How to Avoid Generic Wording or Resume Fluff

With less than 8 seconds to wow, it’s vital that every bit of your resume is designed to dazzle. Below are a few tips for avoiding the generic words, unnecessary information, and fluff that results in resumes landing in the pass pile.

Rather than using fluffy buzzwords to demonstrate your qualifications, the best resumes show, rather than tell, your skills with previous accomplishments. A simple recounting of the job description of a previous position demonstrates little to hiring managers and recruiters who read countless similar resumes every day. Focusing on what you accomplished shows potential employers your achievements and helps you stand out among a crowded field of applicants.

Expert resume writers know to eliminate overused words with strong action verbs when trying to get the attention of hiring managers. For resume purposes, action verbs are words that describe what you do. For example, instead of responsible for, attention-grabbing resumes will say guided, mentored, or directed. Similarly, instead of saying that you’re results-oriented, spotlight a time when you achieved a result — like how you increased employee retention by 15% in a competitive job market. Be specific and use percentages instead of raw numbers — impressive numbers at one company might not translate to another and past employers may not be keen on you sharing some information.

It’s amazing how many professional resumes contain irrelevant and outdated information. Eliminate the commonly included information below to make sure employers see what really matters.

Mailing Address: It’s a digital world and if an employer wants to contact you, they’ll email you — which makes a street address irrelevant. In fact, depending on where you’re applying for work, you might want to consider dropping the address entirely. If you’re applying for jobs within your area, a local address may give preference. However, if you’re hoping to relocate, leave your address off your resume for this same reason. This is a fantastic example of why job seekers need to tailor their resumes to the particular job they’re applying for.

References: One of SoCalResumes’ favorite resume tips is to cut the line “references available upon request.” It takes up space and distracts recruiters from more valuable information. Furthermore, employers know that you’ll provide references if asked.

Extensive Work History: The primary concern of potential employers is what you’ve done recently — diminishing the importance of the job you had fifteen years ago. Rather than focus on the past, highlight your skills and achievements relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Degree Dates: Unless the recency of a degree or certification is a selling point, drop the dates from them as they might make you seem less than current.

Social Media: Leave social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter off your resume if they don’t pertain to the job you’re applying for. In addition to taking up vital space, a social media account that isn’t aligned with your professional appearance can negatively impact your job hunt.

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