking

Another statement that is strengthened by an example is this one. Use the accomplishments and results listed in your CV to demonstrate your hard work.


7. Responsible For

A resume should include strong bullet points that each begin with a verb. As "responsible for" is a passive verb, the emotion is undermined. Choose an action that is more focused and engaging, such as transform, secure, develop, launch, reconcile, or capitalize.


8. Seasoned

This term has the appearance of an overqualified euphemism. Due to the prevalence of age discrimination, job seekers should avoid using any phrase that might imply their age.


9. Successfully

Usually, you may eliminate a vague adverb by using a more precise verb or by including more information that refers to particular KPIs. Your career history should include measurable results, according to hiring managers.


10. Think Outside the Box

Although this expression may perfectly capture your state of mind, it has lost all of its power due to its overuse. Words like "conceptualize," which are less frequently used, show your originality. Also, the sentence will be simpler to understand if it is written more succinctly.


11. Innovative

What created something new? Giving an example can help you more than just hoping the recruiting manager would believe you.


12. Proven Track Record/Proven Ability

The word "proved" should be avoided because it doesn't actually offer, well, proof! Try replacing it with details about your specific deliverables as an alternative.


Microsoft Office Suite as a bonus

Even while this last argument isn't a resume cliché, it still doesn't belong on your LinkedIn profile. Because Microsoft Office is the industry standard, it isn't seen as a skill. Hiring managers presume that each suitable applicant will be familiar with this program. Remove this item and fill the slot with information on talents that are specific to the job you wish to fill.



Do the right thing!

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