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Power Words to Use in Your Resume

Action Verbs, Power Words, and Buzzwords for Resumes

What Power Words Accomplish

Types of power words, how to use power words.

• Power Words for Resumes

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It's important to use power words in  your resume  and  cover letters  when applying for jobs. Using these words helps demonstrate your strengths and highlights why you are right for the job. Power words also jazz up your job descriptions  and make them seem alive, as opposed to flat. 

Let's begin by looking at the types of power words, why they are important, and how to effectively use them.

Power words are used for several reasons. First, many hiring managers quickly skim through resumes and cover letters due to the high volume they receive. These power words jump off the page, quickly showing the hiring manager you have the skills and qualifications to get the job done.

Also, most resume language is repetitive and boring. If your language is the same as everyone else’s, it will be hard for you to stand out.

Thoughtful, appropriate word choice will set you apart from the competition.

Finally, power words (especially  keywords ) are useful when a company uses an  Applicant Tracking System  (ATS). These tracking systems help screen applications so that employers only need to focus on the top candidates. One way an ATS works is to eliminate resumes that are missing certain keywords.

By including these words, you increase your chances of  making it through the ATS  and having your application read.

Action verbs: One type of power word is an  action verb . This kind of verb shows your ability to succeed. These words demonstrate the skills you have used in previous jobs to achieve success.

Examples of action verbs include "accomplished," "designed," "initiated," and "supervised."

Company values: To demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company, use key terms that the company uses to describe itself. You might find this language on the company’s “About Us” web page, or in the  job listing . For example, if the company identifies itself as “innovative,” one power word you might incorporate into your resume is “innovate” or “innovative.” 

Popular skill words: There are  certain skills and qualities  that almost every employer is looking for in a job candidate. For example, employers always want an employee who is responsible, passionate, and a strong leader. Try to use this kind of language to demonstrate you have these  essential skills .

Keywords: Keywords  are words from the job listing that relate to particular skills or other requirements for the job. By embedding them in your resume or cover letter, you will demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the requirements of the position. Keywords might be “analyzed,” “quantified,” “planned,” “programmed,” “designed,” “taught,” or “trained.”

Industry buzzwords and jargon: Each industry has certain keywords that are important. Knowing and accurately using those words demonstrates you have the necessary  hard skills .

Resume buzzwords: You can decode the buzzwords that employers use in job postings , and use them to highlight your relevant skills in your resume.

Sprinkle the appropriate buzzwords into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you are a part of the industry. Some common buzzwords are experienced," "expert," "skilled," "facilitated," "launched," and "demonstrated."

You can include power words throughout your resume, including in your  job descriptions ,  resume summary statement , and your cover letter. 

Remember to vary the words that you use—repeating the same word (even power words) leads to a dull reading experience and will turn off the hiring manager. Instead, use a variety of terms that best describe your accomplishments to show employers the scope of your achievements.

Finally, it's very important that you only use terms you are familiar with.

Power Words for Resumes and Cover Letters

• Collaborate
• Communicate
• Conceptualize
• Consolidate
• Demonstrate
• Detail Oriented
• Development
• Enthusiastic
• Investigate
• Participate
• Professional
• Responsibility
• Restructure
• Results-Oriented
• Standardize
• Team Player

Related: Best Resume Writing Services

How to Properly Use Resume Buzzwords to Get An Interview

In This Guide:

Buzzwords to avoid, buzzwords you should try to include, better alternatives for common key phrases, using action words on your resume, using buzz and action words effectively, personal summary, previous experience, using resume buzzwords and actions words on your resume.

Quick Answer: "Buzzwords on your resume should be specific and backed up with evidence. Recruiters are looking for key competencies, and using vague language won't impress them. Avoid overused buzzwords like ""detail-oriented"", ""team player"", or ""hard worker"". Instead, be specific and use action words to describe your achievements. Buzzwords should be used sparingly, and tailored to the job description. Show, don't tell."

