Stand Out With Straightforward Language and Proof of Your Skills
When crafting a cover letter, many job seekers fall into the trap of relying on tired clichés and vague statements. While these might seem like safe bets, they can actually diminish your chances of standing out in a crowded applicant pool. Below, we’ll explore common phrases to avoid and suggest more impactful approaches, drawing on practical advice and examples.
Why Avoid Common Cover Letter Clichés?
Employers sift through countless cover letters, many of which sound nearly identical. Phrases like “I think outside the box,” “I go the extra mile,” or “I’m an independent self-starter” are so overused that they risk wasting precious space and making you blend in with all the other candidates.
It astounds me how many job seekers begin their Professional Summary by stating something like “Highly skilled and motivated self-starter with a demonstrated history of working in [x field].” In addition to sounding incredibly generic, it makes three unverified claims: the person is “highly skilled,” “motivated,” and “a self-starter.” As the reader, I don’t want claims; I want proof. “Any of these cover letter clichés, and others like them, risk wasting space and making you sound like all the other candidates out there,” notes Amy Bergen, a career columnist at Idealist. Instead of making claims, lean on statements that stand on their own, that you can back up repeatedly with relevant evidence throughout your resume.
Present Your Evidence
Back up your arguments with hard data. Some examples of evidence that stand on their own include:
Years of experience
Industries you’ve worked in
Companies you’ve worked for
Types of projects you’ve worked on
Measurable impact you’ve had on things like:
Revenue and sales
Process Impro
Manual work reduction
Company growth
Customer satisfaction
Uptime/downtime
Employee satisfaction
Conversion rate
Cost reduction
Phrases to Skip—and What to Write Instead
“I’m highly organized.”
Don’t just tell employers you’re organized—show them. Instead of using this phrase, briefly describe a system you implemented or a process you streamlined, quantifying your impact when possible. According to Andrei Kurtuy, Co-Founder and Career Expert at Novo Resume, “Strong, case-specific language will make your resume stand out and clearly communicate your value to potential employers.”
“I have excellent communication skills.”
This phrase is so general that it doesn’t tell the reader anything memorable. Rather than stating this, provide a concrete example: did you lead team meetings, deliver presentations, or launch a new product? Share those details. Additionally, use the Editor in Microsoft Word or a tool like Grammarly to identify misspelled words and grammatical errors. It’s no use claiming you have “excellent communication skills” if your copy says otherwise. After correcting any errors, read through the document and consider asking a friend to read through it. Sometimes you may spell a word correctly but realize you used a similar but altogether wrong word that the checker missed because it was a correctly spelled word, just the wrong one. Reading through the document a few times or getting a second set of eyes on it reduces the possibility that errors create confusion for the reader or create an impression that your communication skills need improvement.
“I thrive in a fast-paced environment.”
While adaptability is essential, this phrase is generic. Instead, cite a specific project or achievement that required you to adapt quickly, emphasizing measurable outcomes.
For example:
“Streamlined project workflows by prioritizing deliverables based on urgency and business impact, reducing project completion times by 20%.”
“I’m a quick learner.”
Employers want evidence, not empty claims. Illustrate your ability to learn fast by mentioning how you mastered a new software or process in record time and the results it produced.
For example:
“Mastered the company’s proprietary data tracking system within one week, leading to department-wide adoption of a new training method, leading to a 20% increase in team productivity.”
Use Numbers and Metrics
Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Saying “Supervised the marketing team” describes a job duty. “Supervised a four-person marketing team, comprised of a copywriter, editor, photographer, and designer,” illustrates the scope of your supervisory responsibilities. With a few extra details, you’ve provided a more concrete example of your leadership acumen. Those extra details may help you stand out from your competition.
Make Yourself Memorable
The ultimate goal is to ensure the reader remembers you. When a hiring manager has hundreds of resumes to review, things start to blend together. Tell your story by including examples of your unique achievements. When you say something different, your materials stand out.
Final Thoughts
While it may be tempting to fall back on familiar phrases, doing so can hurt your chances of making a lasting impression. Replace clichés with specific examples and quantifiable results. By doing so, you’ll not only avoid sounding like everyone else—you’ll give employers a clear reason to remember and consider you.
Many job seekers make the same mistake: they send a single “master resume” to every job posting and wonder why they don’t get a response. In a job market where competition is fierce and attention spans are short, a generic resume is the quickest way to get overlooked.
If you want to stand out, you have to show employers exactly why you are the right fit for their role—and that starts with customizing your resume.
Here are seven reasons why tailoring your resume for each target job is one of the smartest moves you can make in your job search.
