5 words hiring managers need to see on your resume (and 3 you should never include)
Standing out in a pool of candidates can be difficult, especially when you're up against candidates with similar qualifications. Using these 5 words on your resume can help get you noticed by hiring managers — and avoiding these 5 can help you stay in the game.
5 necessary words to include on your resume:
1. Led.
Whether you're applying for a leadership position or not, describing projects or teams you've lead demonstrates responsibility and initiative.
2. Created.
Creativity is important in every field, at every position. Use this to give an example of a time you were innovative at work.
3. Communicated.
A good coworker is a good team player. Describe how you were able to liaison with or bring together cowrokers to drive success.
4. Achieved.
A resume is for bragging about your achievements! Follow this word up with concrete examples of your accomplishments.
5. Numbers.
OK, this isn't a specific word, per se, but numbers are the best way to support your achievements. Get specific and show that data!
5 words NOT to include on your resume:
1. Hardworking.
This should be a given! Instead, demonstrate how you're hardworking through examples of your work.
2. Very.
This qualifying word only diminishes your authority! If you want to prove you've done something "very" well, use concrete data.
3. Successsful.
While you can include "successful," you should never include any misspelled words on your resume. Edit and review your resume a couple times before submitting it.
What words do you think are necessary to a good resume? What words do you think should everyone avoid?
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?They say “overqualified.”
I say: OVERPREPARED.
? They say “set in your ways.”
I say: STRATEGICALLY SEASONED.
? They say “too much experience.”
I say: DECADES OF IMPACT.
? They say “you’ve done it all.”
I say: THAT’S WHY I KNOW WHAT WORKS.
If you’ve ever been told (directly or indirectly) that your experience is a problem—this post is for you.
? The truth? Companies don’t just hire skills. They hire confidence, clarity, and relevance.
And if you know how to position your experience right, it becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.
So let’s flip the script ⤵️
What’s one phrase YOU use to reframe your experience as a strength?
Drop it in the comments and let’s build a library of comebacks that shut down bias and speak power into our careers.
#CareerConfidence
#Ageism
#LinkedInTips
#ExecutivePresence
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