Resume buzzwords can secure an invitation for your next interview. There are loads of different factors to consider when it comes to building the perfect resume. But there’s one particular thing we can guarantee a reader will notice in the time they take to review your resume…

No. Not your resume header , or the length of your resume . It’s not even your name or personal website .

What recruiters notice no matter what is more simple than you’d think.

It’s language. More specifically, your use of language.

Recruiters are looking to see key competencies on your resume . The way you package this will influence both the recruiter’s perception of you as a worker and how you compare to others. Inevitably, this has an impact on whether you’re going to get called in for an interview.

Now can you see why buzzwords are so important? Do you want to find out how you can properly use them to your advantage and get a new job? See below.

Everyone optimizes the buzzwords they include on their resume. But unfortunately, this has led to many words being misused and overused. More than 2,000 hiring managers indicated that overused buzzwords disengage them from the applicant’s resume.

From their point of view, the reason behind the negative impression is actually quite clear: they’re fluff. They have no actionable meaning at all.

Examples from the worst-offenders guilty of this include:

• ‘Best of breed’
• ‘Go-getter’
• “Think outside of the box”
• “Go-to person”
• “Results-driven”
• “Detail-orientated”
• “Team player”
• “Bottom-line”
• “Hard worker”
• “Strategic thinker”

Using these descriptors without evidence to back them up is frivolous. And even if you did have proof, it’s not necessary to say you’re a “team player” as the evidence should speak for itself.

You might be a “go-getter”, but what does that have to do for the business? What’s the meaning behind it? What have you done that shows your character and who you are?

Merely describing oneself with a lack of evidence or verification is the fastest way to leave a poor impression on your reader.

Recruiters have said it time and time again – be specific!

Vague and nonspecific language

To be clear, I’m referring to words like:

• “detail-orientated”
• “best of breed”
• “go-getter”

But we’ve all seen detail-orientated at some point in our career. Whether that’s been in your career guidance textbook in school or on your resume in the past, it’s up there with the most common phrases included on a resume.

The logic is technically sound, but aren’t the recruiters already looking for people who pay attention to the details?

While you’re not necessarily wrong , let’s consider the old saying:

“The proof is in the pudding”.

In this case, the proof of being detail-orientated should be apparent from your experiences (or your career pudding, so to speak). Rather than tell the hiring manager you’re detail orientated, show them that’s what you are.

When it comes down to comparing someone who made this characteristic evident versus someone who made a vague statement about it, the former will get called for the interview.

So, be detail-orientated and showcase the work that reflects that. There’s a good phrase that helps whenever you’re talking about yourself:

“Show, don’t tell.”

Instead of simply saying it, it’s more compelling if you could show it.

(Tip: use fewer sentences with more impactful language! For example, rather than just saying “From my past role, I’m attentive to detail for business needs”, it’s better if you show that and not just tell it. Alternatively, you can do this by saying something like this instead: “I’m attentive to business needs and have reflected this by reducing costs by X%.)

In this program manager resume , Tobias describes pitching revolutionary health technology to the Clintons.

There’s no need to state that he’s detail-orientated in his resume in light of this. We clearly see and notice he’s meticulous in his work!

Unnecessary language

This time, I’m talking about the notorious word for all job recruiters – “team player”.

Well, without collaboration businesses are quickly going to fail and become ineffective . Naturally, after that, they fall short of their goals and objectives.

Recruiters look for people who will add to the dynamics of their employee environment and mesh well with the work style of others. While this is true, the hiring manager isn’t necessarily looking for a “team player”. Let’s start off with the first impression that term leaves on the recruiter.

Team players generally avoid confrontation. They concede when facing an opposing opinion, they put others first, and they make sure everyone else is happy (on the surface). They rarely like to disrupt the status quo and shy away from being different…

Does that sound like an employee you’d like to hire?

The reality here is that: team players are followers, not growers.

Recruiters are more interested in those that will make positive changes in their organization. After all, if there weren’t anything to change, there wouldn’t be a need to hire someone new.

Again, the proof in the pudding argument is relevant here too.

