Unveiling the Veil of Clichés: Crafting Resumes That Shine

When job hunting, your resume is your first impression and your introduction to potential employers. It serves as a snapshot of your professional journey, encapsulating your skills, experiences, and ambitions.

However, in the quest to impress, many job seekers fall prey to the allure of clichés, inadvertently diluting the impact of their credentials.

Common Resume Clichés to Ditch (and What to Say Instead)

“Detail-oriented team player” – While teamwork and attention to detail are valuable, these buzzwords have become so overused that they no longer hold meaningful weight.

Instead: “Collaborated across departments to design and launch a CRM tool that improved client retention by 15% in Q1.”

“Results-driven” – Employers want tangible proof of your results.

Instead: “Increased lead conversion by 28% over six months through targeted digital campaigns.”

“Excellent communication skills” – This vague phrase lacks impact without examples.

Instead: “Delivered monthly product updates to cross-functional stakeholders, resulting in a 20% improvement in project alignment.”

“Hardworking and dedicated” – These are baseline expectations for most roles.

Instead: “Took on an additional project outside of scope that led to a 10% reduction in supply chain delays.”

“Self-starter” – Initiative matters, but it needs context and evidence.

Instead: “Identified a gap in client onboarding; independently designed a new process that cut setup time by 30%.”

Tips to Craft a CV That Works in 2025

1. Be Specific
Generic phrases don’t resonate. Use quantifiable achievements to highlight your impact.

Bad: “Responsible for managing budgets.”
Better: “Managed a €2M budget, achieving a 5% under-spend through supplier negotiations.”

2. Tailor for Each Role
Customise your resume to align with the job description. Use keywords and phrases that match the company’s language and values.

3. Show, Don’t Tell
Use anecdotes or short metrics-based stories that reveal what you actually did—not just what you say you can do.

4. Seek Feedback
Run your resume by a mentor or recruiter. Fresh eyes can spot jargon, formatting issues, or tone mismatches. Here are some signs it may be time for a CV update.

While clichés may seem like safe bets, they ultimately detract from the uniqueness of your resume. Avoid these common pitfalls and adopt a more personalised approach so you can craft resumes that shine and captivate prospective employers. Remember, your resume is not just a list of credentials but a reflection of your professional identity and potential.

Need help perfecting your resume?

At Halian, our recruitment specialists know what employers are looking for. Whether you're updating your CV or preparing for your next career move, we’re here to help you present your best professional self. Visit our website to get expert guidance and explore new job opportunities today.