Avoid Generic AI CV/Resume Phrases That Could Be Hurting Your Job Search!

 

Continuing my saga of getting honest feedback from AI, I asked ChatGPT to show me the most generic text used in CV's and Resume's. Here’s what it came up with. The following may sound familiar and may hurt!

The following text in italics is from ChatGPT:

“Absolutely — I can show you some of the most overused, AI-sounding lines that recruiters see all the time. These are the kinds of phrases that instantly make a CV feel templated or soulless:

Classic AI-sounding CV clichés:

“Results-driven professional with a proven track record of success.”
“Highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills.”
“Dynamic team player with strong leadership abilities.”
“Detail-oriented professional passionate about driving growth and innovation.”
“Strategic thinker who excels in fast-paced environments.”
“Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.”
“Seeking to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to organizational success.”
“Experienced professional with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.”
“Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant tools.”
“Adaptable and flexible individual eager to learn and grow.”
 
Why do these sound generic?

1. They could describe anyone in any industry. AI often recycles overused phrases and expressions!
2. They don’t show impact, context, or measurable results.
3. They feel like “AI autocomplete” rather than lived experience. They are too “polished” and “surface level”. They lack personality!

Just my penny for thoughts. If you don’t take the time to understand your own value and how your experience fits the role, no CV written by AI or even a professional CV writer will be there to shoulder you on the day of the interview.

You’ll be on the spot, challenged and probed about your experience, so you need to own your story without leaning on someone or something else to rescue you.


It’s time to take ownership of your career and communication. I don’t deny that AI can give you ideas, but it’ not YOU!

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Brid is a native English speaker, fluent in French, a graduate in both International Business Communication and in Instructional Design. She is also accredited (TEFL) to teach English as a foreign language. Her professional experience spans over 20 years in an international environment, working in CAC 40 communication groups and as a consultant in Executive Search.