A Customized Resume Blog

I came across an article written by Liz Ryan, 10 Boilerplate Phrases That Kill Resumes.

This is Liz’s list of 10 phrases that kill resumes

* Results-oriented professional
* Cross-functional teams
* More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
* Superior (or excellent) communication skills
* Strong work ethic
* Met or exceeded expectations
* Proven track record of success
* Works well with all levels of staff
* Team player
* Bottom-line orientation

When I first read Liz’s article a few days ago, I was very surprised. As a resume writer I am guilty of using some of the ten deadly phrases. When I have used them, I make sure my client can back it up.

If you are a result-oriented professional, then it would be important to show the reader how you produced results. Telling does not make the cut; you have to “show and tell”.

It is always better to be creative when writing a resume, especially in today’s competitive job market. Having a resume that sounds like everyone else will not put you above your competitors. It would not hurt to avoid as many commonly used resume phrases. Purchase a Thesaurus; this is a good tool when expanding your vocabulary.

What do you think? Do you believe these 10 phrases will kill the resume?

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Resume writing style and format has changed. As well as the driving factors that motivates recruiters and employers to contact you for a scheduled interview. Resumes of the past were written with an objective statement following a list of duties for each position. This is seen by most recruiters and employers as boring and lacks focus. Don’t let an “old fashion” resume style be the determining factor whether you get an interview call or not.

Recruiters and employers may have to go through hundreds of resumes and cover letters. Don’t think for a second that every resume and cover letter will get read from top to bottom before deciding if they want an interview or not. It only takes 15-30 seconds to decided if you make it or not.

To stay in this competitive job market you need know what drives recruiters and employers to select a candidate for a scheduled interview.

Hiring managers like to see on a resume:

• Be specific and list what job you want
• An increase of responsibility
• Short and sweet (easy to read format)
• Good descriptions of what you did and where (chronologically)
• Clear and accurate contact information
• Clearly written in response to the job posting
• Keyword match is critical
• Specific quantifiable achievements (think numbers)
• Education and certifications
• Use bold face to catch attention
• Specific accomplishments, outcomes, and achievements
• Ability to identify skill sets (at least 3 or 6)
• Easy to identify industry expertise
• Bullet points – they help to organize achievements – this also makes it easy on the eyes

Hiring managers do not like to see on a resume:

• Lengthy and boring
• Functional resumes – when you describe all of the your qualities, but do not tell what job they were used and during what time
• They do not want a career autobiography
• To general
• Not focused or specific to what the candidate is seeking
• Typos
• Randomly applying
• Inappropriate email address or voice mail message
• Too wordy – rambling on-and-on.

When preparing your resume be sure to keep note of these likes and dislikes from recruiters and employers. You want your resume to stand out and attract hiring managers’ desires.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter