What a Cliche!: The 5 Most Overused Resume Phrases

Just because something sounds good, doesn’t mean you should put it on your resume. A million other people probably have used the same phrase time and time again in their cover letter and during their interview. In today’s competitive job market, your resume needs to be innovative, unique, and eye-catching. This can’t be accomplished by using the same tired phrases that recruiters and hiring managers see and hear just about every day. Career strategist Jodi Brockington, founder & president of Niara Consulting talks about the most overused resume phrases and how we can put them to rest for ultimate job seeking success.

5 Most Overused Resume Phrases

‘I’m a team player’

This phrase is used far too often because job seekers know that every employer wants a team player. However, it’s best to demonstrate how you’ve been a team player rather than just saying that you are one. “‘Team player’ can also be misleading because it can suggest that you are a follower rather than a leader,” Brockington says. Consider phrases like “played various roles,”  “worked with multiple departments,” “thrived in diverse work environments,” or “handled a variety of tasks.”

“The team player thing is kind of played out,” she adds.

 

‘I have extensive experience in…’

People love to use this phrase, whether they’ve been working for 10 days or 10 years. Extensive is a very vague word that doesn’t tell an employer much about the actual experience you have, Brockington says. “[Extensive experience] can imply that you’ve been stagnant or that you’re older.” There was a time when this phrase was more acceptable because employers sought out individuals who had been doing the same thing for a long time. “Nowadays people are looking to hire that ‘master of many,'” Brockington says. Employers are more impressed by job seekers who have advanced and have multiple areas of expertise.

More specific phrases such as “five years progressive experience in project management and staff leadership” are a better option.

‘I’m a multitasker’

The fact that you can surf the Web while talking on the phone doesn’t make you a multitasker. In addition, multi-tasking isn’t necessarily a good trait if it isn’t done effectively. Brockington says that if not used in the proper context, “multitasker” can lead employers to believe that you aren’t detail-oriented or able to pay adequate attention to specific tasks.

It may be better to include that you are “able to prioritize and efficiently manage multiple assignments” rather than just saying that you’re a multi-tasker.

‘I am entrepreneurial-minded’

This word can be particularly damaging if it’s not something that the position calls for. Most job seekers refer to themselves as “entrepreneurial” in order to show independence and leadership skills. However, the term often implies that you “lack work experience or want to do things your own way,” Brockington says.

She suggests that a better approach would be to highlight your skills in strategic planning, leadership, understanding corporate vision and culture, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking.

‘I work well in a fast-paced environment’

 It’s not very likely that an employer will refer to their company as slow-paced. So, it really isn’t necessary to indicate that you can “work in a fast-paced environment.” The term is too general and doesn’t tell the employer about the specific settings in which you’re most experienced, Brockington says.

She suggests that you provide more valuable phrases that talk about competency and completion of tasks such as “implement key time-management skills in high-demand settings” or “able to exceed company expectations by prioritizing tasks and completing assignments ahead of schedule.”

While these phrases might be cliche, Brockington says they can work for or against a job seeker. While there are no set rules on what phrases should and should not be used, it’s important to research the company and the role to see what might work and what should be avoided. Whenever possible, stay away from generic and general terms and always quantify or quality your experience with specific numbers and tangible evidence of your accomplishments.

-Editors’ Note: This article has been updated from its original publish date in 2012

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Audi Recall, Shifting Alliances, and More Car News This Week

Audi issued a voluntary recall of its E-Tron SUV; self-driving tech startup Aurora broke up with VW and joined up with Fiat Chrysler.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2L1swAH
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Justin Bieber's Challenge to Tom Cruise Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

The pop star later claimed he was kidding—but he still inspired a lot of people with his, um, bravery.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2Fd9Fyu
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Ethiopia anger over texting and internet blackouts

No explanation has been given for the shut downs but they coincide with nationwide exams.

from BBC News - Africa https://bbc.in/2MMGzwe
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Cricket World Cup: South Africa beat Afghanistan for first win

Imran Tahir takes 4-29 as South Africa win their first match at the World Cup with a nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Cardiff.

from BBC News - Africa https://bbc.in/2KrcX5R
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Cosmologists Clash Over the Beginning of the Universe

What happened before the Big Bang? And what happened before that? Stephen Hawking's answer—there was no beginning—is now the subject of intense debate.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2INNOyF
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In Praise of Dadfluencers

All those fathers out there posting about #dadlife on social media are changing the face of fatherhood.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2MQdu2W
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Snow Peak’s Fire Pit Makes Me Like Camping Again

The simple, durable, and well-made fire pit helped me recalibrate my relationship to the outdoors.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2KkPBOZ
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It's Time to Switch to a Privacy Browser

Ad trackers are out of control. Use a browser that reins them in.

from Wired http://bit.ly/2WMEmpd
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REVIEW: Anthony Anderson, Uzo Aduba and Khalil Everage shine bright in ‘BEATS’

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is going down in Miami and one of the highlights of the 5-day festival was the world premiere of BEATS. The Netflix film that stars Anthony Anderson, Khalil Everage, and Uzo Aduba is certainly worth watching, as it shines a light on the mental effects of gun violence.

