CVPebble
This guide goes with our short video "Four words your CV does not need" on YouTube. The idea is simple: a short, clear line beats a long, padded one. Here are the four fillers, why each one weakens a CV, and the swap that fixes it.
1. "Responsible for"
"Responsible for" describes a duty, not what you did with it. Two people can hold the same duty and perform it very differently, so the phrase tells a reader almost nothing. Start the line with the action instead: led, built, improved, organised, trained. Then say what changed.
This example is fictional and only shows the technique. Same job, two ways to write it:
Responsible for the shop's social media.
Grew the shop's Instagram from 800 to 3,000 followers in one year.
2. "In order to"
"In order to" is three words doing the work of one. "To" says the same thing and keeps the line moving: "In order to reduce waiting times, I reorganised the rota" becomes "To reduce waiting times, I reorganised the rota." Nothing is lost except padding.
3. "Very" and "really"
"Very" and "really" ask the reader to take your word for it. Cut them and the sentence usually survives untouched: "very organised" is just "organised". Better still, replace the claim with proof: "Reorganised the stock room so closing took 20 minutes less." Evidence needs no amplifier.
4. "Various"
"Various" hides the work. "Various administrative tasks" could mean anything, so it means nothing. Name two or three real ones instead. The specific version is shorter and stronger at the same time.
Handled various administrative tasks.
Handled invoicing, scheduling and supplier emails.
The quick swap table
| Cut this | Write this |
|---|---|
| "Responsible for sales" | An action verb plus the result: "led", "built", "improved" |
| "In order to" | "To" |
| "Very", "really" | Nothing, or one stronger word |
| "Various tasks" | The actual tasks, named |
Why short wins
Recruiters skim. The UK's National Careers Service advises keeping a CV clear and concise, and tailoring it to the job you want. Every filler you cut gives a real detail more room. Read your CV once with a red pen: if a word adds no information, it goes.
Sources and scope
This guide, “Four words your CV does not need”, is original general guidance informed by careers resources. Reviewed 10 October 2026. Employer instructions and local expectations take priority. No interview, hiring or ATS result is guaranteed.
