Six words that make your resume' stink!

I read this today and thought it would be something good to post. So if you are sending out resume's, here are some words to avoid......

If your resume is littered with buzz words and meaningless phrases, rest assured that hiring managers WILL find them. So, to help make sure you don't look like another average Joe, here are six common words and phrases that make most resumes suck . . .

#1.) RESPONSIBLE FOR. Of course you were responsible for SOMETHING at your last job. But employers want facts, not extra words. Use numbers, percentages and dollar amounts to explain your accomplishments . . . and don't waste the hiring manager's time.

--For example . . . Instead of saying you were responsible for production costs . . . say you reduced production costs by 15 percent.

#2.) EXPERIENCED. Saying you're experienced at something . . . and listing facts about what that experience IS . . . are two very different things. Employers want to know WHAT experience and qualifications you have. They won't just take your word for it.

--So, instead of saying you have experience working with children . . . say that you headed up an advanced reading program for 7 to 10 year olds over the course of six months.

#3.) EXCELLENT WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS. This is on WAY too many resumes, which is reason enough to keep it off of yours. Did you write email campaigns? Marketing materials? Legal contracts? Whatever it is, be specific.

--For example . . . Instead of saying you have excellent written communication skills . . . say that you wrote easy-to-read online help documentation, and reduced customer support calls by 50 percent.

#4.) TEAM PLAYER. You're not playing baseball, so unless you want to be benched alongside all the other unemployed "TEAM PLAYERS," get some hard facts behind your job pitch.

--Instead of saying you're a team player who works well in groups . . . say you worked with clients, software developers, and technical writers to deliver financial reporting software three months before your deadline.

#5.) DETAIL ORIENTED. Putting this on your resume is a good way to show someone you're NOT detail oriented. So make sure you list some actual details instead. Use facts, numbers and dollar figures to SHOW them that you pay attention to details.

--For example . . . instead of saying you're a detail-oriented public relations professional . . . say you wrote custom press releases targeting 25 news agencies in western Europe.

#6.) SUCCESSFULLY. Employers know you're not listing failures on your resume, so there's no need to tell them you did anything SUCCESSFULLY. Instead, give concrete examples, and let your skills, qualifications and achievements speak for themselves.

--Instead of saying you successfully exceeded your sales quota . . . be specific, and tell them you increased sales of organic chocolate by 32 percent. In the end, the details you provide are the reason you'll get an interview.

(SquawkFox.com)