Anthony Anderson plays ex-music manager who can’t let go of hip-hop in Netflix film ‘Beats’

Check out the official synopsis:

In this coming-of-age drama, a reclusive teenage musical prodigy (Khalil Everage) forms an unlikely friendship with a down-on-his-luck high school security guard (Anthony Anderson). United by their mutual love of hip-hop, they try to free each other from the demons of their past and break into the city’s music scene. Directed by Chris Robinson BEATS features Everage in his feature film debut and co-stars Uzo Aduba and Emayatzy Corinealdi. BEATS is the ultimate ode to Chicago’s South Side, and its long history of creating music that forms the city’s beating heart.

Set in Chicago, the film directed by Chris Robinson (The New Edition Story) follows August; a teenager traumatized after witnessing a devastating tragedy. While we won’t give too much of the plot away, we will say that the strength of the ensemble cast carries this film that also benefits from its hip-hop backdrop. Anthony Anderson pulls off the dramatic role in a way we haven’t seen before, proving his talents extend beyond the realms of comedy.

Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Omari Hardwick and more stars takeover Miami for ABFF

His character is not a likable guy. In fact, he’s a washed up music manager who is barely holding on to his gig as a security guard at the high school where his estranged wife is the principal. Still, he’s a complex character whose intentions aren’t always pure but somehow, he remains empathetic, even when his self-serving decisions are questionable.

Everage’s feature film debut is a strong one, and he manages to tap into what happens to a young mind when it’s pushed passed its limits by trauma. Uzo Aduba is impressive as always; this time as a mother struggling to protect her son from a city that is no longer safe.

Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Anthony Anderson and Chris Robinson. Until then, check out the official trailer:

BEATS hits Netflix on June 19.

 

The post REVIEW: Anthony Anderson, Uzo Aduba and Khalil Everage shine bright in ‘BEATS’ appeared first on theGrio.

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Still the Most Ignored Demographic: Single, Black Fathers

One of the first articles I ever had published was a feature story I wrote many years ago on growing up with a single, black father. “Oprah doesn’t do stories on single, black dads,” I wrote. I complained about them being an ignored demographic.

To my surprise, I received several letters from black women angered by my article. I recall one stating that the single, black father was the exception, not the norm and why take focus off of black women who so often pull double duty as mother and father while working full time?

Those women deserve support and admiration. Yet, I said then as I say now: Black men with sole custody of their kids, comprise a small yet mighty group that deserves far more attention than received.

A look at the statistics: From the Pew Research center’s data from 2017; 36% of black children under 18-years-old live with married parents; 47% live with single mothers; 7% live with cohabitating partners; and 4% live with single fathers.

I was part of that scant percentage. My father had little-to-no resources when my mother just upped and left him with two pre-teen kids. He worked two, sometimes three jobs to keep paying the mortgage on the house he and my mother had just bought; and to provide for us. Although there was no time or money for vacations I cannot remember ever doing without lights, heat, air conditioning, school supplies, clothes—without any of the basic needs, really.

My father would come home from a two-hour commute every night just in time to make sure we were OK—fed, homework done—and then was back out the door two hours later—on yet another grueling two-hour train ride to his second job. Our lives ran that way for years until we kids were grown.

Still, I think my then-over-taxed father could have benefited with some support. In her book, “The Best Kept Secret: Single Black Fathers,” associate professor of sociology at Marquette University Roberta L. Coles writes that “monies, scholarly research, and public debate have nearly entirely focused on non-custodial fathers or so-called ‘irresponsible fathers’ for which black fathers have become the poster child.”

In her research, which included interviews of single, black fathers, Coles discovered, “African American fathers struggle to extricate themselves from the negative and restrictive cultural baggage that attends the ‘black male’ identity in American society.”

As a child, and even today as an adult, I get defensive about the persistently negative portrayals of black men as fathers as I remember my own and how he did so much to raise us.

So, what is my point? Well, I guess I wish there were more single, black fathers highlighted in media. I wish there were more policies and organizations that advocated for fathers’ rights when the father is the more fit custodial parent.

