10 buzzwords to avoid on your resume
The problem is language: Most resumes are a thicket of deadwood words and phrases—empty cliches, annoying jargon and recycled buzzwords. Recruiters, HR folks and hiring managers see these terms over and over again, and it makes them sad. Yes, they know. If your salary is not negotiable, that would be somewhat unusual. Reading this term, the recruiter can almost picture the C-average, uninspired employee mechanically fulfilling his job requirements—no more, no less.
10 words and terms that ruin a resume
Recruiters and hiring managers see right through a resume crowded with meaningless words. To make it to yes, you need to choose resume buzzwords that count. Every year, the professional job networking site LinkedIn releases a list of the most overused buzzwords on its network. The latest list includes:. What do all these words have in common? LinkedIn asked best-selling biographer Christopher Sandford for his take on the list last year: he pointed out that using these common words is easier and less daunting than getting creative, and those job seekers may even feel that using similar words others in their field conveys a sense of association and belonging.
Are you selecting that word because it best describes what you did—or because you think it sounds impressive? In the end, your accomplishments and talents are what will impress the hiring manager, not cent words. A better approach? Focus on telling the story, not dressing it up. What can you do for the organization? What can you do better than anyone else? How does your previous experience reflect that? Answer these questions in direct language, and then you can move on to finding the buzzwords that help you sell it.
Look for keywords related to the skills, qualities, and credentials sought by the hiring manager. Then, go beyond the job listing to search for related terms the employer may have inadvertently left out. An easy way to do this is to look at other job listings for the same title. Then, match that list with your skills.
Action words can help you do that in an active, compelling way, describing your accomplishments succinctly and effectively. You can find a full list of additional words to enhance your cover letter and resume here.
Just remember that while buzzwords will help you get past the first review filter and show the hiring manager that you have it what it takes, the way you tell the story of your career and your candidacy is what will make all the difference. College Grad Skills Listed by Job. By Jen Hubley Luckwaldt. The following list can give you a good start by showing you what words to stay away from. Sample action words include:.
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'Creative,' 'outside. 'Excellent communicator' What.
You only have a short time to make an impression with your resume. Instead, choose action-oriented phrases that show rather than tell why you should be considered. Choosing overused business jargon can weaken your resume. Here are some more examples of business lingo to leave off your resume:.
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Check out this list of buzzwords and phrases you should avoid on your resume, along with some tips on how to better use that precious real estate on your job application materials. Instead of stating the obvious, prove it. If you work in a creative field, such as advertising or web design, pursue industry awards, which can serve as outside validation for the uniqueness of your work.
113 Resume Buzzwords—What to Use and What to Avoid
Most of us are pretty uncomfortable doing that. Buzzwords offer us an easy out here. These set words and phrases seem to tick all the boxes, telling the employer what they want to hear. If not backed up by anything concrete, it can appear that your buzzwords are being used to mask incompetence. They tend to be words or phrases that anyone can say, and for that reason, are seen as meaningless. This article will act as a guide to help you write the best resume you can by identifying and eliminating buzzwords that don't have any substance.
Words to Avoid and Include on a Resume
Advice Job Search. Many of us can summon over-used resume buzzwords in our sleep. Here at Career Contessa, we are huge proponents of infusing creativity wherever we can—especially in stiff hiring documents like the cover letter or resume. For that reason, we created this looooong list of alternatives for buzzwords commonly found in resumes, cover letters , and LinkedIn profiles. According to a study by LinkedIn , here are the top ten most-used buzzwords:. Chances are, if you scour your own LinkedIn profile or resume right now, you will come across some of these guys—maybe even all of them. Is that bad? Not necessarily.
Take a look at your CV.
Recruiters and hiring managers see right through a resume crowded with meaningless words. To make it to yes, you need to choose resume buzzwords that count.
10 Buzzwords You Should Stop Using on Your Resume
Many words that were once widely popular in the employment jargon are slowly getting a bit old. They just got overused by both employers and job seekers. Companies often get resumes with statements such as:. Like we said in our previous blog post , the job offers sometimes push you into using the same buzzwords all over again because they were listed in requirements for the candidate. Distinguish yourself from the others by not using these phrases. There are many forms of creativity and plenty of spheres where being creative is a great advantage. What trait in particular makes you a great contribution to the team? So, which problems did you solve? Stating that you are a problem solver tells the recruiter virtually nothing. Good for you. If you wish to express you are active and passionate, specifically mention your activities and passions. Give those words meanings.
Top 10 CV buzzwords – and how to avoid them
Words matter in your resume. If you consider how the average hiring manager will spend only six to ten seconds scanning your resume, you need to make words jump out. You want to include buzzwords that speak to the hiring manager, forcing them to examine your resume for longer. Not all words alike. Some words might jump out of your resume and make the hiring manager immediately cringe. But how do you know which are the right and good buzzwords? Three things make a buzzword good.
