As a career coach and recruiting expert, I have seen THOUSANDS of resumes over the past decades. Some of them have been so impressive, I’ve wanted to hire the person sight unseen. Others have left me shaking my head in complete disappointment.
One of the main reasons for my disappointment has been because of the phrases many candidates use. I’m sure it’s because candidates think these phrases are impressive but, in all honesty, they really aren’t.
Here are three of the most commonly used phrases you should never use in your resume:
- “Team player” – It’s so overused nowadays that it sounds “cheesy.” Instead of just putting these words together, find a way to give an example that demonstrates teamwork. Did you partner on a major project? Have you worked on a team that was brought together to solve a major problem? Put this on your resume instead of using a vague, clichéd expression.
- “Proven track record” – Okay, prove it! How you classify proven track record and how I classify proven track record could be dramatically different. Give me 1-2 specific examples that I can read and determine if our “records” are a match.
- “Strong work ethic” – Since our definitions of strong work ethic could vary, instead give me examples of how you went the extra mile to achieve an accomplishment, or how you were able to make a really tough deadline. Again, I will learn more about your work ethic through your examples than through a catchy phrase that many candidates use.
In case you aren’t seeing a theme here, let me point it out for you. Instead of relying on generic phrases that can be found on most resumes, you should list examples of the work you’ve actually done which demonstrates these qualities. It is these real examples that can stop me in my tracks and have me wondering how I can hire you sight unseen!
Until next time….