But, my point is also to highlight the single, black fathers out there this Father’s Day. I remember so well when my father removed the drop leaf that extended our dining room table after my mother left, shrinking it down into a small, encompassing circle. “We were a family of four, now we are a family of three,” he said.

He was right then, and we still are a strong family of three. And Happy Father’s Day to all of the single, black fathers.

CHECK OUT THE 2019 LIST OF BE MODERN MEN —an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color.

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The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s and not necessarily the opinion of Black Enterprise.

 

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Nigerian weddings: Glitz, glamour but mind the cost

Why are some couples are having multiple weddings? Leah and Echina explain why they did.

from BBC News - Africa https://bbc.in/31KR3Qm
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10 Thoughtful (And Free) Father’s Day Gift Ideas

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, many of us are wondering what gift to get dad this year. Barbecue grills, TVs, and golf clubs are great, but sometimes all it takes is a message of appreciation, straight from the heart.While you can purchase a really cool gift (check out the Ultimate Buy Black Father’s Day Gift Guide for some ideas) there are other ways to honor fathers and father figures. These free Father’s Day gift ideas are some creative ways to honor dad.

 

Use your camera to film a short documentary. Ask siblings, kids, and extended family members to share their favorite stories and the best advice they’ve ever received from dad.

Host a Father’s Day Cook-off Competition. Invite family and friends over to recreate some or your dad’s favorite meals. Of course, dad is the judge and chooses the winner.

Create a customized coffee table book. Include family events such as weddings, graduations, and father-daughter-son moments from your childhood.

Sign Dad up for a class. If he’s been talking about learning how to fly a helicopter or paint, find a class and sign him up.

Write a short personal essay or poem. Talk about key events in your childhood or the influence your dad has had on your life. (E.g., 10 Life Lessons I Learned From Dad.)

Build something. Whether it’s a birdhouse, shed, or backyard deck, if your dad loves spending his free time making things, these are all great bonding experiences.

Make a playlist. Pick some of dad’s favorite songs and create a playlist for him. As an added touch, include a few songs that remind you of him and save them to a USB flash drive.

Volunteer in the community.While honoring your dad on Fathers Day, donate your time to helping others who are less fortunate.

Plan a Father’s Day Olympics. If your dad loves sports, a day of competitive activities, such as swimming, a relay race, or even basketball, will make his day.

Spend quality time. Nothing beats quality time with family. Whether it’s spending the day watching movies or barbecuing in the backyard, the memories made are priceless!

 

from Black Enterprise http://bit.ly/2Rh0NNr
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6 Steps to Take If a Debt Collector Tries to Sue You

One minute you’re going about your day, not a care in the world. The next, you get a call from a debt collector about a debt you long forgot about. But the nightmare doesn’t end there. Soon after, you discover you’re being sued for the debt.

“Typically, a creditor or collector is going to sue when a debt is very delinquent. Usually it’s when you’re falling at least 120 days, 180 days, or even as long as 190 days behind,” says Gerri Detweiler, personal finance expert for Credit.com, and author of the book Debt Collection Answers.

If you owe a large amount, like several thousand dollars to an individual debt collector, that makes it more likely they’ll want to invest in suing you. They also might choose to sue if the debt is reaching its statute of limitations. “Once the statute of limitations on a debt has expired, depending on state law, they either can’t sue you, or if they sue you, you can show up to court and tell the court that the debt is outside the statute of limitations or it’s too old, and they would lose the lawsuit,” says Detweiler. Sometimes a collector might sue right before the statute of limitations expires, so if they get a judgment against you, they can still collect.

What Should You Do If a Debt Collector Tries to Sue You?

Don’t panic. Stay calm if you receive a legal notice from a debt collector. But don’t ignore the notice and toss it to the side. You have to address the problem because it won’t go away on its own. Without the proper response, the situation will get worse as the collector will try more drastic measures to get their money.

Consult an attorney. You could benefit from consulting a consumer law attorney.  Many attorneys will provide an initial consultation for free, or they might be able to help you prepare for the lawsuit or answer your questions about the lawsuit for a reduced fee. “Bankruptcy attorneys are also familiar with the debt collection lawsuit process. They understand what happens if a collector gets a judgment against you. They’ll also know what property is safe from creditors and what’s not. They can help you understand what the consequences would be if you don’t respond to the lawsuit and you get a judgment,” says Detweiler. The National Association of Consumer Attorneys website allows you to search by area of expertise as well as location.

