Top Resume Buzzwords to Use and Cliches to Avoid in Your Job Search

When comes to writing resume, buzzwords play a crucial role for job seekers, there are recruitment specialists and hiring managers who shift through piles of resumes daily.

Last update:
01/01/2024
Top Resume Buzzwords to Use and Cliches to Avoid in Your Job Search

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Therefore, the use of power words and the rejection of resume buzzwords and resume buzzword and resume clichés, is appropriate. Here is what you need to know about the resume buzzwords and cliches that you have to put in and your resume stand those that you have to avoid. This guide gives you an idea about:

  • Definition and importance of resume buzzwords.
  • The role of buzzwords in the job search process.
  • How hiring manager use buzzwords.
  • Effective use of buzzwords in a Resume.
  • Resume buzzwords to use
  • Avoiding Clichés and Overused Buzzwords
  • FAQ
resume buzzwords

Definition and Importance of Resume Buzzwords


Definition:

Resume or resume buzzwords concern the terms that are used in the resume with the main intention of selling the candidate to the employer. These unique wordings are extremely useful in giving out different attention to the resumes in the modern world job seeker market.

Adding keywords in resume buzzwords to use them will make you visible to the recruiters which informs them that you are the kind of employee who have their own voice and critical and innovative thinking that, they wish to have in their organization.

📌 Tip: Build your resume today with our AI resume builder with all buzzwords.

Importance:

Importance of resume buzzword are needed to ensure that the candidate’s resume can attract the employer’s attention in the current environment of a large number of resumes.

These keywords or phrases are very specific examples and important in enhancing your visibility in both hiring managers' ATS and hiring managers’ operations.

ATS software searches for keywords that are associated with a particular job, that is why it will also be helpful to add such keywords as project management, digital marketing, or a strategic thinker as it will increase the likelihood of making it through the resume sifter.

✒️ Read more: ATS Friendly Resume Templates.

To the hiring manager, adding buzzwords swiftly reveal your qualities and achievements thus increasing your chances of having the resume noticed in a one-pass scan.

It is advisable to well employ these terms in the course of writing your resume effective utilization will act as indication of your comprehension of the role and the industry more importantly will present a clue of your preparedness for the job.

Moreover, linking the commonly used buzzwords with some real-life experience and measurable results directly proves your value, making you more attractive to the employer.

In general, the use of resume buzzwords in the strategic manner at the proposal entails benefits that would help you maintain a better professional image, get better interviews, and increased chances of the right networking which would in one way or the other help you land the specific position you want.

📌 Tip: Include about your references for better interaction with hiring team.

resume buzzwords

The Role of Buzzwords in the Job Search Process


The terms or ideas which are present and active during the job search process are known as Buzzwords can therefore be said to play the following roles simply describing the dream of job seeker as:

First Impressions:

Whether potential employers receive a job application or many of them from other candidates, they normally look at the documents for not less than ten seconds or more than twenty seconds at first sight. So, with the use of effective keywords in the resume cover letter and resume writing itself, this can also aid in proclaiming and presenting the candidate’s suitability for the post.

✒️ Read more: Create your professional resume template.

Highlighting Skills:

Besides that, the fancy buzzword helps in the new marketing strategy focusing on unique skills and experiences young professionals, which, in turn, help to fit oneself for the employer’s demand.

Employers have certain terminal that, in applicant, they want seen fit for the job description. Some keywords are not advisable to be used because they are closer in meaning to the nature of the work and the person-type of the position.

Job seekers can increase their chances of getting hired by incorporating relevant buzzwords into their resume, but they should know the right relevant resume buzzwords to use, are available in online.

✒️ Read more: Mention your skills in your resume with our guide.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):

Most employers apply ATS in the elimination process of the countless application submitted to them. Using of such relevant keywords from your resume summary the the job posting advertisement improves on the chances of job applicants and your resume summary getting through the Human recruits.

resume buzzwords

How Hiring Manager Use Buzzwords


Identifying Key Competencies:

Employers to hire people, also look for specific keywords in order to narrow down the list of candidates with regard to the job description.

