The Most Overused Words That Will Kill Your Resume
Words are the name of the game when it comes to resumes and you need to be strategic in your choice of them. So how do you know which words to choose and which ones to leave out? Here is a brief list of some of the most overused words on resumes. Avoid them when possible and choose some more creative alternatives.
Accomplished. Yes, we all know every job seeker is accomplished, otherwise you would be fired from every job you've ever had if you never accomplished anything. Instead try: Peak Performer.
Results-Driven. We all know that everyone's professional resume starts out with Results-Driven (Insert your job title here). The only problem is in the job search game you don't want to sound like everyone else. You want to stand out from the crowd. Instead try: Performance-Driven.
Successful. This is another overused phrase. We all want to communicate how successful we've been so a new employer will think highly of us, but let's look at some alternative wording versus just coming out and saying hey there, I'm a success. Instead try: Best In Class, Award-Winning, or Top-Performer.
Skillful or Skilled. These are so boring. Seriously I hate to see resumes with these words on them. I cannot even tell you how incredibly dull these words are and I am sure you can come up with something way more creative for your resume. If you can't think of anything try my recommendations or if you don't like them use a thesaurus. Instead try: Talented, Sharp, or Resourceful.
Problem-Solver. Can I just say that this is a given... We are ALL problem solvers. If you are human, you are a problem solver it is just part of human nature. Does it really need to be said on your resume? I think not. Instead try: Troubleshooter, Forward-Thinking, or Visionary Leader.
And last but not least Dedicated and Dependable. Again I have to say boring, boring, boring. Spice up your resume with something creative. Instead try: High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic.
I hope you will find these recommendations will suit you and your new resume well. As always if you need some general direction Great Resumes Fast offers resume editing, updating, and writing services. Other services offered include: cover letter writing, thank you letters, reference sheets, interview coaching and resume distribution services to over 97+ of the top job boards.
Jessica Holbrook is a former Executive Hiring Manager for Fortune 500 companies and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates powerful, customized, and targeted resumes that are guaranteed to get her clients interviews. For a free resume analysis visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or for a free phone consultation call 1.877.875.7706.
Article by Jessica Holbrook and courtesy of WorkBloom, an employment blog incorporating a comprehensive career resources section, including the largest database of professionally written resume and cover letter samples on the Web.
As a Master Resume Writer in professional practice for almost twenty years, I see these things all the time in DIY resumes so I agree with you, especially about "skilled in" which is subjective. Don't tell decision makers you are skilled, show them how you are skilled. What did you do that makes you believe that? Give them an example. Same with problem solver. Don't tell them, give them a contextual example of your problem solving and how it improved the way things were. Personal pet-annoyances are the phrases "responsible for" and "duties included". What does "responsible for" actually mean? Does it mean oversee, manage, architected, oversaw or just contributed to? Make your resume stand out by actually describing how you made things better and put your achievements in context. "Responsible for" just wastes space!
Hi Gayle,
Thank you for adding those, too. Those are also my pet peeves. I hate those statements. They're not powerful at all and so very boring! Thanks for adding the comment!!