Avoid These 5 CV Clichés That Could Cost You That Job

Avoid These 5 CV Clichés That Could Cost You That Job

When trying to put your message across on your most valuable skills and abilities, it can be hard not to use the same language you’ve heard a million times and probably think that they look good on your CV.
You start thinking about your ability to work under pressure, your hard working skills without mentioning ‘a great communicator who works well alone or as part of a team’.
See, recruitment managers and employers in general want to see something fresh that talks more about yourself as a person or your personality. They don’t want to feel impressed or wowed.
Now, this only means that the language you use on your CV can have a huge bearing on whether or not you make the interview shortlist.
For instance, if you are a team leader, you may automatically feel the need to include ‘excellent leadership skills’ on your CV.
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Instead, using action verbs like Oversaw, Planned, Produced or Programmed to communicate your successes is one of the simplest ways to help your CV stand out.
Here is a list of clichés to wipe out from your CV
1. Curriculum Vitae!
This is probably the most common CV cliché of all times you must accept.
Unless you’ve decided to encrypt the content, I would say it’s obvious that your CV…is a CV.
It would be awkward to see ‘newspaper’ above the headlines in Nation or standard newspapers, so why feel the need with your CV?
Make your name the title. Own it!
2. I am a fast learner
This especially comes in handy when you want to fill in for a certain skill that you lack.
However, remember as we said, if you want to really demonstrate your excellent intellectual skills and abilities, you need to put your money where your mouth is.
Describe a time you grasped a new concept quickly.
3. I’m an excellent team-player and can work independently
We understand that you might want to kill two birds with one stone.
But will this really set you apart?
Any strong candidate will be expected to be able to do this; therefore this doesn’t really add any value to your application.
And this one really sets employers teeth on edge. It’s just lazy drivel.
Employers do want to see evidence that you can work collaboratively and autonomously, but they won’t be convinced by such a hollow phrases alone.
4. Highly motivated
Another one to add to the “so what” pile.
Again, what’s the alternative?  You’re hardly going to announce your chronic lateness and tendency to pull all-nighters! Employers will generally assume you’re motivated by virtue of your application.
By all means use the ‘m’ word, but think in terms of nouns and not verbs. For instance, you can say something like, “I’ve proven my motivation for a digital marketing, through active participation in a Google digital skills programe, a free online courses that offers guide from search engines, to social media and beyond. “.
Spot the difference?
Let’s do this together. Send an email to cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke for a professional CV and let us help you get you those interview calls.
Judith Moraa is a Communication Assistant at Corporate Staffing a leading HR firm that offers recruitment and FREE job placement. For more information visit their website on www.corporatestaffing.co.ke

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