Employers are often asked to identify the top CV errors, that should be avoided at all costs, and one problem that comes up a LOT, is CV cliches.

When you are thinking about your skills and qualities when writing your CV, it is very easy for the usual suspects to come to mind:

-Excellent communication skills
-Strong work ethic
-Hard worker
-Good team player
-Results oriented

But what do they actually say about you, and do they make you stand out?

The answer is nothing and no.

All of the above are just overused, stock phrases, that actually render them pretty meaningless and waste space on your CV- which you could be saving for more vital information. Employers see these type of phrases so often, that they are likely to not pay any attention whatsoever- it's about as useful to them as telling them the colour of your car.

Here is a list of the offending phrases, so that you can avoid their use AT ALL COSTS!

Good communicator- It's surprising how this phrase actually makes you a bad communicator- there are far more effective ways to emphasise this point, without actually writing the phrase on your CV. Why not save your dazzling oratory for the interview, and instead give examples of your best achievements in business.

Team Player, Thrives in a team environment, Love working as part of a team- NO NO NO just, NO! It's highly unlikely that you don't like other people, in which case, this kind of point doesn't add anything. If you could say that you headed up an advertising team who created a national advertisement campaign that used television, radio and online promotional material- this is giving the employer an insight into your career and what you've achieved, all whilst avoiding the horrendously cliched phrase of 'team player'.

Strong work ethic- Well, you're not going to write that you're a bit lazy, like browsing Facebook, and aren't easily motivated now, are you?!

Have a keen attention to detail- This kind of thing is just expected, so again not necessary to list!

Other things to remember...

Avoid writing in a passive voice, saying things like 'responsible for' 'duties included' etc. Try to be more dynamic and positive, using action verbs and phrases that help to sell your skills effectively.

If you want to let the employer know about your hobbies and interests DO NOT put socialising- this is pointless, and might work against you, as people may not want to employ someone who is likely to be calling in sick on a Monday morning after a big hangover.

Love of travelling- This may be true, but some employers may get the wrong impression- it could alert them to the fact that you may not be after a full-time career, that perhaps you are likely to quit after 3 months and go backpacking around South America. So be careful about the overall impression you are giving the employer, down to the last detail.