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Job Hunting - Would this help?

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(@trewmte)
Noble Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 1877
Topic starter  
Job Hunting - Would this help?

I received an email about employment. I am not looking at the moment, but if I was then it might help me with content for my CV. So I thought perhaps some of the points below might be of interest to you, if you are looking for employment?

Six Words That Kill Your Resume

Words are the name of the game when it comes to resumes and you need to be strategic in your choice of them. Job seekers often put keywords on their resumes, but how do you know which words to choose and which ones to leave out? Here is a brief list of some of the most overused words on resumes. Avoid them when possible and choose some more creative alternatives. After knowing what words to avoid you should be ready to craft an eye-catching resume.

1. Accomplished. Yes, we all know every job seeker is accomplished, otherwise you would be fired from every job you’ve ever had if you never accomplished anything.

Instead try Peak Performer

2. Results-Driven. We all know that everyone’s professional resume starts out with Results-Driven (Insert your job title here). The only problem is in the job search game you don’t want to sound like everyone else. You want to stand out from the crowd.

Instead try Performance-Driven

3. Successful. This is another overused phrase on resumes. We all want to communicate how successful we’ve been so a new employer will think highly of us, but let’s look at some alternative wording versus just coming out and saying hey there, I’m a success.

Instead try Best In Class, Award-Winning, or Top-Performer

4. Skillful or Skilled. These are so boring. Seriously, I hate to see resumes with these words on them. I cannot even tell you how incredibly dull these words are and I am sure you can come up with something way more creative for your resume. If you can’t think of anything try my recommendations or if you don’t like them use a thesaurus.

Instead try Talented, Sharp, or Resourceful

5. Problem-Solver. Can I just say that this is a given… We are ALL problem solvers. If you are human, you are a problem solver it is just part of human nature. Does it really need to be said on your resume? I think not.

Instead try Troubleshooter, Forward-Thinking, or Visionary Leader

6. And last but not least Dedicated and Dependable. Again I have to say boring, boring, boring. Spice up your resume with something creative.

Instead try High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic

Here are some links to other pointers

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/07/resume-writing-resume-templates-career.html

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/11/job-interview-preperation-101-for.html

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-get-job-through-phone-interview.html

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/10-biggest-job-hunt-myths.html

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/networking-events-job-search-career.html

http//newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/get-job-job-search-job-hunt-careers.html


   
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(@jonathan)
Prominent Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 878
 

6. And last but not least Dedicated and Dependable. Again I have to say boring, boring, boring. Spice up your resume with something creative.

Instead try High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic

Some interesting points for debate but 'High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic' are not synonyms for 'Dedicated and Dependable'. If I was taking on a forensic graduate, 'dynamic' wouldn't necessarily be a quality that I would be looking for, whereas being dedicated and dependable certainly would be.

I think most of us can see through CVs full of marketing buzz-words to be honest.


   
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mgilhespy
(@mgilhespy)
Estimable Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 102
 

'High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic' are not synonyms for 'Dedicated and Dependable'.

Indeed - and with respect to claims of being a "peak performer" or "best in class" etc etc - as a hiring manager I would want to see some substantiating evidence, perhaps supplied by the previous employer in a letter of reference.


   
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(@trewmte)
Noble Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 1877
Topic starter  

Those are useful points you raise Jonathan and mgilhespy, which students and those seeking employment can take into consideration.

I guess you both wouldn't expect applicants to second-guess your personal likes and dislikes and that you both make it very clear to applicants when you send out your company employment application forms as to the style of wording you expect to see the applicant's CV.


   
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mgilhespy
(@mgilhespy)
Estimable Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 102
 

Well, I wouldn't call expecting people to substantiate their claims a personal like.

Just as I would check up on any claim of a degree earned, or test specific skills claimed in a technology or tool-set, I would want to check into a claim that a person was a top performer.


   
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azrael
(@azrael)
Honorable Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 656
 

I think most of us can see through CVs full of marketing buzz-words to be honest.

Ah yes, but we be Forensicators who specialise in seeing the "truth" - your average HR drone - perhaps not so much 😉


   
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jhup
 jhup
(@jhup)
Noble Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1442
 

(Un)fortunately, HR drones are the ones making the initial cut in companies we would like to work, and can afford us.

I think many of us could write short e-booklets about recruitment and HR guffaws.


   
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