The clichés to avoid including in your CV

Are you using well-known and “catchy” clichés in your CV? Nick Deligiannis reveals the phrases to steer clear of.  

When it comes to writing your CV, it’s funny how certain phrases will naturally spring to mind when trying to portray your skills and experience on paper. For instance, if you are a team leader, you may automatically feel the need to include “Excellent leadership skills” on your CV. 

But it’s also important that the language you use isn’t too clichéd. If it is, you may run the risk of diluting or downplaying the unique skills and experience you have to offer.  

Avoiding CV clichés at a glance 

If you want to write a winning CV that gets you on the interview shortlist, you need to provide evidence of your achievements and avoid including the below clichés at all costs. Give evidence of your skills and traits, and provide context where you can. Some of these clichés may seem to be positive at first but, by including them in your CV, you might actually be sending out the wrong message. 

So what are the phrase you should not include?

“Works well independently” 

It’s very common to see “can work well independently” on a CV. 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. 

Instead, give an example of a time you showcased this strength and the results. For instance, “I independently designed and implemented a new strategy that increased customer engagement by X percent” 

“A great team player” 

Team spiritedness is an important trait to have, but when every candidate claims to be “a great team player”, this CV cliché can become a little meaningless. Again, provide evidence that you can work well with colleagues to reach a common goal. For instance, “I worked with our international and local marketing teams to implement a global rebrand across 12 countries.” Examples like this demonstrate that you’re a great team player, without actually having to use this tired phrase. 

“Results driven” 

Don’t be mistaken: one of the most important things to include on your CV is the impact you have made to your current employer, but you should support this claim with facts. Ensure that you give quantifiable evidence of your results, such as “I increased sales by 25 percent”. Including this information will demonstrate that you focus on and track the results of your work, which in itself implies that you are results driven. 

“A hard worker” 

Whilst a strong work ethic is important, a hard worker isn’t necessarily a productive one. When reading your CV, the hiring manager or recruiter will be looking for signs that you can effectively and productively manage your time. Therefore, emphasise your productivity and time management skills, and give an example of these in action. 

“Good communication skills” 

This one is vague and demands context. Be more specific by giving examples of situations in which your communication skills have really shone through. This could be a presentation or sales pitch you gave which won a new client for your business. 

“A fast learner” 

I can see why it would be tempting to include this on your CV, especially if you are lacking in a certain skill and want to emphasise how you would be able to upskill quickly if offered the role. However, if you want to really demonstrate your aptitude, you need to put your money where your mouth is. Describe a time you grasped a new concept quickly, either when starting a new role or teaching yourself a new skill. 

“Strong attention to detail” 

Attention to detail is important in most roles. Remember that the first impression the reader will get of your level of competence in this area will be upon reading your CV. So the way to prove this is simple: make sure you proofread your CV thoroughly and that it is error free. 

What you need to remember about writing your CV 

Don’t run the risk of a recruiter or hiring manager being put off by the language you include in your CVs. Replace any overused clichés with real life examples of your skills in action to create a more impressive CV and heighten your chances of getting through to the interview round.