Career Intelligence Resume Writing And Career Services

144 Rowayton Ave, Suite 324

Norwalk, CT 06853

+1.203.807.4360

Phone
Book Appointment
Career Intelligence Resume Writing And Career Services
  • Resume FAQs
    • Resume FAQs
    • Executive Resume Writing
    • How To Choose The Best Executive Resume Writer
    • Resume Writing Certifications
  • About
    • About Annette Richmond
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Executive Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Career Document Packages
    • A La Carte – Resumes, LinkedIn Profiles, and more
    • Resume Distribution Service
    • Find A Job Faster – Webinars
    • Workshops and Training
    • Self Guided Career Tools
    • Free Career Tools
  • Resume Samples
  • Speaking
    • Book Annette to Speak
  • Media
    • Smarter Career Moves Podcast
    • Smarter Career Moves LinkedIn Live Shows
    • Media Mentions
  • Blog
  • Home > Blog > Career Advancement > Words That Turn Hiring Managers Off (And Words They Love)
  • best and worst resume words for resumes
    24 Jul

    Words That Turn Hiring Managers Off (And Words They Love)

    Career Advancement / Career Change / Personal Brand / Resume Writing

    I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen someone describe themselves as a team player on their resume. I can say it’s way too many.

    However, descriptors like team-player and out-of-the-box thinker make hiring managers cringe according to a 2021 CareerBuilder survey* of hiring managers and human resources pros.

    Ten Worst Words

    The Top Ten offenders, CareerBuilder refers to them as deal-breakers, are:

    1. Best of breed (38%)
    2. Go-getter (27 %)
    3. Think outside of the box (26 %)
    4. Synergy (22 %)
    5. Go-to person (22 %)
    6. Thought leadership (16 %)
    7. Value add (16 %)
    8. Results-driven (16 %)
    9. Team player (15 %)
    10. Bottom-line (14 %)

    While I see Best of breed on every “most hated word” lists, I’ve yet to see that particular phrase on a resume. And hope I never do.

     

    Ten Favored Words

    Skilled resume writers use strong action verbs on the resumes they craft. Results of the CareerBuilder survey back that up.

    The Top Ten words hiring managers love to see are:

    1. Achieved (52 %)
    2. Improved (48 %)
    3. Trained/mentored (47 %)
    4. Managed (44 %)
    5. Created (43 %)
    6. Resolved (40 %)
    7. Volunteered (35 %)
    8. Influenced (29 %)
    9. Increased/decreased (28 %)
    10. Ideas (27 %)

     

    Fluff Doesn’t Work

    Looking at the two lists one difference stands out. Words on the “worst” list are used to tell recruiters and hiring managers what you can do. Unless supported by results they don’t mean much.

    Words on the “favored” list demonstrate what you have done. A bullet that begins Achieved XXX (revenue generated, time saved, sales increased, morale raised) by the story (how you did it) shows what you have done.

    And as any marketer knows showing is much more powerful than telling. Because people remember stories. Keep that in mind when working on your resume.

    *For survey details visit CareerBuilder.

    GET STARTED TODAY WE WORK WITH SENIOR LEVEL EXECUTIVES AND HIGH-ACHIEVERS PURSUING THOSE ROLES.
    Visit Annette's online calendar to discuss your needs. You can upload your resume for a free evaluation during your discussion.

    Get my BEST updates delivered to your inbox.

    Join my email list and get my favorite content regularly. BONUS: Evaluate the effectiveness of your LinkedIn profile with our LinkedIn Scorecard. Unsubscribe anytime.


    Recent Posts

    How To Create A Resume For An Internal Promotion

    27 January 2023

    Successfully Navigate Your Next Networking Event (Even If You Dread Them)

    12 December 2022

    Three Ways To Boost Your Personal Brand On Linked In

    08 December 2022

    Unlock Thought Leadership: A Guide To Content Creation On LinkedIn

    04 December 2022

    Archives

    Categories

    career intelligence Resume Writing and Career Services serves senior level executives nationwide.

    Read More

    Important Links

    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Shopping Cart
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy

    Our Services

    • Resume FAQs
      • Resume FAQs
      • Executive Resume Writing
      • How To Choose The Best Executive Resume Writer
      • Resume Writing Certifications
    • About
      • About Annette Richmond
      • Testimonials
    • Services
      • Executive Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Career Document Packages
      • A La Carte – Resumes, LinkedIn Profiles, and more
      • Resume Distribution Service
      • Find A Job Faster – Webinars
      • Workshops and Training
      • Self Guided Career Tools
      • Free Career Tools
    • Resume Samples
    • Speaking
      • Book Annette to Speak
    • Media
      • Smarter Career Moves Podcast
      • Smarter Career Moves LinkedIn Live Shows
      • Media Mentions
    • Blog

    GET IN TOUCH

    Career Intelligence Resume Writing and Career Services

    144 Rowayton Avenue, Suite 324, Norwalk, CT 06853

    +1.203.807.4360
    info@careerintelligenceresumewriting.com

    Copyright © careerintelligence Resume Writing and Career Services 2021. All rights reserved.