Stop saying that! The top 10 things not to say on your resume! No, really!

We - resume writers - used to use the term "boilerplate" when it came to these adjectives and phrases people would pepper their resumes with. Trust me, hold the pepper. Boilerplate means "formulaic or hackneyed language". You could also say they're cliche, blasé, and or buzzwords. Don't tell me it's just your schtick. Stick your schtick, already. Your resume is not the place for these terms! It is best to 

let your achievements do the talking!

Example: don't say that you're a team player if you point out that in your list of achievements you were a team member in a really important project - it's obvious you were a team player or you wouldn't be mentioning it! There's more...read on!

1. Hard working - Make a great resume, and anyone reading your resume will know that you are hard worker. Get good references, and they'll know you're a hard worker. Complete projects on time, mention the projects, tell 'em how you finished ahead of schedule, and - say it with me - they'll know you're a hard worker! 

 2. Self-starting - If you have been in a position in which you are basically a whole department or have supervised at least one other employee - even a part'-timer - you're a self starter. OR! If you handle projects regularly, and with little or no aid, you're a self starter...mention the projects and chuck the boilerplate terms! 

3. Team player - Don't say that you're a team player if you point out that in your list of achievements you were a team member in a really important project - it's obvious you were a team player or you wouldn't be mentioning it! 

4. Highly qualified - Mention your qualifications, even inflate them a bit, we all do it - and they'll know you are qualified. Or, even better, how about applying for a job you're qualified for, with the right list of qualifications, and then, you guessed it, they'll know you are highly qualified! By the way, don't just mention your qualifications - qualify them by listing your greatest achievements! 

5. Dynamic - Show how you're dynamic - for example, you handled many different aspects of a tough project, coordinating performers, caterers, logistics, etc. See how dynamic you were?!

6. Problem solver - Show how you solved problems over the years in your work or your volunteerism. 

7. Reliable - Leave it up to your references to illustrate how reliable you are. What is more, if you finish projects on time or ahead or time - guess what? - you're reliable!

8. Familiar with... - Say instead 'how' familiar you are with a software package, or a process. List years used and in what capacity. For example, if you've been a computer user since you were 8, it doesn't really count until you use a computer for work. Thus, say something like, expert computer user, 8 yrs professional computer use. I'm familiar with tae kwan do after watching some vids on it, but I can't really do it.

9. Flexible - Ok, yoga-tard, show how you were flexible, or actually be flexible and let your references do the talking. Flexibility on your resume can be illustrated thus: Handled large scale project while also completing regular duties, and met all deadline. 

10. People person - If you've been in customer service since you graduated high school, you're probably a people person. If people skills are needed for the job you are applying for, highlight some good examples: handled customer complaints; increased staff morale with Holy Smoke It's Friday in-house program; stuff like that.  Seeing "people person" on a resume makes me gag, then laugh, then gag again...sorry, but it's true.

Overall, boilerplate lines have been overdone - so stop doing it - you'll make more space for the things that matter. You've only got so much space to shine, so let's focus on the best you have to offer and can the canned terms!

Now...wanna see some great Resume and CV samples?

Free Writing Help!

 While all of our work is original, and written in your unique voice, many people come to us for advice.  Well, here it is!

Writing a Letter giving someone Bad News can be, well, bad news!  Here's a sample to get you started!

Are you working for a Non-Profit?  Need a great angle on sending out a Fund-Raising Letter that gets results?  Try ours!

Sent from home rather than a business office, this letter uses a variation of the traditional format used for friendly letters, with address, date and close on the right, but with no indentations at the openings of paragraphs.  Sample Informal Letter of Request:

So you need to write a Formal Business Letter, but don't know what the proper format is?  Here you go!  Our Sample Letter Format!

So you need to send a Letter of Complaint, but really want to make it count?  Try this format!  Get results!

A Letter of Request is your way of reaching out to another agency or entity for something that you need.  Try this sample for best results!

So you've gotten a formal complaint and need to respond.  You want to sound professional and not defensive.  Try this sample Letter Responding to Complaint, mend the fences and get on with great business!

Writing Memos that sound professional and get your point across precisely are deceptively easy.  Try these tips and subsequent sample to get you started:

Here is a sample, Routine, Informal Memo that is still professional and still to the point:

And lastly, your Standard Memo for all intensive purposes, for the daily issues, such and what not.

