subject: Five Throw Away Lines Not To Use In Your Resume [print this page] Five Throw Away Lines Not To Use In Your Resume
If you're using one of the following lines on your resume you may want to rethink your approach. They are all too common but are they doing more harm than good?
"My input was vital in"
This screams narcissist. Of course your input was important but what about the input made a change to the business and how did you approach the delivery of that input? Did you scream and shout until your input was considered or did you undertake controlled negotiation or delivery perhaps through a report or presentations? By all means, you should take credit for an initiative but I suggest that you should describe all events factually and allow the reader to decide whether your input was vital.
"I have outstanding skills in"
Be very careful when describing your own skills without a reference point especially if you are a student or graduate. You may have scored well in an assignment or subject but it is likely that your resume will be read by experienced industry professionals in that subject. Compared to experienced professionals your skills may not be outstanding. Even if you already work in the industry it is hard to know what standards the new employer applies to these skills so what may be outstanding to you may be just mediocre to the employer. Describe your skills, certifications, experience, memberships and projects associated with your skills and allow the employer to decide whether you truly are outstanding.
"I have excellent problem solving skills"
Once again, this is a matter of perspective and the statement is subjective. Yes, you may have solved difficult problems in your workplace, but more importantly how did you solve those problems? Was it through trial and error (hope not), was it though a methodical problem solving approach that challenged your theoretical understanding of the subject? Did you document the solution? Did you put a process in place to prevent that problem occurring again? Did you transfer the knowledge to your colleagues? It is your approach and actions that make you an excellent problem solver. Are you describing that approach in your resume or are you assuming that the employer just thinks that you are excellent because you said so?
"I have a positive attitude"
This phrase needs more spice. Almost everybody is positive if you think about it. We all have dreams, we are all motivated and we all like to succeed. I suggest rephrasing this line to show your positive attitude relative to the job. For example, "as seen in my recent experience and training, I am passionate about technology X and would value the opportunity to work with and continue to develop my interest in this field".
"expert level"
If you are an expert, then your resume should allude to that point without the need to specifically point it out. Most experts have a long history of experience and achievement that are impressive enough on their own. They have no need to point out the obvious.
