Job hunting: These overused words on resumes could sabotage you
Overused Words on CVs Revealed
Recent research by CVMaker has identified the ten words that appear most often on UK job applications. The data comes from a comprehensive sweep of Updated CVs on Indeed’s Resume Search, covering all CVs refreshed in the past six months.
The Top Ten Most Frequent Words
- Skilled – 3,193,157 CVs
- Organised – 1,696,706 CVs
- Responsible – 1,632,929 CVs
- Trained – 1,630,002 CVs
- Motivated – 951,857 CVs
- Educated – 919,479 CVs
- Informed – 908,936 CVs
- Social – 832,582 CVs
- Adaptable – 822,503 CVs
- Confident – 723,613 CVs
“Skilled” dominates the list, appearing in almost three million updated CVs—nearly twice the frequency of “Organised.” Other common descriptors such as “Responsible,” “Trained,” and “Motivated” round out the top ten.
Why Generic Words Lose Impact
CEO Nicky Klaasse notes that while these terms reflect desirable traits, their ubiquity dilutes their persuasive power. “When employers see ‘Skilled’ everywhere, the word stops standing out,” Klaasse explains.
Tips to Make Your CV Memorable
- Show, don’t tell – Replace generic adjectives with concrete examples. Instead of “Organised,” describe a scenario where you demonstrated organisational proficiency.
- Personalise each CV – Tailor the introduction, key skills, and recent experience to align with the job description. Small tweaks help recruiters understand why you fit the role.
- Use specific language – Avoid broad phrases that anyone could use. Highlight unique skill sets and personality traits to capture attention.
- Target AI filters – Many recruiters rely on AI to sift through applications. Matching your CV’s language to the job posting improves the chances of passing these automated checks.
Starting with a strong base CV and then fine‑tuning it for each application is a simple strategy that ensures your résumé cuts through the crowd and lands you the ideal role.
