In a job market that's growing more competitive every day, having an effective, impressive resume that stands out from the crowd is key. Looking to fine tune yours but not sure where to start? No worries, our Resume Rescue series is here to help! If you want your resume to stand out you can't use the same stale and overused phrases that have been used by applicants for years and are all but beaten to death. Some common phrases, like "team player," have become so automatic that they not only mean nothing but can actually harm you by portraying you as boring, run-of-the-mill, and totally uncreative. Instead try describing yourself in a more conversational way, using language you would use if you were just talking to somebody.
Here are some common resume phrases to avoid:
- Excellent communication skills
- Team player
- Strong work ethic
- Works well with all levels of staff
- Results or objectives oriented
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex Rudloff says: (12:01PM on Jul 21st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Sorta in the same vain, but regarding language in general -- "Never utilize what you can use." That is, keep it simple.
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Milva says: (11:53AM on Jul 20th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2.5/3
Ok, it's very easy to point out what not to say...but how about giving then some constructive tips?? Nobody likes to sound canned, but I don't see here any advice...
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Stephen says: (12:09PM on Jul 20th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Milva,
I think the advice here would be to personally avoid using any soft skills alone on a resume, similar to those listed. These are typical to every resume and only take up space rather than providing any information on the actual candidate. Unless of course it is backed up by example.
Instead, I would add skills that are relevant to the job you are applying to. For example, if the job asks for someone who ten skill sets then add all those skillsets you have instead, expecially if they are specific. Similarly, if they list soft skills in the requirements, rather than stating you are a team player it might be better to write something like this.. "Team player with a verifiable history of leading and facilitating groups of 5+ members charged with building relationships with market partners. As such, increased team revenue to 1.2 million annually" This tends to come off much better than only saying you are a team player only.
Resumes are meant to show your unique skills and experience as it relates to the job, this is your chance to shine above the stack of other resumes by making yours look as unique and impressive as possible.
worldlymrb says: (12:00PM on Jul 21st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Don't use the word FIRED either. With such a large pool of job seekers available who were laid off due to "lack of work" It is almost a immediate disqualifier. If you were fired from any job, I would remove it from your resume. If it leaves to big a gap on your resume, you may have to start thinking outside the box.
With so many overqualified applicants looking for lower paying, or entry level jobs, any blemish on your resume is a serious handicap. Put yourself in the employers shoes for a sec.. Would you rather hire a experienced, individual with a impeccable work record who was laid off from downsizing, or somebody who got themselves fired on their resume?
There is a survey that says nearly 20% of Americans were fired or forced to resign a job in the last 10 years. With this being the worse economy since the great depression, it is no wonder that companies like this are springing up on the internet. http://careerexcuse.com
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Stephen says: (12:01PM on Jul 21st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Worldlymrb,
You mention that with so many overqualified candidtes applying versus someone who was fired that you would prefer to hire the candidate who was not fired. However, the link you provide on that website links to a site that provides false references and job histories for candidates. Amazing.
Theres no way a manager would rather hire someone who was fired vs someone who completely submitted a false resume and references? I see the problem with that site is that it may help someone to get an interview to have a fake resume, but once they are in that interview how are they going to answer detailed questions about their work historya nd experience in a field they potentially have no experience in.
The economy has forced a downturn in hiring, but I am surprised to see that someone would even fathom using that site and getting hired on false pretenses.