Don’t just describe yourself as a team player. Instead, include examples of where you have worked and performed well in a team. Perhaps you have experience working on a project team or something similar.

This is where you let the experience shine…

For example, in this real estate resume , they describe partnering with trustees to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

As shown above, with prior experience working on a team, that itself exceeded the criteria.

Not only is it transparent to the recruiter, but they see how his traits can benefit their organization. So, take the extra time to implement credibility in your statements. It goes a long way with actually landing the new job you’re applying for.

Obvious and givens

Last of all, you’ve probably seen the words “hard worker”. I don’t think there’s a single company in the world that’s looking for lazy workers…

Describing yourself as a hard worker is up there with writing a “resume” on your resume header . Or it’s just as bad as closing your resume with “references upon request”.

You’re literally just stating the obvious…

And not only does it take up valuable spaces, but it’s adding white, polluted noise. The recruiter hopes you’re a hard worker, that’s a given. What they don’t know, and what your resume should be showing them, is how you’re a hard worker. What’s the influence and impact you have on their company?

On Maximillian’s account manager resume , he effectively describes his work with AIESEC. He talks about implementing a digital sales system that increased sales by 100% for the organization.

Because of this, recruiters at Amazon recognized his dedication to volunteering projects and committing towards success. This easily translates into the meaning of being a hard worker without actually having to use those words directly.

Sometimes, you’ll find yourself in a circumstance where you need to include a (common) buzzword on your resume. This is most likely to occur when applying to organisations that use an ATS (applicant tracking system).

But now you’ve got a good idea of how you should use buzzwords properly, and you shouldn’t. Let’s have a look at a list of common buzzwords to consider.

Also, remember to show. Don’t just tell.

(See further below for more alternative and effective power words.)

• Value / Valuable
• Commit / Devote
• Spearheaded
• Acquisition
• Collaborate
• Troubleshoot

When organizations compile a huge list of applicants, they use these systems to scan for buzzwords on their resumes. The best strategy is to implement them directly from the job description and turn them into subsections.

Here’s a good example from Paula. She included the characteristic of being ‘independent’ as one of her core strengths because this was something potential employers were looking for on her eCommerce resume .

Action words are used to describe the impact you’ve had in your previous roles. The typical action words people think of when putting their resume together are these two words: increased and decreased.

These are everyone’s bread-and-butter. But that doesn’t mean to say there are better alternatives you could choose from too.

Alternatives to increased

• Strengthened
• Widened (profit margins)
• Cultivated (new sales)

Alternatives to decreased

First and foremost, your buzzwords and action words should be adding value. Prioritize that, instead of throwing down flashy words as an attempt to cover up shortcomings or a lack of experience.

Buzzwords are the most relevant in your personal summary.

However, action words come into play when describing your personal experiences. These words are used to enhance what you already have.

The personal summary is where you introduce who you are to an employer (especially when making a career change or entering your first job ).

You can use the following formula to craft a personal summary that makes for a positive first impression:

[Description of current status] with an interest in [Industry / Role you’re applying to] hoping to improve skills of [hard & soft skills]. A [personal attribute] worker motivated by [aspect of company culture].

Buzzwords come in when describing your personal attribute.

Check out the comparison of a well-used buzzword personal summary versus a poorly executed personal summary in the next section.

Effective uses

High-school student with an interest in computer applications hoping to improve my skill in Python, JavaScript, and A/B Testing. A dedicated worker motivated by independent work and personal freedom (with guidance) in tasks.

Ineffective uses

High-school student with an interest in computer applications hoping to improve my skill in Python, JavaScript, and A/B Testing. A worker motivated by independent work and personal freedom (with guidance) in tasks.

As seen in the above examples, buzzwords are best when used to enhance your description rather than pad it out.

Action words should be used to describe the manner you carried out your responsibilities and to enhance an achievement you’ve mentioned.

Make sure you’re quantifying your past-achievements in conjunction with your action words too.

Previous experience without action words

Involved in a 5-person team responsible for quality assurance of sold products each day.

Previous experience using action words

Spearheaded a 5-person team involved in quality assurance of sold products each day.

