Is there a certain phrase or word that immediately makes your eyes roll as soon as you hear it?

Maybe it’s the excessively said, “At the end of the day…”.
Or perhaps you can’t stand when someone says “I mean, I’m just saying…”.
And what about the word “expeditiously” or the acronym “idk”?

We all have a list of terms we wish would go away or disappear from people’s vocabulary. Would you like to know who else has a word bank of things they wished people stopped using?

Recruiters.

Given that the average job receives 200+ resumes and applicants, you can imagine how repetitive they can become.

You may think your resume is going to stand out from the pack because you’re using trendy buzzwords and fluffy statements, but chances are you might be annoying the heck out of the person reading it.

8 Buzzwords to Keep Off Your Resume

If there’s one thing recruiters can’t stand to see on resumes, it’s fluff and over-exaggerated statements that don’t contain any value. While fluff works great for teddy bears and furniture, it’s not the place for your resume.

These phrases have been staple words on resumes for years. But surveys and studies show recruiters don’t want to see them anymore – unless you want a hard eye-roll and a swift rejection email.

Here are 8 words to leave off your resume in 2021 and beyond.

1. Transformational Leader

To leaders who have upgraded, turned around, or overhauled processes, performance, and effectiveness, there’s a better way to communicate the gravity of your impact than using this simple phrase. This word tends to be common among managers, directors, and top-tier professionals.

Focus on exactly what you have transformed and the measured outcome rather than choosing this word. For tips on how to communicate your value as a leader, watch the video below or click here.

2. Results-Driven Professional

What makes this phrase the most hated is that it doesn’t actually mention the results you have delivered – it’s too vague with zero clarification as to what the results actually were.

What were the results or the outcome of your task or project?
How did it positively impact the company, your team, or the department?

The best way to show results is to list them outright.

3. Hardworking

As a seasoned and/or qualified expert, it’s already assumed you are a hard worker dedicated to your craft. This term screams inexperienced, lazy, and even immaturity. Since you’re none of those words, leave “hardworking” off your resume.

4. Dynamic

Dynamic became a trending term many people started using to convey how amazing they are. But too many people caught on to this word and played it out quickly. Instead of using it, consider another bold term related to your career level and industry.

5. Team Player

The best way to show you work well in teams on your resume is to clearly state how large your team(s) were and what projects or tasks you worked on together. Also, be sure to focus on what your individual responsibilities and wins were to show you can also function independently.

6. Visionary

This word become popular as people sought a way to say that they could conceptualize brilliant, creative ideas and bring them to fruition. For most, using this word is over-the-top and can come off arrogant. If there’s something that you’ve introduced, implemented, or enforced, focus on explaining that instead of using this buzz phrase.

7. Responsible For

Responsible for used to be how job descriptions and bullets started back in the day, but now no one wants to read what you were responsible for – they want to read what you DID. Instead of rambling about day-to-day tasks such as answering phone calls or completing additional duties as assigned, focus on listing accomplishments, wins, and the confirmed measured results of your efforts.

8. Detail-oriented

This phrase was meant to show carefulness, consideration, and attentiveness when completing your tasks. However, it’s a given that everything you do should be done with precision and accuracy. Therefore, there’s no reason to include this term on your resume. After all, you can show them better than you can tell them.

WHAT TO USE INSTEAD

You might be thinking, “If I can’t use any of those words, then what words can I use?”. Not to worry – there are loads of good verbs and adjectives to use in your professional summary and job descriptions.

Your best bet is to use strong action words to begin hard-hitting statements packed with value. Focus on terms that communicate what you are doing or what you have done, along with the numbers and data to back it up.

If you’re struggling to write your resume, we can help. Click here to schedule your phone consultation with a member of the TRWCo. Team. To learn other items you should leave off your resume, watch the video below or click here.

8 Overused Resume Fluff Words to Keep Of Your Resume