Resume Buzzwords and Phrases to Avoid (or Change) Immediately

Resume buzzwords and phrases

Your resume or CV is often your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers.

However, stocking up cliché resume buzzwords and phrases can diminish the impact of your achievements and skills.

This article explores why it’s crucial to avoid these resume buzzwords and phrases, how to effectively simplify your resume, and what terms to use instead.

We also explore how the experienced recruitment consultants at Barclay Recruitment can guide you in crafting a resume that stands out for the right reasons.

Why You Should Avoid Cliché Resume Buzzwords and Phrases

Lack of Clarity

Resume buzzwords and phrases tend to be vague and can obscure the real meaning of your accomplishments.

Employers look for clear, concise, and genuine descriptions of your experiences and skills.

Overuse Dilutes Impact

Many job seekers use the same resume buzzwords and phrases, making it difficult for their CVs to stand out.

When everyone is “innovative” and “a team player,” these terms lose their strength.

They Can Seem Inauthentic

Overused resume buzzwords and phrases might make your CV seem insincere or exaggerated.

This can turn off potential employers who prefer straightforward and honest accounts of your professional journey.

Missed Opportunity to Show Real Skills

Resume buzzwords and phrases can prevent you from presenting your actual skills and accomplishments.

Specific examples and quantifiable achievements are much more effective than generic phrases.

Automated Screening Filters

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that are programmed to pick up on specific keywords related to the job.

Resume buzzwords and phrases that are irrelevant to the job description might cause your resume to be overlooked.

How to Avoid or Remove These Resume Buzzwords and Phrases

Replace Generic Phrases with Specifics

Instead of saying you’re a “hard worker,” describe a situation where you went above and beyond to meet a deadline or solve a complex problem.

Providing context makes your claims more believable and relatable.

Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs that clearly articulate what you accomplished in each role.

For example, replace “responsible for managing” with “managed” followed by specific details about what you managed and the results.

Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers, percentages, or specific milestones.

This not only provides clear evidence of your capabilities but also breaks any reliance on vague descriptions.

Get Feedback

Have someone else read your resume to spot any buzzwords or cliches you might have missed.

Sometimes, an external perspective can help refine your language.

Top 10 Common Resume Buzzwords and Phrases

Innovative: Replace with specific examples of innovative solutions you developed.

Synergy: Talk about how you collaborated with other teams or departments to achieve a goal.

Go-getter: Describe an initiative you started and the results it produced.

Think outside the box: Share a particular problem you solved in a unique way.

Team player: Detail a group project or effort you were a part of and your specific role in its success.

Hard worker: Discuss a challenging project or long hours spent on a critical task and the outcomes.

Strategic thinker: Outline a time when your strategic approach led to a successful outcome.

Detail-oriented: Provide an example of a project where your attention to detail was crucial.

Results-driven: Highlight results from a campaign or project with concrete data.

Dynamic: Mention how you adapted to major changes or challenges at work.

More Overused Resume Buzzwords and Phrases to Avoid
  • Motivated
  • Proactive
  • Creative
  • Loyal
  • Extensive experience
  • Energetic
  • Expert
  • Passionate
  • Unique
  • Guru
  • Curated
  • Influential
  • Enthusiastic
  • Client-focused
  • A people-person
  • Effective
  • Innovative
  • Certified
  • Specialised
  • Ground breaking
resume

How Barclay Recruitment Can Help

Crafting the perfect resume can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Barclay Recruitment, we helping job seekers like you refine their CVs by avoiding resume buzzwords and phrases, and highlighting their strengths and achievements without relying on cliché language.

Our experts recruitment consultants can guide you in identifying the most impactful ways to describe your experiences and skills, ensuring your resume not only reaches the right people but also makes a lasting impression.

Contact Barclay Recruitment today, and let us help you showcase your professional potential through a polished and effective resume.

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