I spent about a year and a half as a recruiter for accountants (public and corporate). As you're building your resume, I'd advise you to avoid using most (if not all) of the words/phrases you've already listed. They come across as if you just replaced the generic info in an MS Word template with your own.
Instead, try to demonstrate those qualities by describing specific achievements or responsibilities.
Wanna show that you're a good communicator? Mention that you had contact directly with senior management or customers, where "communication skills" really matter.
Wanna show that you're a leader? Mention supervisory experience or give an example of demonstrated leadership abilities.
So you think you're analytical? Exactly when did you get a chance to use those skills?
Software/technical skills? List the programs.
Also, be prepared to customize your resume for specific positions or schools. Try to identify the top 3 things a given employer is looking for, then make sure that the top half of your resume clearly communicates that you possess those things.
You get the point, but just to drill it home
[quotec0c3994777="CNN"]
http//www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/01/20/cb.words.hurt.resume/[]http//www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/01/20/cb.words.hurt.resume/
[bc0c3994777]25 words that hurt your resume[/bc0c3994777]
Words don't tell potential employers as much as deeds
By Laura Morsch
CareerBuilder.com
Editor's Note CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com.
So, you're experienced? Before you advertise this in your resume, be sure you can prove it.
Often, when job seekers try to sell themselves to potential employers, they load their resumes with vague claims that are transparent to hiring managers, according to Scott Bennett, author of "The Elements of Resume Style" (AMACOM).
By contrast, the most successful job seekers avoid these vague phrases on their resumes in favor of accomplishments.
Instead of making empty claims to demonstrate your work ethic, use brief, specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
In other words, show, don't tell.
Bennett offers these examples
Instead of... "Experience working in fast-paced environment"
Try... "Registered 120+ third-shift emergency patients per night"
Instead of... "Excellent written communication skills"
Try... "Wrote jargon-free User Guide for 11,000 users"
Instead of... "Team player with cross-functional awareness"
Try... "Collaborated with clients, A/R and Sales to increase speed of receivables and prevent interruption of service to clients."
Instead of... "Demonstrated success in analyzing client needs"
Try... "Created and implemented comprehensive needs assessment mechanism to help forecast demand for services and staffing."
The worst offenders
It's good to be hard-working and ambitious, right? The hiring manager won't be convinced if you can't provide solid examples to back up your claims.
Bennett suggests being extra-careful before putting these nice-sounding but empty words in your resume.
li Aggressive
li Ambitious
li Competent
li Creative
li Detail-oriented
li Determined
li Efficient
li Experienced
li Flexible
li Goal-oriented
li Hard-working
li Independent
li Innovative
li Knowledgeable
li Logical
li Motivated
li Meticulous
li People person
li Professional
li Reliable
li Resourceful
li Self-motivated
li Successful
li Team player
li Well-organized
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