According to a survey, it takes less than half a minute for a recruiting manager to make a decision about you on the basis of your resume. They scan your resume quickly to find information before they move over to the next resume. Based on the employers who responded to a survey by CareerBuilder, here are the top words to include/exclude in your resume.
Top 10 Words to Include in Your Resume
1) Achieved
This is a super action verb that shows the employer that you have succeeded at a previous task and can replicate this success again.
2) Improved
This action verb shows you created a positive difference at a previous organization. If possible, also explain how you made the improvement.
3) Trained / Mentored
These verbs show your experience as a manager and are useful if you are applying for the role of a trainer, coach or advisor. If possible, provide the number of people that you have trained or mentored.
4) Managed
Similar to above, this word shows your ability as a leader and is an important word if you are applying for a managerial role. Here too, if possible, provide the number of people that you have managed.
5) Created
This word shows that you have made something and contributed to your previous company. It reflects on your independence and originality
6) Resolved
Recruiters love problem solvers so use this verb if you are applying for a managerial role. This word shows you stepped in as a firefighter to solve a problem.
7) Volunteered
This word shows your ability to be a team player and go beyond your assigned responsibilities to help others.
8) Increased / Decreased
These words help in quantifying your accomplishments. For example “Increased output by 10%” or “Decreased turnover by 15%” are very impactful.
9) Launched
This word demonstrates the successful completion of a task. It shows that you are an achiever. Any online resume maker will already have this set of words to include in your resume.
10) Won
Just like the previous word, this word too shows success. If you got recognition for your efforts or won an award then be sure to flaunt it using this word.
Top 10 Words to Avoid in Your Resume
11) Team Player
It is very difficult to prove oneself to be a team player. Instead of this word, give examples when you “collaborated”, “mentored”, “trained”, “volunteered” etc.
12) Hard Worker
Action speaks louder than words. So instead of just saying that you are a hard worker, demonstrate briefly how you worked hard in the past to achieve something.
13) Detail-oriented
Ok so you say detail-oriented but did you do a basic spell-check on your resume? Instead of stating specifically this word, spend time creating a really detail-oriented well-balanced resume. Mention any awards that you got that might show this trait.
14) Self-Motivated
Don’t say it but prove it. Give an example of some task that you did yourself, or something that you volunteered to do. Did you join a professional association or get a certification? If yes, then do list them out to show your motivation.
15) Go-getter
If you want to show your initiative then replace this word with an example that shows how you stepped up and took charge of something.
16) Think outside of the box
Instead of this cliche word, provide exampled using “Created”, “Conceptualized”, “Developed”, “Built” etc..
17) Synergy
This is an extremely vague word. Provide more clarity by using words such as “Cooperate”, “Collaborate”, “Interact” etc.
18) Go-to person
This is also another vague phrase. If you plan to show your leadership skills, then provide specific examples rather than this word.
19) Value-add
Instead of this empty phrase, quantify your value with phrases such as “increased/Decreased”, “Revenue”, “Profits” etc.
20) Results-Driven
Replace this vague phrase with a specific example of how you were successful in achieving your goals.
Also Read: How to Craft the Perfect Resume
Step by Step-by-step guide to Write your Project Manager Resume
