The CV clichés to avoid at all costs

So far in our series on writing a perfect CV, we’ve discussed everything you need to include in a successful application, from a strong personal statement to incorporating action verbs to skills. 

But there are also things to need to remove before applying for a job. By including too many clichés, you run the risk of diluting or downplaying the unique skills and experience you have to offer. 

Of course, certain phrases will naturally spring to mind when trying to sell yourself, particularly if you’re including keywords from the job description (which you should be doing). However, if you want to create a winning CV – one which makes the shortlist of interviewees – you need to provide evidence of your achievements. 

Seven common CV clichés – and how to replace them 

Here are some of the most commonly overused phrases we see in applications, and how to avoid them in your application: 

“Works well independently” 

Why? It’s very common to see “can work well independently” on a CV. But will this really set you apart? Any strong candidate will be expected to be able to do this, so it doesn’t really add any value to your application. 

How to replace: Instead, if working independently is a genuine strength of yours and is of prime importance to the job you are applying for, then give an example of a time you showcased this strength and the results. For instance, rather than simply stating, “I work well independently”, try “I independently designed and implemented a new strategy that increased customer engagement by X percent”. 

“A great team player” 

Why? Team spiritedness is an important trait to have, but when every candidate claims to be “a great team player”, this CV cliché can become a little meaningless. 

How to replace: Stand out from the competition by providing evidence that you’re a great team player who can work well with colleagues to reach a common goal. For instance, “I worked with our international and local marketing teams to implement a global rebrand across 12 countries.” 

“Results driven” 

Why? Don’t be mistaken – one of the most important points to include on your CV is the impact you have made to your current employer. Regardless of your role or function, you’re there to deliver results. That’s why you need to show your contribution to your team’s success through data. 

How to replace: Ensure that you give quantifiable evidence of your results, such as “I increased sales by 25 percent”. Including this information will demonstrate that you focus on and track the results of your work, which in itself implies that you are results driven. 

“A hard worker” 

Why? It goes without saying that organisations only want to recruit dedicated professionals. Furthermore, although a strong work ethic is important, a hard worker isn’t necessarily a productive one. When reading your CV, the hiring manager or recruiter will be looking for signs that you can effectively and productively manage your time. 

How to replace: Emphasise your productivity and time management skills, providing an example of these in action. For example, mention a deliverable you actioned in a short time frame, or how many of your projects were completed to the deadline. 

“Good communication skills” 

Why? Not only is this phrase overused, but it’s also vague and demands context. Different roles will require communication skills to be applied in various ways – how do yours suit this job in particular? 

How to replace: Be more specific by giving examples of situations in which your communication skills have really shone (for instance, a presentation or sales pitch which won a new client). Don’t forget to include the stakeholders involved, such as C-Suite members, or teams in other departments or even organisations. 

“A fast learner” 

Why? It’s certainly tempting to include this on your CV, especially if you’re lacking some skills and want to emphasise that you could upskill quickly if offered the role. However, if you want to really demonstrate your aptitude, you need to put your money where your mouth is. 

How to replace: Describe a time you grasped a new concept quickly, for instance when starting a new role or teaching yourself a new skill to prove that you would learn quickly on the job. 

“Strong attention to detail” 

Why? Attention to detail is important in most roles, but its best evidenced by your actions. 

How to replace: The first impression the reader will get of you will be upon reading your CV. So, if you really do have a strong attention to detail, the best way to prove it is by making sure your application is exemplary: no grammatical errors, correctly formatted and with correct information. 

Final thoughts on CV clichés 

Don’t run the risk of a recruiter or hiring manager being put off by your CV simply because of the language you’ve used. Replace any overused clichés with real life examples of your skills in action to create a more impressive CV and heighten your chances of getting through to the interview round. 

After you’ve changed any of these phrases in your CV, the next step is to check for errors. Head to our blog on creating an error-free CV.

Alternatively, click here for our step-by-step series.