Words to Avoid on a Resume (and What to Say)

Updated 2026-07-09 · Applio

Avoid vague buzzwords ("hardworking," "team player"), tired cliches ("go-getter," "think outside the box"), and passive filler ("responsible for," "duties included"). Replace them with specific, measurable accomplishments and strong action verbs.

Why do certain words hurt your resume?

Overused words are a problem because they tell without showing. Everyone claims to be "hardworking" and a "team player," so these terms add length without adding evidence. Recruiters have seen them thousands of times and mentally skip past them.

Vague and passive phrasing also buries your real accomplishments. The fix is almost always the same: replace the adjective with a concrete example that lets the reader draw the conclusion themselves.

Which buzzwords and cliches should you cut?

These are among the most overused terms on resumes. Cut them or replace them with proof:

Empty self-descriptors: hardworking, motivated, passionate, dynamic, detail-oriented, results-driven, self-starter.
Cliches: team player, go-getter, think outside the box, hit the ground running, wear many hats, synergy.
Vague value claims: best of breed, world-class, expert, guru, ninja, rockstar.

If a phrase could appear on almost anyone's resume, it is not helping yours stand out.

Which weak phrases should you replace?

Passive and generic phrasing makes accomplishments read like a job posting. Swap them for stronger constructions:

"Responsible for" becomes Managed, Led, or Owned, followed by a result.
"Duties included" becomes a direct action verb and outcome.
"Helped" or "assisted with" becomes Supported, Enabled, or a specific contribution.
"Various" or "stuff/things" becomes the actual specifics.
"Successfully" is usually redundant; the accomplishment already implies success.

How do you replace weak words with strong evidence?

The most convincing replacement for any buzzword is a quantified result. Instead of "results-driven marketer," write "Grew organic traffic 40% in six months." Instead of "excellent communicator," write "Presented quarterly findings to a leadership team of 12."

When you cannot attach a number, use a specific detail: the scope, the tool, the audience, or the outcome. Specificity is what separates a memorable resume from a generic one.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad to say I am a 'team player' on my resume?

The phrase itself is weak because it is so common and unprovable. Instead, describe a specific collaboration and its outcome, which demonstrates the same quality far more convincingly.

Should I remove all adjectives from my resume?

No, but replace empty self-descriptors with evidence. Adjectives that describe measurable facts are fine; it is the unprovable ones like 'passionate' and 'dynamic' that add little value.

Do buzzwords affect ATS ranking?

Buzzwords rarely match the specific skills an ATS searches for, so they take up space without improving your keyword relevance. Focus that space on the exact hard skills from the job description.