1. Your Relevant Experience Immediately Stands Out
Recruiters skim resumes in seconds. In fact, the average first review lasts 7.4 seconds, according to an eye-tracking study conducted by the Ladders in 2018. A targeted resume highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements—making it clear that you’re not just qualified but strategically aligned with the job at hand.
2. Applicant Tracking Systems Will Rank You Higher
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications before a human ever sees them. A resume that mirrors the language of the job description—with the right keywords and phrases—has a much better chance of making it past that first hurdle. Begin by studying the job description to identify the key skills an employer is looking for. Then, rewrite your resume to incorporate the exact skills and keywords mentioned. When possible, incorporate the keywords multiple times. This approach will increase your odds of being ranked higher by ATS, and (hopefully) being read by a real human being.
3. It Highlights Your Impact
Past performance is a good indicator of future results. Customizing your resume allows you to spotlight achievements that align with the company’s goals—whether that’s driving revenue, leading teams, managing client relationships, or improving operational efficiency. When a recruiter sees the impact you’ve had in previous positions, it’s easier to imagine what you can do for their company.
4. It Shows You’ve Read the Job Description and Meant to Apply for a Specific Opportunity.
Employers can instantly tell when a resume was crafted specifically for them. According to Jobvite’s 2022 Job Seeker Nation report, 83% of surveyed recruiters say they’re more likely to hire a candidate who has tailored their resume to the specific job they’re applying for.
Customizing your resume communicates initiative, professionalism, and genuine interest—it signals that you’ve done your research and you understand what the organization needs.
5. It Tells a Great Story. (Your Great Story.)
A customized resume connects your past experiences to the employer’s current challenges. It transforms your work history into a focused narrative that clearly explains why you’re the natural next hire. For some ideas on how to create a “storytelling” resume, check out this article from Employment Enterprises, Inc., and this video from Career Care Package.
6. It Sets You Apart from the Competition
The vast majority of applicants recycle the same document for every role – 90%, according to “Shocking Resume Statistics” collected by Cardinal Staffing. When you take the time to tailor yours, you immediately stand out as a thoughtful, detail-oriented professional who takes their career—and the employer’s needs—seriously.
7. It Prepares You to Totally Rock Your Interview
The process of customizing your resume helps you clarify what’s most relevant to the position. That focus carries over into your interviews, preparing you to deliver more confident answers that are directly tied to the employer’s priorities.
The Bottom Line
A customized resume isn’t just a tactical tweak—it’s a strategic advantage. It’s about telling the right story to the right audience at the right moment. When you tailor your resume, you move from applyingfor a job to positioning yourself as the ideal candidate.
Need assistance with creating a targeted resume? Work with me! Schedule your intake meeting using Calendly.
Crafting the perfect resume is challenging, even for experienced professionals. Minor errors or outdated information might determine whether you land an interview. Luckily, you don’t need a major overhaul to get your resume in top shape. Here are some quick fixes for common resume mistakes that can help you make a strong impression on potential employers.
Eliminate Typos and Grammatical Errors
Checking Spelling and Grammar in Microsoft Word
Spelling mistakes and poor grammar can dilute the impact of your message. Run a spell check, but don’t rely on it alone. Read through your resume carefully or ask a friend to review it for you. Fresh eyes can often catch mistakes you might have missed.
If you use Microsoft Word, you can use the built-in Editor to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Be sure that spell-check is checking your headings. Microsoft Word’s default setting is to skip words in ALL CAPITALS. To change this setting, go to: Word>Preferences>Spelling & Grammar and uncheck the option “Ignore words in UPPERCASE.” Changing this setting will help you prevent spelling errors in your headings if you use ALL CAPITALS.
Grammarly
Another great tool is Grammarly. I have been using it for years, and it helps me catch spelling and grammar mistakes, awkward wording, and errors in syntax, verb tense, and punctuation. It can also check your document for potential plagiarism and AI-text patterns. If you have a premium account, it can help you detect the tone of your writing and suggest changes that convey your meaning better. There are new AI features that will help you write and rewrite sentences, use more inclusive language, and adjust your writing for different audiences.
Use a Clean, Consistent Format
A cluttered or inconsistent format can make your resume difficult to read. Stick to a simple, professional font (like Arial, Calibri, Times, Georgia, or Palatino), use clear section headings, and keep your margins uniform. Avoid using too many different text sizes or colors. Consistency helps recruiters find the information they need quickly. I recommend using Headings between 16-24 points, regular text between 10-11 points (I use 10.5 most often), and a 9-point font for skills lists. (The recommended font sizes will vary from font to font.) I keep color choices minimal. For example, one color for Heading text, a complementary color for spot shading the headings and lines, and black for regular text.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Sending out the same generic resume for every application is a common mistake. Having a “one size fits all” resume has always been a bad idea. This is even truer today, because Applicant Tracking Systems – software that scans your resume to determine your potential match to the position’s requirements – is likely the first “reader” of your resume. These platforms essentially work the same way search engines do. They scan the content for keyword match (the exact words mentioned in both the resume and the job description), keyword density (the number of relevant words in the resume compared to the job description), and reputational factors (for example: Do you have an applicable degree or certification? Have you received honors or awards? Did you attend a top college or university, or work for a top employer in your field?)
