by Imagine a hiring manager sifting through hundreds of resumes, each one proclaiming that the candidate is a "hard-working team player". After some time, all the applications will start blurring together.
The above phrase is an example of resume cliches and buzzwords.
A resume is your tool to make a good first impression. It's an overview of your professional story distilled onto a single page. Hence, it has to be unique to catch recruiters attention.
This article will delve into the overused resume buzzwords and clichés and provide strategies on how to make your document stand out.
"Your resume is the chief evangelist of your career and the best instrument for securing employment."
What are resume clichés?
Clichés are overused words and phrases that have lost their impact due to their frequent and often generic utilization.
When included in a resume, such words can create a negative perspective of the job-seeker as they don't provide any specific information about skills or achievements. Examples include "team player", "detail-oriented", "results-driven", etc.
Hiring managers, who often review dozens or even hundreds of resumes for a single position, can quickly spot these clichéd terms and may dismiss your application.
What are resume buzzwords?
Buzzwords are trendy terms or jargon that sound impressive but often lack substance.
Popular buzz terms might seem like a quick way to catch the attention of a hiring manager, but they actually make your resume appear generic and unoriginal. Buzzwords examples are "innovative", "strategic thinker", self-starter", etc.
According to career experts, such phrases are often seen as filler words that candidates use when they don’t have substantial results to showcase. Hiring managers prefer specific examples that demonstrate your impact and skills.
Are there any good resume buzzwords?
Some buzzwords, if used correctly, can actually help create an application that will stand out. While overused and vague phrases can make your resume blend into the crowd, strategic implementation of powerful and specific buzzwords will highlight your strengths.
The key to success is to choose action verbs that clearly convey your accomplishments and skills, and back them up with concrete examples and measurable results.
Good buzzwords examples for a resume:
Achieved Example: "Achieved a 30% increase in sales through targeted marketing strategies"
Implemented Example: "Implemented a new project management system that improved team efficiency by 25%"
Spearheaded Example: "Spearheaded the development of a new product line, resulting in $2 million in revenue within the first year"
Optimized Example: "Optimized supply chain processes, reducing costs by 15%"
Transformed Example: "Transformed the customer service department, leading to a 40% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings"
Led Example: "Led a cross-functional team to successfully launch a new software platform"
Generated Example: "Generated $500,000 in new business through strategic partnerships"
Resolved Example: "Resolved critical software issues, decreasing downtime by 50%"
Negotiated Example: "Negotiated vendor contracts, saving the company $200,000 annually"
Launched Example: "Launched a social media campaign that increased brand awareness by 60%"
Using these impactful buzzwords can help your resume highlight your specific accomplishments, making your candidacy more compelling to hiring managers. The key is to back these words with concrete examples and quantifiable results.
Resume examples with good buzzwords
Real estate sales consultant resume:
Assistant hotel manager resume:
Manufacturing data analyst resume:
Resume clichés and buzzwords examples
"I would rather read a poorly written story that has fresh ideas than a tightly structured one with clichés."
| Word | Description | Alternative way of saying |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-working | This phrase is too vague and doesn’t provide any concrete evidence of your work ethic or achievements. | Demonstrated a strong work ethic by completing projects ahead of schedule. |
| Team player | While collaboration is important, this term is overused and lacks specificity. | Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals. |
| Detail-oriented | The word is often seen as a filler when there isn't much to say. | Identified and corrected errors, ensuring 100% accuracy in reports. |
| Self-starter | This term is often used without context. | Initiated and led a new project that increased productivity by 20%. |
| Excellent communicator | Rather than just stating this, provide examples of how your communication skills have led to successful outcomes. | Delivered clear and effective presentations that led to a 15% increase in client engagement. |
| Go-getter | This resume buzzword is perceived as unsubstantiated on its own. | Took the initiative to develop a new strategy that boosted sales by 25%. |
| Results-driven | This term can be vague. | Achieved a 30% increase in revenue through targeted marketing efforts. |
| Results-oriented | Similar to "results-driven", this word lack clarity. | Delivered measurable outcomes, including a 40% increase in client retention. |
| Passionate | Passion is subjective. | Demonstrated enthusiasm by leading a team project that won a prestigious award. |
| Problem solver | This term is too broad, requiring supporting arguments. | Resolved a major workflow issue, reducing processing time by 40%. |
| Dynamic | This word is often used without context. | Adapted quickly to changing priorities, resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency. |
| Synergy | Often used to sound impressive but doesn’t convey concrete information. | Improved team performance by aligning departmental goals and resources. |
| Innovative | While innovation is valuable, this term is overused. | Developed a new product feature that increased user satisfaction by 30%. |
| Strategic thinker | This word lacks specifics. | Created a strategic plan that led to a 25% growth in market share. |
| Expert | Describing yourself as an expert without evidence can come across as presumptuous. | Demonstrated deep expertise by leading a project that saved $500,000. |
| Proactive | This term is broad and often used as a filler. | Took proactive measures to streamline operations, resulting in a 15% cost reduction. |
| Leverage | The buzzword can be vague. | Utilized market research to develop a new campaign that drove a 20% increase in sales. |
| Cutting-edge | Often used to sound modern but doesn’t provide specific information. | Implemented the latest technology, improving system performance by 30%. |
| Visionary | This term can seem grandiose without context. | Spearheaded a project that redefined the company’s long-term strategy and doubled revenue. |
| World-class | The word can be seen as boastful. | Achieved top industry certifications and exceeded performance benchmarks. |
Buzzwords in the work experience section
In the employment history section, candidates frequently rely on generic terms that don’t add much to their narrative.
