12 Clichés That Undermine Your Credibility on a Resume

12 Clichs That Undermine Your Credibility on a Resume Weve all heard clichs about the job search, like, Opportunity doesnt knock twice, and Good things come to those who wait. These ideas can help us understand the process and relate to each other better. Their familiarity makes it clear were not alonejob searching (and rejection) is an experience everyone shares, even if youre exceptionally qualified.But these platitudes have also become so overused, they reif hollow today. They might even make you cringe.Its easy to point out empty expressions when they come from other people, but its more challenging to identify those problems in our own writing. Most people continue to use stale language on their LinkedIn profile and resume, for example.These documents contribute to a hiring managers first impression of you as a job candidate. And if they binnenbinnensee the same aber sichering repeated, it can be hard to stand out from hundreds of other applicants. At the end of the day, clichs are just fluffwe include them because we think recruiters want to see buzzwords. But that couldnt be further from the truth.Keywords arent enough to get you hired.Most recruiters and hiring managers are looking for proven examples of the results youve produced. Inflated descriptions wont mean anything if you cant support the language with evidence.Here are some of the most over-usedand, therefore, unremarkableexpressions we see on LinkedIn and resumes.12 Clichs to Avoid on Your Resume and LinkedIn1. Detail-OrientedA well-organized resume with no spelling errors and clear descriptions will demonstrate that youre detail-oriented. You dont need to point this out explicitly in the writingits best to use that space to cover information thats more relevant to the position.2. Team-PlayerShow that you can work on a team by giving examples of how youve collaborated in the past. You can also use active verbs, like mentor or cooperate, which are more engaging and convey personal agency.3. Resu lts-DrivenIf youre working, the hiring manager will assume you achieve results for your current employer. This message will produce a bigger impact if you can demonstrate through key performance indicators (KPIs) what results youve achieved.4. Self-MotivatedInstead of relying on a self-assigned label, use your work summary to speak to the independent work that youve initiated on behalf of the company. Describing your affiliations with professional organizations also shows that youre motivated to improve your skills beyond your immediate work environment.5. Go-GetterThis term is too broad. Instead of using one word to encompass an idea thats central to your career growth, describe when you took charge or led a project. A concrete example shows initiative.6. HardworkingThis is another sentiment thats more meaningful if you include an example. Prove that you work hard with the results and achievements that you list on your resume.7. Responsible ForEach bullet point on a resume needs to be robust and start with a verb. Responsible for is a passive description and makes the sentiment fall flat. Instead, choose a more specific and compelling action, like transform, secure, develop, launch, reconcile, or capitalize.8. SeasonedThis word sounds like a euphemism for overqualified. Age discrimination is rampant, and job seekers should avoid any terminology that could imply their age.9. SuccessfullyYou can usually cut a vague adverb by choosing a more specific verb or adding more details that point to specific KPIs. Hiring managers like to see measurable outcomes listed in your job history.10. Think Outside the BoxThis phrase might accurately describe your mindsetbut its so familiar, it loses all of its impact. Less commonly used words like conceptualize speak to your creativity. Using more succinct wording will also make the sentence easier to follow.11. InnovativeWhat did you innovate? Youre better served by giving an example than hoping a hiring manager will take your word for it.12. Proven Track Record/Proven AbilityIts best to avoid the word provenit doesnt actually provide, well proof Instead, try substituting it with information about your concrete deliverables.Bonus Microsoft arbeitszimmer SuiteThis final point isnt a clichbut its still overused and doesnt belong in a resume or LinkedIn profile. Microsoft Office is the industry standard, which means its not considered a skill. Hiring managers assume every qualified candidate will know how to use this software. Delete this item and instead use the space to discuss skills that are unique to the position you want to fill.For most people, resume writing doesnt come easily. If you want to hone your employee branding and stand apart from other candidates, work with a talented Career Coach from Ivy Exec. Theyll help you capitalize on your skills and make a powerful first impression. Amber Crow--This story originally appearedon Ivy Exec. Amber Crow is a Career Advisor for Ivy Exec with three years o f experience. She is focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace through her website TheQueerCareerBlog.com.