In the realm of job applications, there's a widespread tendency toward grandiosity. Applicants recognize that even their most captivating, profound, and legitimate assertions won't sway hiring managers unless their materials command attention. The dread of being overlooked has led job seekers to inundate their submissions with elaborate language.
While the temptation to employ hyperbole in bolstering one's candidacy is strong, it's crucial to resist. Hollow statements won't yield dividends; rather, they may result in dismissal for being unrealistic. Indeed, employers aren't in pursuit of verbosity. More often than not, they seek tangible demonstrations of real-world skills on resumes. In fact, nearly 90% of employers look for evidence of a candidate's problem-solving prowess on resumes, with close to 80% seeking individuals who possess strong collaborative abilities, as reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. This data is gleaned from their survey of 255 respondents for the
Job Outlook 2024 report.
Here are three resume red flags you should be aware of when applying for a job.
Compliments From Others
I once participated in an enterprise marketing master class where chief marketing officers from prominent tech brands deliberated on strategies for representing their widely acclaimed companies. The speakers were unequivocally top achievers in their domain. They emphasized that the ultimate accolade for a marketer was to be hailed as a "storyteller." However, they also made it clear that they themselves would refrain from labeling themselves as such. It's a tribute only others can bestow upon you.
Put differently, the elite in the field aspire to be storytellers but wouldn't dare to assert that on their resumes.
The term "visionary" presents a similar dilemma. As a general rule, if you're required to submit a resume to secure your next position, you're not a visionary. You may possess visions or even exceptionally innovative ideas, but even the CEOs I counsel, who oversee teams with thousands of employees and revenue in the millions, acknowledge that they're not hired to be visionaries. It's precisely this understanding and realism about the value they bring to their roles that underscores their comprehension of the professional landscape.
When you depict yourself using a term reserved for describing only a select few of the most influential leaders in a field, you inadvertently showcase your lack of awareness. Perhaps your manager will use such terms in your next performance evaluation, but including them on your resume raises red flags.
Vocabulary You Don't Understand
Having an extensive lexicon is admirable. Typically, this is acquired through years of avid reading and mastering how precise words convey just the right message. In an attempt to impress hiring managers, some professionals employ unique vocabulary instead of tired phrases. This is a smart move; incorporating a variety of vivid words adds flair to your resume and can provide a clearer picture of your qualifications to the reader.
However, before delving too deeply into the thesaurus, confine your selections to words you (and most others) are familiar with and genuinely comprehend. When you reach for a word whose meaning escapes you, you assume considerable risks.
Firstly, there's a strong likelihood that the reader may also be unfamiliar with that word. If your intent is unclear or you make the reader feel inadequate, you diminish your chances of advancing to an interview. Secondly, when you utilize a stretched word, you may misuse it.
If your reader possesses a strong vocabulary and you misuse a word, she may critique you for the error or for trying too hard. If you can't confidently incorporate the word into two to three different sentences, it's best not to include it on your resume.
Repeated Descriptive Phrases
Space on your CV is limited, so utilize it judiciously. A contemporary resume typically includes a title, summary, core skills, experiences, and education. Each segment should contribute an additional layer to your qualifications. However, many resumes redundantly present the same information multiple times. A well-crafted resume provides the recruiter with a spectrum of reasons to engage with you.
For instance, you may portray yourself in your summary as an "innovative self-starter adept at addressing global enterprise challenges within tight deadlines at technology startups." When transitioning to your core skills, introduce something fresh, such as the specific challenges you confront, the tools you utilize, and the particular business functions or processes you excel in.
Refrain from reiterating skills and attributes like "self-starter" and "technology startups." In your experience section, delve deeper into your responsibilities, methodologies, and outcomes. Diversification in your descriptions and details holds significant importance.
To excel in the resume evaluation process, you must convincingly demonstrate mastery across various specific functions. Utilize every line on your resume to exhibit your knowledge and understanding of what the role entails. Resist the temptation to exaggerate your skills or craft statements that "sound good" but lack substance.
A standout resume is a comprehensive document that bolsters your candidacy through diversity, depth, and lucidity (with a touch of humility).
