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40 Words and Terms to Keep Off of Your Résumé

Hiring managers want to see accomplishments

by: Sid Kirchheimer, from: AARP Bulletin, January 21, 2011

En español | Q. In today's tough job market, how can a downsized boomer make a résumé that stands out from the pack?

A. Don't use common buzzwords such as "innovative," "team player" and "results-oriented." These and others are so overused that they're now seen as clichés and "have lost their impact altogether," says Krista Canfield of LinkedIn, a networking website for professionals that recently analyzed millions of member profiles and compiled a list of the 40 most commonly used phrases on member profiles.

Rather, list specific accomplishments. "Instead of saying you have 'extensive experience' in sales, note that you've worked in sales for 10 years, hit your quota the last 12 quarters, and note specific deals you've closed," suggests Canfield, whose website has 90 million members.

Hiring managers want real details of past jobs, such as how many people you supervised or specific ways you helped increase profitability.

Job-seeking boomers, take note: "Extensive experience" in fact leads the top-10 list of overused terms in the United States. Others in that group include the three mentioned above as well as "dynamic," "proven track record," "team player," "fast-paced," "problem solver" and "entrepreneurial."

Here's the full list of 40, in alphabetical order:

Best-in-breed
Best-in-class
Bottom line-oriented
Client-focused
Creative thinker
Cutting edge
Detail-oriented
Driven professional
Dynamic
Entrepreneurial
Evangelist
Extensive experience
Fast-paced
Go-to person
Goal oriented
Guru
Highly skilled
Innovative
Motivated
Multitasker
Out-of-the-box
Perfectionist
Proactive
Problem solver
Proven track record
Quality-driven
Quick learner
Results-oriented
Road warrior
Seasoned professional
Self-starter
Skill set
Strategic thinker
Strong work ethic
Team player
Tiger team
Trustworthy
Value add (added)
Works well under pressure
Works well with others

Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues. Have a question for Sid Kirchheimer about a new product, a new kind of bank account? Check out the Ask Sid archive. If you don’t find your answer there, send a query.