Job seekers across the UK may be inadvertently sabotaging their applications by relying on tired, overused phrases, according to a new study. Research has pinpointed the most cliché terms that appear on countless CVs, making it difficult for candidates to distinguish themselves in a competitive market.
The Most Overused CV Buzzwords
The term "skilled" has been identified as the most overused word on CVs, according to an analysis by QR Code Generator. It leads a ranking of generic descriptors that recruiters see repeatedly. Close behind are words like "organised", "responsible", "trained", and "motivated".
Marc Porcar, chief executive of QR Code Generator, emphasised the problem. "For those looking to advance their careers, improve work-life balance, or explore new roles, the language you choose on your CV is essential in catching an employer's attention," he said. "Using the same tired buzzwords as everyone else makes it challenging to truly stand out."
Common Spelling Errors That Undermine Your Application
The research also highlighted a separate but equally damaging issue: frequent spelling mistakes. Several commonly claimed traits are often misspelt, potentially creating a poor impression of a candidate's attention to detail.
The study found the most commonly misspelt words on CVs include:
- "confident" (often written as confidant)
- "independent" (frequently spelt as independant)
- "referred" (commonly written as refered)
- "preferred" (often spelt as prefered)
- "definitely" (frequently written as definitaly)
How to Craft a Standout CV
Porcar advises a shift in strategy for job applicants. "Instead, jobseekers should focus on providing concrete examples that illustrate their strengths, rather than simply listing traits like 'skilled' or 'responsible'," he explained. "By doing this, you demonstrate to potential employers that you can substantiate these qualities with real experiences, setting yourself apart from candidates who may rely on generic descriptors."
Career advice website Standout-cv.com provides several key recommendations for creating an effective CV that gets noticed:
Essential Information: Ensure your name and contact details are highly visible so recruiters can reach you without difficulty.
Layout and Readability: Use clear, bold headings and bullet points to separate each section. This allows a recruiter scanning a high volume of applications to grasp your profile quickly.
Font Choice: Opt for a basic, easily readable sans-serif or serif font. Unique or fancy fonts can be difficult to read and may appear unprofessional.
Colour Scheme: Avoid overwhelming colour. A couple of neutral, complementary shades can enhance visual appeal without being distracting.
Optimal Length: Aim to keep your CV between one and two pages. A three-page document is typically excessive unless you are applying for an academic role requiring extensive portfolio detail.
Chronological Order: List your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role first. Apply the same logic to your education, listing your highest qualification first.
In a crowded job market, avoiding clichés and presenting a clear, evidence-based account of your achievements could be the key to landing that crucial interview.