Be careful about how you respond to debt collectors. Although it’s your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to write a letter to a debt collector stating you don’t wish to be contacted, this could potentially cause more harm than good. “Sometimes you’ll hear people say you should send a letter to the debt collector stating you don’t want to be contacted anymore. But sometimes sending that letter leaves them with no other option but to sue you because they can’t call you, talk to you, or try to work something out. At that point, especially if the amount is large, the collector will file a lawsuit in order to protect their interest in collecting that debt.” So unless you know for sure you don’t owe the debt and there’s nothing they can go after, use caution when sending this type of letter.

Organize your documents. In order to prove that your debt is past the statute of limitations, if this is the case, have at least your last six months of payment statements before you stopped paying available. “This will show where the statute of limitations should be calculated from,” says Sonya Smith-Valentine, a consumer rights attorney and author of the forthcoming book How to Have a Love Affair with Your Credit Report. Smith-Valentine notes that a credit report by itself is not enough to prove that a debt is past the statute of limitations because the information is not reliable. “The court will also say that the information was prepared by a third party. You need to have information that was provided directly from the creditor, not a third party. A credit report may help as far as throwing the statute of limitations in question, but it might not be enough to automatically win your case.”

Show up for court. “If you don’t show up, the court will probably issue a judgment against you for the amount that the debt collector is suing you for. Consequently, the debt collector can attempt to find out where you work and garnish your wages. They can also attempt to find out where you bank and freeze your bank account,” says Smith-Valentine. Furthermore, the judgment will end up on your credit report for seven years. Even if you pay off the judgment, it doesn’t remove the judgment from the credit report, it just changes how it is reported. Before you pay, the judgment is reported as unsatisfied and unpaid, but even after you pay it, the judgment is reported as paid. “It doesn’t come off just because you paid it,” says Smith-Valentine.

Pay attention to your credit reports. You’ll know if a collector has gotten a judgment against you because it will usually appear on your credit reports. “If you discover you have a judgment against you, that would be the time to talk to a consumer law attorney to see whether you might have some rights in terms of getting that judgment vacated,” says Detweiler.

-Editors’ Note: This article has been updated since its original publish date in 2011

from Black Enterprise http://bit.ly/2WMiJVT
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Why I Hate ‘The Hookup’

The hookup. Are you always looking for it?

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Richard, a black comedian calls his white friend: “Hey, Chad. Just wanted to let you know: I’ll be in town next week to do a show. Hope you can make it.”

Chad: “Really? That’s great! What night is it? I’ll call all of my friends and we’ll pack the house! It’ll be a blast!”

“Thanks, Chad!,” says Richard. “It’s on Thursday night. I’ll see you then!”

Richard hangs up, excited about the prospect of a big night at the comedy club, which means more gigs. He then he calls his boy, Lamont. (What? You know he’s black. How many white, Asian or Latino guys named Lamont do you know? Try to keep up, okay? Anyway…)

Richard: “Monty-Mont! Whassup? It’s ya boy, Richy-Rich! Just hollerin’ atcha to let you know that I got a gig in town next Thursday. You coming, right?”

Lamont: “Hell, yes, I’m coming! You funny as a mug! Shoot, I’ll bring my girl, and tell her to bring her girls, and I’ll get Antonio and Big Rob and Lisa to come and get the word out to their peeps, too!”

“Cool!,” says Richard. He holds his breath. He knows it’s coming.

“You gonna hook us all up, right?,” says Lamont.

One of the biggest drags on black entrepreneurial growth and profitability is the hookup: black people expecting other black people to provide them with free goods and services just because they’re black. We need to stop it. Today. NOW.

No, she can’t hook you up with a few press releases and some public relations for your event.

No, he can’t hook you up with a few signed copies of his book.

No, he can’t hook you up with a quick shape-up so you can look fly at the club tonight.

No, she can’t hook you and your momma and aunties up with free tickets to the fashion show.

No, she can’t hook up a business plan for you real quick.

No, she can’t deliver the dinner keynote without an honorarium, in return for two tickets at the head table for food she won’t get to eat. Because she’ll be speaking during the dinner.

No, they can’t wash your car, pull your teeth, do your hair, fix your computer, edit your manuscript, paint your house, build your Website, etc. for free! Discount? Maybe. Complimentary services for referring new–paying–customers? Okay. An occasional freebie for long-time, loyal customers who always pay? Sure. Barter my goods or services for yours? We might be able to work something out. But, FREE? NO!

Hello? The point of being in business is to make money! How can entrepreneurs, and black business owners in particular, make money, if they’re expected to give their products and services–which costs them money to create, develop, market and deliver–away for free? How can they proper if everyone wants the hookup?

