The 10 Best and 10 Worst Words to Use on a Resume

Summary: We have compiled two lists; the 10 best words and 10 worst words to use on your resume that impress or annoy recruiters today.

If you are preparing to edit your resume, or write a brand new one, you need to be very picky about the words used on the resume. Recruiters want to see pertinent information about your career and not fluff or items that are 10 years or older. There is no reason to sound like a thesaurus when writing a resume, as this will just bore recruiters and turn them off almost instantly. If you wouldn’t say the word in everyday conversation, then refrain from putting it on your resume. There are two lists in this post; 10 of the best words to use on a resume and 10 of the worst words to use on a resume.

10 Best Words to Use on a Resume

The 10 best words to use on a resume include the following:

• Achieved
• Created
• Improved
• Increased/Decreased
• Influenced
• Launched
• Managed
• Negotiated
• Trained/Mentored
• Under Budget

10 Worst Words to Use on a Resume

• Best of Breed
• Detail-oriented
• Go-getter
• Go-to Person
• Hard Worker
• Results Driven
• Strategic Thinker
• Synergy
• Team Player
• Think Outside of the Box

As you sit down to write a new resume, make sure you use the 10 best words listed in this post and refrain from using the 10 worst words listed in this post. It will help you get noticed positively by recruiters and move your resume to the top of the list.