10 Words to Cut from Your CV in 2025 for Maximum Impact

Keep Your CV Sharp and Impactful by Dropping These 10 Words (2025 Update)

In 2025, your CV must slice through digital clutter with clarity, purpose, and impact. The wordiness that once blurred your message can now cost you reels in the ATS—or worse, a recruiter’s attention.

Business writing legend Mark Twain nailed it: "Use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences... Don’t let the fluff creep in." Let’s make that your CV’s new default setting.

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Here are 10 words you must cut—and what to do instead.

1. “Responsible for”

Why drop it: It’s passive and vague.
Swap in: Begin with powerful action verbs: Àchieved, Spearheaded, Transformed. Make every bullet point accomplishment-driven.

2. “Objective”

Why drop it: It repeats what recruiters already infer.
Swap in: Use your header or professional summary to demonstrate value, not your job-seeking wish list.

3. Personal pronouns (“I”, “My”, “We”)

Why drop it: They eat up space and clutter bullet points.
Swap in: Write in streamlined third-person—focus on results, not yourself.

4. “A” & “The”

Why drop it: They're unnecessary fluff in space-crunched lines.
Swap in: Trim them out. “Led innovation team in launching product”—cleaner and stronger.

5. “References available upon request”

Why drop it: It’s redundant and filler, not value.
Swap in: Use that space to highlight credibility with concise, powerful bullet points.

6. “Helped”, “Assisted”

Why drop it: It diminishes your role.
Swap in: Own it. Choose verbs like Enabled, Supported key initiatives, or Contributed to growth—with measurable impact where possible.

7. Adverbs: “Successfully”, “Effectively”

Why drop it: They’re weak boosters signalling empty claims.
Swap in: Show impact instead.
Before: “Successfully completed month-end reporting.”
After: “Cut month-end reporting time by 20% by developing new Excel models.”

8. Generic descriptors: “Hard-working,” “Motivated,” “Driven”

Why drop it: They’re cliché and carry no evidence.
Swap in: Demonstrate your grit and initiative through results: “Spearheaded cross-functional initiative that lifted NPS by 15%”.

9. Overused soft skills: “Problem-solver,” “Effective communicator”

Why drop it: Recruiters want proof, not platitudes.
Swap in: Anchor your skills with examples: “Resolved supply delays and cut costs by 12%” or “Led 3 major internal presentations to guide 200+ attendees.”

10. “Worked on/in”

Why drop it: It's plain filler.
Swap in: Use sharper verbs: Orchestrated projects, Directed, Launched, Oversaw.

Pro-Tip for 2025: AI & Skill Bridges

According to the latest 2ACT (AI‑Accentuated Career Transitions) framework, embedding AI-augmented language into your CV — such as “leveraged AI tools to boost efficiency” — positions you stronger in ATS ranking and recruiter perception. These aren't just buzzwords; they become part of strategic skill bridges that signal forward-facing capability.
arxiv.org

Summary: Let Your CV Speak with Fire, Not Filler

• Use concise, powerful verbs instead of fluff

• Show results, don’t just name traits

• Reflect emerging trends (like AI fluency) with intent

• Keep formatting clean and purposeful—no unnecessary words, no distractions

A ruthless CV is not unkind—it respects attention spans and champions impact.

Want me to help rewrite any of your bullet points by applying these principles? Just say the word.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk