10 Resume Phrases Recruiters Actually Notice
Most resumes use the same overused cliches and buzzwords. I’m willing to bet that if 9 out of 10 people reading this right now checked their resume, they’d find some of these words: “results-driven,” “team player,” or “detail-oriented.”
Every time I read these as a recruiter, I think to myself, “Sure, you and everyone else and their mother.” I know that sounds harsh, but you need to hear it because it’s impacting your job search.
I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes, and today I want to share some phrases that actually work. You know, phrases that will actually get a recruiter (and a hiring manager) to stop and pay attention.
Here are 10 phrases that make recruiters stop scrolling and why they work.
The 10 Phrases (With Recruiter Commentary)
“Delivered [specific result] by [specific action].”
“Recruiters don’t remember every resume; they remember the ones that sound like the person got things done. Be the person who gets shit done.”
Example: Delivered a 2-day reduction in month-end close time by streamlining AP reporting templates.
Why it works: It’s specific, measurable, and action-oriented. It implies ownership and accountability. It shows that you not only know how to conduct a month-end close, but that you’re actually good at it and understand it intimately.
“Improved [process/metric] by [X] through [method].”
Example: Improved customer retention by 15% through a new ticketing process that flagged follow-up times over 24 hours.
Why it works: It connects the dots between the work you do and why it matters to the organization. It shows you understand the big picture, that you take initiative, and that you value impact over busy work.
“Partnered with [department/team] to achieve [outcome].”
Example: Partnered with operations to align inventory planning across 3 locations to achieve a 5% reduction in shortages.
Why it works: It shows your ability to collaborate with other teams. It also shows who your internal business partners are (yes, that’s usually important information for a resume). It can also signal that you are adaptable and can work with multiple teams. And you did it all without saying team player or adaptable!
“Recognized for [achievement or award].”
Example: Recognized for leading a successful ERP implementation across three business units after an acquisition.
Why it works: It shows third-party validation for your work quality. It says subtly that others noticed your impact.
“Led [initiative/team/project] resulting in [result].”
Example: Led a team of 5 to implement a new billing software, cutting manual entry by 50%.
Why it works: This statement shows leadership, initiative, and a tangible payoff. This is a great phrase for mid-level professionals who may not be in a manager role yet, but who are looking for their first supervisory job.
“Reduced [cost/time/error] by [X].”
Example: Reduced overtime costs by 18% through better scheduling.
Why it works: Recruiters’ eyes tend to gravitate toward numbers, especially savings or revenue earned.
“Streamlined [process/system], enabling [result].”
Example: Streamlined vendor onboarding, enabling contracts to be approved 24 hours faster.
Why it works: This phrase highlights efficiency and process improvement. These are experiences many employers will value.
“Implemented [tool/strategy] that [impact].”
Example: Implemented a Tableau dashboard that provided real-time data to over 100 sales teams nationwide.
Why it works: This statement combines tech-savviness with strategic thinking. The more you show skills, the more employers will believe you vs. just saying “tech savvy” or “strategic thinker.”
“Supported [initiative] that drove [business outcome].”
Example: Supported M&A due diligence for a $20M acquisition.
Why it works: This phrase shows involvement in high-impact initiatives, even if you weren’t the lead on the project.
“Delivered consistent [result/outcome] across [time period or context].”
Example: Delivered consistent 110% quota attainment for 12 consecutive quarters.
Why it works: This phrase shows reliability and sustained performance. Many people can achieve something once or twice, but fewer people can show sustained success and recruiters will notice.
Words That Don’t Work
Now that we’ve covered 10 phrases that will work, let’s take a minute and talk about things that don’t work. Stop using buzzwords like:
Results-driven
Detail oriented
Motivated professional
Strong communicator
Dynamic leader
These words don’t hurt your resume. Trust me, recruiters see them every day, and we’re used to it. I call people all the time with these words in their resumes, but they aren’t helping you either. If you only have those words and no phrases like the ones I gave earlier, I may not call you. And if I do call you, you’ll be one of my last calls - not the first.
I’m not looking for promises that can be broken. I’m looking for patterns, evidence, and facts that show me I can count on you to be qualified and get the job done.
It really boils down to this. Show me you’re good at the job, don’t tell me with empty promises.
Your Action Plan
Open your resume right now. I want you to replace 3 to 5 generic lines with action-driven examples using your metrics. Then reorder your bullet points so the strongest ones come first.
Recruiters don’t remember every resume, but they remember the ones that sound like the person got things done. Use that to your advantage. Be the person who gets shit done.
Once you’re done updating your resume, drop a comment and let me know what changes you made.
Other Articles In This Edition
Inside the Recruiter’s Inbox: What Happens After You Apply?
How to Be Thankful at Work (Even If You’re Ready to Quit)
What Recruiters Are Looking for Right Now (Before Year-End)
Fall Hiring Trends 2025: Which Industries Are Still Adding Jobs?
Cole Sperry has been a recruiter and resume writer since 2015, working with tens of thousands of job seekers, and hundreds of employers. Today Cole runs a boutique advisory firm consulting with dozens of recruiting firms and is the Managing Editor at OptimCareers.com.
