10 overused words to banish from your CV

Each time someone writes their resumé, they think they're being original. Or, perhaps, they're merely writing what they think HR directors (or their software) want to hear.

At this point in January, many of us are thinking about polishing our CVs and updating our LinkedIn pages – just in case any new opportunities come along.

Before you do, think carefully about the language you’re putting out there.
When it comes to CVs, that one side of A4 has to say everything about you – and your online profile needs to be concise and eye-catching.

Especially as, according to researchers, you only have 8.8 seconds to impress a Recruiter.

To help, professional networking platform LinkedIn has just published its annual list of overused career buzzwords.

The top 10 overused buzzwords for this year are:

1. Motivated
2. Creative
3. Enthusiastic 
4. Track record 
5. Passionate 
6. Successful 
7. Driven 
8. Leadership 
9. Strategic 
10. Extensive experience

There’s more to ‘branding yourself’ than mere adjectives. A good starting point is to avoid those words that have a negative antonym. That way, in your future employers mind, there’s no potential for your performance to slide downwards on a scale. Take this year’s top three buzzwords and flip them: unmotivated, uncreative and unenthusiastic. If you wouldn’t use them to describe yourself, then forgo their positive forms, too.

It’s now perfectly possible to include photos and examples of your work. Instead of writing that you’re ‘passionate’ or ‘creative’ – why not actually demonstrate that by attaching a presentation you’re proud of? There’s no need for tired terms when your work speaks for itself.
  
Banish the buzzwords - How to sell yourself 

‘Passionate’ and ‘Enthusiastic’

Instead of saying that you’re ‘passionate’ and ‘enthusiastic’ why not demonstrate that you are? List any voluntary experience or causes you care about to highlight your interests outside work and show yourself off as a person who cares as a matter of course.

‘Creative'

Try, ‘I see the world differently’ – as long as you can qualify it by explaining how. Or, actively showcase your ‘creativity’ by uploading examples of your work so that people can see this for themselves

'Track record'

Instead, use ‘performance’ or ‘reliable’. Alternatively, prove your ‘track record’ by adding statistics and tangible results to your job descriptions to demonstrate the outcomes. Have results improved as a result of your work? Say so!

‘Successful'

Nothing beats praise from colleagues and employers to demonstrate you're ’successful'. Ask others to endorse you; or give former colleagues a recommendation to encourage one back

‘Leadership'

Use real life examples of how you’ve led teams, how large they were, and the outcome. Also, encourage your team to endorse you for your ‘leadership’ or ‘management’ skills on LinkedIn

'Extensive experience'

Demonstrate your ‘experience' by offering your opinion and insight on relevant topics through LinkedIn groups. Being active makes your profile 15 times more likely to be viewed online. And if you avoid using too many buzzwords, you might even persuade people to read to the end.