Labeling one's achievements or skills as 'Exceptional' signals standout performance that goes beyond the ordinary. It's an assertion of top-tier capability and results. While powerful, its credibility hinges on providing concrete examples of achievements or accolades that underscore this exceptionality.
This statement is too generic and lacks specificity. It does not provide any evidence or examples of how the candidate's communication skills are exceptional. Instead, it is better to mention specific instances where effective communication led to positive outcomes, such as "Delivered presentations to diverse audiences, resulting in a 30% increase in client engagement."
Similar to the previous example, this statement is too vague and does not provide any concrete examples of the candidate's problem-solving abilities. Instead, it is better to mention specific challenges or complex problems that were successfully resolved, such as "Developed innovative solutions to streamline processes, resulting in a 50% reduction in production time."
Again, this statement lacks specificity and does not provide any evidence of the candidate's leadership abilities. It is better to mention specific leadership experiences or achievements, such as "Led a cross-functional team of 10 members to successfully launch a new product, resulting in a 15% increase in sales within the first quarter."
Instead of using "Exceptional" when describing customer service skills, job seekers can use synonyms like "Outstanding," "Exemplary," or "Superior." These alternatives highlight their ability to go above and beyond in meeting customer needs, resolving issues, and providing a positive experience. Using more precise language can demonstrate their strong interpersonal skills and dedication to customer satisfaction.
When highlighting collaboration skills, job seekers can replace "Exceptional" with synonyms such as "Collaborative," "Cooperative," or "Team-oriented." These terms emphasize their ability to work effectively with others, contribute to a team's success, and foster a positive work environment. Using more specific language can showcase their interpersonal abilities and their commitment to achieving shared goals.
Instead of using "Exceptional" to describe problem-solving skills, job seekers can opt for synonyms like "Resourceful," "Innovative," or "Analytical." These alternatives highlight their ability to think creatively, find solutions, and overcome challenges. Using more precise language can demonstrate their critical thinking skills and their capacity to approach problems from different angles.
The best replacement for 'Exceptional' on a resume could be 'Outstanding'. For example, instead of saying "I have exceptional skills in project management", you could say "I have outstanding skills in project management". Other alternatives could be 'Superior', 'Remarkable', or 'Unparalleled'.
It's OK to use 'Exceptional' on a resume when you're describing a unique achievement or skill that sets you apart from other candidates. For instance, you could say "Exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams," or "Received an award for exceptional performance in sales." However, ensure it's backed by concrete evidence or examples to avoid sounding vague or exaggerated.
To gauge if 'Exceptional' is relevant for your resume, consider if you have achievements or skills that significantly surpass the norm in your field. This could be a project you've completed ahead of schedule, a major increase in sales you've achieved, or a unique skill set that sets you apart from your peers. For example, if you've consistently exceeded sales targets by a large margin, you could say "Exceptional sales professional with a track record of surpassing targets by over 50%." Remember, it's important to back up such strong adjectives with concrete evidence.
