7 Resume Buzzwords to Avoid
Certain terms on your resume might show a potential employer you're the greatest applicant. Buzzwords and other trendy resume words may not impress employers. Learning how to use buzzwords and keywords can boost your CV and job prospects. This article covers seven significant buzzwords to avoid in your resume, four words or phrases to use instead, and advice for constructing a standout CV.
What's a buzzword?
Resume buzzwords are general terms and phrases that aren't industry- or role-specific. In a resume's job history or professional summary, they're interchangeable. Candidates utilise keywords in resumes to attract recruiters, hiring managers, and resume reviewers. These phrases can boost a candidate's confidence, but they rarely describe their talents and attributes.
Difference between keywords and buzzwords?
Buzzwords aren't industry-specific, unlike keywords. Keywords provide job-related information and educational or experience requirements, unlike buzzwords. Employers seek for keywords when evaluating candidates. Marketing firms may seek resumes with brand management or digital communications skills. Keywords should be used to tailor your resume to each employer, but avoid generic buzzwords and ambiguous language. If possible, use keywords to describe your achievements. Evidence can corroborate your past work rather than leave people guessing. A CV that highlights your talents and summarises your experience will help you create a good impression by showing how you can handle your new job.
7 resume buzzwords to avoid
It's vital to avoid typical buzzwords while citing professional experience or education, although using a few keywords is beneficial. Top keywords to remove from your resume:
1. Quick learner
Entry-level candidates typically use language to compensate for their inexperience or demonstrate how they might master a skill fast if hired. Words like "fast learner" might be tempting to show innate aptitude, but they don't explain how. Examples are needed to describe your learning pace.
2. Experienced pro
Resumes in numerous sectors use "experienced professional" language. Employers like industry expertise, but it doesn't tell them anything about you. Clarity and simplicity are key when describing your experience. You may show your experience without utilising a keyword.
3. Successful track record
Your CV should show why you deserve an interview. Therefore, avoid generic remarks regarding your experience, such as a successful job history. Quantifying results on your CV shows your track record better. If your present job frequently yields great customer satisfaction, you may include it in your resume.
4. Hard-working
Again, this keyword doesn't tell companies anything about your skills. Work ethic is vital in most fields, but employers care more about results. Employers evaluate resumes based on productivity and time management.
5. Handles pressure well
Numerous careers demand you to perform well under pressure to accomplish deadlines and results. This line is common in resumes and expected by many companies. Instead of using jargon, demonstrate your pressure-handling skills. Mention moments when you were under pressure and how you worked well under duress.
6. Know a tech or app
You must know particular technology or applications before applying to many industries. Mentioning that you're familiar with a specific technology used in your area might show that you understand the work, but it usually isn't enough to show that you've used the technology in a previous role or project.
To demonstrate your knowledge of your role's technology, utilise action verbs instead of jargon. To build a client database, replace Familiarity with X technology with Used X.
7. Excellent interpersonal or communication abilities
Communication and interpersonal skills are contextual, therefore employers can't know from a statement if you have advanced abilities. Your skill level relies on the scenario and result. Describe how you handle work or group projects to demonstrate your communication or interpersonal abilities without making a claim that's hard to prove.
In conclusion, while buzzwords may seem like a quick way to catch an employer's eye, it's important to use them judiciously in your resume. By avoiding overused buzzwords and focusing on specific keywords that highlight your achievements and experience, you can create a standout CV that truly showcases your qualifications for the job. Remember, the goal of your resume is to show the employer why you are the best fit for the position, so choose your words carefully and make sure they accurately reflect your skills and accomplishments.