Customize your skills, experience, and summary statement to align with each specific job description. Highlight the qualifications that match the employer’s needs to increase your chances of getting noticed.
Use the exact title of the job you are applying for as a “headline.”
Consider using a branding statement – a brief sentence or sentence fragment highlighting your top skills.
Write a summary that tells the reader who you are professionally, what relevant knowledge and skills you possess, and your impact – what you have achieved in your past roles, or what you will do for the company if hired. These are the same components included in a good elevator speech, or in a well-planned and well-structured answer to the common interview question “Tell me about yourself.”
Include a section highlighting your top skills and expertise. Scan the job posting to identify essential skills and include those you possess, using the exact wording for the skills or experiences mentioned in the job description.
You can use online tools like SkillSyncer and Jobscan to analyze your resume and identify missing keywords in comparison to the target job. I used Jobscan for several years, but have found that SkillSyncer is a more affordable option and includes the features I need most. It will take you a while to learn how to use these tools effectively, but having more targeted wording will likely pay off in an increase in responses you get to your applications.
Quantify What You Can, Qualify What You Can’t
Vague statements like “supervised the marketing team” or “responsible for sales” don’t tell employers much.Whenever possible, use numbers to explain your scope of responsibility and the impact of your work. For example, saying “Supervised a six-person marketing team, including a photographer, videographer, advertising coordinator, two copywriters, and an editor” gives a clearer picture of your scope of responsibility. Saying “Increased sales by 25% in six months” is compelling because it shows how you improved sales and how quickly you had an impact on the sales operation. Quantifying your results gives concrete evidence of your contributions.
If you don’t have precise numbers related to some of your achievements, qualify them –basically, describe the general nature of the achievement. For example: “Recognized by CEO for creating a new process for tracking orders,” or “Onboarded all new employees at the plant,” or “Managed the company’s relationship with ServiceNow and acted as the go-to expert and troubleshooter for the system.”
Remove Irrelevant or Outdated Information
Focus on the past 10-15 years and the experiences that relate directly to the job you’re seeking. Don’t clutter up your resume by including every job you’ve ever had or skills that are no longer relevant. If your older positions are directly applicable to the target job, consider listing the basic details (title, company, dates) for relevant positions under an “Additional Relevant Experience” section. This section gives the reader context about what you have to offer, without taking up “real estate” where you could include more recent and relevant experience and skills. Remove outdated certifications or skills that aren’t in demand anymore.
Add Action Words
Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “led,” or “designed.” Resumes filled with passive phrases can sound dull. Action words grab attention and highlight your proactive approach. The best places to identify the action words to include are the job description and the company website. Use the exact wording whenever possible, since many ATS don’t recognize different tenses or singular word forms versus plural word forms.
Include Up-to-Date Contact Information
Double-check to make sure your contact details are current and professional. It’s easy to overlook old phone numbers or email addresses, but the employer needs a current method for contacting you. Use a simple email address that includes your name, and consider adding your LinkedIn profile if it’s up to date.
Customize your LinkedIn URL so it’s easier to remember than the “name and numbers” default URL. See the screenshot for where you can edit the profile. The box pictured is at the upper right on your profile page. Don’t worry if someone has your old URL. It is your LinkedIn userID, and the old URL will still point to your profile.
Keep It Concise
While you want to showcase your skills and achievements, aim to keep your resume to one or two pages. While the ATS analyzes your documents instantaneously and machines don’t get bored, a human reader will make a swift decision about whether to keep reading. In an eye-tracking study, the Ladders found that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds scanning each resume on the first pass. Prioritize the most critical information. The top third of page one is your most valuable real estate. Make sure the content in that area is compelling and use formatting that makes scanning easier.
In the study, recruiters spent the most time identifying job titles. Use bold text for them. Other important information they noted in the first review included your education, current job, previous job, and your skills. Make sure this information stands out. Have clear headings for your education, experience, and skills. Put your degrees in bold. Arrange information in its order of importance. If your content and formatting help the reader quickly identify your top skills and experience, it may increase the odds that your materials get a second, longer look.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is the first opportunity to make a good impression on the employer. A tightly worded, targeted, and easy-to-read document can help you shine. These quick fixes should increase your chances of catching a recruiter’s eye and landing that all-important interview. Good luck!
