In today’s competitive job market, avoiding resume blunders is key. your resume is more than just a document — it’s your personal brand. One small mistake can cost you a dream job. At Unlock Digi Services, we’ve seen countless resumes that look great on paper but never make it past the initial scan. Why? Because of certain resume blunders, especially the use of negative words that instantly sabotage your profile.
Many job seekers unknowingly make resume blunders that weaken their application at first glance. According to Forbes, hiring managers spend an average of just 7.4 seconds scanning each resume—meaning even one red flag can cost you the job.
If you’ve been applying but not hearing back, your resume might be guilty of some common language traps. In this post, we’ll cover the top 5 negative words that are silently killing your chances, why they’re harmful, and what to say instead.
1. “Responsible For”
Why It’s a Resume Blunder:
“Responsible for” is vague, passive, and fails to show what you actually achieved. It focuses on duty instead of results.
Example:
Responsible for managing a sales team
Led a team of 8 sales professionals to exceed quarterly targets by 25%
Instead of vague terms, platforms like Indeed recommend using quantifiable achievements and strong action verbs.
Pro Tip:
Use action verbs like “Led,” “Delivered,” “Implemented,” or “Achieved.” These communicate initiative and measurable results.
2. “Try” or “Tried”
Why It’s a Resume Killer:
Employers want candidates who get things done, not ones who merely “tried.” This word introduces doubt and shows a lack of confidence.
Example:
Tried to improve the onboarding process
Revamped the onboarding process, reducing employee ramp-up time by 40%
Resume Fix:
Replace “tried” with a direct accomplishment. Show confidence in what you’ve done.
3. “Helped”
Why It’s Misleading:
“Helped” doesn’t show your specific role or how much impact you had. It’s vague and doesn’t position you as a key contributor.
Example:
Helped the marketing team run campaigns
Coordinated with the marketing team to launch 5 successful product campaigns
Resume Tip:
Be specific. If you collaborated or assisted, state what your exact contribution was.
4. “Weakness” or “Struggle”
Why It’s a Red Flag:
Even if you’re being honest, using negative words like “weakness” or “struggle” will draw attention to your shortcomings instead of your strengths.
Example:
Struggled with time management but improved
Developed and applied effective time management strategies, increasing task efficiency
Resume Advice:
Focus on solutions and outcomes rather than problems. Turn every weakness into a demonstrated improvement.
5. “Fired” or “Laid Off”
Why It’s a Dealbreaker:
These are emotional triggers for hiring managers. Even if it wasn’t your fault, avoid including these words. Let your achievements define your value.
Example:
Fired from XYZ Company due to downsizing
Transitioned from XYZ Company after organizational restructuring; seeking growth-focused opportunities
Better Approach:
If it must be addressed, keep it positive, professional, and future-focused.
Other Resume Blunders to Avoid
Avoiding negative words is just one part of creating a winning resume. Here are some related resume tips from Unlock Digi Services to further polish your profile:
Typos and Grammar Errors
Misspellings make you look careless. Always proofread your resume multiple times.
Outdated or Irrelevant Experience
Keep your resume focused on recent and relevant experience. Delete anything that doesn’t support your current goals.
Generic Objective Statements
Skip the cliché statements like “Seeking a challenging position…” Instead, use a summary that highlights your unique value.
Using First Person Pronouns
Avoid “I,” “me,” and “my.” Resumes should be concise and professional.
Unprofessional Email Addresses
Make sure your contact information reflects professionalism. No nicknames or personal jokes.
How to Create a Winning Resume: Unlock Digi Services Tips
If you’re ready to land your next job, here’s how to optimize your resume:
- Use active language – Strong verbs give your resume power.
- Quantify achievements – Numbers stand out and prove your results.
- Tailor your resume – Customize for each job to align with the role.
- Keep it clean – Use a simple, readable format.
- Avoid negative words – As discussed, certain words immediately hurt your profile.
Avoid resume blunders by carefully choosing your language and focusing on impact.
Expert Resume Review from Unlock Digi Services
Still not sure if your resume is working? At Unlock Digi Services, we offer:
- Professional Resume Reviews
- ATS Optimization
- Keyword Targeting
- Industry-Specific Tailoring
Don’t let a few resume blunders hold you back. If your resume includes any of these mistakes, the professional resume writers at Unlock Digi Services can help you build a customized, ATS-optimized resume that highlights your skills and gets you noticed by recruiters. Explore our Resume Building services to get started.
Recap: 5 Resume Blunders That Kill Your Chances
Here’s a quick list of the negative words to avoid on your resume:
- “Responsible for”
- “Tried”
- “Helped”
- “Weakness” or “Struggle”
- “Fired” or “Laid Off”
Each of these resume blunders weakens your impact. Replace them with strong, confident, and specific language that highlights your value.
To dig deeper into resume writing do’s and don’ts, check out this guide from The Muse.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is often your first and only chance to make a great impression. Don’t let a few poorly chosen words ruin that. By avoiding these resume blunders and choosing stronger alternatives, you’ll stand out from the crowd and get closer to the job you deserve.
Need help polishing your resume? Contact Unlock Digi Services today — we’re here to unlock your career success.
