5 Meaningless Words to Strike from Your Resume

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Human resources experts screen tens, hundreds, or even thousands of resumes when positions open. A few words tend to show up so often or are used in such a way that they become meaningless. Resume writing has little or no place for these five words. While many of them were once important or effective, overuse and changing resume writing or interview practices have rendered them obsolete.
 
Experienced: Your resume should show exactly how you are experienced as you explain each role and job function you have held in the past. The writer's caveat of showing (instead of telling) is very important when you have to make an impression quickly.
 
Hard-Working: Your successes and achievements listed on the resume should show that you work hard and reach the goals that you set. Overuse has rendered this word practically meaningless, and resume reviewers are likely to skim over these clichés. A resume needs to demonstrate leadership, not just spell it out as an attribute.
 
Responsible: It is better to explain that you led a team of ten employees to higher conversion rates or greater customer service ratings than simply mention you were responsible for ten adult workers. Today's resume screeners want to read about what you have accomplished, not attempted, and being responsible for a team is part of every goal that you have reached.
 
Team player: Instead of simply listing this overused word on your resume, explain that you worked with nine other agents or representatives in accomplishing specific goals and objectives. 
 
References Available Upon Request: Whether or not you have included references, a serious employer will make the request if necessary. Spelling this out wastes valuable space on your resume that can be better utilized to deliver your qualifications and spell out your achievements. While use of this phrase may have been a good choice in the past, when resumes were often accompanied by a sheet with the names and telephone numbers of peers and most of your former employers, privacy concerns make references necessary only upon request in most settings.
 
Eliminating these five phrases from your resume can help it stand out in a field often crowded by many applicants of varying experience and ability.
 

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  • Jeremiah Long
    Jeremiah Long
    I found the information very helpful in how to improve my resume. Enabling me to stand out!
  • Percy Moses
    Percy Moses
    this was helpful
  •  KIMUZANYE LOUIS
    KIMUZANYE LOUIS
    As I'm about to look for a new job this information is important to me.
  • Scott E Conlan
    Scott E Conlan
    Comments are indicating that resumes, as we know them, are obsolete.  It appears to me that applying online for a position is an arduous activity, constantly rewriting in order to adhere to the online format, and most of the time, not being able to view the completed document once it is completed and ready for submission.  Any thoughts, brothers and sisters in transition?
  • David Reyes-Guerra
    David Reyes-Guerra
    I agree with four of the five words you've selected as being "meaningless" for resumes. The one word I disagree with is "experienced." I believe it's an important word that helps distinguish a professional with a 10-year background from one with a 5-year background, for example. Both are experienced, but one is clearly more experienced than the other.
  •  G Tucker
    G Tucker
    Maybe we should just stop sending resumes.   I think the on-line boxes are the key to the jobs???  
  • Teresa Gelegonya
    Teresa Gelegonya
    This is great information! I will go back to my original resume and use just what you have advised. Thank you,
  • Shirley Heim
    Shirley Heim
    this was helpful. I will revisit my resume and rewrite anything with these words in it.
  • TAOFIK LAWAL
    TAOFIK LAWAL
    Thanks for the guidance, very educative and perfect
  •  Laura Lee
    Laura Lee
    I Thank You, for this seemingly simple, but valuable advice.I will apply this information as I update my resume'.Sincerely,Appreciative Reader
  • charles riggs
    charles riggs
    I'm at a loss for words.
  • Bruce Remmen
    Bruce Remmen
    I think to much is made of withresumes, we need to go backto the way it use to be, hireda person on their experienceand not on how well they can writea resume.
  • Alvin Keys
    Alvin Keys
    Awesome information..
  • Charles Kritzon
    Charles Kritzon
    Great information and common sense once explained as in the article.
  • Rasheedah Blake
    Rasheedah Blake
    This is very helpful to me, my current resume reads okay however I will add some of these great suggestions.
  • James Lee
    James Lee
    Logical, more succinct, and helpful.
  • Michael Nowacki
    Michael Nowacki
    I will try these suggestions, and see if I hit on some big offers.
  •  Vic Monzon
    Vic Monzon
    5 for 5... But I do list Team-Building as a Core Competency...
  • Jennifer Gayles
    Jennifer Gayles
    This is very valuable information. Most people don't know this and will be very helpful in the future.
  • Jodie Alexander
    Jodie Alexander
    I will look into updating my resume with these suggestion. Thank you
  • Gabriel Gonzáles
    Gabriel Gonzáles
    After having viewed this, i find that an old way of preparing a resume has through the years become obsolete. Thanks and will make the necessary changes.
  • Nickcol Laney
    Nickcol Laney
    Things that are good to know. This is nice
  • Ben Heyward
    Ben Heyward
    Omiting these terms is a great idea.  As a CEO, when reading a résumé I am also turned off with the term "pro-active". From my viewpoint being pro-active is a matter of opinion.  I am sure there are other terms to omit but you make an excellent point here.
  • Suzy Kramer
    Suzy Kramer
    Outstanding advice.
  • Rochel Johnson
    Rochel Johnson
    Very useful information.

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