Writing your CV for your job applications in Dubai can be difficult at the best of times. However, one of the biggest problems you will face when preparing your CV for your next job is writing a CV which sets you apart from all the other job seekers in Dubai. Just think, you only have 2 A4 pages of white paper, some black text, and some basic formatting, and this is all you have to make a difference, to set your CV apart from the other Dubai Job seekers.
The words and phrases you use can set you apart
This means that the words and phrases that you choose are extremely important, because, if written well and in a striking manner, they have the power to present you as a high level performer with outstanding characteristics who stands apart from the rest.
Everyone uses the same over-used phrases
The problem you will find today in Dubai and in most cities is that everyone is trying to write great CVS, but, it seems that candidates have all been going to the same source for CV phrases. This means that recruiters are finding that CVS now contain many of the same over-used phrases which are starting to bore recruiters and are having limited persuasive effect. So, if you continue to use, these over used, stock phrases in your CV the power of your CV will be diminished and you will begin to bore the recruiter.
Avoid using over-used phrases, but what are they?
Therefore, you must use fresh words and descriptive phrases and avoid using these tired out over-used phrases. I guess you are wondering what these over used phrases are and whether your CV contains any of these over used phrases?
Well, recently, Office Team conducted a survey of 1,300 senior managers as reported in PRNewswire and asked them, “what was the most over-used and meaningless phrase you see on a resume?” You can find the results of this survey below.
| Phrases to Leave Out | How to Stand Out |
| Highly qualified | Describe for the hiring manager what you bring to the role. Highlight your accomplishments in previous positions, emphasize your specific skills and note any certifications you have earned. |
| Hard worker | Explain exactly how you’ve gone the extra mile. For instance, did you regularly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of projects or tackle tasks outside your job description? |
| Team player | Working well with others is a must for any role today. Provide examples of how you partnered with colleagues or individuals in other departments to meet an objective. |
| Problem solver | People love others who can help them get out of a pickle, but be specific when you describe this quality. Highlight a difficult situation you encountered and how you handled it. |
| Flexible | Hiring managers seek candidates who can adapt quickly to new situations. Describe how you responded to a major change at work or dealt with the unpredictable aspects of your job. |
| People person | Employers want professionals with strong communication skills who can build camaraderie with internal and external contacts. Provide an example of how you won over a challenging customer or coworker. |
| Self-starter | Companies seek individuals with initiative who can contribute immediately. Show how you took action when you saw an issue that needed to be fixed. |
About the author
Kazim Ladimeji is the Director of thecareercafe.co.uk—a resource for start-ups, small business and job seekers. It includes a blog with career and small business advice articles. Kazim is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and has been a practising HR professional for 14 years.
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