10 words and phrases that shouldn’t be on your résumé

After all, you’ve got a finite amount of space in which to describe yourself and your professional capabilities. And you don’t have much time, either.

Yet creating a comprehensive and concise résumé is how you’ll increase your chances of landing a job interview. Although you have a sizable list of information you want to include—such as experience, skills, and education—there are also several words and phrases you should eliminate from your résumé.

Lauren Taylor, human resources generalist with Burns & McDonnell, has reviewed countless résumés. She used that experience to create a list of 10 words and phrases to keep off of your résumé. If you see any of these on your document, steer clear:

1. References available upon request. This phrase takes up valuable real estate that can be used to add more details about your accomplishments and experience. Instead, leave it off. If a company is interested in making you an offer, they will ask you for references (and assume you have them).