What words should I avoid in a resume?

Avoid overused buzzwords (like passionate, strategic, team player), weak/vague verbs (assisted, responsible for), clichés (think outside the box, go-getter), and filler words (synergy, value-add) that don't show concrete results, replacing them with specific achievements, quantifiable data, and strong action verbs to demonstrate your value clearly.

What words should not be used in a resume?

Words to Avoid on a Resume

• Hard Worker. Anyone can say they are a “hard worker,” so it doesn't provide much value unless you give concrete examples of situations where you handled something more efficiently than your coworkers. ...
• Responsible For. ...
• Team Player. ...
• Salary Negotiable. ...
• Flexible.

What are the three F's in a resume?

Having less than ten seconds to prove qualifications for a position enforces the idea that the focus point of drafting a resume, should be to stick to the Three Fs of Resume Writing: Function, Form, and e(F)fectiveness.

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

Overuse of generic buzzwords

“Team player,” “go-getter,” “hard worker” – these say very little. Replace them with real accomplishments or stats.

What are red flags on resumes?

Resume red flags are issues like typos/grammar errors, unexplained employment gaps, job-hopping, generic content, bad formatting, irrelevant personal info, and lack of achievements, signaling potential lack of professionalism, detail orientation, or fit for the role, which can lead hiring managers to pass on a candidate despite their qualifications. Key areas to watch for include inconsistency, irrelevance, and unprofessional presentation, suggesting carelessness or a poor fit for a specific job.
 

5 Resume Mistakes You MUST Avoid (with real examples)!

What are the 3 C's of a resume?

As you write and review your resume, remember the Three C's Rule — Clear, Consistent, Concise. You are likely forwarding this to someone who knows little about you. Your resume should answer questions, be aesthetically pleasing, follow the same format throughout, and succinct.

What are the 5 P's of a resume?

The five P's of resume writing stand for Preparation, Personalization, Professionalism, Precision, and Presentation. Let's explore each one in detail.

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

Hiring Managers spend 7 seconds looking at your resume. (That's it.) Here's how to make an impression that counts… In those precious 7 seconds, they're not reading your carefully crafted bullet points.

What are the top 5 resume mistakes?

Top 5 Resume Mistakes

• Grammar and punctuation errors. Think about the underlying message communicated with typos, and with errors in grammar and punctuation. ...
• Poor formatting. Can't fit your resume to one page? ...
• Failure to communicate knowledge and skills. ...
• Job descriptions that aren't descriptive. ...
• Using pronouns and articles.

What is no longer needed on a resume?

There's no need to include personal information on a resume such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. In fact, it is illegal for employers to ask for these personal details.

What are the four C's of resume writing?

Resume Writing: Clear, Concise, Character, Computer. The 4 C's of Resume Writing When it comes to resumes, simple often wins. Before you hit “send,” make sure yours checks these three boxes: ✅ Clear – Clearly state who you worked for, what you did, when you did it, and you key accomplishments.

What are the three most important things on a resume?

Your resume should and must include the following: Contact Information. Resume Summary/Objective. Work Experience.

What does a good resume look like?

A good resume looks clean, professional, and easy to scan, using clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting (like reverse-chronological order) to highlight achievements and relevant keywords, not just duties, ensuring it's tailored to the specific job and readable by both humans and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It balances content with white space, uses standard fonts (like Calibri, Arial, Georgia) in 10-12pt size, and focuses on measurable accomplishments, typically fitting on one page unless you have extensive experience.
 

What are some resume don'ts?

Don'ts

• Use templates and tables included in software.
• Make general claims (“Good communication skills”) without backing them up with examples.
• Mislead employers about your GPA, skills, or abilities.
• Include long, generic objective statements. ...
• Submit references on the same page as your resume. ...
• Don't go over two pages.

How to avoid saying "I" in a resume?

Eliminate personal pronouns and keep the language direct and to the point, such as "Managed a team of ten" rather than "I managed a team of ten." Using action verbs in your resume or LinkedIn profile helps highlight your achievements and skills more effectively.

What are red flags on a resume?

Resume red flags are warning signs like typos/grammar errors, poor formatting, unexplained job gaps, job hopping, generic content, and lack of achievements, signaling a lack of attention to detail, focus, or real impact, making recruiters hesitate to interview candidates who don't tailor their resume or show clear career progression. 

Do employers forgive applicants bad spelling in resumes?

Spelling & grammar errors

One typo could be forgiven if the rest of your application is great but resumes containing multiple spelling errors and poor grammar will be rejected.

What is the most successful resume format?

Chronological resumes are great when you want to emphasize a depth of experience if you've been working in one particular industry for a long time or a particular role for a long time. And they're also great for people who want to emphasize their career progression.

When should you remove old jobs from your resume?

You should remove work experience from your resume when it's older than 10-15 years, irrelevant to the job you're applying for, very short-term (a few months), or if including it makes you look like a "job hopper"; instead, focus on recent, relevant roles to keep your resume concise and highlight your most valuable current skills. 

What do recruiters look for in a resume?

Recruiters look for relevance, quantifiable achievements, and clear formatting in a resume, quickly scanning for keywords, skills, and a logical career path that matches the job description to see if you can do the job and deliver results. They prioritize impact over duties, using metrics (%, $, #) to prove success, and need a readable layout (bullet points, clean design) with key info like skills and experience to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human review within seconds.
 

What are the 5 golden rules of resume writing?

5 Golden Rules for Writing an Impressive CV / Resume

• Integrate Your LinkedIn and GitHub Profiles. ...
• Craft a Short Description of Yourself. ...
• Keep the Length Concise. ...
• Include Measurable Results and Avoid Buzzwords. ...
• Highlight Skills and Education.

How many key skills should you list on a resume?

Most resumes list between 6-20 skills, with the median being 8.81 skills. Soft skills dominate the most frequently listed qualifications.

What are the best resume tips?

10 Tips to Transform Your Résumé From Good to Great

• Give yourself credit. Your résumé isn't the place to be shy—it is the place to brag about your accomplishments. ...
• Highlight your education. ...
• Write professionally. ...
• Avoid jargon. ...
• Think beyond “jobs.” ...
• Don't overdo it. ...
• Keep things relevant. ...
• Start with your story.

What are the 7 basic steps to write a resume?

How to write a perfect resume

1. Choose a format. The first step in writing the perfect resume is choosing the best format for you. ...
2. Start with your contact information. ...
3. Include a professional summary. ...
4. Summarize your work experience. ...
5. Highlight your skills. ...
6. Add your education. ...
7. Include your certifications. ...
8. Showcase your personality.