Words Not to Use On Your Resume

Words Not to Use on Your Resume

Lots of purported resume experts recommend that you fill your resume with active adjectives that describe how wonderful you are.

Quite simply, that’s crap. No one is going to be impressed by your self-praise. Adolph Hitler could have described himself as a kind and gentle mentor on his resume.

Unsubstantiated self-describing adjectives just waste valuable space, and sound phony. Stick to words that are concrete, and that you can back up with data.

Avoid words and phrases like the following:

Highly Effective
Resourceful
Skilled
Highly Professional
Results-Oriented
Team Player
Excellent Communication Skills
Creative
Innovative
Change Agent
Problem Solver
Decisive
Enthusiastic
Aggressive
Consistent
Organized
Successful
Team Leader & Motivator
Highly Intelligent
Energetic
Knowledgeable
Loyal
Studious
Attentive
Conscientious
Industrious
High Integrity
Entrepreneurial
High-Achieving
Outstanding
Highly Articulate
Persuasive Communicator
Confident
Driven
Impassioned Leader
Thinks Outside of the Box
Determined
Hard Working
Diligent
Talented
Trustworthy
Motivated
Visionary
Reliable
Self-Starter
Creative
Impassioned Leader
Persistent
Dynamic
Energetic
Meticulous
Enterprising
Strategic
Methodical

PS: If you think I'm getting repetitive on this point, you're right. When the percentage of resumes I receive that don't lead off with this type of twoddle drops under 75%, I'll stop, I promise you.

PSS: To see what you should put in your resume instead of these self-praising words, click HERE to see a resume that will really tell an employer who you are.