Ditch Overused Words in your Resume and Online Profiles

Buzz, buzz… Generic resume words can be as annoying as a fly zooming by your ear, and they’re just as insignificant. So why do so many people rely on them? Buzz words such as “extensive experience,” “fast-paced,” and “problem solver” are some of the most commonly used, which means their descriptive value has plummeted. It also means that when it comes to slapping them on your resume, you’re not getting a lot of self-marketing bang for your spatial buck.

Since you’re in finance, you understand key economic principles. For example, having limited space in high demand makes real estate value skyrocket. Think of your resume and your online professional profiles with the same mindset. You have limited space to detail your experience and what kind of worker you are. So why throw that valuable real estate away with empty buzz words?

First, get an idea of what words qualify as buzz (although you probably know without having to look them up). If you’re looking for a complete reference guide, spend time searching online. Here’s a starter list to get your mind in searching mode: innovative, team player, entrepreneurial, client focused, creative thinker, and cutting edge. Next, print your profile, sit down with your resume, and take up your mighty highlighter to scour for buzz.

If your resume is now plastered with yellow, don’t panic. This isn’t a problem, it’s a fantastic opportunity to stand out from the crowd and create an authentically dynamic resume. Think about why you chose those specific buzz words. Was it because you had no idea what else to say, or you were trying to pad your words with a little filler? Well, you’re better than that. It’s time to evolve.

The way out of a sea of buzz words is to get specific. For example, instead of saying “extensive experience,” say you have ten years of restructuring experience. List the deals you worked on and outline your role with details that illustrate how you work and drive results.

Don’t take the path of least resistance and lazily loll in buzz words. Your resume represents you, and your work deserves to be showcased in a way that truly outlines your quality.