10 Useless Résumé Words

You’ve beefed up your résumé, but are you just saying the same thing everyone else is? “Generic hyperbole belongs on cereal boxes, not on résumés,” says Duncan Mathison, a career consultant and co-author of “Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough.” Mathison adds, “If it does not pass the ‘So what, anybody can make that claim’ test, leave it off.” Instead of being another candidate professing to be a “hard worker,” scan your résumé for empty, overused words such as:

1. Outstanding	6. Excellent
2. Effective	7. Driven
3. Strong	8. Motivated
4. Exceptional	9. Seasoned
5. Good	10. Energetic

On the flip side, certain words can make hiring managers do a double take. Catch their attention with these 10 words and phrases:

1. Created	6. Researched
2. Increased	7. Accomplished
3. Reduced	8. Won
4. Improved	9. On time
5. Developed	10. Under budget