There are many ways to customize your resume and make it more appealing for potential employers. Some of these methods make your resume more likely to slip past the automated resume sorting system, and others are designed to impress human reviewers. However, no matter what tips you follow, it is possible to detract from all your hard work with just a simple turn of phrase. If you accidentally use one of these ten phrases, you could find yourself in the “no” pile! Avoid these at all costs.
- Team Player – This tired, overused statement does not tell an employer much about you as an actual worker. Used as a filler term, calling yourself a team player will do little to impress any potential employer.
- Expert – Calling yourself an expert is pointless. Few individuals are experts in any given field, and if you are your results and experience should speak for themselves.
- Microsoft Office (or other outdated tech terms) – You may want to impress employers with your tech-savviness. Make sure you are not filling your resume with old, outdated technology. Few companies are looking for those with Office skills anymore, instead assuming that all employees understand this technology.
- References Available – An employer assumes you have references available. Don’t waste a line on this statement.
- Communications Skills – This is another filler statement that does not tell much about you as an employee. Show, don’t tell about your communication skills.
- Strong Work Ethic – While you may (or may not) have a strong work ethic, stating it does nothing to impress a potential employee.
- Had – The verb had (or has) is very weak. Try to find a different way to state any statement that uses had.
- Married (Single, Parent, etc.) – There is no need to go into your personal life; it will only weaken your overall resume.
- Hobbies – Roll any industry-specific activities into your resume in other areas, but you do not need to include your hobbies in a resume (unless it is requested).
- Results Oriented – The final “weak” statement we are covering. Results-oriented is a tired, overused statement that shows up in dozens of resumes. You will stand out by not using the statement.
As you can see, a number of phrases could cause you resume problems, each for its unique reason. It is important to get the most from every word you use in your resume. Though its cliché to say so, you only have one chance to make a first impression!
