[LIGHTER SIDE] Ditch the clichés: Hiring managers reveal CV turn-offs

As HR execs, we have all seen some ridiculous phrases used in CVs – HC reveals some of the worst phrases used on candidate resumes.

If you’ve come across a resume from a candidate describing themselves as ‘best of breed’, a ‘go-getter’, who can ‘think outside the box’ and is a ‘go-to person’ and rolled your eyes you’re not alone.

A new survey by CareerBuilder has revealed that when it comes to obfuscating language in CVs, these over-used terms are the top pet hates of hiring managers.  

The worst résumé terms
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, Value add, Results-driven 16%
7. Team player: 15%
8. Bottom-line: 14%
9. Hard worker: 13%
10. Strategic thinker: 12%

The best résumé terms
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%

Additionally the survey found one in six hiring managers spend, on average, 30 seconds reviewing résumés, while 68% spend less than two minutes.

Do you agree with the list? What words would you like to see removed from candidates resumes? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Recent articles & video

Ai Group seeks 2.8% minimum wage hike in 2024

Australia's job vacancies fall 6.2% in February

Love and business: Can a break-up lead to unjust dismissal?

Worker claims unfair demotion after temporary supervisor role ended

Most Read Articles

Employer shoots down worker's request for 'mutual separation'

Payroll officer charged for stealing over $1 million from employer: reports

Fair Work: 'Workplace trauma' didn't lead to forced resignation