How to ruin your CV

There are countless websites all vying to help you hone your CV. The result? Everyone accessing the same information, and as a result reproducing variations of the same CV.

Read on to find out which stock phrases are being exhausted, so that you can avoid submitting another automated application.

"Salary Negotiable"
This trigger phrase will be seen by employees as a given that does not need underlining. At worst, it will suggest that money is the key factor when you consider a job, as it has been assigned valuable space in your CV.

"References available by request"
Either list your references, or wait until they are called upon. If you have not provided any in your CV, the employer will not need reminding to ask for them. Of course, it reflects better on you if references are submitted with your CV: this shows that you are keen for prospective employers to find out more about your work ethic.

"Responsible for _____"
This triggers the image of a disinterested employee fulfilling the tasks that have been set out for them; no more, no less. It is more effective to opt for a stronger verb, such as “managed” or “directed”.

"Problem-solver"
This is an irritating term to include in your CV as we are all problem solvers; everybody everyday is preoccupied with problems that need solving. It is better to save this for the interview, when you can give specific examples of overcoming challenges in the workplace.

"Hard-working"
This is wasted space on your CV when you could be using more niche buzzwords that will interest a future employer. Again, it is more useful to prove your worth with particular examples in an interview.

"Skilful"
This is far too vague; it could refer to anything from the job you are applying for to the circus skills course you took when you were eleven

"Detail-oriented"
This is a simple ability that will do little to distinguish you from the other candidates. Moreover, it renders your application comical if any typos slip into your cover letter or CV elsewhere.

"Team player"
While it is important to be able to work with others, this will be proven when you join a workforce. It would be better to indirectly incorporate this ability into descriptions of your relevant experience.

"Successful"
The desire to convey this to a prospective employer is understandable, but it is difficult to measure success. If your talents have been recognised by previous employers, use more official terms such as “award-winning” or “top performer”.

"Objective"
Logically, your main objective is going to be to get the job you are applying for, which is self-evident from the fact that you have applied. It is more appropriate to replace your “career objective” with a “career summary”, which allows you to explain what you can offer to the company without the overtones of a motive.