Let\u2019s do a little role-playing:<\/p>\n
Imagine you\u2019re the chef of an upscale restaurant \u2013 it could be a Michelin-starred restaurant in France or a Hollywood hotspot; entirely up to you.<\/p>\n
Now imagine your customers are the hiring managers at companies you want to work at, and that instead of a meal, you\u2019re serving up your resume.<\/p>\n
Just like a nice meal, though, your resume should have a strong start, thoughtfully organized courses, and a sweet finish. You\u2019d never serve your customer a plate full of empty, bland foods like potato chips or white bread, would you?<\/p>\n
Yet, that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019re doing if you use empty, bland words like \u201chighly motivated team player\u201d on your resume or cover letter. It\u2019s filler that won\u2019t satisfy the recipient and casts an unfavorable light on the rest of the experience<\/p>\n
A big difference is that, unlike a fine meal, which a customer seeks out and takes their time savoring, you\u2019ll be lucky if a hiring manager spends a full minute on your resume. You\u2019ve got to make every word count, which means getting rid of the junk and replacing it with meaningful, descriptive language.<\/p>\n
This list isn\u2019t exhaustive, but it\u2019s a good starting point so get that red pen ready!<\/p>\n
Why:<\/strong> What does that even mean? In theory, anyone who works at any company can be called a team player. If you\u2019re an art director, who\u2019s worked directly with a copywriter and a creative director, emphasize the creative partnership and collaboration.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve actually led a team, call out your leadership skills with strong, action-oriented verbs: supervised, managed, drove, motivated, influenced, inspired, activated, propelled.<\/p>\n Why:<\/strong> It’s too vague. And if you say you produced results, you better have examples. Why:<\/strong> If you\u2019re a creative, this is especially problematic, since this is one of the things that you shouldn\u2019t have to say. Even if you\u2019re not a creative, you should still create an eye-catching resume. Creativity and the ability to see things from a different perspective are skills that are highly valued in account executives and strategists, too! Make sure your resume shows this without using the words \u201coutside the box.\u201d<\/p>\n Why:<\/strong> I hate to sound harsh, but unless you\u2019re a 10-year old applying for your first baby-sitting job, these are all things that are expected of you. Volunteering doesn\u2019t just say commitment; it shows it. Plus, volunteer work also suggests that you have good time management skills and care about something larger than yourself.<\/p>\n Why:<\/strong> It either reads as a huge exaggeration or filler (and it\u2019s borderline creepy.) If you\u2019re really passionate about whatever role you\u2019re after, create a linear narrative that shows your focus.\u00a0 Even if the job wasn\u2019t in the same industry, emphasize the duties and traits that make it look like you\u2019ve been preparing for this<\/em> job for your entire career. Now that\u2019s<\/em> passion.<\/p>\n Why:<\/strong> Even when used in the original job posting, it’s cringe-inducingly clich\u00e9d. To play up your proficiency, rather than calling yourself a rockstar, outline everything you\u2019ve done to get you to this point, especially if they\u2019re technical or highly specialized.<\/p>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Examples that spell out what makes you collaborative.<\/p>\n“Results-oriented”<\/h2>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Descriptive language and actual results that show instead of tell, like the following:<\/p>\n\n
“Out-of-the-box thinker”<\/h2>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Displaying your skills with a well-designed resume and standout portfolio.<\/strong><\/p>\n“Reliable\/dedicated\/committed to giving 110%”<\/h2>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Demonstrating your character and work ethic by including volunteer and pro bono work on your resume.<\/p>\n“Passionate”<\/h2>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Tailoring your job history and related experience.<\/p>\n“Rockstar\/Superstar\/Ninja”<\/h2>\n
\nReplace with:<\/strong> Documenting your skills and training.<\/p>\n