^{June 29, 2024}

Buzzwords Are Killing Your Job Search

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The worlds "passionate," "data-driven," and "proven" have been used to death.

They make your resume or LinkedIn profile blend in with the crowd.

You need to stand out to hiring managers who are sifting through TONS of profiles and applications.

To truly stand out and showcase your unique value, it’s essential to use descriptors that accurately reflect your individuality and strengths.

Common Solutions and Why They Might Not Work:

• Relying on Buzzwords:

  • Many professionals default to buzzwords because they seem universally appealing. However, this often results in generic statements that don't effectively communicate what sets you apart.

• Overemphasizing Old Job Titles:

  • Focusing too heavily on job titles can overshadow the specific skills and achievements that illustrate your true capabilities.

• Copying Phrases from Job Descriptions:

  • While aligning your language with job descriptions is important, simply copying phrases can come across as unoriginal and uninspired.

A Better Approach For You:

• Highlight Specific Achievements:

  • Instead of saying you're "results-oriented," describe a specific project where your strategic planning led to a measurable outcome. For example, "Spearheaded a train-the-trainer series that resulted in 90% increase in product usage with fidelity."

• Showcase Unique Skills and Strengths:

  • Identify what makes you unique in your field. Are you particularly adept at simplifying complex processes? Do you have a knack for building cross-functional teams? Articulate these strengths with specific examples.

• Use Action-Oriented Language:

  • Use verbs that convey action and impact. Words like "engineered," "launched," "transformed," and "orchestrated" give a dynamic feel to your descriptions.
  • Read More: 165 Adjectives To Describe Yourself In The Workplace

• Infuse Personality:

  • Let your personality shine through by incorporating language that reflects your professional style and ethos. For instance, "Inspired and led a creative team to develop award-winning content" shows both leadership and creativity.

• Tailor Your Language:

  • Customize your descriptions to the industry and role you’re targeting. Speak the language of your potential employer while maintaining authenticity.

Summary

• Avoid overused buzzwords that make you blend in.
• Highlight specific achievements and unique skills.
• Use action-oriented, dynamic language.
• Infuse your personality into your professional brand.
• Tailor your language to the industry and role.

Bad Example: “I am a passionate, results-oriented curriculum developer with a proven track record in creating engaging and data-driven educational materials. I have extensive experience in instructional design, project management, and team leadership. I am committed to delivering high-quality education and improving learning outcomes. My skills include strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving. I am seeking opportunities to leverage my expertise in a dynamic and challenging environment.” WOMP WOMP. Boring. Doesn't say anything that a hiring manager hasn't already read 100 times today. Good Example: "As a creative curriculum developer, I’ve designed innovative educational programs that have improved student engagement and achievement. At my last organization, I developed a STEM curriculum that increased student test scores by 20% and was adopted by 10 schools. My expertise lies in crafting interactive and inclusive learning experiences. For example, I designed a blended learning module for a high school history course that incorporated multimedia resources and interactive activities, resulting in a 25% increase in student participation and retention. I excel at collaborating with educators and subject matter experts to tailor content to diverse learning needs. One of my key projects involved leading a team to develop a professional development program for teachers, which received a 95% satisfaction rate from participants. Driven by a need to enhance education through technology and creative strategies, I’m dedicated to developing curricula that inspire and empower learners. I’m excited to bring my innovative approach and proven success to a forward-thinking educational institution ready to elevate its learning programs." WOAH! I need to talk to this person!

Want to Dive Deeper?

If you're ready to take your career transition to the next level and find the perfect job that matches your skills and interests, consider checking out the Elevated Careers Career Change Accelerator™. 

This no-fluff, to-the-point course shows you how to assess your strengths, choose your next career, network effectively, and position yourself as the strongest candidate.

Your Next Steps

Ready to use language to your advantage?

Here's what do to next:

1. Review your current resume and LinkedIn profile for overused buzzwords.
2. Identify specific achievements and unique strengths that set you apart.
3. Rewrite key sections using action-oriented, dynamic language.
4. Tailor your professional branding to align with your target industry and role.

The key to standing out is to choose the right words.

I hope you'll give this a try!

See you next week.