Creating a resume is a highly responsible task. Even small details play a significant role here. If you want to increase your chances of success, avoid using certain phrases in your resume – they are inappropriate, outdated, and mean nothing.
Expert - Valeria Domanskaya, career consultant
1. “Ready to start working immediately”
This fact should not be stated in a resume because it is assumed by default. Any company needs an employee who is ready to immediately engage in the process, alongside training, of course. If you are unsure, intend to slack off during the probation period, or plan to start after a three-week vacation, then why are you sending your resume? Ready to work? Great, because that is exactly what is expected of you.
2. “My key qualities are multitasking, communication skills, and a high level of stress resistance”
Any phrases using these three expressions have become so clichéd in reading resumes that they are perceived by HR experts as “warning signs.” When they see them, recruiters may worry that the applicant simply copied the text from very old templates and did not bother to specify real skills. This raises concerns and additional questions about the candidate. Think about what distinguishes you from competitors and specify it in your resume.
3. “I am responsible and punctual”
Again, we see an example of qualities that are expected from any potential employee by default. These are “basic settings,” so there is no need to emphasize them. Absolutely every company expects its employees to perform their duties on time and responsibly. It is unlikely that other applicants will state in their resumes that they will often be late for work or miss deadlines, even if they have behaved like that at some point. Once again, we return to the skills and abilities that present you favorably – focus on them for the HR expert.
4. “Willing to learn, love to develop”
In every modern company, training is assumed. Few employers expect a “newcomer” to immediately follow a well-established scheme, even if it concerns a high-level professional. Every organization has nuances and details, so any reasonable manager will first introduce you to the matter and give you time to study what is necessary.
As for the love of development – be careful with beautiful words, especially if you use them for the sake of it. An HR expert may well ask during the interview what professional literature you have read in the current year or what training you attended last. It is good if clear and precise answers are given to the questions posed.
5. “I am a specialist with extensive work experience”
This is too subjective and vague a phrase. Specify your work experience in the appropriate section of the resume, indicating not only the duration, position, and period of employment but also quantifying your achievements. This way, you will clearly and competently indicate an impressive knowledge base. If you truly are a great specialist in your field – don’t worry, the HR specialist will understand this on their own. Avoid subjective judgments in your resume and provide numbers for deals and percentages for sales as evidence. Often, numbers work better than any words.
...More specifics with facts and fewer clichés with subjective evaluations – that is the key to success in creating the perfect resume. Try not to use phrases that have long ceased to inspire confidence, and do not state overly obvious things.
