25 Words That You Should Not Use On Your Resume

Posted by , Updated on June 17, 2015

If you are applying for a job you want your resume to stand out, and step one is to avoid using the buzz words that everybody else is using. They’re boring and writing that you are creative actually shows a lack of creativity. Rather than using meaningless phrases, link your skills to results that show you are competent. These are 25 words that you should not use on your resume.

25

Ninja (programming ninja, management ninja, etc)

Ninja (programming ninja, management ninja, etc)Source: finance.yahoo.com, Image: pixabay

It used to be cute, it’s not anymore.

24

Rock Star

Rock StarSource: resumegenius.com, Image: pixabay

See #25.

23

Dynamic

DynamicSource: businessinsider.com

Typically when people use this it doesn’t mean anything. It’s just filler that sounds good.

22

Experienced

ExperiencedSource: mashable.com

You should let your resume do the talking

21

Guru

GuruSource: finance.yahoo.com, Image: wikimedia.org

It’s in the same boat as ninja and rock star.

20

Try

TryImage Source: yapsnaps @ flickr.com Source: jobs.aol.com

There is no try. Only do.

19

Problem Solver

Problem SolverSource: finance.yahoo.com

Don’t just say you solve problems. Rather, state how you solve problems?

18

Goal Oriented

Goal OrientedSource: businessinsider.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

So you’re doing better than the average high school student. Be more specific.

17

Self Starter

Self StarterSource: smarttalent.net

Like some other words on this list, this is way too overused.

16

Stubborn

StubbornSource: thecareerexperts.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Try resilient instead.

15

Effective

EffectiveSource: buzzfeed.com

You better be effective, isn’t that a given?

14

Quick Learner

Quick LearnerSource: mashable.com

Could you please give a quick example?

13

Responsible

ResponsibleSource: resumedictionary.com

Of course you’re responsible. Now prove it by discussing what you have actually been responsible for.

12

Capable

CapableSource: huffingtonpost.com

As with many of the meaningless adjectives on this list, employers often see it as meaningless filler. No doubt you’re going to describe yourself as capable…who wouldn’t?

11

Creative

CreativeSource: mycareerblast.com

It’s not a bad word to have on your resume but avoid using it to describe yourself. Rather say something like you worked with creative colleagues.

10

Results oriented

Results orientedSource: finance.yahoo.com

Another overused phrase. Replace it with a descriptive phrase like “making sure that the results were met”.

9

Communication skills

Communication skillsSource: jobs.aol.com

Every human has communication skills and furthermore you don’t need to mention something that everyone puts on their resume already.

8

Motivated

MotivatedSource: businessinsider.com

It’s similar to “results oriented”. Say something like “learning new things motivates me”.

7

Skillful

SkillfulSource: mashable.com

This is something you shouldn’t have to say. Your resume should speak for itself.

6

Hard Working

Hard WorkingSource: buzzfeed.com

Hard working is good, but the phrase is once again overused. Try to find another phrase that describes how hard working you are.

5

Scalable

ScalableSource: jobs.aol.com

What does that even mean? Are you a database?

4

Innovative

InnovativeSource: businessinsider.com

If you really are innovative then you shouldn’t be using this word on your resume. Innovate and find another way to impress.

3

Familiar with

Familiar withSource: salary.com

This is a red flag. It doesn’t really express confidence in your ability. If you’re not confident with something, don’t mention it.

2

Reliable

ReliableSource: career-advice.monster.com

So you show up on time? Do the bare minimum? Everybody can be reliable, once again, explain how.

1

Team player

team playerSource: businessinsider.com

You better be a team player, that goes without saying.



Show Us Your Love
Join Over 2 Million+ List25 Fans