Your resume is a critical document! So little space and so many important details to squeeze in there. If you eliminate all that unnecessary jargon, you’ll have room for the more meaningful information. Unfortunately when people start to focus on using jazzy words to make their resumes stand out, they tend to use words and phrases that don’t actually say anything and actually sound like white noise to hiring managers. Here are eight overused buzzwords you need to ditch on your resume and what you can focus on instead.
Slash the buzzwords
Here they are: Best of breed. Go-getter. Think outside of the box. Synergy. Go-to person. Results-driven. Team player. Strategic thinker.
The problem with most of these words is that they’re vague. They’re nice nouns and adjectives, but they don’t really explain what you DID in your previous jobs, which is exactly what your potential employer wants to hear. It’s why they’re scanning your resume and calling you in for an interview. They want to know how your past achievements uniquely qualify you for the responsibilities they’d like you to take on. So be specific and descriptive. What you did at your last company might be exactly what they want to hire you to do! So brag about it.
Use strong action verbs
As you’re listing your accomplishments and achievements, start each bullet point with a powerful action verb that gives a sense of you taking charge and being the hero. You created, influenced, increased or decreased, negotiated or launched. Without your wise interventions, your company would be struggling. Every incremental increase on their bottom line is thanks to you.
Include metrics
Throw in some numbers and metrics to give those accomplishments some context. You saved your company money. Great, how much? You trained and mentored new employees. How many? You improved customer service so that customers had a shorter wait time. Give details 
for that, too—how long did it take you? How much time did it shave off? You chaired, coordinated, executed, or oversaw a new project? Good for you, now let some numbers demonstrate how it impacted your company.
Be confident and proud. If you’re worried about sounding like you’re bragging, don’t. Your resume is the place for you to showcase your career trophies, to demonstrate that you are talented, capable, and eager for greater challenges.
For more tips on how to get your resume noticed, check out our website at https://chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh
