When it comes to job-hunting and handing out the hundreds of copied CVs you’ve printed off, what you don’t say can be just as important as what you do say.
According to Business News Daily, here are the nine phrases and words to leave off your CV or application form:
Take note…
“Try”
This word shows a lack of belief, passion, commitment and confidence. These are all words you need to succeed in today’s working world.
Clichés
Don’t use the common buzzwords you might think are the real job-getters. They include words like “innovative” and “team player”. They are overused at this stage and have lost their impact. Instead, list specific accomplishments. Instead of saying, “I have extensive experience in sales”, why not tell them you have worked in sales for 10 years and hit the quota in the last 12 quarters? As a hiring manager, they will want real details of past jobs.
“References available upon request”
Why waste precious space on your CV to include a phrase everybody already knows? If a person is interested in contacting your references, they know they can request the information from you. The phrase is just a space-filler.
Irrelevant Experience
Always think about the job you are applying to and how your experience suits that job. Ideally, your CV should be catered for each individual job you apply for. Is your week’s work experience in 4th year really important? It could look like you’re grasping at straws.
Objective
Don’t put an objective on your CV. Your objective is to get the job. Hiring managers want to see your skills and experience.
“Responsibilities include…”
You need your CV to be lean and clean. They need to command the attention of whoever is reading it. This tired expression can be translated as “completely average at…” and could result in your CV being tossed aside. Wasting prime CV space with basic tasks, duties or responsibilities is a sure way to harm a job search since nobody is interested in reading about the basic requirements of your last job.
Vague Claims
Avoid vague claims on your CV that may or may not mean something. Not a good move, it could be picked up on and you could be quizzed on it in an interview.
“Love”
“I’d love to work for your company…” Dayna Steele, author of 101 Ways to Rock Your World, says you love your significant other, your kids, your family. You shouldn't put love on a cover letter or resume.
Qualitative Descriptions
Leave off any descriptions that you cannot back up without an example. Some words that are scanned over include “experienced”, “creative” and “innovative”. Just give the years of experience and what exactly you did start or improve.