There are a lot of generic traits that people like to list on a resume. Here’s a few:
“Hard working”
“Dedicated”
“Good attitude”
“Fast learner”
“Great leader”
Writing these down is a waste on any resume. They’re useless. They’re essential for almost any job, but they’re completely useless to list.
Anyone would say they’re “hard working” or “have a good attitude” if it means getting a job. The people reading your resume know that.
If you really are one of those descriptions? Prove it.
People who love their job prove it every day. They volunteer to help, come in early, leave late. Outside of work, they’re still working in related associations, help forums, and other networks because they love their job. Someone like this is most likely going to fit “hardworking, dedicated, good attitude.”
Then they never show it on their resume.
What PROVES that you’re a hard worker? What PROVES that you’re dedicated?
Working extra hours. Working in your field in your free time. Breaking production or sales records.
Fast learning? My son was working at Five Guys as his first job years ago. He was told to watch training videos and read the manuals. He did. He showed up to work and by the end of the first day was training the guy who had already been there a week.
No one expected him to read the manuals. Especially not on his own time.
He got a raise at the end of his first week. He put up posters showing records for most potatoes chopped in a minute and other similar jobs (he held nearly all of them). He was hard working.
Shortly after starting to work for them, he was made a manager.
Those are excellent pieces for a resume. “Broke multiple production records, was training other new workers on my first day, promoted to manager after a month” are all extremely valuable to have on a resume.
Prove that you’re outstanding.
Something To Do Today
What essential skills do you have? List what you’ve done to prove it on your resume.