Executive Resume Words and Phrases You Should (and Shouldnt) Avoid

Executive Resume Words and Phrases You Should (and Shouldnt) AvoidIf youve been searching for executive positions for some time, its possible that youve gotten into the habit of utilizing catchphrases to describe yourself. While theres nothing wrong with choosing great brand attributes to define who you are, you want to avoid those that sound generic to decision makers who read your resume.Sometimes, a word or phrase sounds impressive, but when broken down into simple language actually means that you are organized, or work well with otherssomething all executive candidates should be great at by now. To avoid sounding too clichd or ordinary on your resume, lets take a look at some phrases that you should and should not include.Phrases to AvoidOnce youve spent hours finding amazing skills and accomplishments to share on your executive resume, you assume your work is complete. But the real challenge comes with finding unique ways to describe those qualities.Many job candidates causa int o a pattern of using certain words and catchphrases they know sum up skills into a neat little package. However, those very words have been seen time and time again by key decision makers and are just too redundant and inauthentic to offer real meaning.What are some of those phrases you want to avoid? Superior communication skills Team player Strong work ethic Exceeded expectations Proven track record of successWhile these phrases may describe you to a T, they also (should) describe every candidate who applies for any job in any organization. These are base-level skills that companies assume all candidates bring to the table. They dont make you stand out as a top candidate.So if you do list them on your resume, you run the risk of leaving the impression that youve either carbon-copied your resumeor you dont have any more specific qualifications to offer.Words You Shouldnt AvoidWhen it comes to choosing phrases to include in your resume, it gets a bit tricky. You dont want to choose clichd phrases that make your resume sound redundant, as it would by using the phrases listed above. Instead, you want to come up with descriptions based on specific experiences that show youre an authentic candidate.A great way to come up with great descriptions is by combining action verbs with colorful adjectives. Here are a few action verbs to consider Accelerate Orchestrate Incentivize Capitalize Revolutionize Fortify CatapultAnd some adjectives that you might add include Encouraging Unbiased Courageous Upbeat Harmonious Confident ImpartialThere are many other strong words out there that can help you to create a more powerful presence on your resume. So dont be shy about looking for others that genuinely describe the impact youve had in every position youve assumed, as well as in your field as a whole.Its important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Brandin g Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter GreatResume.

5 Phrases That Will Immediately Disqualify You In a Job Interview

5 Phrases That Will Immediately Disqualify You In a Job Interview When prepping for an exciting job interview, you can easily deploy a Google search and pull up any number of tips and suggestions for questions to ask and ways to phrase your accomplishments and your interest. However, in many cases, its equally important to know what elend to say when speaking with a prospective employer. To avoid an off-the-cuff dismissal caused by an unfortunate turn of phrase, stay far away from these 5 phrases.1. My old boss/coworkers welches/were crazy.This is one of those honesty isnt always the best policy situations. It might be true that youre desperate to leave your current place of work because your boss and colleagues cause and reinforce a toxic work environment. But because your interviewer doesnt have a clear perception of you yet, she lacks the necessary information to determine whether your estimation is correct. And even if you can compellingly argue your former bosss dysfunction, com panies typically arent interested in hiring employees who will later go on to say negative things about them in future interviews. Keeping your word choice neutral and your tone positive will help you tremendously. Instead of saying I have to leave because my colleagues are impossible to work with, less accusatory phrases like Its time for me to move on to new opportunities or Im seeking growth potential that I dont currently have at work will serve you better.2. My biggest weakness is that I work too hard.If youve ever visited a particularly out-of-touch career counselor, youve likely heard this old chestnut When asked about your weaknesses, just reframe your strengths Heres the thing, though if you do that in an actual interview, your interviewers will immediately know what youre doing, and theyll likely be annoyed by your effort to dodge the question. Instead, offer an honest response that will both help the employer imagine you as a realistic employee and will help you screen fo r jobs that actually fit your strengths. Ask A Manager author Alison Green told New York Magazine the following Youll get far better outcomes for yourself if you use the interview as a chance to figure out whether or not the job is a strong match for you, taking into account what youre great at and what youre not-so-great at. You should want to make sure your interviewer is aware of your weaker points and doesnt think theyll be big obstacles in the job. Were inclined to agree3. What will my salary be, and how much vacation time will I get?Generally, conversations about pay and benefits should come after receiving an employment offer. Rightly or wrongly, many employers believe that asking about compensation during the interview is a jumping-the-gun move. The interview phase should focus on discovering more about the position, determining whether your skills and experience make you a fit for the role in question, and ascertaining your level of interest in the role. Pay negotiations ta ke place once the company decides that they want you and you figure out what font of offer youd need to accept the job.4. I dont have any questions.Contrary to popular belief, job interviews arent auditions. The goal isnt just to convince the employer that youre the best one for the job you also need to gain all the information you need to make an educated decision for yourself. Thats why the question-and-answer period typically held at the end of the interview should be taken seriously. Dont miss your opportunity come to the interview with at least 3 questions already prepared, and also keep your mind open to new questions that may arise during your conversation with the hiring manager.5. Anything racist, sexist and/or homophobic.This one should absolutely go without saying. However, were going to mention it anyway even if you think youre telling a joke, anything even remotely tinged with racist, sexist, or homophobic bias should be completely avoided during a job interview (and, r eally, in every other circumstance). Nothing will trigger an immediate no like a discriminatory remark...for good reason.