They are based on words that went to do with previous jobs with competencies, achievements and personal attributes necessary for the next job posting. For instance, using ‘SEO’, ‘content creation’, ‘analytics’ among other vitals emphasizes on detail-oriented resume writing for a digital marketing resume.

📌 Tip: Mention about your objective on resume in a clear way.

Transferring to a New Concept Called Cultural Match:

As a result, the occurrence of buzzwords assists the hiring managers to determine if the candidate in question is seasoned professional and would work well within the context and industry specific jargon of their client company or not with a work ethic.

Using words such as ‘team worker’, ‘strategist’, ‘initiator’ among others reassures the employer that you will be the right employee to have.

Effective Use of Buzzwords in a Resume


Tailoring to Job Descriptions:

Match your resume to the requirements in the employers’ post by keywording your resume to get a 100% match. This alignment simply demonstrates that you have looked at the job description, and understand what the company is seeking.

✒️ Read more: Job winning general resume.

Providing Concrete Examples:

Add real life scenarios and concrete outcomes to keywords because the later lend credibility and substance to the buzzwords.

It is preferred to avoid using the phrase details oriented, but instead write expressing the accomplishment that carried out a detailed analysis and brought about the efficiency increase of 15 percent.

Avoiding Overused Words:

When it comes to writing the recommendations do not use phrases and terms everybody is using such words as empty term ‘team player’ or ‘hard worker,’ use concrete examples, concrete evidence, specific and realistic language by giving concrete evidence and specific examples.

📌 Tip: Mention about your professional summary in your resume.

resume buzzwords

Resume Buzzwords to Use


Action-Oriented Buzzwords

Terms such as action words and action verbs, such as "action-focused” resume are effective because they imply vitality and accomplishment. They assist in pointing out aspects indicating your imitativeness in your previous role. Some of the action words are discussed below, which you can add while writing your own resume:

Implemented:


"I met two objectives for using a new system or process, The first was that the new system was often updating a process that had become old and somewhat tedious"

Coordinated:


"Supervised groups or work and maintained schedules".

Achieved:


"Actual achievements or observances of the laid goals or objectives".

Increased:


"Increased efficiency or productivity figures".

Developed:


"Raised the quality, generated or developed a product, service or process".

Led:


"Led a team or a project to the achievement of relevant goal".

✒️ Read more: Including action verbs in your resume.

Examples:

Project Manager:

"Instituted the use of project management tools whereby productivity by the team was boosted by thirty percent.”

✒️ Read more: Project manager resume.

Sales Manager:

The following were the achievements garnered; Created a sales of marketing strategy which enhanced the overall revenues by a notch of 20%.”

✒️ Read more: Sales manager resume.

resume buzzwords

Industry-Specific Buzzwords

These buzzwords show your recognition skills and awareness of the field for which you are expected to work in your resume. Appending industry specific terminologies can make a resume more attractive to the potential employers.

SEO:


"I have effectively used action-oriented language like Search Engine Optimization, and by using keyword suggestions and power word in my draft helped me to standout in the business world".

PPC:


"As a marketing agent, I have instilled Pay-Per-Click advertising on the website for more engagement from the audience".

Market Research:


"Marketing analysis of the current trends and consumer conduct in the market".

Client Relationship Management:


"This is key viewed from the aspect of not only maintaining existing clients, but also acquiring new ones".

Financial Analysis:


"Evaluating prices to arrive at decision outcomes that are reliable with guidebook prices".

Examples:

Digital Marketing Specialist:

"As a digital marketing specialist, I performed SEO that enhanced the organic traffic by 40% wherein I have used best buzzwords and right words and coordinated projects successfully".

Financial Analyst:

“As a carried out financial analysis for investment, I take pride in achieving a return on investment of 35%, and increased revenue in my previous roles".

