Resume alert! 3 useless phrases to delete

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(MoneyWatch) The resume, in some ways, is similar to the Internet. Long before the Web was around, resumes used key words to garner interest. And they still do. While we're all becoming increasingly aware of Search Engine Optimization (aka SEO) and how keywords affect Google searches (and therefore your Internet reach), carefully chosen words and phrases on resumes are as important as ever.

After all, you only have one page to grab someone's attention and hold it long enough for them to decide that you're worthy of a job interview. So you don't want to waste any precious real estate in your resume with worthless, or even hurtful, phrases. Here are three such phrases to delete immediately, along with far more effective ones to try instead.

"Completed all marketing duties for midsize PR firm."
Blanket statements and generic wording make your resume much more likely to end up in the recycling bin than in the "must call" pile. Delete "anything on your resume that can be written by the person who did the job before, with, or after you," says Brad Karsh, president of JobBound/JB Training Solutions. Instead, be specific about your accomplishments. "Infuse your resume with numbers, data, and records," suggests Karsh.

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"Responsible for..."
This commonly used phrase is boring and vague. "Replace 'responsible for' with action verbs, like 'hired,' 'supervised,' and 'delegated assignments to staff of seven,'" advises Susan Whitcomb, author of "Resume Magic." Ask yourself, "What did I do?" Then answer that question on your resume.

"References available upon request."
Both Karsh and Whitcomb say to nix this line. Why? It's assumed you have references. It's also understood that you will complete any other required steps of the job interview process, whether completing a sample project, taking a typing test, or undergoing a background check. Save this valuable space for strong, descriptive examples of your experience. If you have space and want to encourage potential employers to look further into your work, direct them to an online portfolio or your LinkedIn page.

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[Stephen Isienyi]

There is something I find distrustful about the "References available upon request." phrase in a resume - similar to a used car salesman's pathetic attempt at diversion.

[Boun Mii]

People should have several versions of their resume, depending on the position applied for and, ideally, research the company and tweak each resume accordingly. All depends if you're sending out hundreds...

I have received over 300 resumes in the past 10 days and find that I just skim over the cover letter and resume looking for relevancy, and reject quickly. Needs to concise, specific and relevant.

[jhochste]

I have heard the advice to drop "References Available Upon Request" before. I like to include it. Although a "given" in the job search, the phrase takes a single line. I think it signals the reader that this is the end, there is no more, without suddenly running into white space. I'd appreciate hearing pro and con, and I'd especially appreciate suggestions for other ways of gently bringing the reader to a stop at the end of the resume. Thanks.

[SpeakPeace]

I agree as well. "References Available Upon Request" saves ones' references from being bothered unnecessarily. I won't remove that just because some alleged bigwigs say to. I find it very proper.

[[e-mail]]

And please avoid any general or generic references to strategy. "...Strategic thinker" "...Strategic planning skills"

Being a "strategic thinker" is like being a good driver or having a good sense of humor. Everyone thinks they're above average.

If you were sponsored on the NASCAR circuit or get paid to do stand-up, then reference driving or sense of humor. Otherwise, don't.

If you developed the turnaround plan for Coca Cola Bottling, or you were an MD in the McKinsey Strategy Practice, then reference yourself as a strategist. Otherwise don't.

The reviewers will read such an assertion as a cliche, much as they'd read "People person." While it may be true, your just saying so (in a general way) won't convince them...and it's apt to come across as cheesy.

[Too Old For IT100]

I cut out a lot of old fluff, and used it as white space. Then I bumped the whole thing up a couple font sizes. Much easier to read.

[Filmguy870]

I suggest listing references, which puts the applicant a step ahead of everyone who doesn't. I mean, if they prospective employer is going to have to call the applicant for references, that is an extra step that can be obviated by listing them in the first place!

[cmstover]

When you submit your resume through recruiting/staffing companies, they'll often just use your references as sales leads. I would advise against providing them on the front end, it's not that big of a deal to send the employer a follow up note with the contact information. You should have your reference sheet ready with all their contact information updated and they should know in advance that you are using them as a reference.