A well-written CV can be your ticket to a job interview – and if you really put the time into making it the best it can be, this is exactly what it could lead to. If it’s littered with buzzwords and meaningless CV terms, these won’t do anything to grab the employer’s attention. Here are some phrases you could think about changing.
1. Curriculum vitae
Many people are guilty of adding the title at the very top – but the whole world doesn’t need spelling out, so just ‘CV’ will suffice. Another tip here is to add your name to the title, for example: ‘Joe Bloggs – CV’. The employer may have a lot of CVs to get through and if they are looking back through trying to find yours, having your name at the top will certainly help!
2. I enjoy socialising with my friends
Many CVs still feature a prominent ‘hobbies’ section – but there is no use in including your love of the theatre or watersports if they have no relevance to the job you are applying for. It is common for people to do extrao activities things during their leisure time. Unless you have been working on a project outside of work that could genuinely reflect well on your ability to do the job in question, leave it off.
3. I am extremely motivated
Employers assume that you are motivated by applying for the job in the first place. Avoid simply stating qualities you have and instead show your future employer that you are motivated – give examples of the time you went the extra mile in your work, for example. Maybe you took on more responsibility or offered help on another project.
4. I am a team player and thrive off working independently
Again, this is quite a generic statement – so try to avoid ‘template’ phrases like this and focus on supplying scenarios that exemplify it – no stock phrases or buzzwords required.
5. Strong communication skills
Your communication skills should be coming across in the way you are selling yourself on your CV and the way you write about your skills and experience. There’s no need to make the statement ‘I have strong communication skills’ – let your CV demonstrate this.
6. I am eager to gain experience
Saying ‘I am eager to gain experience’ is hinting that you don’t already have the experience the employer is looking for. If there are elements of the person specification that you are struggling to meet, focus on skills you do have that are transferable to the role you’re applying for. This way your profile is still relevant to the role, even if there are areas you need more experience in.
7. Dynamic
‘Dynamic’ has become a popular term to use to show that you are a multi-faceted individual and have many sides. However, remember that it is all about showing rather than telling. You could justify calling yourself a dynamic individual if you then go on to state how you have graphic design skills in addition to your five years’ experience in marketing, for example.
8. Thought leader
A popular thing to say these days is that you are a ‘thought leader’ in your field. You should be very careful before using this and reflect whether you are truly qualified to claim to be someone who influences the industry.
9. Solutions-driven
Every candidate who is applying for the role would be working towards solving problems and finding ways to tackle issues if they got the role, so this statement doesn’t make you stand out from the crowd.
Now you have brushed up on your CV terms, take a look at our other tips for writing an effective CV and register with Unitemps to start applying for the latest vacancies.
Last updated on 25 August 2022
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