The first step to job hunting is to spruce up your resume. It’s the first thing the hiring manager will notice about you, so it has to sound very convincing that you’re the right fit for the job.

You can include your most impressive accomplishments, expertise, skills, and career path. Seems easy, right?

Yet, there are still some things you need to change in your resume. There’s a thin line between adjectives and skills that impress, and those that raise eyebrows. These are just some of the phrases you need to avoid at all cost.

1. Thought leader or inspirational leader

Being a leader is not something you bestow upon yourself. It’s something other people have to prove for you. Thus, it’s not really good to brand yourself as a motivational leader or an inspirational leader. It’s strange.

Instead of putting this phrase on your resume, you should set examples of times you’ve lead a group, or lead your colleagues to the success of a project. Include all other things that make you a leader –like presenting to groups, etc.

2. Innovative or visionary

These phrases have also become overused as the word “passionate.” Though it’s not that bad to use the word, you got to have some strong evidence to prove that you’re indeed “innovative” and “visionary.”

Start your bullet points with “Invented…” or “Created new…” You need to give examples than just adjectives. That’s because merely calling yourself a visionary doesn’t seem believable.

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3. Big picture thinker or out-of-the-box thinker

This phrase has been used so much that it’s always present in anyone’s resume. You have to think if you’re indeed an out-of-the-box thinker. If yes, put it there and be ready to prove it. But if not, you should just stick with your other skills.

Remember, those lines are just concepts. It is better to put in some concrete examples where your out-of-the-box thinking was shown. That’s why a portfolio of your creative works is much better. When your big picture or out-of-the-box ideas actually helped impact a project.

Make your CV cohesive and straight to the point. Don’t waste time on fluffy words.

4. Phrases that begin with “utilize”

We all do this. Something about the word “use” feels too simple, and in a vain attempt to make our work seem more significant, we use the word “utilize” instead. Let me get straight to the point: It’s not working. Go back to the basics. Or I should say, use the basics. If you want your resume bullets to be impressive, quantify your results in the same line. Don’t use flowery language that doesn’t mean anything.

5. “Assisted or contributed” to (insert project here)

Sometimes job seekers will be a little too humble when it comes to listing their achievements. One way they do this is by overusing the word “assisted,” when they really mean “collaborated” or “contributed to.” Don’t sell yourself short by making it seem like you fetched coffee while everyone else on your team did the real work. Take credit if it’s due to you.

Do you know other phrases that shouldn’t be included in your resume? Do share in the comments below.

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