There are 17 terms that HR pros and hiring managers have identified as major turn-offs on resumes.
These terms were identified in a CareerBuilder survey conducted by Harris Poll and included responses from 2,201 hiring managers and HR representatives.
The main problem with the terms outlined below: They help candidates talk a big game but usually result in a lack of proof that the job seekers’ achieved any actual results.
Now without further ado, here are the worst turn-off terms you can find on resumes, according to your peers:
- Best of breed — identified by 38% of HR/hiring pros
- Go-getter — 27%
- Think outside of the box — 26%
- Synergy — 22%
- Go-to person — 22%
- Thought leadership — 16%
- Value add — 16%
- Results-driven — 16%
- Team player — 15%
- Bottom-line — 14%
- Hard worker — 13%
- Strategic thinker — 12%
- Dynamic — 12%
- Self-motivated — 12%
- Detail-oriented — 11%
- Proactively — 11%
- Track record — 10%
15 terms you want to see
Survey participants also shared the terms they want to see.
These are terms HR/hiring pros thought helped candidates better convey past job results or performance:
- Achieved — 52%
- Improved — 48%
- Trained/Mentored — 47%
- Managed — 44%
- Created — 43%
- Resolved — 40%
- Volunteered — 35%
- Influenced — 29%
- Increased/Decreased –28%
- Ideas — 27%
- Negotiated — 25%
- Launched — 24%
- Revenue/Profits — 23%
- Under budget — 16%
- Won — 13%
Join the conversation, and share your thoughts on the best/worst words you can find on candidates’ resumes on HR Morning’s Facebook page.
Also, if you liked this, you’ll want to check out another recent CareerBuilder survey that revealed 10 unforgettable lies HR pros have found on resumes.
