Stop Using Overused Buzzwords in Your Resume Today

Overused buzzwords can weaken your resume by making it sound generic and unoriginal. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, and buzzwords fail to capture their attention. Moreover, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to filter out resumes that don’t present unique skills or experiences, leading to potential rejection.

Identifying and removing these filler words is crucial. With Mistakes.cv, you can get a second opinion that helps uncover hidden mistakes in your resume, ensuring it stands out to both ATS and recruiters.

Issue #1 – "Responsible for"

Why this hurts

This phrase is overly common and does not convey any sense of achievement or specific action taken. It can make your role seem passive.

Example

• Weak: Responsible for managing a team.
• Stronger: Led a team of 10 to achieve a 20% increase in productivity.

How to fix

• Use active verbs that showcase your contributions.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Issue #2 – "Dynamic"

Why this hurts

This term is vague and does not provide any real insight into your skills or experiences. Recruiters see it as a filler word.

Example

• Weak: A dynamic team player.
• Stronger: A collaborative team player who enhanced project collaboration.

How to fix

• Describe specific contributions in team settings.
• Focus on the outcomes of your teamwork.

Issue #3 – "Hardworking"

Why this hurts

Every candidate claims to be hardworking; thus, this term loses its impact. It does not differentiate you from other applicants.

Example

• Weak: Hardworking and dedicated.
• Stronger: Consistently exceeded performance targets by 15% through dedication and strategic planning.

How to fix

• Provide concrete examples of how your efforts led to success.
• Use metrics to back up your statements.

Issue #4 – "Results-oriented"

Why this hurts

This phrase is often used without evidence, making it hard for recruiters to believe it. It’s a buzzword that sounds good but lacks supporting details.

Example

• Weak: Results-oriented professional.
• Stronger: Achieved a 30% increase in sales through targeted marketing strategies.

How to fix

• Always back up claims with data or specific outcomes.
• Be specific about the results achieved and how they were accomplished.

Issue #5 – "Team player"

Why this hurts

This phrase is so frequently used that it has become a cliché. Without context, it does not provide any value to your resume.

Example

• Weak: A strong team player.
• Stronger: Collaborated with a cross-functional team to deliver a project two weeks ahead of schedule.

How to fix

• Illustrate how you contributed to team success with specific examples.
• Highlight your role and impact.

Issue #6 – "Synergy"

Why this hurts

This term sounds impressive but is often used without explanation, leaving recruiters confused about its real meaning in context.

Example

• Weak: Created synergy within the team.
• Stronger: Fostered collaboration among team members to enhance productivity and communication.

How to fix

• Clarify what you mean by synergy and provide examples.
• Explain the impact of collaborative efforts.

Issue #7 – "Go-getter"

Why this hurts

This term is subjective and can be interpreted in many ways, which makes it less effective in conveying your true capabilities.

Example

• Weak: A go-getter who takes initiative.
• Stronger: Initiated and led a new project that increased client engagement by 40%.

How to fix

• Provide specific instances where your initiative led to measurable results.
• Focus on the actions you took and their outcomes.

Issue #8 – "Excellent communication skills"

Why this hurts

This is another generic phrase that doesn’t demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. It needs context to be believable.

Example

• Weak: Excellent communication skills.
• Stronger: Delivered presentations to clients that led to a 25% increase in project approvals.

How to fix

• Support your claim with specific examples of your communication success.
• Include metrics or feedback where available.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often use buzzwords like "hardworking" or "team player" without backing them up with examples. Focus on specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills instead.

Mid

Mid-level candidates frequently rely on terms like "results-oriented" and "dynamic". It’s important to provide quantifiable achievements that demonstrate these qualities.

Senior

Senior professionals may use buzzwords like "strategic thinker" without evidence. Show how your strategic decisions led to company growth or efficiency improvements.

• Replace vague buzzwords with specific examples.
• Use metrics to quantify your achievements.
• Ensure your language aligns with the job description.
• Seek feedback from peers or professionals.
• Consider a resume review with Mistakes.cv for an expert evaluation.

Eliminating overused buzzwords is critical to ensuring your resume stands out. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and present them clearly.

For a thorough review of your resume and to uncover any hidden mistakes, consider using Mistakes.cv. Our platform can help you refine your resume for better chances at landing your desired job.