Thousands of CVs Later: The Cringe Phrases That Make Me Hit Delete (Plus the One Mistake Everyone Makes)

By HOAR Team 5 June, 2025 6 mins read 132 Views

God, where do I even start with this.

I've been staring at CVs for 25 years now – literally thousands of them – and I swear some days I want to throw my laptop out the window. The same tired phrases, the same generic nonsense, the same fundamental misunderstanding of what actually gets you hired.

My name's James Flemming, I run a recruitment firm called Brave, and honestly? Most CVs land in my bin within about 6 seconds. That's not me being harsh – that's just reality when you're drowning in applications that all sound like they were written by the same robot.

But here's teh thing that really gets me: the biggest mistake isn't what people include. It's what they leave out.

Listen to the Summary

Stop Telling Me You're "Hard-Working" – Show Me Instead

Listen. If I had a pound for every time someone described themselves as "hard-working," "committed," or "diligent," I could retire tomorrow. These words mean absolutely nothing to me anymore. They're like saying "I have two eyes and breathe oxygen."

You know what actually caught my attention last week? Someone wrote: "Managed 50 client cases simultaneously while maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate." Boom. That's impact. That's proof.

Same goes for "team player" – another phrase that makes my soul die a little. Instead, try something like: "Collaborated with marketing and product teams to launch our new service two weeks ahead of schedule." See the difference?

And please, for the love of all that's holy, stop calling yourself a "go-getter" or "self-starter" unless you can back it up. One candidate told me they "implemented a new client onboarding process that reduced time-to-productivity by 30%." Now THAT'S a self-starter.

The Passive Voice Problem (It's Killing Your Chances)

Here's something that drives me absolutely mental: phrases like "responsible for" or "duties included." These make you sound like a passive observer of your own career.

Instead of "responsible for managing social media accounts," write "Grew Instagram following from 2K to 15K in eight months." Action verbs are your friend: led, delivered, designed, streamlined, transformed.

Poor Sarah from last month wrote "detail-oriented" in her skills section. I mean... okay? Prove it to me. "Reviewed 100+ invoices weekly with zero errors over 18 months" – now we're talking.

Your CV Should Fit on One Page (Yes, Really)

I don't care if you've worked since 1987. One page. A4. That's it.

Pack it with the essentials – your contact details (obviously), a brief summary if you must, your work history focused on achievements not duties, and your education. Everything else? Bin it.

And for crying out loud, stop telling me you can use Microsoft Word. It's 2024. I assume you can operate basic software without setting your computer on fire.

Numbers are your secret weapon here. "Increased sales by 40%" hits different than "improved sales performance." Trust me on this.

The Cover Letter Everyone Forgets About

Your CV gets you noticed. Your cover letter gets you the interview.

I had a candidate last year who spent genuine time researching our company culture, mentioned our recent expansion into Europe, and explained exactly how their experience with international markets would help us. Guess who got the job?

Don't just repeat your CV in paragraph form – that's lazy. Tell me why you want THIS job at THIS company. Show me you've done your homework. Make me believe you actually care about working here, not just getting any job that pays the bills.

Find a name if you can. "Dear Hiring Manager" screams mass application. "Dear James" tells me you took five minutes to look me up on LinkedIn.

What Actually Works (From Someone Who's Seen It All)

The CVs that make me sit up and pay attention? They tell stories with numbers. They show progression. They demonstrate impact.

Instead of listing your job description, show me what changed because you were there. Did revenue increase? Did processes improve? Did customer complaints drop? That's what I want to see.

And please – PLEASE – proofread your application. I once received a cover letter addressed to a completely different company. His response when I pointed it out: "already updating my resume." At least he had a sense of humor about it.

Look, landing your dream job isn't rocket science, but it does require effort. Ditch the buzzwords, focus on your achievements, adn show me why you're worth my time.

Because right now? Most of you aren't.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

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What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

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What is the role of central banks in the economy?

Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.

What is a budget deficit?

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Statistics

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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How To

How To File Your Taxes Accurately

Filing your taxes accurately is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductible expenses. Choose the appropriate filing method, whether using tax software, hiring a tax professional, or filing manually. Familiarize yourself with the tax deductions and credits available to maximize your refund or minimize your liability. Double-check your calculations and ensure all information is accurate before submission. If you are unsure about specific items, consider consulting IRS guidelines or a tax professional for clarification. Lastly, keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for future reference.