It’s no secret that poorly crafted DIY resumes can be career-limiting. Inspired by Peter Finch’s impassioned outburst in the movie “Network,” I’m ready to scream: “Enough with ‘responsible for’! I’m not going to take it anymore”

While that might seem dramatic, here’s the deal. If you want to make a significant and immediate improvement to your resume, you should cut out, exterminate, obliterate — do you catch my drift? — the dreadful cliché “responsible for.”

Why “Responsible For” Is a Resume Ruiner

So, why is “responsible for” such a notorious offender? Simple: it’s vague and meaningless. When you write “responsible for” on your resume, what are you trying to convey? Management experience? Punctuality? Task execution? It’s a nebulous term that does a terrible job of detailing your skills and qualifications.

Consider this example: “Responsible for the restaurant.”

Does this mean you managed the place? Were you in charge of turning profits? Did you oversee the afternoon shift, or were you also recruiting and training staff? Who knows!

Using “responsible for” clouds the waters, making your qualifications murky at best.

Crafting Achievement-Focused Bullet Points for a Winning Resume

Instead of offering vague terms like “responsible for,” aim for precision and impact. Highlight your achievements and key competencies. Try this instead:

• Exceeded profit targets by 23% through a finely-tuned strategy that synced daily specials with a cultural theme.
• Reversed high turnover rates, retaining 90% of the staff for over a year by enhancing morale and focusing on skill-based training.
• Streamlined restaurant operations by implementing effective policies, improving processes, and cutting down on costly overtime.

Isn’t that a breath of fresh air? These bullet points not only tell your prospective employer precisely what you did but also the positive impact you had. And it’s all achieved without resorting to tired, old phrases like “responsible for.”

Take the Leap: Update Your Resume Today!

Now, it’s your turn. Stand up, fling open your windows, and proclaim your emancipation from the chains of “responsible for.” It’s time to take control of your career narrative and let your skills and accomplishments shine through a well-crafted resume. You’ve got this!