Words You Should Remove From Your CV Right Now

“I have come across articles telling me how to write my CV and what words I should include to make it stand out. But are there any words I should avoid using?”

As a job applicant, your CV is your most prized possession, as it provides the entry ticket to a job interview. Truth is, the words and phrases you use while writing your CV hold a lot of power too. 

In as much as the employer is looking at your skills, qualifications, and experience, there are certain words that may derail their focus. 

Employers have become so accustomed to seeing specific words on a CV, that the next time they see it, they brush it off as cliché.

What are some of these words that you should never use on your CV?

1. Business jargon

Choosing overused jargon can weaken your CV.

When drafting your CV, stick to the simple and clear words that explain your value as a professional.

Some of the jargons to leave out of your CV include;

• Value add
• Synergy
• Core competency

2. Self-promotion phrases

When you send in your application, you’re marketing yourself as the best candidate for the position.

However, some of the words you use to market yourself are weak and ineffective.

For instance, employers have seen ‘results-oriented’ so many times, that when they see it on your CV, it has little to no appeal. Furthermore, this does not show why you’re best suited for the job you’re applying to.

Instead of using these generic phrases, opt to show the employer an instance where you were focused on achieving results, and the success gained.

Other self-promotion phrases include;

• Go-getter
• Detail-orientated
• Proactive
• Strategic thinker

3. General words and phrases

A potential employer usually has less than a minute to look at your CV. As a result, you don’t want to give the employer a bulky CV filled with irrelevant words. This will lead to your CV being rejected.

Utilize your space wisely by removing the general phrases that add no value to the CV.

Instead of these phases, use action statements that clearly outline your value.

Some of these general phrases that should not be on your CV include;

• Hard worker
• People-person
• Team player
• Self-motivated

Remember, the employer is interested in a situation where you proved to be a creative thinker.

To back your claim, include action-oriented phrases such as Achieved…, Created…, Developed…, Established…, Improved…, Influenced…, Managed…, Resolved…, Trained…

Are these words and phrases in your CV? Are you wondering how best to replace them?

Get in touch with a professional CV writing expert who will help you out. 

At the end of the day, when an employer goes through your CV, they want to understand the specific value you’ve driven. This will help them see what you’ll bring on board.

Do you need a specialized CV that will get you the dream job? Let the expert CV writers help. Get a FREE CV Review here, with any inquiry you make.