6 Words That Kill Your Resume from NewGradLife Blog

NewGradLife.blogspot.com has developed a brief list of some of the most overused words on resumes. Avoid them when possible and choose some more creative alternatives.

To get your mind going in the right direction with words and resume design, review Career Development Services' Career Handbook.

1. Accomplished. Yes, we all know every job seeker is accomplished, otherwise you would be fired from every job you’ve ever had if you never accomplished anything. Instead try: Peak Performer.

2. Results-Driven. We all know that everyone’s professional resume starts out with Results-Driven (Insert your job title here). The only problem is in the job search game you don’t want to sound like everyone else. You want to stand out from the crowd. Instead try: Performance-Driven.

3. Successful. This is another overused phrase on resumes. We all want to communicate how successful we’ve been so a new employer will think highly of us, but let’s look at some alternative wording versus just coming out and saying hey there, I’m a success. Instead try: Best In Class, Award-Winning, or Top-Performer.

4. Skillful or Skilled. These are so boring. Seriously, I hate to see resumes with these words on them. I cannot even tell you how incredibly dull these words are and I am sure you can come up with something way more creative for your resume. If you can’t think of anything try my recommendations or if you don’t like them use a thesaurus. Instead try: Talented, Sharp, or Resourceful.

5. Problem-Solver. Can I just say that this is a given… We are ALL problem solvers. If you are human, you are a problem solver it is just part of human nature. Does it really need to be said on your resume? I think not. Instead try: Troubleshooter, Forward-Thinking, or Visionary Leader.

6. And last but not least Dedicated and Dependable. Again I have to say boring, boring, boring. Spice up your resume with something creative. Instead try: High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic.

AU Career Coach Input: However, if these words are used in a job description, you may want to use them anyway because that is the language the employer thinks in and is looking to see on cover letters and in resumes. For any word chosen, it is stronger if you are backing it up with real evidence in use...

Problem-solver who regularly solves problems for the team

or

Problem-solver, reducing annual costs by 10 percent