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STOP Using These Terms and Words on Your Resume

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STOP Using These Terms and Words on Your Resume

You should know the average hiring manager will be scanning your resume for about ten seconds to decide if you are a legitimate candidate for an open position. This tells you that every word on your resume must count. There is no room for anything that will not lead directly to the reader deciding you are a good fit.

So, it’s critical the words and terms you use in your resume do not bore, repel or make the recruiter cringe. To get the most of your precious ten seconds in the spotlight, here are some tips for including the right things and leaving out all the wrong stuff:

Decide which words should be in your resume

Generic resumes don’t cut it any longer. You should update your resume with a specific job in mind. Look at the posted position carefully, taking note of the terms, phrases, and skills that are listed throughout.

If you have the skills and qualities from the post, incorporate them into your resume along with any key phrases and terms the hiring company used.

Do not add fluff

You won’t be impressing anyone with empty filler words such as “Strategic,” “Creative” or “Passionate.”  Hiring managers and recruiters have seen them hundreds of times and look at them as meaningless marketing fluff.

If you want to impress an employer, get rid of these words and concentrate on skills, accomplishments and contributions. Those tangibles mean much more than describing yourself as an “expert” or “specialist.” Resist the temptation to add these and other overused buzzwords.

Remove and replace weak action verbs

Inject some life into your resume by replacing dull phrases such as “Managed,” “Responsible for” and “Assisted with” with something stronger and more colorful.  Try replacing “Managed” with “Directed” or “Responsible for” with “Originated.” Instead of saying you “Assisted with” a project, tell them you “Facilitated” it. These compelling action verbs will catch a recruiter’s eyes rather than glazing them over.

Take out anything that isn’t necessary

The first thing on this list is the outdated objective statement. Don’t tell hiring managers what they already know: you want to work for their company. Instead, give them a professional summary that includes your accomplishments and qualifications. These are things recruiters are very interested in.

Don’t waste space with “References available upon request.” The employer knows you’ll provide them if they ask.

Don’t go back too far with your history. If you’re a recent college grad, it’s time to remove your high school activities and focus on your new degree and relevant internships. If you’re a seasoned professional, limit your work experience to the past 15 years. Most companies care about what you’ve done recently and how you can help them in their open position.

Are you ready for a change and need help with your resume?

We are here for you! Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so let us use our expertise to help you find your next job.

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