Most resume writing guides focus on using power words or
words that can persuade an employer to schedule an interview or to at least
keep reading their resume. But what about those words that may cause an
employer or recruiter to dump your resume in the trash?
What words should job candidates avoid
using if they want to increase their chances of landing that interview? Let's
take a look:
Avoid abbreviations and acronyms. Although people at your former job may be familiar with
certain abbreviations or acronyms, assuming that the recruiter/employer reading
your resume is not familiar with the abbreviations or acronyms is probably the
safest route. The last thing you
want is for a recruiter or employer to trash your resume because they had no
idea what you were talking about. If you feel that you need to use an acronym
or abbreviation, use it sparingly and offer a footnoted definition.
Avoid using negative words to describe anything, including your
former job, school, co-workers or boss.
Negative words such as boring, mean, bossy, angry or stupid are all
no-no's when it comes to your resume.
Avoid using personal pronouns such as "I" or
"Me." Just say,
"Litigated 20 case for XYZ firm" instead of saying "I performed litigation
for XYZ firm."
Avoid using words that are not commonly used and that the
reader may not understand. Keep it simple. If your resume is written with a lot
of $100 words that sends the recruiter or employer running for a dictionary,
it's doubtful that your resume will avoid the trash bin.