Words you should remove from your resumé

Getting your resumé wording just right can be tricky: how do you best describe your past roles or education? 

The words you choose can make a big difference. The right ones help employers see that you understand their industry and could be the perfect fit for the role. Overused words, however, rarely highlight your skills or experience meaningfully. 

Words to avoid using in your resumé 

Buzzwords are everywhere in resumé language, but just because a term is popular doesn’t mean it will showcase your skills and potential. 

Ku Sim Ling, Human Resources Expert, affectionately known as “AuntyHR”, advises, “If you can’t demonstrate it, buzzwords come across as generic and won’t make you stand out. If everyone claims they’re ‘special,’ it ends up meaning no one is.” 

AuntyHR recommends avoiding these common buzzwords: 

• Loyal 
• Energetic 
• Punctual 
• Motivated 
• Enthusiastic 
• Team player 
• Client-focused 
• A people person 

“These words are often overused and rarely backed up with concrete examples,” she explains. “Yes, almost every employer looks for these traits, but anyone can claim them. People often include them, thinking that’s enough to sound competent, but employers want to see how you actually embody them.” 

It’s not enough to say you’re enthusiastic or motivated; you need to show it. For example: 

• Loyal: “I stayed with my team through a company restructuring, supporting colleagues and ensuring projects continued smoothly.” 
• Client-focused: “I improved client satisfaction scores by 20% through proactive communication and personalised service.” 

By replacing generic buzzwords with specific examples, your resumé tells a stronger story and highlights your skills and potential. 

“If you must use a buzzword, make sure you know exactly what it means and demonstrate it with examples,” AuntyHR adds. “Otherwise, it just looks like you’re jumping on a bandwagon.” 

What to write in your resumé instead 

AuntyHR says it’s all about spotting the qualities employers value and backing them up. “Achievements backed with data or concrete examples make it easier for people to visualise what you’re capable of,” she explains. 

She suggests using action verbs paired with examples: 

• Developed: e.g. “I developed a new training manual to standardise onboarding processes.” 
• Achieved: e.g. “I achieved all my sales targets for four consecutive quarters.” 
• Managed: e.g. “I managed a team of five to deliver a high-profile project on time.” 
• Initiated: e.g. “I initiated a health and safety program that reduced workplace incidents by 15%.” 

“These examples prove your capabilities far better than buzzwords ever could,” she adds. 

Replace buzzwords with keywords 

Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumés. “This software looks for keywords that match the job, so it’s important to mirror the terms in the job description,” AuntyHR explains. 

Go through the job ad and pick out specialist skills, action words, and key phrases, then include them in your resumé where relevant. 

“Organisations search for the skills they need, not for candidates who describe themselves as ‘enthusiastic’ or ‘hardworking,’” she says. “Using facts, figures, and examples of how you’ve applied your skills adds far more value than sprinkling in overused buzzwords. It gives the reader a clear picture of your previous roles and achievements.” 

Bonus tip: Clarify trendy job titles 

If your role has an uncommon or trendy title, put what you actually do in brackets. For example: 

• Customer Success Ninja (Customer Support and Account Management) 
• Growth Hacker (Digital Marketing and Campaign Optimisation) 

AuntyHR adds, “Using brackets helps clarify what your role actually entails, helping employers quickly understand your experience and how it fits the job.” 

Resumés are about making a strong impression and showcasing your skills in a way that aligns with the job. AuntyHR stresses, “Some trends are worth following, but what really matters is showing how they translate into what you actually do. It’s much more effective for employers to see concrete examples of your work than to read shiny new words. Focus on demonstrating your skills and achievements, and you’ll make a lasting impression, because your resumé isn’t just about words, it’s about showing the value you bring.”