Overused Resume Buzzwords – What You Should Avoid
A big hurdle in any job search is getting your resume noticed by recruiters. It can seem like an uphill battle, and many job seekers use popular buzzwords to help their resumes stand out.
Buzzwords are a bad idea.
LinkedIn recently identified the 10 most overused buzzwords found on their profiles. These cringe-inducing buzzwords are so overused, they can turn an HR director or recruiter away from your resume in an instant.
Here are the top 10 overused buzzwords, as identified by LinkedIn:
- Extensive experience
- Innovative
- Motivated
- Results-oriented
- Dynamic
- Proven track record
- Team player
- Fast-paced
- Problem solver
- Entrepreneurial
You may recognize a few (or more) of these buzzwords, because they reside in your own resumes! Fear not, as there is a simple alternative for all 10 of these words:
Give real examples.
Instead of saying that you have a proven track record, give examples of your successes! Rather than state that you are a team player, include on your resume ways you demonstrated teamwork. The key to an attention-grabbing resume isn’t buzzwords, it’s real-world experience and results.
You may have caught on by now, but the real problem with these buzzwords isn’t that they are overused. It’s that they don’t say anything! Ten resumes with hollow overuse of buzzwords versus 10 resumes with concrete examples of successes are pretty similar. All 10 of the first batch are pretty much the same, but with little value. The next batch are similar, but because they are overflowing with demonstrated results. Make sure your resume is one of the few with results!
Don’t be afraid to brag about your accomplishments – your resume could be the only opportunity you have to make an impression and move on to the next step in the hiring process. Follow this formula, and your buzzword-using days will be over.
Want to improve your resume and land a new career opportunity?
The recruiting team at SelecSource has worked with thousands of professionals across Metro Atlanta to improve their resumes, and find their next exciting career opportunity.
