It is very essential to create a simple and catching resume to avoid employers having second thoughts of considering you in certain positions in the company. So when writing a resume, remember not to use some of most the common words, which have been overused over time. This is actually the measurement if you would proceed in the hiring process or you would just be a part of the rejected employees that have been casted down in the company’s oblivion. Avoid the habit of being declined by your future employers by knowing the right words that you should use, discarding the old habits that have been done by thousands of applicants across the globe. It would get you the opportunity to land the job that you are dreaming of, and higher chances of choosing a greener career path. Here are the 10 most overused terms on resumes that you should avoid.
1. Hard Worker
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There is nothing here to capture the attention of your manager. This is just an empty description, which anyone one can use, even by the laziest person in the world. It leaves the manager hanging where he becomes even confused if the term is not properly explained. In order to excite a potential employer, you will have to explain yourself more of what makes you different from other competitors. You must state out how you have taken a step further, like tackling tasks outside the office time, or how you can handle large volume of projects.
2. Self-Starter
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Most of the corporations are now looking for applicants who can work effectively without much of managerial supervision. It is for this reason that just saying that you are self-starter will not strike the employer’s mind. This will not show the manager how you will be resourceful to their company. Therefore, to get the full attention of the employer, you should illustrate how you have been successful in managing important tasks in an industry with little supervision from your superiors are provided.
3. Team Player
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This has been the most used cliché where it sounds like a song to the ear of a manager. When it has not been supported with an explanation, it becomes plain words, which do not mean much to the employer. You are supposed to state out how you have collaborated with your fellow colleagues in achieving certain goals. You should also spell out how you have dived in to assist a colleague to give out high quality results. Another thing which you can mention is how you led to close relationships between different departments and coworkers.
4. Highly Qualified
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Stating out that you are highly qualified does not mean anything where it is just an empty expression. Anyone can say such words, even when they are not qualified. So instead of telling the employer, just show how you are qualified. You should portray of what you will bring on the table, in case you have been hired. It is highly recommendable to quantify your biggest accomplishments and how you have saved your former employer in minimizing the costs. Apart from this, make sure that you have emphasized on your skills and accreditations. Before you go and apply for work, make proper research on the job being offered by the firm, so that you know which field you are going to focus on.
5. Dynamic
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This word is really old fashioned and it just means totally nothing to the employer. This word just sounds unnatural and it should be really avoided at all cost since it is boastful. Instead of upsetting the manager with this, just show how you are full of new ideas of improving the efficiency of a firm. Indicate the positive energy which you have, where you can bring the same positive vibes into the company. Show how you have put your efforts to guaranteeing that the services being delivered are of high quality and of satisfaction to the clients.
6. Problem Solver
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This is another set of meaningless words which people like to use. Being a problem solver can also be a problem creator therefore it should be really avoided. Every manager looks for very solid and tangible evidence of such claims. Show him/her how you are effective in solving issues. Indicate how you have come up with specific solutions, which you had devised that have benefited many members of the company. Another thing which should be emphasized on is how you assisted and helped your coworkers or employer out of dilemmas. Remember to state out how you have overwhelmingly overcome hurdles in the past.
7. Reliable
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It is expected of you to be reliable so do not waste your precious time and resource writing how you are reliable. Both you and the manager know that reliability in a corporation must be there in order for the company to be successful. Reliability is a basic requirement for any kind of job. Being able to show up on time and the seriousness of doing your work is automatic. In fact, anything short of reliable is totally not accepted to any firm. As you can see, reliability is a must, so don’t bother writing about it.
8. Familiar with
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Even though most people used this phrase, it does not give the manager an impression of your level of skill. As people continue to use this phrase, they do not understand the impact it carries. For example, an individual might say he is very familiar with computer packages and maybe he/she just used it one or two times. It is not wise to use it since it just generalizes everything where even your most competent areas will be overshadowed. It is advisable not to use this overused phrase instead indicate all your competent areas directly.
9. Flexible
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The world is changing at a very high rate and so are the companies. It is for this reason that corporations are now looking for individuals who can really change and adapt to new methods and techniques. But indicating you are flexible on your resume will just make majority of the employers to turn their eye blind. It is good to show them how successful you are at responding to different major changes. You can also spell out how you have been able to deal with very different aspects of challenges in your work. Since change has become constant, companies are looking for people who are easy to adjust easily to different conditions.
10. People Person
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Firms look for personnel who can interact with people both internally and externally. However, do not just say that you are people person since your employer usually looks for evidence. Therefore, show with solid examples how you have brought people closer, either the coworkers or the clients. State out how you have brought effective friendship between different parties to increase contacts between the producer and the customer. Avoid one of these buzz words for a resume.