5 Words Or Phrases To Leave Off Your Resume

When it comes to looking for a nonprofit job, what you don't say on your resume can be just as important as what you do say.

Simply throwing together a bunch of accomplishments is exactly the wrong approach to take when writing your resume. You are going to need to put careful thought into every word you include if you want the best shot at being hired. Words and phrases can speak volumes, and there are some that you want to avoid at all costs, as they can send the wrong message to employers.

Here are some examples:

• "Try:" This word shows a lack of belief and confidence -- qualities you must have as an employee. "Try" is one of the most dangerous words a job seeker can use in a resume.
• Buzzwords: There was a time when phrases like "team player" or "results-oriented" were impressive to hiring managers; those days are now over. These expressions have been overused to the point where they have lost their impact. List your specific accomplishments rather than using buzzwords.
• "References available upon request:" Employers are always going to ask for references, so there is no point in wasting valuable space by including this sentence.
• "Responsibilities include:" Hiring managers are not overly interested in the basic responsibilities you had at your previous job. They are more interested in hearing how your work improved the organization.
• Objective: Your objective is obviously to get the job, so there is no need to include an objective statement at the top of your resume. List your skills and experience instead.