In today’s ultra-competitive job market, crafting an impressive resume is a must. However, relying on overused, tired phrases and clichés can quickly turn off hiring managers and result in your application being overlooked. That’s why it’s essential to avoid them at all costs.
Why Resume Clichés Are Problematic
Resume clichés are all too common, and they offer little value to your application. These phrases are often vague, generic, and do not help to differentiate yourself from other applicants. This means that your resume can blend in with the crowd, making it harder for recruiters to identify your unique skills and experiences.
Furthermore, clichés are often perceived as uninspired and unoriginal. Using them to describe your achievements and qualifications can give hiring managers the impression that you lack the creativity and initiative needed to succeed in a competitive work environment.
How to Avoid Them
Avoiding resume clichés is simpler than you might think. Instead of relying on overused phrases, focus on specific examples and accomplishments that highlight your abilities and experience. Use descriptive language that accurately conveys your knowledge, skills, and achievements. Furthermore, tailor your language to the specific job and company you are applying to.
Understanding the clichés
A. Definition of cliché
A cliché is a phrase or expression that has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning or impact. These phrases are often considered trite or unoriginal and can make your writing dull or uninteresting. In terms of resume writing, clichés can make a candidate appear uncreative, unoriginal or inexperienced.
B. Why certain phrases have become clichés
Certain phrases become clichés because they are so commonly used that they lose their original meaning or impact. In the case of resume writing, phrases such as “team player” or “detail-oriented” are used so often that they no longer carry the weight they used to. As a result, recruiters or hiring managers may skim over those phrases without giving them any real consideration.
C. The negative impact of clichés on your resume
Using too many clichés on your resume can have a negative impact on your chances of getting hired. Hr professionals and recruiters see hundreds, if not thousands of resumes a week, and as such, they are adept at spotting overused phrases. These phrases not only make your application feel generic and uninspired, but they can also give the impression that you haven’t put enough time and effort into crafting your application.
Additionally, some clichés, such as references to being a “go-getter” or a “hard worker,” can come across as trying too hard to sell yourself. These phrases can feel insincere and inauthentic, leading hiring managers to question your credibility.
Using a significant amount of clichés on your resume can make you appear uncreative, unoriginal, inexperienced, and even insincere leading to a negative impact on your application. To stand out, aim to express your individuality by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments while avoiding the use of overused phrases.
Cliché 1: “Results-driven”
A. Explanation of common use
The phrase “results-driven” is a popular buzzword used on resumes to convey that an individual is highly focused on achieving goals and has a track record of delivering tangible outcomes.
B. Why it is ineffective
While the phrase might seem impressive at first glance, it’s actually quite vague and lacks specific details that give more context to a candidate’s achievements. Employers are more interested in knowing exactly what type of results you’ve achieved and how you’ve achieved them.
C. What to say instead
Rather than using a broad term like “results-driven,” it’s important to explain in detail the specific results achieved, skills used, and obstacles overcome. This gives potential employers a more comprehensive understanding of what you’re capable of and how you can contribute to their organization.
D. Example of a better alternative
“My leadership and strategic planning skills helped increase profits by 20% at ABC Company in the first quarter of 2020. I successfully identified and addressed inefficiencies in the supply chain process, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency. In addition, my cross-functional collaboration with teams across the organization led to the successful rollout of a new product line, resulting in increased revenue.”
This alternative not only provides specific details on what the candidate has achieved, but also highlights their specific skills and how they contributed to the success of the company. It’s a more effective way to showcase your value and accomplishments as a candidate.
Cliché 2: “Highly Motivated”
A. Explanation of Common Use
“Highly motivated” is a phrase that pops up in many resumes or job applications. People often use it to describe themselves as eager, enthusiastic, and driven employees who are ready to take on any challenge. It is used to showcase a strong work ethic and an ability to succeed in the workplace.
