Thoughts and inspirations from

BUZZWORDS TO ELIMINATE FROM

YOUR JOB APPLICATIONS

When applying for a position, using “buzzwords” and cliché phrases in your application may actually do more harm than good.

The usage of lazy words and common phrases may show a lack of creativity instead of your intended message.

Next, we will discuss a few “buzzwords” and phrases that you should eliminate from your next job application, as well as explanations as to why they are poor choices.

INTRODUCTION

The over-usage of buzzwords in a job application can easily make you appear uninteresting, uncreative, or even insincere about your desire for the position.

These are phrases that hiring managers have seen thousands of times. After seeing these words every day, they begin to lose their meaning.

Therefore, to stand out, try mixing up your word choices and provide thorough descriptions (when possible) to adequately communication your message, instead of leaning on common turn of phrase or colloquialisms.

WHY ARE BUZZWORDS BAD?

“Go-getter” The phrase “go-getter” is a perfect example of a cliché that is so

overused that it has lost all meaning. “Think outside the box”

The irony with this phrase is that it intends to construct the idea of coming up with creative solutions, instead of leaning on easy ones.

“Results-driven, team player, or hard worker” While these are useful skills to have, your CV is not the place to discuss

them. Instead, think of a specific example that you can bring up during an interview.

“Detail-oriented” Aside from being a soft skill (which we will discuss next), claiming to be

detail-oriented increases your vulnerability to typos—if a typo is detected anywhere in your application, you claim will appear to be deceitful.

“Great communication skil ls” While this may be vital to certain positions, communication skills can be

shown through your experiences, job history, and application as a whole instead of simply told.

BUZZWORDS OR PHRASES TO ELIMINATE FROM YOUR NEXT

APPLICATION

So what are these hard and soft skills? Hard skills are easily proven and measurable with

clear metrics, while soft skills are generally subjective and qualify as “intangibles” instead of a competitive advantage.

For example: claiming to be a “fast typer” or to have “exceptional keyword skills” would be taking the soft route (how fast is fast? What does exceptional mean?), while “typing speed: 75 words per minute” makes it clear exactly how quickly you can type.

As a general rule, only include hard skills on application materials and save your soft skills as talking points during an interview.

HARD VS. SOFT SKILLS