10 Phrases You Should Ban From Your Resume

Updated November 07, 2024

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Whether out of a job as the result of a layoff or just wanting to 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:make a change, everyone is taking a closer look at their resume. Does it re💧flect your accomplishments and show your career progression—or hide the lack thereof? If you've been working with an olde🅺r resume, take a closer look at your language: how many clichés do you have in there?

Here are 10 phras𓃲es you should ban from your resume, and new, fresh ways to showcase your skills to put your resume at🔯 the top of the applicant pile.

Key Takeaways

In a competitive job market, your resume needs to stand out and present your accomplishments in a way that doesn't resort to clichés.
Using the same umbrella terms on your resume that everyone uses means you're likely to be undervalued and overlooked.
Find ways to detail your achievements, and quantify how you've added to the company's bottom line.
Show who you are and what you've done—these details will make you stand out as the memorable candidate you are.

1. "I'm a Team Player."

This is one of the most over-used clichés, so try to find a way you can show you are a team player, rather than write it. Did you collaborate with someone or with 🌳a department to meet an objective? Put that on your resume instead of a vague, clichéd expression. Be detail൩ed about your achievement.

2. "I Have Great Communication Skills."

Communication skills can mean so many things, which is why using this term on your resume only makes you lose your recruiter's interest. What communication skills did you use to contribute to your employer? Did you create a presentation, a 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:press release, or lead a 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:conference call? State your specific achievement.

3. "I Have a Proven Track Record."

So prove it! What did you do to give you this track record? Be specific, and try to quantify your impact; "I brought in 10 new customers, adding $50k in profit for 2024" sounds far more impressive than some vague statement, and will help you stand out among the dozens of resumes.

4. "I'm a Problem Solver."

Everybody loves a problem solver, which is why so many 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:resumes state this skill with pride.👍 You can do better: tell your prospective company what problem you solved. Did you optimize a troubling schedule, did you solve an employee dispute, or did you iron out♒ a problem with a customer? Again, be specific to be memorable.

5. "I Assisted in X Task."

Maybe you weren't the lead on a particular project, but saying you "assisted" is the kiss of death for your resume. What was it that you did? Did you write a sales report or keep inventory? Write that on your resume with pride and lose the "assisted"—you're better than that.

Fast Fact

The average recruiter spends just six seconds on each resume to determine a candidate's fitness for the job.

6. "I Have a Strong Work Ethic."

A strong work ethic—that sounds great, right? You're not the only one using this cliché, so freshen up your resume by stating how you go that extra mile. Did you take a class to improve your skills? Did you meet a really tough deadline? Show the hiring official what makes you this person with a strong work ethic, instead of using another cliché like your fellow applicants.

7. "I'm Bottom-Line Focused."

Another hollow term that is overused and now means nothing—instead, show what you did that added to the bottom line of your company. It's very important to quantify this skill: list the amounts of money, time, or resources you saved or added to the business.

8. "I'm Responsible for X."

We're all responsible for something when we go to work, whether a janitor or a CEO. Drop this expression and just state what your job title is and what you added to the company's success. Cutting these clutter word🌠s will make your resume stronger and more to the point.

9. "I'm Self-Motivated."

What you're really trying to say is that you're not that slacker who clocks out at three every day, but this cliché is not going to help you get your point across. Find a way to show that you're self-motivated: did you overhaul a broken inventory system, or find a new way to expand your sales territory? Self-motivated employees find innovative ways to improve on what they've been handed—put what you actually did on your resume.

10. "I Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment."

What does this mean, exactly? Fast-paced work environments are the norm in many industries. To be specific, look at one of your busiest days in your (former) job. What did you accomplish, and how did you adapt to the obstacles thrown your way? Put that achievement on your resu🍎me to prove that you can adapt when challenged.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Resume?

One common mistake on a resume is including irrelevant job experiences that don't align with the position you're applying for. Tailor each resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences. Avoid clutter, light lengthy job descriptions, or too many buzzwords, and focus on clarity, brevity, and showcasing results. Typos and formatting inconsistencies can also be distracting, so make sure to proofread and keep the design clean and professional.

How Can I Quantify My Achievements on a Resume If I Don't Have Numbers?

If exact numbers aren't available, focus on providing context to show the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying "increased sales," try and say "contributed to sales growth in a competitive market" or "enhanced efficiency in department workflows." You can also highlight percentages, general ranges, or improvements in areas like customer satisfaction, project completion speed, or team collaboration.

How Can I Make My Resume Stand Out If I'm Changing Careers?

When changing careers, emphasize transferable skills and relevant experiences that apply to the new field. Use a skills-based or functional resume format where you focus on abilities like project 🅰management, communication, or problem-solving, which are valuable across industries. Highlight any coursework, certifications, or volunteer work in the new field, and tailor your resume to reflect how your past achievements can bring value to your desired role.

The Bottom Line

To make your resume stand out, avoid overused phrases that lack impact, like "team player" or "problem solver." Instead, use specific examples to highlight your skills and contributions, showing measurable achievements and detailing how you added value to past employers. Demonstrating real accomplishments rather than relying on clichés will make you a memorable candidate in a competitive job market.

Article Sources

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