Common Resume Clichés: When applying for a job, your resume is one of the most important tools you have. It’s your chance to make a good first impression and show potential employers why you’re the best candidate for the job.
But one of the quickest ways to sabotage your chances of getting an interview is to include common resume cliches. What are resume cliches? How can you avoid using them repeatedly? I’m sure you’ve got these questions and even more running through your mind.
To avoid the occurrence of multiple rejections in the future, this article addresses the common resume clichés to avoid with alternatives included in your resume in 2023.
What are Resume Cliches?
Resume clichés are overused resume phrases or words. They can make your resume look generic and uninteresting.
These overused phrases make your resume appear dull in the eyes of recruiters and this can reduce your chances of getting noticed or even employed.
One disadvantage of using resume cliches amongst others is that they make your resume sound generic and forgettable. This prevents employers from having any real insight into your skills and experience.
To stand out with a great impression, you must learn how to use the right buzzwords or express these common cliches in the best descriptive way.
Why avoid Resume Cliches?
Before we dig deep into the common resume cliches that you should avoid, it’s important to understand why these overused phrases are a problem. The main issue with cliches is that they do nothing to differentiate you from other candidates.
When recruiters and hiring managers see the same phrases over and over again, they become desensitized to them and may even start to view them as red flags. Additionally, cliches are often vague and don’t provide any specific information about your skills, experience, or achievements. If you want to stand out and make an impact with your resume, you need to avoid these generic phrases and focus on showcasing your unique value proposition.
Common resume cliches to avoid in 2023
Now that you understand why you should avoid resume cliches, let’s take a look at some of the most common resume clichés that make you sound unprofessional you should steer clear of:
- Results-driven
- Team player
- Detail-oriented
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven track record
- Self-starter
- Hard worker
- Strategic thinker
- Problem solver
- Go-getter
- Results-oriented
- Self-motivated
- Problem solver
- Attention to detail
While some of these phrases may seem harmless, they have become so overused that they no longer hold any meaning. When you use these phrases on your resume, you’re not doing yourself any favours and may even be hurting your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
How to avoid Resume Clichés
So, if you shouldn’t use these common resume cliches, what should you say instead? The key is to focus on specific, measurable achievements and use language that is both impactful and memorable.
Instead of using cliches, focus on providing specific examples of your skills and experience. Do this with power verbs or resume buzzwords. For example, instead of saying you’re a “team player,” talk about a time when you worked effectively with a team to achieve a goal.
And instead of saying you’re “results-oriented,” talk about a time when you exceeded expectations.
When you provide specific examples, you’ll make your resume more interesting and persuasive. You’ll also show employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.
How to write a Resume without clichés
Here are some common resume clichés to avoid in 2023, along with specific examples of how to replace them with more specific and impactful language:
“Hard worker.”
Instead of saying that you’re a “hard worker,” give specific examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond to meet deadlines or exceed expectations. For example, you could say “Increased sales by 15% by working overtime to meet a critical deadline.”
“Team player.”
Instead of saying that you’re a “team player,” give specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. For example, you could say “Led a team of 10 people to successfully launch a new product.”
“Problem solver.”
Instead of saying that you’re a “problem solver,” give specific examples of problems you’ve solved in the past and how your solutions benefited your company. For example, you could say “Implemented cost-saving measures that resulted in a 10% reduction in expenses.”
“Results-oriented.”
Instead of saying that you’re “results-oriented,” give specific examples of results you’ve achieved, such as increased sales, improved efficiency, or reduced costs. For example, Increased organic search traffic by 20% through a comprehensive SEO campaign
“Self-motivated.”
Instead of saying that you’re “self-motivated,” give specific examples of how you’ve set and achieved goals or taken on new challenges. For example, you could say “Completed a challenging project on time and within budget.”
“Excellent communication skills.”
Instead of saying that you have “excellent communication skills,” give specific examples of how you’ve used your communication skills to achieve a goal. For example, you could say “Explained complex technical concepts in a way that was easy to understand by non-technical stakeholders.”
“Attention to detail.”
Instead of saying that you have “attention to detail,” give specific examples of how you’ve caught errors in other people’s work or ensured that projects were completed on time and within budget. For example, you could say “Reviewed and edited all documents to ensure that they were error-free before they were sent to clients”.
So take some time to review your resume and make sure you’ve removed any common cliches. By doing so, you’ll make a better impression on potential employers and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Resume Tips for 2023
In addition to avoiding resume cliches and using impactful language, there are several other tips you should keep in mind when creating your resume. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Read the job Description carefully.
Determine the search terms that the employer is using. Then, use those keywords throughout your resume.
2. Do your Research
Before you start writing your resume, take some time to research the company you’re applying to and the position you’re interested in. This will help you understand the specific skills and experience that the employer is looking for.
3. Tailor your Resume to the Job
Create a CV that is specific to the position you are applying for by emphasizing your qualifications that are most applicable to the job.
4. Use keywords
To ensure your resume gets past the applicant tracking systems (ATS), use keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
5. Quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers and percentages. This helps recruiters and hiring managers understand the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
6. Keep it concise
Two pages are the maximum length for a resume. Be judicious with the data you include and concentrate on the most crucial specifics.
7. Use Bullet Points
Instead of paragraphs, use bullet points to make your resume more scannable and easy to read.
8. Proofread your resume carefully
Ensure you carefully review your resume for any grammatical or spelling errors before submitting it.
Hire a Professional Resume writer
It can be challenging to put your work experience and accomplishments into words. If you’re struggling to find the right way to express yourself, consider hiring a professional Resume writer.
At Fasthire, we can help you write a Resume that is clear, concise, and persuasive. We will work with you to gather the necessary information and then craft a Resume that highlights your skills and experience. We can deliver your Resume within your requested time frame, so you can start your job search as soon as possible.
Conclusion – Common Resume Clichés
When creating your resume, be sure to avoid using clichés and instead focus on highlighting your unique value proposition. This means highlighting your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. You can do this by following the examples outlined in this article, which show how to effectively showcase your key achievements and experience. By following these tips, you can create a resume that will catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
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