Here are some examples of clichéd and buzzwords to avoid in your resume and tips to replace them:
- Hardworking. Show your dedication through achievements.
- Self-motivated. Convey through examples of independent projects.
- Proactive. Provide specific instances where you took the initiative.
- Strong work ethic. Demonstrate your integrity with examples of your dedication and hard work.
- Leader. Mention leadership roles you had and the outcomes of your endeavors.
- Effective. Replace with concrete results or impacts of your work.
- Versatile. Provide examples of your ability to handle various tasks or roles.
- Enthusiastic. Show enthusiasm through projects you were excited to be a part of.
- Organized. Describe your organizational skills in action.
Cliches in the education section
In the academic part of your resume, common phrases can make your description sound generic.
Here are some examples of bad resume buzzwords to describe your academics and what to do instead of simply writing these terms on your document:
- Passionate Learner. Illustrate this by describing relevant courses or projects.
- Well-Rounded. Showcase how diverse experiences have contributed to your skills.
- High Achiever. Specify notable academic achievements, honors, or awards.
- Focused and Dedicated. Provide examples of significant projects or research that demonstrate focus.
- Academic Excellence. Offer concrete evidence of your excellence, like standout assignments or presentations.
- In-depth Knowledge. Highlight specific areas of expertise or knowledge gained.
Other overused terms
Overall, candidates may use resume clichés and buzzwords in any part of their document.
Here’s how to replace these terms with more meaningful content:
- Adaptable. Provide examples of how you've successfully adapted to changes.
- Flexible. Illustrate your ability to handle varying tasks or environments.
- Creative Thinker. Showcase your creativity with specific projects or innovations.
- Tech-Savvy. Specify the technologies and tools you are familiar with.
- Positive Attitude. Replace with examples of how your attitude has benefited a project or team.
- Experienced Professional. Detail your experience with specific roles or industries.
- Goal-Oriented. Highlight the career goals you have achieved.
- Dedicated. Provide examples of your commitment to projects or professional growth.
How to avoid clichés and buzzwords
"I try my best to not just avoid clichés but to write with some meaning"
To identify if the resume has clichés or buzzwords, you can employ several strategies.
Self-Assessment
After writing your resume, review it carefully. Ask yourself if the terms you use are specific to your experiences or if they could apply to anyone in your field. If it’s the latter, you'd better revise your document.
Feedback
Get feedback from a family member, or a mentor you trust, or seek professional help. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help identify areas that need improvement.
Tools and Resources
Use tools like a resume builder or a career coaching service that can help find overused phrases and suggest alternatives. Websites like Resume Trick offer AI assistance to help craft impactful summaries and work experience sections.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
Crafting a standout resume requires more than just picking the best words. It’s about presenting your unique skills, experiences, and expertise in a way that grabs attention.
Strategies to steer clear of resume clichés and buzzwords in your resume:
- Be specific. Describe particular projects where you achieved measurable results.
- Quantify achievements. Numbers and data make claims more credible.
- Tailor your resume. Use the job description to identify the keywords the employer is looking for.
- Unique personal branding. Think about what makes you special and how you can convey this in your resume.
- Consistency and clarity. Ensure that your document is easy to read, with clear sections, headings, bullet points, and a logical flow.
Apply the same principles to your LinkedIn profile. Ensure that your LinkedIn summary and job descriptions are free of clichés and buzzwords.
Use your cover letter to further elaborate on your unique qualifications and experiences. Avoid clichés and buzzwords here as well, focusing on personalizing your letter for each application.
Resume clichés and buzzwords: FAQ
- Can including too many buzzwords affect my resume’s readability?
- Yes, overloading your application with buzzwords can make it harder to read and understand. Focus on clear, concise language and details to effectively convey your qualifications.
- How can I demonstrate my impact in previous roles?
- Use the STAR method to structure your descriptions. This approach provides a clear narrative of how you handled specific situations and tasks, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
- Should I include good buzzwords in my resume summary?
- Incorporating relevant and impactful action-orientated language into your resume summary can be beneficial. Make sure the terms you use are thoughtfully selected and backed up with specific examples or achievements.
- How should I present soft skills on my resume without buzzwords?
- Instead of listing soft skills like "teamwork" or "leadership" as standalone terms, integrate them into your descriptions of specific experiences.
- How do I balance technical jargon and clear communication on my resume?
- Use technical terms when they are relevant to the job and industry, but make sure that your document remains clear and accessible. Provide context for your technical skills.
Conclusion
"If you call failures experiments, you can put them in your resume and claim them as achievements."
In summary, avoiding resume clichés and buzzwords is crucial for standing out in the competitive job market and effectively presenting your qualifications to employers.
By being specific, quantifying achievements, using strong action verbs, and tailoring your application to each role, you can create a unique resume that showcases your true potential.
Review your job documents carefully to ensure your resume accurately reflects your skills and achievements without relying on overused terms.
