Making a standout résumé or cowl letter is your first (and generally solely) probability to make a powerful impression with potential employers—to actually promote your self. However there’s a caveat, HR consultants say: don’t sound determined.
Whereas we’re taught to tailor résumés for the job and actually showcase accomplishments, consultants argue there’s such a factor as going overboard. Employers may discover it off-putting. Or worse, they might assume you’re overrepresenting your credentials.
In response to job search platform FlexJobs’ 2025 Job Search Trends Report, one in three professionals admitted to mendacity on a résumé or cowl letter—usually to seem because the “good match” or to fulfill perceived expectations. Sadly, HR decision-makers can see via the faux hype, even in case you have essentially the most trustworthy of intentions.
“When a résumé feels too polished or too good, it may possibly increase crimson flags for recruiters, main them to query authenticity moderately than acknowledge potential,” says Jill Chapman, who leads the technique and execution of companywide expertise initiatives at HR companies firm Insperity. “One of the best résumés stability impression with honesty.”
However in a aggressive job market like this one, during which many are out of labor for months and payments are piling up, it may be tempting to ratchet up the sensationalization or fudge the details. Right here’s how you can craft a successful utility: one which retains you trustworthy and genuine, even once you’re determined to be employed.
Use assured, credible language
It’s anticipated that you simply’ll tout your accomplishments. However generally, the phrases you utilize to play up your expertise can really weaken your message. The objective: keep away from sounding overly self-promotional, says Chapman. When writing a résumé, use language that demonstrates self-awareness, readability, and objective, she suggests.
One solution to spotlight contributions actually is to keep away from claiming sole credit score for crew accomplishments.
“As an alternative of ‘single-handedly led’, perhaps attempt ‘performed a key position in,’” says Chapman.
Additionally, avoid including fluffy language for its personal sake, or together with unrelated expertise. Itemizing duties or accomplishments advert nauseum doesn’t make you sound extra spectacular, it makes you sound extra long-winded. Sensible brevity is greatest, and a centered, related résumé beats an extended one each time, notes Chapman.
Let your impression converse for you
Use results-driven language: metrics, development, and outcomes.: “‘Led a marketing marketing campaign that elevated enrollment by 20%’ is way simpler than advertising professional’,” says Traci Wilk, chief folks officer at The Studying Expertise, a Florida-based early schooling firm in Florida.
Lower out the litter
Desperation usually exhibits up as litter, cites Keith Spencer, a Pennsylvania-based profession professional at Resume Now, an AI resume-building firm. “If you listing each job you’ve ever had, irrespective of how unrelated, it feels such as you’re throwing all the pieces on the wall and hoping one thing sticks,” he says.
Goal to tailor your résumé to the job you need, highlighting essentially the most aligned expertise. It’ll come off as extra genuine, and fewer determined.
Spotlight impression, not simply effort
In job purposes, give attention to what you achieved moderately than how badly you need it, says Spencer. “Metrics, outcomes, and outcomes converse louder than adjectives,” he says. “If you present what you delivered, employers see your worth.”
Mood your pleasure
Hiring managers need to recruit candidates who’re each excited in regards to the alternative and assured. However be aware about permitting pleasure to develop into desperation.
“Desperation can sign insecurity, lack of self-awareness, or perhaps a lack of selectivity in what roles you’re focusing on,” explains Wilk. She says HR managers can see desperation in phrases akin to “open to all alternatives” or “give me an opportunity to show myself.” Your messaging also can decrease your credibility once you use overly dramatic language like, “I’m the lacking piece your organization wants.”
“These sorts of statements really feel extra like a plea than a pitch, and that could possibly be a crimson flag for me,” Wilk emphasizes. On the finish of the day, it may be simple to really feel like it’s good to do no matter it takes to land in your subsequent life raft. However generally, it’s higher to not sound determined . . . even if you happen to actually are.
