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Are some of those statements listed on the job description? People most likely use language that matches (I know I do), so if you are getting much of the same wording, it's probably due to what is written on the job advertisement.
Last edited by Reneeme; 06-21-2010 at 09:49 PM..
Reason: error
It is amazing how resumes all start looking alike after awhile! Here are the most common statements on the resumes I am reviewing for an Administrative Assistant position:
Great oral and written communications skills
Proficient In Microsoft Office
Eagar and willing to work hard
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational skills
Quick Learner
Hard Worker
Team Player
Great Background
What do you think other hiring managers think when they see these statements on resumes?
I think they either did well in creative writing or hired someone to write their resume. People who have achieved something can usually put numbers to or name specific accomplishments. Folks who are 'team players' or "quick learners' either don't know how to sell themselves or don't have any real accomplishments.
However, if the person has had a good work history and held similar job titles in the past, I may still give them a shot for an admin position even if they had these colorful but useless phrases. It is just a phone call to further qualify someone.
I think they either did well in creative writing or hired someone to write their resume. People who have achieved something can usually put numbers to or name specific accomplishments. Folks who are 'team players' or "quick learners' either don't know how to sell themselves or don't have any real accomplishments.
However, if the person has had a good work history and held similar job titles in the past, I may still give them a shot for an admin position even if they had these colorful but useless phrases. It is just a phone call to further qualify someone.
The way I "pull it together" is basically put a selected few of those phrases in a cover letter (IF the ad states those phrases are what they're looking for in an applicant of course) and follow the phrase with an example of same.
Yeah, it's just all part of the game. Like others say, you leave those things out and your resume just looks weak. It's a necessary evil basically. I find that the summary will usually have to contain B.S. like that but as long as the work history section is done well, then you will get calls/emails anyway. Just show what value you have provided to a business. Yeah, great, I did X for Y but what did I really do for this company?
The resume experts say using stuff like I mentioned in my original post is just a waste of time. If these things are true sell the reader on your skills by describing a real life accomplishment that proves for example that you have excellent oral and written communication skills.
The resume experts say using stuff like I mentioned in my original post is just a waste of time. If these things are true sell the reader on your skills by describing a real life accomplishment that proves for example that you have excellent oral and written communication skills.
Maybe you should print out the Dr Phil show page from when they gave tips.
Well when job announcements ask for vague things like "be a team player" or the things you wrote above, how can you blame the applicants for putting it in their cover letter?
I don't think "be a team player" is all that vague. I think places that put that know they have personality problems and are warning you that you will have to find a way to get along with difficult people. "Ability to work independently" can indicate the opposite.
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