Resumes: Survey Reveals Forbidden Words & Phrases For 2013

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Resolve to get a new job, make sure your resumes are free of these overused words.

Resumes should be long on specifics short on cliches.

Think that describing yourself on your resumes as a “highly qualified” “self-starter” who is a “creative” “problem solver” will help you stand out on the job hunt?

Think again. According to a new OfficeTeam survey, these are among the most overused terms on resumes.

These worn out words and phrases can kill your chances with hiring managers and recruiters who see thousands of resumes.

OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of skilled administrative professionals, developed the resumes survey.

The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,300 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada.

Executives were asked, “What is the most overused or meaningless phrase you see on resumes?

Below are some of their top responses, along with advice on how to give employers what they’re really looking for in your application materials and during the interview process:

Resumes: Phrases to Leave Out

How To Make Your Resumes Stand Out

Highly qualified Describe for the hiring manager what you bring to the role. Highlight your accomplishments in previous positions, emphasize your specific skills and note any certifications you have earned.
Hard worker Explain exactly how you’ve gone the extra mile. For instance, did you regularly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of projects or tackle tasks outside your job description?
Team player Working well with others is a must for any role today. Provide examples of how you partnered with colleagues or individuals in other departments to meet an objective.
Problem solver People love others who can help them get out of a pickle, but be specific when you describe this quality. Highlight a difficult situation you encountered and how you handled it.
Flexible Hiring managers seek candidates who can adapt quickly to new situations. Describe how you responded to a major change at work or dealt with the unpredictable aspects of your job.
People person Employers want professionals with strong communication skills who can build camaraderie with internal and external contacts. Provide an example of how you won over a challenging customer or coworker.
Self-starter Companies seek individuals with initiative who can contribute immediately. Show how you took action when you saw an issue that needed to be fixed.

“Resumes full of cliches but short on specifics won’t be memorable to hiring managers,” said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. “Employers want concrete examples of professional achievements as well as descriptions of any transferrable skills that can be applied to the open position.”

Added Hosking, “People recall the stories they hear. During interviews, job applicants should share anecdotes that illustrate their best qualities.”

OfficeTeam is a staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

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