B. Why It Is Ineffective
While the intent behind this phrase is good, it has become such a common cliché that it has lost its meaning. It is now viewed as a generic statement that almost every job candidate uses, making it an ineffective way to stand out in a crowded job market. Additionally, it doesn’t provide any specific examples that can demonstrate how motivated a person really is.
C. What to Say Instead
To replace “highly motivated,” one should focus on providing specific examples of their work ethic and accomplishments. Use tangible and measurable descriptions that showcase your skills and experience. Instead of stating that you’re motivated, show it through your accolades and work history.
D. Example of a Better Alternative
For instance, instead of using the phrase “highly motivated,” say “consistently exceeded sales goals by 20% by actively seeking out and pursuing new clients.” This statement is detailed and indicates a work ethic that goes beyond mere motivation. It provides specific information on how you implemented your motivation to achieve tangible results. It also distinguishes you from other job candidates by highlighting concrete evidence of your success.
While “highly motivated” is a popular phrase, it has lost its value through overuse. Don’t rely on cliches when describing your abilities and competencies. Instead, provide details that illustrate your qualities and stand out from the crowd. By doing so, you will demonstrate the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you the best candidate for a job.
Cliché 3: “Team player”
A. Explanation of Common Use
The phrase “team player” is commonly used in resumes to describe an individual who is viewed as cooperative and collaborative in a team-oriented environment. It emphasizes the importance of working well with others and being able to contribute to team dynamics.
B. Why It is Ineffective
While being a “team player” is certainly a positive trait, using this phrase in a resume has become too cliché and generic. Almost every candidate claims to be a team player, making this statement ineffective in setting applicants apart from the rest.
C. What to Say Instead
Instead of using the overused term “team player,” find specific ways to showcase your teamwork skills and collaboration abilities. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate how you have worked with others to achieve results.
D. Example of a Better Alternative
For example, instead of saying “team player,” you could say something like:
- Collaborated with a cross-functional team to reduce project turnaround time by 30%
- Coordinated with members from different departments to launch a successful marketing campaign that generated $50,000 in sales revenue
- Facilitated team discussions to resolve conflicts and improve communication, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency
By providing concrete examples of how you have effectively worked with others and contributed to team success, you demonstrate your value as a collaborator and leader. In doing so, you set yourself apart from other candidates who simply rely on the cliché phrase “team player” in their resumes.
Cliché 4: “Dynamic”
A. Explanation of common use
The term “dynamic” is often used in resumes to describe an individual’s energy, drive, and aptitude for taking on new challenges. Job seekers use this term to convey their willingness to adapt and ability to work well in fast-paced environments.
B. Why it is ineffective
While “dynamic” may seem like a positive trait to highlight in a resume, it has become an overused cliché. This term lacks specificity and does not provide any tangible examples to showcase the candidate’s skills and accomplishments.
C. What to say instead
Rather than using the term “dynamic,” job seekers can use action words and specific examples to demonstrate their energy and drive. They can highlight their experience leading high-performing teams, managing complex projects, or spearheading innovative initiatives. This allows them to showcase their skills and accomplishments in a more effective and tangible way.
D. Example of a better alternative
Instead of using the term “dynamic,” a candidate could say:
“Led a team of 10 sales associates to exceed quarterly targets by 20% through proactive coaching and strategic planning. Successfully launched a new product line, resulting in a 30% increase in overall revenue. Consistently sought out new opportunities to improve processes and enhance customer experience.”
This alternative showcases the candidate’s leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to drive results, making them a strong candidate for any position requiring a high-performing individual. By using specific examples and action words, they avoid the cliché and provide a more effective representation of their qualifications.
Cliché 5: “Detail-oriented”
A. Explanation of common use
The phrase “detail-oriented” is often used on resumes to describe someone who pays close attention to small details and is meticulous in their work. It is a popular term used across various industries and job roles.
