You can say a lot with a little.

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of rearranging or cutting those tiny words that don’t add value.

✨To be clear, there’s nothing grammatically incorrect about these words. But consider your audience, who likely has a lot of other resumes to get through.

Anytime you can cut words or shorten sentences is a chance to gain favor from a busy reader.

Here are a few tiny words you can tinker with:

1. …of…

Instead of 
Improved standards of quality.

Try
Improved quality standards.

Instead of
Oversaw restructure of 3 organizations.

Try
Oversaw 3 restructures.
 

💪 Challenge: Do a quick word search for “of.” If you eliminate that word and rearrange the text as I’ve done, are you able to say the same thing?
 

2. …in order to…

A common phrase in business communication is “…in order to…” But your (bullet) point will be stronger if you just say “to.”

Here’s an example:

Instead of
Expanded to new platforms in order to increase subscriber base.

Try
Expanded to new platforms to increase subscriber base.


💪 Challenge: Scan for resume for “in order to” and replace the phrase with a simple “to.”
 

3. …related to…

Here’s another phrase you can cut and rearrange the text to keep things trim:

Instead of
Conducted due diligence related to M&As.

Try
Conducted M&A due diligence.
 

💪 Challenge: Do a search for “related to,” cut it, and rearrange the text. 
 

Don’t let those pesky little words creep into your resume and weigh it down.
 

✨ Bonus: cutting unnecessary words might also be the solution to that annoying orphan line (you know, the one that only has one lonesome word) that takes up valuable resume real estate.

Besides trimming and rearranging the little words, look for sentences where you can cut the extra fat (aka jargon).

✨ Don’t confuse buzzwords with words that actually bolster a phrase. Jargon won’t add the strength you need for a powerful profile. In fact, it’ll slow down the reader. 

Here’s an example of a phrase I worked on with a client: 

Original sentence:
Maximized workable solutions and performance for key market goals. 

Revised sentence:
Fueled 4X revenue growth and tripled active subscriptions by expanding to 3 new platforms.

See the difference we made by replacing buzzwords with specifics and substance?

As writing expert Roy Peter Clark reminds us in his book,  How to Write Short, word clutter hides a clear focus.

💪 Exercise: Print out a copy of your resume and other documents and ask a friend or relative to review them for clarity, highlighting sentences that are confusing.

HINT: Tell them they don’t have to edit (and listen for a sigh of relief). Ask them to just identify anything that doesn’t make sense with a quick read. Nothing works better than a fresh pair of eyes.

When you get the document back, play with the words, rearrange them, and see what you can cut.

A leading cause of recruiter frustration is when resumes are bloated with unnecessary and clunky words that confuse and slow the reader.

If your resume is easy to read, I guarantee you’ll be a step ahead of your competition and earn points with those who are doing the hiring!

I’m cheering for you!