I've read thousands of CVs – eight phrases you MUST avoid and major mistake all jobseekers make

The Sun

5 days ago

LANDING your dream job starts with an attention-grabbing CV - but in a competitive recruitment market many are riddled with clichés.
The Sun spoke to HR expert and recruitment firm boss, James Flemming, who has spent 25 years reviewing thousands of CVs - and he revealed the major mistake most jobseekers make when it comes to writing resumes.
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James says: "The key to the perfect CV is to ditch the generic buzzwords and focus on demonstrating your impact with concrete examples."
Recruiters spend mere seconds scanning each CV, so you need to make every word count.
Your CV isn't just a list of previous jobs - it's your personal advertisement.
It highlights your skills, experience, and successes, showing why you're the best person for the job.
As your first impression, it needs to stand out and make an impact.
He knows exactly what makes a CV stand out - and what causes it to be rejected.
The keywords and terms to avoid
Generic terms like "hard-working," "committed," and "diligent" have become so overused that they've lost their impact, said James.
Instead of telling employers you're hardworking, show them with examples.
"You could say, 'I managed a caseload of 50 clients while maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate'".
The phrase "team player" is equally meaningless unless backed by evidence.
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James said a better approach would be to write, "Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product two weeks ahead of schedule".
Again, while terms like "go-getter" or "self-starter" might grab attention in sales roles, they only work if supported by proof.
Instead, you could say, "I implemented a new client onboarding process, reducing time-to-productivity by 30%," which James said is far more compelling.
Passive phrases like "responsible for" should be avoided too, as they fail to convey a sense of action, James explained.
Instead, he suggests starting with powerful action verbs such as led, delivered, designed, or streamlined to highlight your achievements.
Similarly, stating you're "detail-oriented" isn't enough - prove it with specifics like: "I reviewed 100 invoices per week with 100% accuracy."
What should your CV include?
Your CV, that crucial first impression, needs to be a lean, mean, job-landing machine, fitting snugly onto just one side of A4, says James.
Pack it with the essentials - your name and contact details so they can actually reach you, a snappy summary of your skills (if you like), your work history showcasing what you achieved, not just what you did, and your educational background.
Tailor it ruthlessly to each job you're applying for, ditching anything that isn't directly relevant.
Quantify your successes wherever possible - numbers speak louder than words.
Forget those outdated phrases and the assumption that everyone needs to know you can use Microsoft Word.
Proofread meticulously because typos scream "unprofessional," and aim for a clean, clear layout that's easy on the recruiter's eye.
Remember, it's a highlight reel, not a career autobiography.
Don't forget the cover letter
Once your CV is ready, don't stop there – your cover letter is just as important.
Your CV shows the highlights, but the cover letter is your chance to explain the story behind them and why they matter for this job.
James says: "Never underestimate the value of a well-crafted cover letter.
"This is your chance to show motivation, cultural fit and how your values align with the company's.
"Keep it succinct, tailor it to the role and avoid repeating your CV.
"Instead, offer context - why this job, why this company and how you'll bring value."
James recommends having a good nosey around the company website, getting a feel for their vibe, and then sprinkling that knowledge into your letter.
It shows you're genuinely keen and not just firing off applications willy-nilly.
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Now, for the opening.
If you can find a name – a hiring manager, someone in the team – use it.
This shows you've put in the effort.
Then, be clear about the job you're after.
After that, get straight to the point: what is it about this gig that makes you tick?
In the main body, don't just say you've got skills - prove it.
Give real-life examples of when you've smashed it in the past.
It's also vital to chat a bit about why you're a good fit for their culture.
Again, do your research and work out what makes them tick, and show how your own values line up.
Finally, carefully proofread your cover letter to catch any grammar mistakes.
A polished cover letter shows you're professional and pay attention to detail, so ask a friend or family member to check it over too.