Posts filed under ‘cover letter’

Canned phrases that (may) ruin your resume

A well-written cover letter and executive summary can set your resume apart from other applicants.

But when do key words and catches phrases become too much?

Liz Ryan, a blogger for The Savvy Networker, made this list of the 10 most over-used phrases that make resumes sound cliche and robotic:

  • Results-oriented professional
  • Cross-functional teams
  • More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
  • Superior (or excellent) communication skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Met or exceeded expectations
  • Proven track record of success
  • Works well with all levels of staff
  • Team player
  • Bottom-line orientation

I get what she’s saying, but I think there’s a reason that theses phrases are used time and time again: employers are looking for candidates that have a strong work ethic, work well with others, can communicate well and deliver results. And when hiring managers are averaging 30 seconds per resume, seeing these words are a quick way to qualify (or disqualify) candidates.

What do you think? Should you spice things up and communicate your strengths in a unique way, or stick with the tried and true?

Read the original article on The Savvy Networker: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-experts-10_boilerplate_phrases_that_kill_resumes-97

July 27, 2009 at 4:56 pm Leave a comment

Marketing Yourself

Since I studied (and work in) marketing communication, I have a different perspective on job hunting than an HR person or even the average job applicant. Looking for a job, much like dating, is about marketing yourself. The more competition there is, the more important it is to differentiate yourself from the pack.

When I came across Michael Driehorst’s latest blog post on Talent Zoo today, I immediately knew I had to share his thoughts with you. Michael is a PR professional that’s currently out-of-work. He’s a blogger (check out his blog: Mike’s Points) with some great insights into how you can market yourself in a job search much like advertisers and public relations professionals market their clients’ brands.

Continue Reading December 9, 2008 at 4:42 pm 2 comments

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

When you’re applying for a job, you can wax poetically about your near-Ivy League education, your selfless volunteer work and your relevant experience. But it all comes down to three crucial elements.

1. Why you’re applying for the job.
2. What you can do for the company.
3. What makes you different from everyone else applying.

Continue Reading June 4, 2008 at 3:28 am Leave a comment