Recruiters and hiring managers are starting to feel "AI-fatigued."
When they see resumes filled with words like "spearheaded," "leveraged," or "optimized," they may stop reading, as these words have become widely-accepted indications that a bot wrote the content.
If your resume sounds like a template, your impact gets lost, and you lose the opportunity to stand out and make a real connection. That's why I’m sharing a list of "AI Red Flags" that I use in Week 1 of my Government to Private Sector Cohort, for you to use as a checklist of what to strip away so your experience doesn't get buried.
It covers:
Verb traps: Why simple words like "built," "led," or "negotiated" are more effective than "leveraged".
Structure red flags: How to spot "staccato" writing and wording formats that signal a bot.
Vague word choices: Specific terms like "tapestry," "testament," and "bespoke" that often trigger recruiter fatigue.
The "So What?" Test: A quick way to check if your bullet points are too generic to be yours.
The intent is to make sure your unique background and voice stay front and center during your transition. Below is the full breakdown of AI dead giveaways to avoid.
The Evolution of AI Writing
AI writing changes as the tools change. Some words that were everywhere not long ago, like "delve," have already started to fade, while new ones take their place. Patterns last longer than word lists, so use these insights to train your ear for the patterns. Many of these habits (like em dashes and big verbs) were around long before AI, so finding just one of them on its own proves nothing. A pile of them in one document is what readers notice.
Structure & Phrasing Patterns
Verb Choice: Avoid bullet points that all start with the same inflated verb, such as "leveraged," "orchestrated," or "optimized". While a classic like "spearheaded" is fine once, using it ten times in a row is a giveaway. Instead, try simpler verbs like built, led, fixed, negotiated, cut (costs), won, or accelerated.
Formatting: Watch out for the heavy use of em dashes (—) to connect ideas or short, fragmented sentences in a row, also known as staccato writing. Avoid lists of three for rhythm (e.g., "clarity, confidence, and control") or phrases tacked onto the end of a sentence like "...ensuring alignment across stakeholders".
Predictable Constructs: Steer clear of phrasing patterns like "The problem? Solution," "The result?", or "The truth?". Similarly, avoid constructs like "It's not just about policy; it's about people" or stage-setting openers such as "Here's the thing," "Let's be honest," or "In today's fast-paced world".
Filler Words and Intensifiers
We often rely on filler words to pad our writing, such as actually, exactly, specifically, truly, genuinely, honestly, really, deeply, incredibly, particularly, essentially, and ultimately.
Try it: Delete the word and reread the sentence. If it still works, leave it out.
Buzzwords and Overused Vocabulary
This is the part of the list that changes fastest. Avoid words like: dive into, navigate the landscape, unlock, harness, foster, elevate, empower, streamline, underscore, showcase, embark, journey, seamless, robust, holistic, cutting-edge, pivotal, crucial, multifaceted, nuanced, realm, beacon, resonate, unwavering, vibrant, and bespoke. Reach for the plain word you would say out loud.
Generalities & The "So What?" Test
If anyone could have written it, it seems AI-generated. Avoid resume clichés that read as filler, such as: "results-driven," "passionate about," "proven track record," "unique blend of," "detail-oriented team player," "hit the ground running," or "bring to the table".
Personalize your bullet points with specific metrics or something unique to you.
If you ask "so what?" and the bullet doesn't answer your question, it's likely AI.
Add clauses like, "resulting in..." or "which enabled the team to....".
Try the read-it-out-loud test: If you would never say it to a colleague, rewrite it the way you would say it.
Before and After Examples
Before: "Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure project success."
After: "Worked with [who] to [what you did], which [result, with a number]."
Before: "Spearheaded and orchestrated initiatives to leverage cross-functional synergies."
After: "Led a team of [number] to [what you built or fixed], cutting [time or cost] by [amount]."
Cover Letters, Thank You Notes, and Government Writers
Avoid Template Phrases: Skip openers that sound like a template, such as "I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in..." or "I hope this message finds you well". The same goes for closers like "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align...".
Empty Praise: Statements like "I was particularly impressed by your company's commitment to excellence" lack depth. In a thank-you note, mention one specific thing from your conversation. That detail is what tells the reader a person wrote it.
For Government Writers: Write "I," not "we," so the reader can see what you did. Spell out agency acronyms and program names, and swap internal jargon for plain language an outside recruiter would use.
—————————
Save these tips for your next application. Click HERE to download the full, printable reference guide.
As you prepare your materials and continue navigating your career transition, be sure to check out MissionPivot™ for even more targeted guidance, community support, and strategies to land your next role!
