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Thursday 21 April 2016 9:58 am

The 10 most awful overused opening lines used by students

By: Lynsey Barber

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Never was the slogan "think different" more appropriate.

Students across the country are falling back on hackneyed phrases to get into university, which spells trouble when they go for that first graduate job and head into the big old world of work. a studdy has shown

Anyone hiring fresh from uni might already be familiar with these turns of phrase – and they might ring a bell with anyone who remembers their own uni application. But if you're still using any of these lines on your own CV – what are you thinking?

"From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…" start way too many cringe inducing personal statements on Ucas forms, apparently.

Read more: The universities which produce most finance workers

“The personal statement is supposed to be personal. Learning to write about yourself in a compelling way is a vital skill when applying for jobs; using hackneyed phrases is not the best way to stand out,” said Mary Curnock Cook, Ucas chief executive.

Sure, when you're starting out you don't have a lot of experience to fall back on, whether applying to Uni or that first graduate job. But be warned: these are the phrases that need to be avoided at all costs.

The 10 most cringe-inducing phrases

1. From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…

2. For as long as I can remember I have…

3. I am applying for this course because…

4. I have always been interested in…

5. Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

6. Reflecting on my educational experiences…

7. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding [career/profession/course]…

8. Academically, I have always been…

9. I have always wanted to pursue a career in…

10. I have always been passionate about…

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