The most overused words on resumes

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,300 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada.

Executives were asked, “What is the most overused or meaningless phrase you see on resumes?” Below are some of their top responses, along with advice on how to give employers what they’re really looking for in your application materials and during the interview process:

Phrases to leave out

How to stand out

Highly qualified

Describe for the hiring manager what you bring to the role. Highlight your accomplishments in previous positions, emphasize your specific skills and note any certifications you have earned.

Hard worker

Explain exactly how you’ve gone the extra mile. For instance, did you regularly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of projects or tackle tasks outside your job description?

Team player

Working well with others is a must for any role today. Provide examples of how you partnered with colleagues or individuals in other departments to meet an objective.