B. Why it is ineffective
While being detail-oriented is certainly an important trait in many professions, using this term on your resume can be ineffective for two main reasons. Firstly, it is a very common phrase that is overused, making it sound generic and unremarkable. Secondly, it is difficult for a hiring manager to gauge the level of detail orientation just from the use of this phrase, leading it to be viewed as a subjective self-assessment rather than a quantifiable skill.
C. What to say instead
To avoid using cliché phrases like “detail-oriented,” consider using more specific, concrete terms that paint a clearer picture of your capabilities. For example, instead of saying “detail-oriented,” you can use phrases such as “meticulous attention to accuracy” or “thoroughness in analyzing data.”
D. Example of a better alternative
Here is an example of how you can replace the cliché phrase “detail-oriented” with a more specific and effective alternative:
Before:
- Detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills.
After:
- Meticulous attention to accuracy with a proven track record of consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding quality standards in diverse projects.
By replacing the generic phrase with a more specific description of your skills and achievements, your resume will stand out and showcase your unique value proposition to potential employers. Remember, the goal of your resume is to market yourself as the best candidate for the job, and using overused clichés like “detail-oriented” can hinder that effort.
Cliché 6: “Self-starter”
A. Explanation of common use
The phrase “self-starter” is commonly used on resumes and in job interviews to indicate that an individual is proactive, motivated, and able to take initiative without being told what to do.
B. Why it is ineffective
While “self-starter” may seem like a positive attribute to highlight, it has become an overused and clichéd term that lacks specificity. Many employers expect job candidates to be self-starters by default, so simply describing yourself as one doesn’t provide much value or set you apart from other applicants.
C. What to say instead
Rather than relying on generic terms like “self-starter,” it’s important to identify specific examples of times when you have taken initiative and shown leadership. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you have made a positive impact in past roles or projects, and highlight the specific skills and qualities that enabled you to do so.
D. Example of a better alternative
Instead of simply describing yourself as a “self-starter,” try highlighting a specific project or initiative that you took on independently and successfully completed. For example:
“As a marketing coordinator at ABC Company, I recognized the need for a more streamlined process for tracking lead generation. Without being prompted by anyone, I researched and implemented a new CRM system that improved accuracy and efficiency by 20%. This experience not only demonstrated my ability to take initiative and solve problems independently, but also showcased my skills in project management, data analysis, and communication with cross-functional teams.”
By providing specific details and results, this alternative conveys the same message of proactivity and initiative but also highlights other valuable skills needed for the role. Rather than relying on a cliché, this approach shows employers what you can actually do and how you can contribute to their organization.
Cliché 7: “Excellent communication skills”
A. Explanation of common use
“Excellent communication skills” is a phrase used often in resumes to describe one’s ability to convey information effectively through various forms of communication such as written or verbal. It is typically included in an individual’s skills or summary section.
B. Why it is ineffective
While having strong communication skills is certainly an important asset in the workplace, simply stating that you possess it as a skill can come across as cliché and generic. Most employers expect their employees to be proficient in communication skills, so it does not necessarily set you apart from other candidates.
C. What to say instead
Rather than simply stating that you have “excellent communication skills,” demonstrate how you have utilized them in the past to benefit a particular organization or team. Provide specific examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders or to achieve a specific goal through your communication skills.
D. Example of a better alternative
Example:
Instead of saying “Excellent communication skills,” describe how you have used your communication skills to achieve specific outcomes. For instance:
- Collaborated effectively with a cross-functional team to develop a successful marketing campaign, resulting in a 20% increase in sales for the quarter.
- Improved communication processes between the sales and customer service teams, resulting in a 25% reduction in customer complaints.
- Created and delivered engaging presentations to clients, resulting in a 70% increase in overall satisfaction rates.
By providing concrete examples of how you have used your communication skills in the workplace, you will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the ability to communicate effectively, as well as indicating how those skills could benefit their organization.
Cliché 8: “Expert”
A. Explanation of common use: This resume cliché is used to describe oneself as a subject matter expert in a particular field of work. It is often included in the summary statement or job titles to emphasize one’s level of proficiency.
