You've heard about the importance of including the right keywords in your resume, right? These are the relevant words, phrases, and skills that employers – and their applicant tracking software – will be scanning for to determine whether a candidate seems to be a good fit for the job. See more on crafting a resume to get past the ATS bots.
It can be equally important to watch out for the anti-keywords. These words, phrases, and communication styles in your resume can create a negative impression of your candidacy and kill your chances of securing a job interview. Here is a closer look at some of the common things people say in their resumes that can turn employers off.
Don't say 'Resume'
It might sound counter-intuitive to advise against saying resume in a resume, but you really shouldn't. Too often, job seekers will title their document 'Resume,' 'C.V.,' or 'Curriculum Vitae' in bold letters across the top of the first page. This is a waste of space – and a missed opportunity.
Employers know that they are reviewing job applications and know what a resume is. So, there is no point in wasting valuable real estate telling them that this is your resume. The title across the top of your resume should always be the exact job title of the role you are applying for. It also shouldn't be your current job title or whatever your job title was at your most recent employment. That is the past. Your resume is about positioning yourself for the future.
If you are currently a Junior Accountant and you are applying for the Finance Manager position, the title of your resume should be 'Finance Manager.' Otherwise, it looks like you are applying for the wrong job. Then you use all of the content of your resume below the title to indicate how you are a standout candidate for that particular job.
Lose the 'Objective Statement'
Traditionally, resumes opened with an objective statement about what the candidate was looking for in a new position. This is now considered to be an outdated format. When trying to impress an employer with how successful you can help them be, it is a poor strategy to begin by describing what you want from them
Instead, kick off your resume with a professional summary or profile. This will be a short paragraph, just a couple of sentences highlighting your key selling point for the role you are applying for. You've tailored your job title for the desired position, so use your opening statement to summarize why you are a great fit.
Similarly, throughout your resume, beware of words or phrases that are too focused on what you are seeking. Keep your writing centered on what you can do for the employer. Phrases such as "foot in the door" or seeking a "chance to" can be red flags for employers. They aren't in the business of offering people a steppingstone in their career or taking chances. They want to hire someone for a specific role who will do it well and make their lives easier.
Ditch the 'Duties'
When describing your previous work experience in your resume, one of the pitfalls to avoid is listing what your 'duties included' or the things that you were 'responsible for' on the job. This list of routine tasks or day-to-day practices isn't what will make you stand out to potential employers. They generally already know what duties fall under particular job titles. It is your specific accomplishments in the role that belong in your resume. What were your big wins? What were you able to achieve in the role that others in a similar position might not have?
Cut these words from your job descriptions now
Duties include
Responsible for
Helped
Assisted with
Worked on
Contributed to
Instead, replace them with more dynamic action verbs. Focus on your particular contribution to the project rather than the group effort. Yes, you 'helped with' an organization's overall success, but what did you bring to the team? Use these accomplishments as the content of your descriptions of past work. Highlight the activities that are most relevant to the job you are trying to be hired for.
Action verbs for your resume
Achieved
Managed
Spearheaded
Solved
Improved
Exceeded
Launched
Initiated
Accomplished
Things that should go without saying
There are certain professional attributes that everyone who takes their career seriously should have by default. Therefore, these do not need to be listed in your resume. Doing so will cause more harm than good. Saying that you are 'punctual,' 'hard-working,' 'detail-oriented,' 'motivated,' or a 'team player' just looks like filler content to mask the fact that you might not have enough skills or accomplishments to fill out a decent resume.
Show that you are motivated and detail-oriented by the effort you put into researching the company and preparing a professional job application tailored to the employer and the role at hand. Prove that you are a team player by highlighting your successful team contributions at previous jobs on your resume.
References available upon request
People used to include their references along with their resumes when applying for jobs. many job seekers replaced this by simply incorporating the phrase 'References available upon request' at the bottom of their document. Nowadays, even that is considered to be passé. It is assumed that if you are asked for your professional references, you will provide them, so there is no need to waste space on your resume.
Employers will review your resume, and if you seem to have the skills to do the job (and avoid the red flag words and phrases that can make you appear to be outdated or unsavvy), they will interview you for the role. If you make a positive professional impression and seem like a good fit for the team, then they will ask for your references.
Here is how you should select, prepare, and format your professional references for a potential employer at a new job.
