These six words can easily ruin your employment chances and must be avoided on the CV

The undeniable dream of every job applicant is to ultimately get shortlisted for employment.

Job applicants make every effort to furnish and most times revamp their CV to give it the needed details that can possibly boost their chances for employment. They spend hours putting together a CV and cover letter in the hope of being considered for a dream job.

Ironically, most of the information on their CV can easily end up ruining their chances.

In line with the above, career coach and recruitment consultant Simon Bennett has warned job applicants to cut six buzzwords from their CV which could be ruining their chances at the first hurdle.

It’s often difficult to stand out from other applicants and grab the attention of the employer, so choosing the right strengths, examples and words is vital.

Simon warned that including common buzzwords in your CV could be ruining your chances of securing an interview.

According to him, many words are frequently overused and rarely backed up with concrete examples, and although many employers may be looking for positive traits, anyone can say they possess them.

Speaking further, Simon revealed to Seek that, “Candidates often include the words thinking they are enough to make them sound competent,” But employers want to see how you embody these traits.”

He advised job candidates to make effort and ensure that the following six words are avoided from their CV:

i.                    Loyal

ii.                  Energetic

iii.                Punctual

iv.                Motivated

v.                  Hardworking

vi.                Team player

For Simon, giving examples of the traits instead are recommended. So, rather than simply stating you are a loyal employee, demonstrate it by saying how long you stayed at one company and why.

Job candidates should replace these buzzwords with ‘powerful action verbs’, such as ‘achieved’ and ‘managed’, giving examples which can be proved.

“These types of action verbs capture attention and excite the reader,” said Simon. “These words help to highlight your skills and abilities and demonstrate the success you have achieved in previous jobs.”

Furthermore, Julian Williamson, director and founder of The Jobseeker Agency, added that it’s far better to use facts and figures where possible, and to provide evidence of your achievements rather than simply claiming them.

He said it will help the reader quickly get a grasp of your previous roles and responsibilities, adding: “This will add far more value than sprinkling overused buzzwords in your resume.”