8 Cringeworthy Phrases That Are Ruining Your Resume

8 Cringeworthy Phrases That Are Ruining Your Resume Writing a resume is arguably the fruchtwein stress-inducing part of the job application process. You only have one page (or less, if youre using a fancy format) to prove to a hiring manager why they should hire you. As a result, every single word and properly placed comma matters.Unfortunately, especially if youve churned out dozens of resumes in a heated job search, our resume language can get a bit outrageous. These eight cringeworthy phrases are commonly used on job applications even if everyone in HR hates them because theyre just such great fillers. If youve got any on your application, its time to take them out ASAP. Weve even given you what to say instead.1. A proven track record ofThis phrase is cringeworthy because it spells out something that should be exemplified in your application. Instead of spelling out that you have a record of doing awesome things, skip the intro and get right into concrete examples.2. Responsible forJust like the phrase a proven track record of..., responsible for should be cut for language with substance. As great writers say Show, dont tell.3. With a passion forEveryone is passionate about their field of work or they at least pretend to be in their application. Come up for a better reason for what you do than pure passion. Connect your field to your past, your lifes ambitions or your skills rather than sticking to that passion stuff.4. Goal-orientedIf youre a successful professional, you are goal-oriented. Period. Being able to work towards a goal is like being able to work towards a deadline Its the bare minimum. Instead of describing yourself as goal-oriented, find a more descriptive term for your work style.5. Team playerLike being goal-oriented, being a team player is a given. No one is going to write that they are a total jerk on their resume, so you shouldnt write that youre a good team member, either. Your references and past experiences speak for themselves on th is front. Dedicate your resume space to discussing your objective achievements instead.6. Detail-orientedThe same goes for detail-oriented. Rather than describing yourself with this boring phrase, exemplify this characteristic in the work examples you provide. And make sure youre really perceived as detail-oriented by proofreading your resume.7. SynergyBusiness buzzwords like synergy are often misused. And even if they arent, theyre often misinterpreted. Stick to plain terms when describing your accomplishments. A down-to-earth read goes a long way.8. Excellent communication skillsThis phrase is so general that no one could possibly deduce anything about you from it. Instead of describing yourself as an excellent communicator something many, many people would say about themselves list specific skillsets you have around communication. Or, just nail your cover letter and that will say enough.