After reading through just a few resumes, it’s difficult for a recruiter to tell one candidate from another. Candidates are all “people-persons” or “innovative” or “self-starters.” Are they really all the same, or are applicants reading the same career articles?
It’s true there is a lot of advice available, but an Inc.com article warned job-seekers to stay away from certain words when describing themselves in a resume, during an interview or at a networking event. These words or phrases are supposed to WOW a recruiter, but can do just the opposite.
Take the summary statement from your resume. It can be a stunning string of trite adjectives that you wouldn’t think of saying in person. Read your resume’s summary statement out loud and listen to yourself carefully. Is what you say impressive and succinct? Could you repeat it if someone asked you what you do? Does it make you distinctive? Could a prospective employer connect you to the job just by hearing the statement? If it’s just a lot of fluff and keywords from a job description, he probably won’t be able to.
Are you passionate? Unique? A Guru? Instead of saying the words, explain why you claim that description. Passion may not always be an admired quality. Sometimes, it can be seen as overzealous; someone who is so focused on one idea or belief that they can’t see any other ideas or take suggestions or feedback. As for unique? Everyone is unique in some way. And what is a Guru, anyway? How would you credibly defend that description? You can get yourself in a lot of trouble in an interview by proclaiming your qualities and then being unable to give specific situations that flesh them out. Better to start with the situations where you excel and let the recruiter supply the adjectives.
“People person” is probably one of the most overused words on a resume. With most jobs, you have to work with people, so if you aren’t a people person, chances are you wouldn’t be interviewing for a job working with people. What is it about working with others that you’re so “passionate” about?
Another mistake job-seekers make is stating that they want to work in a company where they can use their unique (here we go) talents to make an impact and have an opportunity to move up in the company. Now that’s a commendable goal, but can make a recruiter nervous. It’s difficult, if not impossible, and highly discouraged to promise any future promotions or advancement in an interview. Objective statements state what you want—not the first thing you want to express in an interview or resume. Employers are interested in what you can do for them. They want to hire someone who can help meet their objectives. A statement too specific can send your resume straight to the round file—the trashcan.
No matter how you describe yourself, be ready to defend your description. Specific situations that show how you are unique or motivated go further than a list of impressive adjectives. Stick to the facts to show how impressive you really are.
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