5 things I wish I knew before: Putting these words on my CV

Career, CV Writing|May 29, 2017

5 things I wish I knew before putting these words on my CV

You’re eager to get that job and want to impress the recruiter, so you decide to add some strong skills to your CV. Good thinking, but ensure these are actual skills that you can back up with examples to avoid hollow phrases. A CV jam-packed with popular buzzwords will not impress employers, on the contrary in most cases. If you really want to be considered for the job interview make sure to give an accurate account of what skills you bring to the job. Exclude the following buzzwords to boost your chances of landing that job interview.

Communication skills

OK – the ability to communicate, well, that is something we all have and entirely meaningless unless you can qualify it. But let’s face it, if you have to say you “possess strong communication skills” in your CV, one may question your ability to communicate effectively as it should be obvious from the well-written CV you present to the prospective employer.
Hard-working

If you feel the need to state this as a skill, most recruiters get a little worried. Working hard is the start of it all and employers expect you to give 100%. It is a hollow phrase, and “hard-working” only impresses people if it pays off. So instead of adding that buzzword, think of good examples where your hard work really did pay off and mention those. You give the recruiter an actual example (and food for conversation during the job interview) and it shows you are willing to put in the “extra mile”.
A self-starter and a team player

Can you really combine these two opposites? Often people write in their CV “works effectively in a team and individually” or something similar. But the fact that you work well is not really something that sets you apart. It is considered customary for each new hire. Instead, make sure you show those skills that fit the job description. Plus, the ability to work together with others is something required for, well … nearly all roles.
Result-driven

Great! Now back it up with examples. It remains a hollow phrase if you state you are a “result-driven professional”. Provide tangible facts and figures, back it up with numbers and come up with examples that are in line with the job you are applying for.
Thought leader

Sure?! You are a recent graduate and already a thought leader in your field? Confidence is good, but overconfidence is fatal. Of course, you need to be self-assured and believe in your abilities, but you also need to be able to understand your own limitations. Describe your expertise and support it by showcasing your achievements.