Recruiters come across too many of the same buzzwords on applicants’ resumes. Sticking to the norm will likely cause them to distance themselves and overlook your resume for someone else.

The best way to enhance your resume is to use the buzzwords sparingly, and match them to the job description . With action words, recruiters can get a better sense of your previous experiences while you can show your initiative at the same time.

Whenever you feel confused with implementing some of the power words, you could always right-click and look for synonyms. But if you’re doing this, just ensure you choose an appropriate word that makes sense and fits with what you’re trying to say.

Click here to see how the buzzword tactics discussed are successfully applied to resumes that got people hired at Spotify, Amazon, Verizon, and other large organizations.

Buzzwords are an effective way to upgrade your resume. It improves readability, as well as your chances of getting your foot in the front door for an interview. You can rest assured that your resume is more likely to get recognized and noticed if you follow the tips discussed.

Are there any other buzzwords you like to use that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!

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20 Common Resume Buzzwords (and What to Use Instead)

Published: Jan 16, 2019

January 18 th is National Thesaurus Day: a chance to celebrate the complexity of words and the variety of creative ways to express yourself. Thesaurus Day recognizes Peter Mark Roget (born on January 18, 1779), who published the Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases in 1852. Until the advent of the digital age, Roget’s Thesaurus was one of the most widely used lexicons of the English Language—a staple among writers, students, and virtually anyone who’s ever put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

Much has been written about the best and worst words to use on your resume; with such limited space, word choice is essential to portraying yourself in a way that sets you apart from everyone else, and certain buzzwords come across as tired or trite to recruiters and hiring managers. To celebrate National Thesaurus Day this week, we’ve compiled a list of creative alternatives for some of the most common and generic resume words or phrases.

When describing your accomplishments/responsibilities

Employers want to know what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles, and what you can bring to the table. Here are ten common words or phrases and some synonyms you can use as an alternative:

• Lead (as in leading a project): execute, initiate, helm, orchestrate, oversee, spearhead
• Manage (as in managing a team of people): coordinate, direct, guide, head, pilot, supervise
• Create : design, devise, envision, establish, formulate, launch, pioneer
• Improve : influence, optimize, overhaul, redesign, revitalize, transform
• Increase (as in growing profits, production, etc.): advance, amplify, boost, expand, generate, maximize
• Decrease (as in saving time and money or cutting down on losses): conserve, condense, ease, moderate, reduce
• Research: analyze, examine, explore, inquire, investigate, study
• Write: author, brief, compose, define, verbalize
• Achieve (as in reaching a goal): attain, demonstrate, earn, reach, surpass, win
• Communicate (with clients or colleagues): convey, correspond, interact, liaise, mediate, network

When describing your personality/attributes

Are you a go-getter? A self-starter? A team player? That’s great if you are, but there are far better ways to describe yourself. Try these instead:

• Self-starter: enthusiastic, inspired, motivated, zealous
• Go-getter : ambitious, aspiring, determined, industrious, passionate
• Detail-oriented: analytic, attentive, comprehensive, meticulous, precise, systematic
• Team player: collaborative, collegial, cooperative, helpful, supportive
• Proficient: accomplished, adept, apt, competent, effective, experienced
• Results-driven: committed, efficient, intent, purposeful
• Go-to person: enlisted, entrusted, expert, relied upon
• Dynamic: agile, diligent, energetic, engaging, lively, versatile
• Innovative: avant-garde, creative, groundbreaking, imaginative, inventive, pioneering, resourceful, shrewd
• Strategic thinker: critical, flexible, focused, logical, methodical, perceptive, studious

A few words of advice

Whether you need a synonym for the word "passion" or another way to tell employers you're a creative thinker, remember to vary your language on your resume! A simple "passion" synonym like "enthusiasm" or "zeal" can make your resume more dynamic. That said, when it comes to revitalizing your resume, there’s a thin line between creativity and hyperbole. While you want to stand out from the competition, you also want to keep things professional. Most recruiters can tell when you’re grandstanding or exaggerating your qualifications. Overly embellished language can read as flowery and convoluted, which is the last thing you want for someone who might spend less than 30 seconds reviewing your resume.