Writing effective Business Letters that sound professional and get results are deceptively easy.  Try these tips for best results!

How to write a great Personal Essay

A Personal Essay, sometimes called a Letter of Intent, Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement or Autobiographical Statement, are typically around 300-600 words, depending upon the level of education you are applying for. Pay close attention to school requirements! These essays are highly necessary as they provide a glimpse into your life. Oftentimes a Cover Letter is needed, too, describing the essay you are sending and provide any other information that indicates why you are qualified for the school/program you are applying for. Be sure to include your e-mail address and a day and evening phone number.

Formatting specifications

These are essential!

- 1" margin on all sides
- Put your name, address, phone number, e-mail and other particulars, single-spaced in the upper-left-hand corner
- The rest of your cover letter and statement need to be double-spaced
- Do not indent paragraphs! This is basically a business letter!
- On the 2nd page, use a "slug", which is usually your last name in the top-left-hand corner; no need to number your pages, though
- If you mention people's names in the letter, verify they still work at the places you are referencing!
- Just because your statement is personal, doesn't mean it shouldn't be accurate! Be careful! You just might get interviewed/caught!
- Don't fax or e-mail your statement unless you have permission from the school or if the guidelines say that it is acceptable

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List of State Universities in USA | Public Universities in USA

Top 10 State Universities in USA

1	University of California, Berkeley
2	University of California, Los Angeles
3	University of Virginia
4	University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
5	University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
6	College of William and Mary
7	Georgia Institute of Technology
8	University of California, Davis
9	University of California, San Diego
10	University of California, Santa Barbara

List of State Universities in USA

1	Arizona State University
2	Auburn University
3	Ball State University
4	Binghamton University, SUNY
5	Bowling Green State University
6	Clemson University
7	College of William and Mary
8	Colorado School of Mines
9	Colorado State University
10	East Carolina University
11	Florida State University
12	George Mason University
13	Georgia Institute of Technology
14	Illinois State University
15	Indiana University, Bloomington
16	Iowa State University
17	Kansas State University
18	Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
19	Louisiana Tech University
20	Miami University, Oxford
21	Michigan State University
22	Michigan Technological University
23	Mississippi State University
24	Missouri University of Science & Technology
25	Montana State University
26	New Jersey Institute of Technology
27	New Mexico State University
28	North Carolina State University, Raleigh
29	North Dakota State University
30	Northern Illinois University
31	Ohio State University, Columbus
32	Ohio University
33	Oklahoma State University
34	Oregon State University
35	Pennsylvania State University, University Park
36	Purdue University, West Lafayette
37	Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
38	Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark
39	San Diego State University
40	South Carolina State University
41	South Dakota State University
42	Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
43	Stony Brook University, SUNY
44	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
45	Temple University
46	Texas A&M University, College Station
47	Texas Tech University
48	University at Albany, SUNY
49	University at Buffalo, SUNY
50	University of Alabama
51	University of Alabama, Birmingham
52	University of Alabama, Huntsville
53	University of Arizona
54	University of Arkansas
55	University of California, Berkeley
56	University of California, Davis
57	University of California, Irvine
58	University of California, Los Angeles
59	University of California, Riverside
60	University of California, San Diego
61	University of California, Santa Barbara
62	University of California, Santa Cruz
63	University of Central Florida
64	University of Cincinnati
65	University of Colorado, Boulder
66	University of Colorado, Denver
67	University of Connecticut
68	University of Delaware
69	University of Florida
70	University of Georgia
71	University of Hawaii, Manoa
72	University of Houston
73	University of Idaho
74	University of Illinois, Chicago
75	University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
76	University of Iowa
77	University of Kansas
78	University of Kentucky
79	University of Louisville
80	University of Maine
81	University of Maryland, Baltimore County
82	University of Maryland, College Park
83	University of Massachusetts, Amherst
84	University of Massachusetts, Lowell
85	University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
86	University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
87	University of Mississippi
88	University of Missouri
89	University of Missouri, Kansas City
90	University of Montana
91	University of Nebraska, Lincoln
92	University of Nevada, Reno
93	University of New Hampshire
94	University of New Mexico
95	University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
96	University of North Carolina, Charlotte
97	University of North Carolina, Greensboro
98	University of North Dakota
99	University of Oklahoma
100	University of Oregon
101	University of Pittsburgh
102	University of Rhode Island
103	University of South Carolina
104	University of South Dakota
105	University of South Florida
106	University of Tennessee
107	University of Texas, Austin
108	University of Texas, Dallas
109	University of Utah
110	University of Vermont
111	University of Virginia
112	University of Washington
113	University of Wisconsin, Madison
114	University of Wyoming
115	Utah State University
116	Virginia Commonwealth University
117	Virginia Tech
118	Washington State University
119	West Virginia University
120	Western Michigan University

