Are you creative and hard-working? Well, get in line. So is every job seeker. Instead of using the exact old words, come up with new stories to land a job.
Someone recently asked me to define my work style in three terms. After a bit of thought, I responded, “energetic, resourceful, and humorous after a bit of thought.” So naturally, I was pretty relieved when a recent list of the most overused resume buzzwords appeared, and none of mine was on it.
Words that did appear were creative (first place winner), organizational (#2), innovative (#7), communication (#9), and dynamic (#10).
The reason employers frown upon these resume buzzwords, according to the Vault.com article, “Creative: The Most Overused LinkedIn Buzzword of 2019,” is they care more about what you can do than empty words. It is especially true since people can choose from flattering terms to describe themselves. It’s the adage about a picture being worth a thousand words. That means job seekers need to show employers what they can do rather than just descriptive words.
Next time you update your resume and prepare for a job interview, eliminate overused buzzwords and create original stories to land a job.
Choose Resume Words Carefully
It’s essential to follow these three steps when writing down or talking about your skills in an interview.
First, review the job posting for the best descriptive words. Specifically, you should review postings to determine which traits and skillsets are sought.
Next, select the skills mentioned in the job posting that best exemplify your qualities and brainstorm to determine all the instances when you completed a task that serves to illustrate these traits.
Finally, translate this information into verifiable, vivid sentences that communicate your past contributions and how they align with these attributes. For instance, if an employer requires someone who can work independently, you might note that you frequently work alone because your boss travels three out of four weeks per month.
Paint the Right Picture During the Job Interview
While writing illustrative sentences in a resume can help you get your foot in the door, spinning a yarn is equally crucial during a job interview if you want to create a positive image in the employer’s mind.
In a recent article at CBS MoneyWatch, “The tyranny of the anecdote,” writer Laura Vanderkam explains the benefit of anecdotal storytelling. “Anecdotes as evidence have no specific value. “Yet we use them often and give them enormous weight.”
The explanation for this action, according to Vanderkam, is that our brains like to tie information up into neat little narratives. These narratives then become true “by their coherence.” The benefit to job seekers is that narratives are a great way to convey information and leave a positive image in the employer’s mind during a job interview.
“Anecdotes enliven ideas. They offer us a tale and a picture of someone. And we enjoy tales. Therefore we believe them.”
Ultimately, by choosing the right words to describe your background, experience, and skills, you can make a lasting impression on your resume and those you meet.
It is especially critical during the job interview and resume submission process.