Sean Cook is a Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) and Certified Career Coach, offering Personalized Career Solutions for Everyday People— especially mid-to-late career professionals who are ready to compete (and win) in today’s tech-driven job market. Whether you’re navigating a career change, returning to the job market, or just need a fresh perspective, Sean offers strategic support that’s practical, honest, and tailored to your needs.
Choosing the right words can ensure your resume stands out in a crowded pool of applicants. While responsibilities show what you were tasked with, power words highlight the impact and results you achieved.
Here are seven resume power words that can boost your job search in any industry:
Spearheaded – Conveys initiative and leadership in starting or directing projects.
Implemented – Demonstrates your ability to effectively put plans into action.
Achieved – Highlights outcomes and accomplishments, not just duties.
Optimized – Signals efficiency and improvements in processes or systems.
Mentored – Underscores contributions to the growth and development of others.
Secured – Shows success in obtaining funding, partnerships, clients, or approvals.
Transformed – Illustrates how you created meaningful change or innovation.
How to Use Them:
Integrate these words naturally into bullet points and always back them up with measurable results (e.g., “Spearheaded a customer service initiative that reduced response times by 30%”).
Whether you’re fresh out of college, pivoting to a new industry, or simply craving more purpose in your professional life, building a career plan that actually works isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about creating a roadmap that’s flexible, actionable, and deeply aligned with who you are.
Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Begin with Self-Discovery
Before pursuing job titles or salary ranges, take the time to ask yourself the following questions:
What are my strengths and passions?
What type of work energizes me?
What values do I want my career to reflect?
Use tools like personality assessments (e.g., MBTI, CliftonStrengths), journaling, or even feedback from mentors to clarify your core drivers. A career plan built on self-awareness is far more sustainable than one built on trends or pressure (from family, friends, or society.)
Step 2: Define Your Destination (But Stay Open)
Establish a clear long-term vision for your career. For example:
“I want to become a marketing director at a mission-driven company.
“I want to run my own design studio.”
“I want to work in tech with a focus on user experience.”
Next, break this vision down into specific goals:
– Short-term goals (1–2 years)
– Mid-term goals (3–5 years)
– Long-term aspirations (5+ years)
However, be prepared for changes along the way. Your interests and the job market will evolve, so your plan should be adaptable too.
Step 3: Build the Skill Bridge
Once you have a clear destination in mind, the next step is to identify the skills necessary to reach your goal. Consider the following questions:
What qualifications or certifications are required?
What soft skills (such as leadership, communication, and adaptability) are essential?
What technical or industry-specific skills will give me a competitive advantage?
Next, create a learning plan that may include online courses, mentorship, side projects, or stretch assignments at work. Approach skill-building as an ongoing investment rather than a one-time effort.
Step 4: Network With Intention
Your career plan involves more than just your knowledge—it’s also about the relationships you build. Establish connections that foster your growth:
Attend industry events and webinars.
Join professional communities or LinkedIn groups.
Reach out to individuals whose careers you admire and request informational interviews.
Networking is not simply about gathering contacts; it’s about cultivating genuine connections that can open doors, provide insights, and challenge your thinking.
Step 5: Track Progress and Pivot Often
Schedule quarterly check-ins with yourself. During these check-ins, ask yourself the following questions:
Am I making progress toward my goals?
What is working well, and what is not?
Do I need to adjust my timeline or direction?
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and don’t hesitate to make changes when needed. A successful career plan should evolve with you rather than confine you.
Final Thought: Make It Yours
The best career plan is one that reflects your unique blend of ambition, curiosity, and values. Don’t follow someone else’s path—blaze your own. Clarity comes from action. The more you experiment, learn, and reflect, the sharper your vision becomes.
Ready to build a career plan that works for you? Start today. Your future self will thank you.
This September marks the seventh annual International Update Your Resume Month, officially proclaimed by Career Directors International (CDI). During the entire month, CDI members will dedicate their efforts to boosting industry awareness and encouraging the public to update their own resumes.
Since most careers require a resume to gain employment, it’s critical that job seekers take a proactive approach to be ready for any opportunities that arise. Too often, people try to write a resume at the last minute, which is the worst time to prepare a document that needs to be perfect. A well-crafted resume takes time and research, and Update Your Resume Month is a perfect reminder to be prepared for new opportunities.
To encourage job seekers to update their documents, I am offering a $50 discount on all resume writing services. If you are a previous client, you can refer a friend or family member to me, and if they purchase my services, I will give you a referral credit equal to 10% of the new client’s purchase.
If you have questions about my Writing Services, check them out using the “Writing Services” tab at seancook.net or email sean@seancook.net.
