Cut ’em out
Remove these words and phrases from your resume (and try these instead)
Before we even get started, let’s get a disclaimer out of the way: Any advice you receive about words deemed unacceptable for use on your resume isn’t gospel. Obviously, some job openings lend themselves to certain terms, even if those terms are overused corporate buzzwords. A simple rule of thumb is that if a phrase or term is used in the job description, you should be using it on your resume.
That being said, there are certain terms that are sure to induce eye rolls from even the most hardened recruiters. Here are several of them:
1. Seasoned: As in seasoned veteran. As in “let me tell you about the clothing industry back in the day, kid.” If your resume is formatted correctly, your experience will speak for itself — no need to brag about your war wounds. Besides, one person’s “seasoned” is another’s “too stubborn to try new things.”
INSTEAD: While a timeline looks nice on a resume, accomplishments matter to prospective employers. Don’t bury what you’ve done with dates. De-emphasize the time and emphasize the wins.
2. Ambitious: By the very act of applying for a job, you’re showing that you’re ambitious. Either that, or your mother really wants you out of the house. Besides, ambition isn’t always a selling point for an entry-level candidate. You can hassle your boss all you want for that promotion that you’re completely unqualified for, but at least wait until your first day on the job.
INSTEAD: If possible, show upward movement in your career through a progression of titles, responsibilities and accomplishments. 3. Team player: Good to know that the orientation video you watched in 1997 stuck with you. Of course you’re a team player. Or at least it’s inferred. There certainly are other ways to describe previous experiences and accomplishments that would call attention to the fact that you play well with others.
INSTEAD: List the successful group projects you’ve worked on, outlining your contributions to the team. Also mention your work with other departments. 4. Hard worker: As opposed to what? Lackadaisical deadbeat? Distracted loafer? Brain-dead slacker? Unmotivated ne’erdo-well? Lazy bum? You get the picture. Telling someone you’re a hard worker is like telling them you’re an honest person — we’ll just have to take your word.
INSTEAD: Replace your hard-worker claim with proof of any extra effort you put forth to see a project come to fruition, especially those that took you out of your normal routine.
5. Go-getter: Rule No. 1 of resumes: Don’t let your grandma write your resume. Despite what she says, go-getter doesn’t sound all that professional. (Whippersnapper, though, is perfectly acceptable.) INSTEAD: Use a thesaurus.
6. Microsoft Word: Might as well write “Takes in air.” Knowing a wordprocessing program that’s as ubiquitous as breathing isn’t a badge of honor, so keep it off your resume. In fact, if I were looking at resumes, I’d be more inclined to schedule an interview with someone who included the phrase “Doesn’t know Microsoft Word,” if only to hire that rare candidate who comes in knowing he or she has nothing to lose.
INSTEAD: Only list specialized programs and apps that have a direct connection to the job. Uber and Spotify don’t count. 7. Highly: In the Great War of 1532 between the Motivated and the Highly Motivated, the Motivated won in a romp because they knew how to conserve their energy and not waste time or space on words that, in the context of a resume, mean nothing.
INSTEAD: Use strong verbs. Consult that thesaurus and see if you can find some words that carry weight in the workplace.
8. Responsible: Wait, does that mean you’ll be on time every day? That you’ll work 40 hours a week? That you’ll do your job instead of submitting listicles to Reddit or watching those 30-second recipe videos? Well good for you! You’re that kid who always brought back the permission slip on the next day of class, aren’t you? That’s just great. Now go get in line with the rest of the class.
INSTEAD: In a few sentences or less, tell quick stories about your previous jobs.
9. Think outside the box: In today’s work world, there is nothing that screams “inside the box” more than the phrase “outside the box.”
INSTEAD: Again, use your storytelling skills to point out the different ways you’ve approached — and solved — problems. 10. Synergy: Not only is the word “synergy” a complete cliche, but so are any attempts to make fun of the use of the word “synergy.” It’s like the shark jumping the shark that jumped the shark. Don’t even bother.
INSTEAD: Discuss any cooperative strategies you’ve used in the past. They can involve relationships with peers in other departments, peers in competing companies, academic leaders, unexpected mentors and others.