The job market is more competitive than at any time in recent memory. Sprucing up your resume is a good thing, whether you are employed or not. While you’re polishing up your resume, be sure to give it a through looking over to be sure you’re not inadvertently disqualifying yourself. Human resources and hiring managers are looking at hundreds of resumes per open position, so you have to stand out from the crowd. Putting action and proof into your work history will make those who read your resume sit up and take notice. Here’s a list of five words usually worth avoiding, along with some alternatives.
Experienced Use words that explain how experienced you really are. If you’re “experienced in SQL programming,” say something like, “programmed complex inventory databases for high-profile retail clients using SQL.”
Goal-Oriented If you’re goal-oriented, prove it. Instead of saying you can accomplish goals, explain what goals you have accomplished. Statements like, “Switched to auxiliary servers and routers manually to support an unanticipated overload within 15 minutes of detection” sends the strong message that you get things done.
Proven Track Record This term has become so worn down and overused it no longer has any meaning. Instead of using that term, which doesn’t mean much of anything, try using verifiable facts. For example, instead of “Proven track record of improving production and lowering costs” try “Streamlined production of company’s flagship toy, reducing manufacturing costs by 28 percent.”
Team Player Be careful about this term; it gives the impression of a follower. The job may require you to lead a team or manage people, so avoid that term. It’s also so overused as to be ineffective. Instead, prove your co-operative abilities another way. Describe a situation in which you worked with a multitude of different people and departments in order to meet a goal. This will say “team player” without implying “follower.”
Multitasker Years ago, being a multitasker was a good thing. The term has lost its impact from overuse and misuse. What the hiring manager wants to know is if you can do the job, so instead of saying you can multi-task, give examples of how you accomplished multiple concurrent goals.
Bonus Words Other words to avoid are any that may describe your gender, age or other personal feature, including: • Athletic • Energetic • Fit • Healthy • Mature • Youthful These characteristics, although appreciated in the workplace, can actually do damage on your resume. Wait to demonstrate those personal characteristics during the interview.
Passive voice is also a resume killer.
In addition to making the reading slow and laborious, passive voice takes the proverbial wind out of your resume’s sails. By putting action words in your resume, you create a picture in the hiring manager’s mind of you as someone who will accomplish things. For example, replace: • “Responsible for managing project budgets,” with “Managed project budget, maintaining appropriate man-hours and resources, which saved the company $60,000.” • “Served as director of sales,” with “Led the sales team to record-setting months in traditionally low-volume period” • “Assisted a team of developers,” with “Collaborated with international developers and managers in Japan and India to meet the requirements for an early product launch.”
See the HR Perspective Before you send in your resume, think about what the hiring managers might be thinking when they read it. Putting yourself in the place of the person looking at the resume will give you a new perspective.
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