Every word on your resume counts. Be specific and concise, only using works that illuminate your point. Utilize keywords from the job description , but only where they’re relevant. Avoid repetition, and only use words that you understand. This last point might seem self-evident, but as you search for creative synonyms, it can be easy to reach for words you don’t firmly grasp—and that can come across during your interview. And never forget to proofread your resume multiple times; recruiters and hiring managers overwhelmingly cite typos or bad grammar as an immediate deal breaker. 

90+ Killing Resume Buzzwords to Avoid & Include in 2024

Sashika Dilshan

In many professionals’ eyes, writing resumes has become such a common and easy task for them. Yet, to write a resume that surely lands you jobs still is a tough ask. Because, it is not actually easy to write a resume without the language we have heard so often. That’s why we thought of writing about the ruining resume buzzwords and clichés in 2024. We thoroughly believe that this will help you overcome this challenge and stand out in the competitive fields.

Let's see what the buzzwords are, and how are they going to harm your perfect cv or resume.

What are Resume Buzzwords and Clichés?

Resume buzzwords are terms that are and have been commonly used on resumes by the applicants to draw the attention of the recruiters. These are also named as resume clichés. Because, these terms tend to have been overused enough to convey the unoriginal thought of it. However, there we can see two main flavors of buzzwords. The bitter buzzwords you need to avoid in your resume and the sweet buzzwords to include in that makes the resume standout. Let's see what they are and how to use them tactfully.

Why and how Resume Buzzwords and Clichés could be harmful?

Recruitment experts reveal that the most common mistake job seekers make is that they use a lot of resume buzzwords and clichés that are overused or cliché in their CV/resumes especially in the experience section which actually makes the resume reader less interested to hire them. Meaning that the CV writers often fail to showcase their authentic evidence-based skills ( hard skills and soft skills ) or achievements in a good language style. Rather they use vague and most common language that is not specific enough to make their career achievements and skills unique.

For instance, if you are a Management Professional and are going to write your resume, the idea of writing your experience will naturally come to you like “Equipped with excellent communication skills” or “Excellent leadership skills” etc. But, I would emphasize that this is very imprecise. This actually doesn’t give a picture of you at all. Rather, the Recruitment experts highlight the need to provide evidence of your achievements. Such as, “Introduced growth hacking strategies and increased the web traffic by 50% without expanding the annual budget. Meaning you need to avoid using buzzwords like just 'communication skills' rather, you need to include buzzwords like 'introduced, coordinated, guided, etc.) These can also be called as 'action verbs'. Action verbs actually give a more precise meaning to your wording. And if you are interested in knowing what action verbs you can use on your resume, you can go through the separate article we have written on '200+ resume action verbs' .

Below are such resume buzzwords and clichés you should avoid using

Resume buzzwords you should first avoid on resumes and LinkedIn

1. A fast-learner

It is fair that you use these resume buzzwords or cliché in order to show that  you are lacking a certain skill in a certain area and how you would enhance that skill or learn it effectively and quickly if the job was offered to you. However, if you want to mention this natural ability, you need to be tactful enough to position it.

Tip: Mention or describe the time frame that you grasped your new skill quickly

Eg. Learned SEO techniques with HTML within less than a month

2. Experienced (profession/task)

It has become such a common language formula that people mention “Experienced plus profession or Experienced plus task” in resumes such as “An experienced Marketing Professional” or “Experienced in project management”,  or any that follows the same pattern. But unfortunately, this is a very imprecise way to describe your professional experience. This actually does not say anything about the quality of experience you have had. And this writing style does not seem to be something unique to attract the CV reader’s attention among others. Because, almost all have used the same.

