Most Overused Words to Avoid Putting on Your Resume

One of the best ways to stand out from the (literally!) thousands of resumes you're competing with is by using bold, action-packed words.

Building a quality resume has become somewhat of an art form. Listing your past experience is just the start. You also need to list quantifiable results, hard skills that show you’re qualified and soft skills that prove you’re a decent enough employee. Oh, and you need to make sure that all of these match an algorithm that your resume will go through before it even lands in front of a recruiter.

One of the best ways to stand out from the (literally!) thousands of resumes you’re competing with is by using bold, action-packed words that are unique distinctive. (“Unique” doesn’t land on this list but is particularly un-unique for those thinking of using it.)

QRFY, a QR code generator, created a list of the 50 most-used resume words using six months of resumes found in Indeed’s Resume Search. These are the five most common ones that you may want to replace on your resume if you want to differentiate yourself from your peers.

5. Leader

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No. of resumes using the word: 2,330,139

We get it. Most management jobs require you to be a good leader. But instead of listing “leader” on your resume, try something like “team leadership skills” and add a specific example that highlights the skillset.

Maybe you could write, “led a team of six to generate $2 million in revenue in six months.” Something like that not only shows that you’re a leader, but you’re a leader that inspires your peers to drive results.

* Data comes from QRFY’s February 2024 report of the 50 most-used resume words using six months of resumes found in Indeed’s Resume Search.

4. Trained

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No. of resumes using the word: 2,952,148

This one is about as unique as unique. We hope that you’ve received at least some sort of training in the position you’re hoping to get.

There are so many better words to use here. For example, a lot of employers like to see people who are interested in “mentoring.” If you’re the one being mentored, it shows an interest in advancing your skillset and being dedicated to the company. If you’re the one doing the mentoring, it shows that you’re collaborative and someone who leads with compassion.

3. Social

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No. of resumes using the word: 3,491,557

This isn’t high school. Employers don’t care how good you are at planning ice cream events (unless, of course, you’re an event planner).

What they want to see is that you’re collaborative and can work well with others. “Collaboration,” “teamwork” and even “emotional intelligence” are words that exemplify this behavior better.

2. Organized

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No. of resumes using the word: 3,864,497

Here’s another skillset that you essentially have to list — after all, no employer’s going to hire someone who’s admittedly unorganized.

But it’s another word that doesn’t really say anything. Instead, something like “excellent time management skills” or “deadline-driven” or even “project management expertise” are all skills that highlight being organized in a more specific way. Take it to the next step by actually describing a project you successfully managed and delivered on time.

1. Responsible

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No. of resumes using the word: 5,146,386

Here’s yet another word that’s fluff at best. If an employee ever admits to being irresponsible, that’s a pretty big red flag. Instead of saying you’re responsible, show how you’re responsible.

Did you lead your team to meet a specific revenue goal? Did you create a new mentoring program that helps with staff retention? Did you do something else that required “strategic” or “critical” thinking? Then, say that instead.

For more resume-writing advice, check out “Commonly Misused Words That Make You Sound Unprofessional.”