Sometimes, the reason your resume gets dismissed by employers has nothing to do with your experience or qualifications. It could simply come down to using phrases that immediately turn hiring managers off. Every word on your resume must work for you, not against you.
In addition to steering clear of generic buzzwords like “creative,” “innovative,” “visionary,” “team player,” “motivated,” “highly skilled,” “hard worker,” “passionate,” and “driven”—which offer no real insight into your actual value—you should also eliminate specific phrases that raise red flags or waste space. These common resume mistakes can make even the most qualified candidates seem unpolished or out of touch.
If you want to make a strong first impression, avoid these top resume phrases at all costs:
"Job Duties"
"Job duties" essentially says to the employer that these are my responsibilities on the job. Well, that's fine if the only one you need to impress is the applicant tracking system (ATS) looking for matches in the job description.
The problem with including this phrase on your resume is that it doesn't inform the hiring manager how well you perform on the job, and they ultimately have the final say as to whether your resume is a keeper or not.
A more effective phrase to use is "accomplishments" to describe your work experience. You want to inform the employer of what you did on the job and prove that what you did produced valuable results. You always need to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. The first step in quantifying your accomplishments on your resume is getting rid of the phrase "job duties."
"Transferable Skills"
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While professional resume writers speak of highlighting "transferable skills" on your resume when you're looking to make a career change or when you don't have the exact work experience the employer may be looking for, the specific term should be avoided on your resume.
When hiring managers and recruiters see "transferable skills" on a resume, it basically sends the message "I don't have the exact experience or hard skills you're looking for, but..."
A more effective phrase to use is "skills" or "skill set" or even "experience summary" (see below). It doesn't bring attention to the fact that you aren't a direct match with what they are looking for, but goes straight to the point of what you can offer that is of value to them. Using clear and direct language that emphasizes relevant expertise helps your resume pass both human and applicant tracking system (ATS) reviews
"Objective Statement"
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Traditionally, the objective statement takes a prime spot at the top of the resume detailing what you, the job seeker, are looking for—but that's no way to compete in today's job market. The opening of your resume needs to make a bold statement, informing the employer what you can do for them.
Replace an objective statement with an experience summary, which is a list of 6-8 hard or transferable skills needed for the specific job you're applying for. This section quickly communicates your value and aligns your background with the employer’s needs. Hiring managers scan resumes in seconds, so lead with measurable achievements, relevant keywords, and industry-specific skills.
"References Available Upon Request"
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You can assume all employers will go through a reference check before they hire you. Including this phrase on your resume is simply a waste of space and makes your resume come across as outdated, since it was common practice to include it at the end of the resume years ago, before applicant tracking systems and AI changed the landscape of the job search process.
Today's job seekers need a well-polished resume to compete. Avoiding overused buzzwords and phrases that say nothing or that may imply something negative will help keep you in the running.
We know today's hiring managers get more applicants than needed for each job opening, so don't let bad phrases be the cause for them turning away your resume! By eliminating vague language and replacing it with strong, results-driven statements, you’ll create a resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market.
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