✒️ Read more: Financial Analyst Resume.

resume buzzwords

Soft Skill Buzzwords

These are your soft skills which show how well versed you are in interpersonal and leadership, a necessary element of the targeted job. They emphasize that the individuality with which it so woefully indoctrinates, can in no other way be remotely beneficial to the owner of this telephone.

Team Worker:


"Manages time effectively and comfortable in juggling various tasks".

📌 Tip: Mention about your teamwork skills in your resume.

Communication Skills:


"This keyword plays a crucial role as many hiring managers look up for this keyword".

✒️ Read more: Sample Communications Resume.

Problem-solving:


"I have abilities in solving problems that you encounter and can tackle my related domain problems in a simpler way".

Conscientiousness of Details:


"I can assure you that, very thorough carrying of given task is followed by me regardless of the timeline".

Project management:


" As a project manager with a good career history, I have experience in managing coordinated projects successfully by using suitable hard skills and problem-solving abilities".

Flexible:


" I am flexible in the work environment and can easily be adapted so as to change the current state of one thing in another".

Example:

Customer Service Representative:

"As a customer service representative, I have dealt with various clients and customers and effectively resolved their issues".

Human Resources Manager:

"As a human resource manager, I can easily handle the changes in terms of organizational requirements and transformations as well as manpower".

✒️ Read more: Captivating HR Manager Resume.

resume buzzwords

Avoiding Clichés and Overused Buzzwords


Common Clichés to Avoid

In competitive job market, it's important to get your resume passed the ATS with keywords that make sense. But at the same time, you want to steer clear of clichés and buzzwords that tend to water down your resume. Buzzwords often used can appear as meaningless terms that hiring managers look at all the time.

The following is a detailed guideline to prevent you from making these mistakes and highlighting your own resume here:

Team Player


Simply put, while working well as part of a team is critical thinking is crucial; so essential that the clichéd assertion you are accustomed to: “I am simply an idealistic player” has blossomed. Instead, give specific examples of how you've worked well on a team.

Example:

Overused:
"I'm a team player."

Fixed:
"Worked alongside a team to create an updated marketing approach which boosted user sales by 20%."

📌 Tip; Mention about your certifications on resume without arrogancy or attitude.

Hard Worker


This term is misleading and overused. Showcase your hard-working spirit with real results rather than just saying that you are a hard worker.

Example:

Overused:
"I am a hard worker."

Fixed:
"Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets by 15% due to strong client engagement and planning"

Detail-Oriented:


Instead of the people person the writing you are detail-oriented, give examples that demonstrate your attention to details

Example:

Overused:
"I am detailing oriented person."

Fixed:
"Reviewed and proofed financial reports before sending them out 0% error rate in all submissions.

📌 Tip: Carefully place your adjectives in your resume to get the attention.

Results-Driven:


This phrase is too vague & overused. Clearly define what you are achieving and explain them clearly to your hiring manager.

Example:

Overused:
"I'm coming out with results"

Fixed:
"I have built project management system was developed to increase the percentage of on-time projects in research, design and development".

Communication Skills:


Rather than boast of great communication skills, describe how with clear examples.

Example:

Overused:
I have good communication skills.

Fixed:
"Led weekly team meetings to confirm successful meetings with my efficient communication skills, leading an increase in the productivity of the team by 10%".

📌 Tip: Mention about your "about me section" in your resume in a simple way.

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FAQ on resume buzzwords

Give an example of how a buzzword can be replaced by a power word?

Do not use the clichéd ‘responsible for’ phrase but opt to use a power word in conjunctions with an example of the accomplishment, for example ‘Created and implemented a detailed digital marketing plan that saw the website traffic go up by 40%.‘

What are some of the specific industry terms for a resume for digital marketing?

Basing on the different fields, the buzzwords are meant to be changed. The key phrase-specific to the industry of digital marketing and resume of resume is ‘SEO,’ ‘PPC’, ‘content marketing,’ ‘social media,’ and ‘analytics.’

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