Five phrases to avoid in resume : Making a good CV

Resume is not just a document of statements; but facts that are to be proved. Yes, the basic of job hunting is the self marketing campaign, so the resume is your marketing document; however, you need to prove your worth through the resume. Vague statements would kill the chances of getting a job. You will have to establish the fact that you have added value in the past which can be attained only with emphasizing on results. Resume is the best sales tool you have and so, you need to make it error free and interesting. There are a lot of phrases and words that are overused and cliche which you need to be avoided.


1. Team player
Any HR manager who searches candidates with this key word, would receive thousands of resumes that would be considered 'relevant' to their search parameters, which are cliche and vague. Instead, you can fill in your resume with solid facts on how you worked on some project in a team or how you teamed up with someone or with a department to meet an objective? Give details about your achievements as a team player rather than just stating that you are a team player.

2. Strong work ethics
A strong work ethics is a cliche often seen in most of the resume and so realize the fact that there is nothing great about adding this phrase in your resume. You can freshen up your resume by elaborating how you reach that extra mile. Instead of using this overused phrase, you need to list facts on what makes you a person with a strong work ethic.

3. Great communication skills
Be descriptive about what communication skills did you use in the past to add value to your job or explain how your communication skills contributed to your employer than just vaguely stating that you possess great communication skills. You can name one or more of your published articles to prove that you have good written communication skills or name a business deal that you have struck with your client.

4. A proven track record
This is said to be one of the worst canned phrases in resume development and you don't have a proven tr
ack record unless you prove it on your resume with results. Not just list your best results, but present them from a customer's perspective. If you don't prove your track record by solid facts, the recruiter can ask you many questions on your record - as proven by whose standards? And if there is a record, why don't you give its contents?

5. Overused keywords
Resume is the place where you advertise yourself with the best of your career accomplishments and skills to stand out from fellow job applicants; therefore, it should be error free. The keywords you use in your resume can make or break your chances of getting your dream job. Recruiters and headhunters tend to ignore the resume that highlights the overused keywords such as hard-working, dynamic, problem solver, entrepreneurial etc. Some of the often used, vague and cliche keywords are highly-qualified, confident, responsible for, over X years of experienced, effectual leader, self-motivated, professional, result-oriented.

As an example, try to incorporate the following

OBJECTIVE :

To work in an environment where I can enhance my skills and strengthen my knowledge besides giving a positive contribution to the organization through my work.
You could change the whole flow to, How I can be of use to your organization
With the kind of growth at .............across several ...... I am sure I will be a good asset for you to have. (It may sound arrogant, but it will speak your confidence)

Each Job you apply to, must be a UNIQUE application. Sending one CV to all, never works wonders. See what other course can add value to you personally - Part time Executive Course ..... IGNOU course ..... Keep studying.

What other skills can you talk of - That will show social side.

What is your GOAL in life.