5 Things to Include in the Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent

The Story of You: 5 Things to Include in Your Personal Statement, Letter of Intent or Statement of Purpose

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For most people, the idea of completing a lengthy college essay is somewhat intimidating, and when the assigned topic is you—your goals, experiences, and potential—the stress can become overwhelming. But don’t fret! Even if writing isn’t your strong suit, with a little planning your college admissions essay can be an articulate and convincing reflection of you.

Before You Begin

Give yourself plenty of time to research the program. Chances are if you’re gearing up to complete application materials, you already know why you want to attend a particular school or program. You can tighten your understanding of the program—and subsequently, your case for acceptance—by browsing published text, visiting institutional Web sites, and conferring regularly with program representatives.

The Nuts and Bolts of Writing

The personal essay should be a relaxed, confident expression of the factors that make you a good candidate for the program, but these components are meaningless if they’re not presented well. Make sure that your essay is seen by every fresh pair of eyes possible—this includes friends, family members, colleagues, and writing/editing professionals.

Here are the five most important things to cover in your essay:

1. The big picture. First and foremost, explain to the admissions committee why you’re pursuing their program. Tell them where you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years, and address the role that they can play in making your dream a reality.
2. Specifics. Point out the aspects of your field that interest you most and explain why you believe that their school or program will be the best fit. If you considered other schools before applying to this one, tell the admissions board specifically why the others didn’t stack up.
3. Your “goods.” Though you’ve alluded to them throughout your essay already, take a moment to talk about some of your past accomplishments, both professional and personal, that have led you down this path.
4. Plan of attack. Your credentials don’t always speak for themselves. In this case especially, it’s important to tell the admissions council precisely how you will succeed in the program. Talk about some of the personal characteristics that you will utilize, and reiterate the fact that your future goals rely on earning this degree certification.
5. The hook. Possibly the most important thing to remember while writing your admissions essay: Keep it fresh. The review board could be reading several essays at a time, so you don’t want yours to get lost in the shuffle. Supplement your credentials with personal stories, anecdotes, and current-events parallels where it feels comfortable and appropriate to do so.

What to include and what not to include on your Resume!

10 Things to Include on Your College Résumé

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Getting into a good college is a lot like trying to get a good job, which means you’ll need a résumé to sell yourself, especially when the application fields don’t include enough space to list and explain all of your academic and extracurricular activities.

So, what should you include to boost your chances of being accepted?

Here’s a quick list of ideas:

1. School leadership positions (e.g., class treasurer or prom committee)
2. Club memberships (e.g., yearbook or Spanish club)
3. Community service hours
4. Music lessons/performance
5. Athletic participation
6. Work experience
7. Honors/Awards (e.g., honor roll, essay-writing awards, science competitions)
8. Church activities
9. Summer programs (e.g., Governor’s School for the Arts, Boys/Girls State)
10. Outside interests (e.g., photography, hiking writing, etc.)

Your list should NOT include:

School Courses. These are on your transcript and don’t belong on your résumé. Same goes for test scores.

Who’s Who Among American High School Students. The Better Business Bureau classifies these directories as “vanity publications,” which are more of a money-making outfit than an honor. Instead of looking special, you’ll come off as naïve to admission counselors.

Superfluous Information. There’s limited room on your résumé, so don’t clutter it by listing that one-time walk-a-thon in tenth grade or a club you joined for a couple of months in ninth grade. Be selective!

Outdated Honors. Most colleges are only interested in what you did during high school, so skip the sixth-grade spelling bee award.

Think of this as a CliffNotes version of the past four years of your life that details your uniqueness. You can use this résumé as an attachment to admission applications, as a resource for letter of recommendation writers, or even a tool to generate ideas for college essay writing.