Key Takeaways
- Avoid generic phrases that make your resume sound unoriginal and indistinguishable.
- Quantify your accomplishments and use specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
In the cutthroat job market of today, your resume needs to be a symphony of compelling language and persuasive prose. Yet, many job seekers unwittingly sabotage their chances by peppering their resumes with overused and meaningless phrases that make their applications sound as exciting as a wet blanket.
The Perils of Generic Phrases
Generic phrases like “responsible for” and “experience in” are resume red flags. They tell employers nothing about your accomplishments or impact. Instead, they make you sound like a faceless drone, lost in a sea of indistinguishable applicants.
10 Phrases to Banish from Your Resume
To help you craft a resume that stands out, here are 10 phrases you should banish immediately:
1. “I was responsible for…”
Problem: Vague and uninformative.
Solution: Quantify your accomplishments and highlight your impact. For example, instead of “I was responsible for managing social media,” write “Increased website traffic by 20% through optimized SEO campaigns.”
2. “I have experience in…”
Problem: Passive and fails to showcase your skills.
Solution: Use active language and provide specific examples. For example, instead of “I have experience in marketing,” write “Managed a team of 10 marketing professionals and oversaw the execution of successful campaigns.”
3. “I assisted with…”
Problem: Downplays your contributions.
Solution: Clearly state your role and responsibilities. For example, instead of “I assisted with the development of social media strategies,” write “Collaborated on the development of social media strategies that resulted in a 15% increase in brand engagement.”
4. “I’m proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.”
Problem: Assumed and unnecessary.
Solution: Unless essential for the job, remove this as it’s assumed you have basic proficiency in these tools.
5. “I ran social media.”
Problem: Too vague and doesn’t demonstrate your impact.
Solution: Provide specific details about your social media management. For example, write “Led social media campaigns that generated over 1 million impressions and increased sales by 10%.”
6. “I have strong communication / writing skills.”
Problem: Subjective and difficult to prove.
Solution: Demonstrate your skills through a well-written resume and cover letter. Avoid using generic statements like “I have strong communication skills.” Instead, provide specific examples of your effective communication, such as “Successfully negotiated a contract that saved the company $500,000.”
7. “I’m a motivated self-starter.”
Problem: Cliché and doesn’t provide any concrete evidence.
Solution: Highlight a specific example of your initiative. For example, write “Initiated and executed a project that resulted in a 25% reduction in operating costs.”
8. “I’m goal-oriented / results-oriented.”
Problem: Vague and doesn’t quantify your achievements.
Solution: Quantify your achievements. For example, instead of “I’m goal-oriented,” write “Exceeded sales targets by 15% for two consecutive quarters.”
9. “I’m a marketing ninja / rock star.”
Problem: Unprofessional and potentially off-putting to employers.
Solution: Describe your skills in a professional manner. Avoid using unconventional or quirky titles. Instead of “I’m a marketing ninja,” write “Skilled in developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive measurable results.”
10. “Disruptive / ground-breaking”
Problem: Hyperbolic and difficult to substantiate.
Solution: Focus on providing concrete examples of your impact. Avoid using hyperbolic language. Instead of “I’m a disruptive innovator,” write “Developed a new product that increased revenue by 20%.”
Bonus: Remember, a great resume is more than just avoiding overused phrases. It’s about showcasing your unique skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. As the great resume writer Martin Yate once said, “Your resume is your personal marketing document. It’s not about what you want, it’s about what the employer needs.”
So, take the time to craft a resume that is tailored to each job you apply for, and that highlights your value proposition in a clear and concise way. And remember, a little bit of humor can go a long way in making your resume more memorable. As the saying goes, “A resume is like a first date – you want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to come on too strong.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes?
Some common mistakes include using generic phrases, failing to quantify accomplishments, and not tailoring their resume to the specific job they are applying for.
How can I make my resume stand out from the crowd?
To make your resume stand out, focus on showcasing your unique skills and experience, and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Also, take the time to tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
What are some tips for writing a strong resume?
Some tips for writing a strong resume include using active language, avoiding clichés, and proofreading carefully before submitting.
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