81 Phrases and Words to Avoid in Your Resume

Among the best phrases I’ve seen on resumes, this one stands out.

“I am an innovative problem solver with extensive entrepreneurial experience motivated by results-oriented approaches, which adds to my dynamic personality and demonstrates my ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment. That is why I am confident that I am a good fit for your company.”

Is there anything unusual?

If you work in the industry I work in, this will not be the first or last one you read.

Here are some more overused resume phrases.

They should be avoided because they have lost their freshness as a result of being overused by too many people, particularly those who copy and paste from the internet.

Check to see if you’ve used any, and if so, make it a point to change it.

1. Pressure Handling Capability
2. Capable of working in a fast-paced environment
3. Exceeded all departmental productivity targets.
4. Superb at multitasking
5. Skilled presenter, negotiator, and entrepreneur
6. The Use of Superlative Adjectives
7. Including but not limited to – renders the phrase obsolete, dummy!
8. Launched new products.
9. Team Leader 10. Cross-functional Team Manager
11. My ambition is to reach the pinnacle of the corporate ladder.
12. Collaborate with others.
13. Have 15 years of experience in…
14. Demonstrate leadership and communication abilities
15. Be able to motivate and inspire others.
16th. Praise for Perfection
17. Demonstrated track record of success.
18. Quick Studier
19. Resolved customer issues quickly and diplomatically.
20. A Person Who Is Result-Oriented
21. Using the Word Resume on Your Resume
22. On a daily basis, I spoke with existing customers.
23. Stating the Obvious – Reference on Request
24. Identifying what you were ‘responsible’ for
25. Effective communication
26. Excellent customer service and organizational abilities.
27. Examining Your Responsibilities
28. Team member
29. Performs well in XYZ environments
30. Made decisions on management’s behalf

Also, if at all possible, avoid using these 51 words, as they are frequently overused.

1. Capability to (do) something
2. Analytical
3. Detail-oriented
4. Best-in-class
5. Coaching
6. Creativity
7. Reliable
8th. Attention to detail
9. Drafting
10. Motivated
11. responsibilities
12. Dynamic 12
13. Reliable (something)
14. Energized
15. Ensure Maximum (something)
16th. Excited
17. Excellent communicator
18. Expertise
19. Adaptability
20. Creating
21. Graduated with Highest Honors
22. Managing
23. Hardworking
24. Skilled
25. Innovative
27. Mentoring
28. Motivated
29. Negotiation
26. Leadership
27. Mentoring
28. Motivated
29. Negotiation
30. Organizational
31. Innovative
32. Patient
33. People Person
34. Planning
35. Proactive
36. Problem Solver
37. Processes
38. Proven Track Record
39. Relationship Management
40. Reliability
41. Duties and Responsibilities
42. Accountable
43. Results-driven
44. Experienced professional
45. Entrepreneurial spirit
46. Strategic Thinker
47. Excellent Interpersonal Skills
48. Participant on a Team
49. Time Management
50. Tracking
51. Value-added