We will discuss the most typical buzzwords and cliches you should avoid using on your resume. Also, check out the advice on how to make yours truly stand out for the job application process. We’ll walk you through how to emphasize your special abilities and experience in a way that makes you stand out from the competition. As well as how to articulate your accomplishments and responsibilities using precise, results-driven language.
What are resume buzzwords?
Industry-specific terms and expressions used to emphasize relevant abilities and credentials on a resume are known as resume buzzwords. These phrases are frequently used to draw in recruiters and hiring managers and set the applicant apart from other submissions.
When applied correctly and deliberately, they can be especially powerful. Buzzwords can, however, be overdone to the point where a resume sounds generic and uninspiring.
Why is using cliches and buzzwords on your resume so bad?
Without stating it explicitly, all excellent resume samples persuade recruiters and hiring managers that you are a skilled communicator, meticulous, and professional. Overusing a resume keyword might work against you and reduce your chances of being recruited.
A recruiter or hiring manager may lose faith in your experience and abilities if they repeatedly see the same buzzwords. Buzzwords are problematic since they convey a lack of originality and fail to highlight your best qualities as an employee.
If you characterize yourself on your resume as a “creative, passionate, self-motivated worker,” it will be difficult to distinguish you from another applicant who uses similar language. On the other hand, your successes and experiences are more particular to you.
Which resume buzzword categories should you stay away from?
It’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing resume buzzwords to avoid using terms that are overdone or don’t enhance your resume. Among the keyword categories you ought to stay away from are:
Words that are ambiguous or subjective:Â Ambiguous Words do not clearly convey your abilities or accomplishments. It could be that you are not making an effort to communicate your skills and achievements clearly if you use subjective language.
Overused buzzwords: Using terms like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” or “results-driven” on your resume might make it seem unoriginal and has lost much of its punch. Buzzwords don’t offer hard proof of your skills. Instead, they are general and frequently devoid of precise and useful information.
Jargon:Â It might be beneficial to utilize industry-specific jargon, but exercise caution when using it excessively. A recruiter or hiring manager could not understand your resume if they are unfamiliar with the language.
Provide specific examples of how you have displayed a certain talent or accomplishment rather than relying on general or subjective language. Saying “results-driven” isn’t the same as providing particular data or accomplishments that show you can deliver results.
Adjust your wording to the position description.
Examine the job description and make sure the wording you use matches the abilities and credentials the company is seeking. Employ their particular jargon and phrases to personalize your resume and increase its applicability for the position.
Although it could be tempting to use buzzwords in an attempt to impress hiring managers or recruiters, it’s crucial to be truthful about your qualifications. Don’t overstate or exaggerate your accomplishments; instead, use wording that fairly represents your skills and abilities.
Best way to replace resume buzzwords
Verbs of action
You are always advised to write your resume and cover letter using action words and an active voice. Active voice writing produces clear, confident sentences that go nicely with resume writing.
The action (verb) is carried out by the subject (noun) in the active voice.‍
The passive voice: “A 20% increase in sales over six months was achieved through the introduction of a new marketing strategy by the team.”
The Active Voice: “Led the team to introduce a new marketing strategy, achieving a 20% increase in sales over six months.”
The active-voice statement in the example above used fewer words. When you have limited character space, using an active voice along with a powerful term will help you explain your experience to hiring managers and recruiters with confidence.
Specific numerical terminology
Using particular terms can help you demonstrate your abilities and accomplishments, which is something that employers generally seek in candidates. Quantifiable phrases, such as percentages and statistics, can give specific proof of your achievements, lending credibility to your assertions. Like: “increased sales revenue by 25%,” “reduced production time by 20%,” and “managed a team of 10 employees.”
Terminology unique to a the industry
In order to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in your field and your understanding of the job involved, use terms relevant to your sector. When discussing marketing, for instance, use terms like “lead generation,” “brand awareness,” and “SEO.”
Results-driven vocabulary
When showing your impact on your prior job or organization, use language that is results-oriented. For instance, state “developed and implemented a successful project that achieved X results” rather than “worked on a project.”
Statements with a call to action
In order to show how you worked and produced results in your prior job, action-oriented use statements. For instance, state that you “successfully managed a team of X employees to achieve Y results” rather than “responsible for managing a team.”
Achievements focused on results.
Use phrases like “increased revenue by X amount,” “saved the company Y dollars,” or “streamlined operations, resulting in a Z% increase in efficiency” to highlight your specific successes and their impact.
