Words you should remove from your resumé

Getting your resumé wording correct can feel like a real challenge. How do you write about what you did in your previous jobs, or your education, without sounding repetitive or vague? 

Some words can be powerful in a resumé, helping you connect with employers and showing that you understand their business. Others, however, are overused and don’t really describe your skills in a meaningful way. Choosing carefully will make your resumé stronger and more effective. 

Keep it short and efficient 

Thirayada Jantapon, HR Manager, advises that a resumé should be no more than three pages. Efficiency is key: list your previous company and job title, but avoid repeating the same responsibilities under every role. Instead, use the space to highlight different qualities and experiences. Keep descriptions short and avoid duplication. 

Varavudh Thamrongrat, Director of SoGood House, Post-Production, agrees, adding that three pages is the maximum. “Employers want to know who you are, where you studied, and where you’ve worked. Salary shouldn’t be written in the resumé, it can be discussed later in the process.” 

Words to avoid 

Both Thirayada and Varavudh stress the importance of humility. Avoid exaggeration or bragging — don’t be ขี้โม้ (kii-mo). Be soft in your approach and let your experience speak for itself. 

Buzzwords such as loyal, energetic, motivated, team player, or people person are often overused and rarely backed up with evidence. Employers want to see how you embody these traits, not just read the words. 

What to write instead 

Thirayada suggests using a good variety of keywords and agrees with Varavudh that the intention should be to show your experience, achievements, and portfolio. 

Rather than simply stating qualities, demonstrate them with facts. For example: 

• Show loyalty by noting how long you stayed at a company. 
• Prove client focus by giving examples of going above and beyond for clients. 
• Highlight teamwork by describing how you collaborated and what was achieved. 

Action verbs are especially effective. Words like developed, achieved, managed, and initiated capture attention and show results. For example: 

• “Developed a new training manual.” 
• “Achieved all sales targets.” 
• “Managed a team of three.” 
• “Initiated a health and safety program.” 

Replace buzzwords with keywords 

Thirayada points out that very few companies rely on automated systems to scan resumés. Instead, the focus is on human review. Varavudh prefers this face-to-face approach, explaining that employers look not only at qualifications and experience but also at the overall feeling of the candidate — something a machine cannot judge. 

To customise your resumé, refer back to the job ad and pick out specialist skills, action words, and important terms. Include them where relevant to your experience, backed by facts and figures that add far more value than sprinkling overused buzzwords. 

Resumés are about making a strong impression by presenting your skills and experience clearly and efficiently. Thirayada Jantapon reminds candidates to keep resumés concise, avoid repetition, and use action verbs with evidence. Varavudh Thamrongrat highlights the importance of showing education, experience, and achievements, while leaving salary discussions for later. 

Together, their advice shows that the best resumés are humble, efficient, and focused on demonstrating qualities through real examples. By cutting empty words and replacing them with evidence, you’ll create a resumé that stands out and truly reflects your capabilities.