Being wordy is good when playing Scrabble, but not when writing a resume or cover letter. In fact, the most effective job application materials are concise and to the point.

Prior to submitting your employment documents, read through them, looking for any extraneous words and phrases. The following applicant would have benefited from using simpler and more succinct language.

OBJECTIVE: I want to work for a company that needs data transformed into useful information.

They must also be able to handle the truth the data reveals.

We're ready if you are.

SKILLS: I have the ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades and brightness.

Thank "hue" for submitting your resume.

Of course, there are limits to how compact your sentences should be. Shortening your resume by overusing abbreviations and acronyms, especially ones that may not be familiar to all audiences, is likely to confuse, not clarify, your point.

JOB DUTIES: Read and followed BPRs and SOPs and kept current on the OJTs.

We'll have HR get back to you ASAP.

Being humorous or cutesy also is ill advised when applying for a job. Impress a hiring manager by highlighting your relevant skills, education and experience -- not by showcasing your whimsical wit.

OBJECTIVE: Work to learn, not to earn, and earn from what is learned.

The Benjamin Franklin of resume writers.

Also read your work for clarity. Could something you've written be misunderstood or taken in more than one way?

REFERENCES: Professional and personal reference available upon request.

Does that mean you have only one reference?

AWARDS: Elected an Outstanding Young Man of America.

How can we get in touch with him?

JOB DUTIES: Bag groceries and human relations.

That must be one big bag.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Cashier for a travel plaza/gas station. Gave showers to truck drivers and travelers.

No wonder you're looking for a clean start.