If you don’t spend money with them, they can’t spend their money with you. If you won’t pay for your haircut, your barber can’t pay to eat at your restaurant. If Leslie the auto dealer won’t pay a competitive rate for wedding planning, Lisa the wedding planner can’t afford to buy a car from Leslie. Money has to circulate in order for economic empowerment to happen and for black entrepreneurs to have a chance to compete and thrive. You don’t support black entrepreneurs by showing up for the hookup. You support black business by paying up.

When I find a black entrepreneur or professional who provides goods and services I like, I pay for those goods and services–period. I know that there are costs associated with providing a service and making a product, a cost they can only recoup by selling at a profit. I don’t want them to hook me up with free stuff. I want to hook them up with my spending, because then they can really hook me up, by creating jobs, growing the local tax base, supporting community organizations, doing business with other black entrepreneurs and professionals–or just having enough money and a predisposition to reciprocate, to buy goods and services (such as a registration for a Black Enterprise event) from me and mine. I want black enterpreneurs to make money. I want them to succeed. I want them to get more than rich. I want to see as many wealthy black entrepreneurs, families and communities as possible. So if I like what they’re selling, I’m more than happy–I’m thrilled–to pay for it, and to tell all of my family, friends and associates how great they are. That’s the hookup we should all be striving for.

Do you really want to support black entrepreneurs and black professionals? Stop hitting them up for the hookup. If you believe in their products and services, pay for them, as you would for the products and services of any other business. If what they’re selling doesn’t merit that, why are you patronizing them in the first place? Do you really think you’re doing them–or yourself–a favor?

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The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s and not necessarily the opinion of Black Enterprise.

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Trump’s White House hires new director of African American outreach

Family viciously harassed by officers after 4-year-old leaves discount store with a doll

A couple by the names of Iesha Harper and Dravon Ames are suing the city of Phoenix, AZ after footage has emerged of police officers drawing a gun and threatening to shoot them, after their four-your-old daughter allegedly left a store with a 99 cent doll.

In the video, which has since went viral, an overzealous officer is seen screaming and yelling at Harper, who not only has a child in her hand, but also reveals to officials that she is pregnant. The officer prompts and threatens Harper to put her hands up, despite her own protest that she is carrying a child in her arms, and can not do so. Both Ames and Harper can be seen attempting to comply with officers as best as possible, while being yelled at, threatened and physically attacked.

BREAKING: New video shows a deranged cop threatening to shoot a Black mother dead because her 4-year-old toddler “stole” a 99 cent Barbie from a dollar store. UNBELIEVABLE! THIS IS AMERICA… #Racism #PhoenixPD #BlackLivesMAtter #ThisIsAmerica pic.twitter.com/bFZ1jcj9cE

— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) June 14, 2019

READ MORE: Bodies of couple who died in Dominican Republic return to Maryland

In a statement to CNN, Ames and his fiancè Harper told the news outlet that they hadn’t realized their daughter walked out with the Barbie. Not long after leaving the Family Dollar store, Ames said that he and his partner arrived at a nearby apartment complex to drop the little girl off with a babysitter. Ames claims that not long after they pulled into the lot of the complex, an officer came over to their car window, yelling and threatening to kill them.

“Our hands are up, we’re just trying not to get shot, trying to stay calm. He had a gun drawn,”Ames told CNN. Ames also adds that there were no sirens to indicate they were being pulled over, nor did the officer pointing the firearm identify himself immediately as an cop.

“I really thought he was gonna shoot me in front of the kids,” Harper told CNN. She also states that, in the moment, she handed her two children off to a “complete stranger” because she did not trust the police to have them.

READ MORE:Mississippi restaurant employee fired for serving up a racist receipt to Black woman

The incident took place on May 29, however, police claim to have only been made aware of the video on June 11, and are investigating the matter.

“The Phoenix Police Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and for this reason, this incident is currently being investigated by the Professional Standards Bureau,” the department said in a follow-up statement to the news station.

Ames and Harper are suing the city for $10 million.

 

The post Family viciously harassed by officers after 4-year-old leaves discount store with a doll appeared first on theGrio.

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OPINION: Black fathers need to do all we can to prepare the next generation despite how much money is in the bank

Women's World Cup: Netherlands beat Cameroon 3-1 to reach last 16

European champions the Netherlands defeat Cameroon in Group E to confirm their place in the World Cup last 16.

from BBC News - Africa https://bbc.in/2RjgDao
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Africa Cup of Nations: Sadio Mane suspended for Senegal's opening match

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse confirms that his Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is suspended for their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania.

from BBC News - Africa https://bbc.in/2XdwOLv
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