CVs leave employers depressed not impressed

Be warned! What may seem like a tried and tested explanation of your skills could actually be letting you down. According to TheLadders.co.uk, the UKís leading senior search and selection site, interviewers believe that many words and phrases used regularly on CVs are lazy and unimpressive.

TheLadders.co.uk asked a panel of experts from the world of business to explain what they think many of the words used on CVs communicate. The expertsí feedback includes a list of the top ten written turn-offs including:

Words like ëadventurousí and ëseeks a challengeí were also given a thumbs down, suggesting candidates got bored easily and wanted to move on.

Sarah Drew, General Manager of TheLadders.co.uk says: ìItís incredible how one word can communicate the wrong notion on your CV. A CV is a window to who you are and should be used as a tool to communicate what you want your potential employer to know, i.e. what an asset you would be. So spend some time getting the words right as using the wrong vocabulary can give them the wrong impression before theyíve even met you!î

TheLadders.co.uk offers a full CV critiquing service, so they see these blunders all the time. Sarah Drew says: ìEmpty words on your CV are seen as vague claims that disguise faults, what you should be doing is showcasing your achievements. Getting rid of well-known terms that employers see straight through will immediately put you ahead of the competition.î