B. Why it is ineffective: While claiming to be an expert may sound impressive, it can come across as arrogant and unsubstantiated without further evidence to back it up. It also lacks specificity and does not differentiate one’s qualifications from others in the same industry.
C. What to say instead: Instead of using the term “expert,” highlight specific skills or accomplishments that demonstrate expertise. This can be done through metrics, awards, certifications, or experience within the industry. Use action words and strong language to convey confidence in your abilities.
D. Example of a better alternative:
Summary statement:
Original: Experienced marketing expert with 10 years of proven results.
Improved: Award-winning marketing strategist with a track record of increasing sales revenue by 20% through targeted campaigns and data analysis.
Job title:
Original: HR Expert
Improved: Senior HR Manager with extensive experience in talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement. Led successful initiatives resulting in a decrease in turnover rate by 25%.
By providing specific examples of achievements and competencies, the candidate can showcase their expertise in a more credible and effective manner. Remember to tailor the language and examples to align with the job description and company culture to stand out among other applicants.
Cliché 9: “Hard worker”
A. Explanation of common use
“Hard worker” is a common phrase used on resumes to describe someone who has a strong work ethic and is willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. It is often used to emphasize dedication, reliability, and commitment to a job.
B. Why it is ineffective
While it may seem like a positive trait to have, the phrase “hard worker” has become overused and has lost its impact. Nearly every job seeker claims to be a hard worker on their resume, which can make your application blend in with the crowd. Additionally, stating that you are a hard worker lacks specificity and does not demonstrate any particular skills or accomplishments.
C. What to say instead
Instead of using a generic phrase like “hard worker”, focus on specific skills or accomplishments that demonstrate your work ethic. Consider using phrases such as “consistently met or exceeded deadlines”, “developed and implemented new processes to improve efficiency”, or “maintained a positive attitude during challenging projects”.
D. Example of a better alternative
As an experienced copywriter, I know the importance of going above and beyond to deliver high-quality content. Rather than simply stating that I am a hard worker, I highlight my ability to consistently meet tight deadlines and my record of delivering projects on time and on budget. Additionally, I emphasize my ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. By providing specific examples that highlight my work ethic and accomplishments, my resume stands out from the crowd and effectively communicates my value to potential employers. As a seasoned copywriter and subject matter expert, I cringe every time I see the phrase “proven track record” on a resume. It’s one of the most overused and meaningless clichés in the job search world. After all, who wouldn’t want to showcase their past successes and achievements? The problem is that everyone says it, and it doesn’t really tell the employer anything specific about what you’ve accomplished or what you can do for them.
Instead of using this tired phrase, consider using more specific and quantifiable language that highlights your accomplishments and skills. Here are some examples:
- Increased sales by X percentage in Y amount of time
- Led a team that achieved Z goal ahead of schedule
- Developed and implemented a new process that resulted in cost savings of $X
- Received X award or recognition for outstanding performance
- Completed X project on time and within budget
By providing concrete examples of what you have achieved in the past, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role. Plus, it shows that you’re not just making empty claims about your abilities.
Another way to avoid using the “proven track record” cliche is to focus on your skills and qualifications. Instead of simply stating that you have a proven track record, highlight the skills and qualities that have enabled you to succeed in the past and will make you an asset to the role. Here are some examples:
- Skilled in project management, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
- Strong leadership abilities, with experience managing teams of up to X members
- Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships with clients and stakeholders
- Proficient in XYZ software, with a track record of using it to streamline processes and increase efficiency
By focusing on your skills and qualities, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the abilities they are looking for in a candidate. This can be much more effective than simply stating that you have a “proven track record,” which can come across as vague and unimpressive.
The “proven track record” cliche should be avoided at all costs on your resume. Instead, use specific, quantifiable language to highlight your accomplishments and skills, or focus on your skills and qualifications to demonstrate your value as a candidate. By doing so, you’ll stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
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