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.
5 Meaningless Words to Strike from Your Resume
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Jack Gould •This article was helpful as a few of the items managers "wanted to see" I did not feel should be in there, and this solidified that opinion. -
Cheryl Wellnitz •Good common sense. I was confused on whether to add the "references furnished on request". I will not add it to my resume from now on;but I will have the list available.
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IRWIN ITON •These are some great ideas thanks
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Michael Mogan •Good points have devised my resume to reflect this advice...
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David Dunn •Good advice
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John Shasteen •Interesting comments. Thanks
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Betsy Doolin •I found it very helpful. Good heads up. For those who've already submitted a resume they can redo utilizing these tips and send the revised copy out as needed going forward. Don't fret over the ones already out there- leave them as is.
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Ellen Rhodes •Very valuable information!
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As someone in the workforce for several decades, I have been on both sides of the resume issue. One word that makes me cringe is "seasoned" because it clearly indicates a candidate with higher mileage and does nothing to indicate accomplishments or skill levels. I also don't like to use "experienced" for similar reasons, and prefer the adjective "accomplished" in favor of either one.
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Great,Over time these words are getting to common
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