“Problem Solver” a Résumé Problem

“A resume full of cliches but short on specifics won’t be memorable to hiring managers,” said OfficeTeam Executive Director Robert Hosking. “Employers want concrete examples of professional achievements as well as descriptions of any transferrable skills that can be applied to the open position.”

OfficeTeam asked executives, “What is the most overused or meaningless phrase you see on resumes?” The following are some of their top responses:

• Highly qualified
• Hard worker
• Team player
• Problem solver
• Flexible
• People person
• Self-starter

“People recall the stories they hear,” Hosking said. “During interviews, job applicants should share anecdotes that illustrate their best qualities.”

The OfficeTeam survey was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,300 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada. 

–Sara Kelly