Tip: List specifically the performance/achievement/task to highlight your skills and experience

Eg. 1 with buzzwords to include: Prepared monthly and weekly sales reports and reported insights and sales trends to the director

Eg. 2 with positive buzzwords/action verbs: Managed a team of 10 in the Department of sales and boosted YoY sales in 10%

3. Team Player

This is another overused term that most job seekers use in their resumes. When you actually say that you are a good team player, the CV reader or the recruiter doesn’t have a clue on what kind of a person you actually are. Because, this term is often used and gives a vague idea.  Here you specifically have to show that you have worked in a team

Eg. 1. Collaborated with the digital marketing team to increase online sales by 30% compared to the year before

Eg. 2.Collaborated with the recovery team to reduce the customer churn rates by      10% compared to the previous year.

4. Communication Skills

Saying that you have excellent communication skills does not prove that you really have it. Because, communication skills are always contextual and their effectiveness depends on the situation and outcome. Therefore, showing your communication skills in the most effective way of writing remains of high importance.

Tip: Use evidence of achievement related to the communication skill

Eg. “sales pitch on the newly launched product won a new multinational client”

5. Results-driven

The logic behind why you need not use these resume buzzwords or cliché is very clear. If you are a results-oriented individual, you must be able to showcase what results you brought to your previous or current employer. Just saying you are a result-oriented person truly misguides the reader. Not only that, but it also may hint to the recruiter that you are pretending to be one who is results-driven without actually having evidence. This could have terrible consequences such as not shortlisting you for the next phase of the recruitment process.

Tip: Specifically mention the results you have brought to the previous/current employer with specific numbers if possible.

Eg. Planned and executed the marketing strategies to increase online sales in 20% by the end of the 2015

6. Hard working

Hard working does not mean how productive you are. You may work hard, but it’s the outcome or the productivity that matters at the end of the day. Therefore, when the recruiter is looking at your resume/CV he/she will also look at the signs that you can productively manage your time to deliver a good outcome.

Tip: Emphasize your time management and productivity skills

Eg. 1 The management has appreciated me many times for never missing a deadline.

Eg. 2 I have never missed a deadline of a task that has been assigned to me for last two years

7. Self-Motivated

The tag self-motivation comes with your own evaluation. That doesn’t particularly convince the recruiter that you really are. Therefore it is not wise to say vaguely that you are self-motivated. Rather, using your previous experience and achievements in a tactful way will bring more positives.

Tip: Mention about your independent work you initiated on behalf of your company or in the project you are working for.

Eg. Introduced the prepaid Cable TV system to the company as a strategy. Collaborated with both IT and technical departments and implemented within six months.

8. Flexible

Flexible is another that is on top of the resume buzzwords list. When you say you are flexible, it is highly unlikely that he/she will get the word you say. Because this is not specific. Especially, when you say flexible, you may be flexible in different ways depending on different contexts. Sometimes your being flexible enough may restrict your from going to a better decision. Especially, at a meeting or a group discussion. Or you may not be able to stand firm on an idea and you can also be compelled to change your idea/decision very easily. Therefore, precision and relevancy and its outcome matter a lot

Tip: show that you have actually been flexible by the work you did. And specifically, how you adapted to different changing circumstances.

Eg. I could work with the new line manager and learn the new system very quickly. And could also meet KPIs soon after the company was merged

These are the words that are mistakenly overused on most resumes and LinkedIn.

Short List of Effective Buzzwords to include on your Resumes and LinkedIn

• coordinated
• colloborated
• accomplished
• accerlerated

These are just a few of the positive buzzwords to include on a resume/LinkedIn. if you want to explore more, you can simply use our resume keyword finder tool or read the article on resume action verbs .

How to Check Buzzwords on your Resume [Simple & Quick Way]

Buzzwords are sometimes tricky. Meaning that you sometimes struggle to find whether a word is actually a buzzword. Because you fear that others have used a buzzword so often that you cannot avoid using it. For instance, "a fast learner". You do not feel like removing this. do you? I know. But actually you have to remove it and mention how and why do you say you are 'a fast learner' instead, in order to grab the reader's attention.

Also being someone who wants to build a resume cannot be expected to know everything about other stuff like buzzwords and clichés, action verbs and all. Therefore, Cresuma has introduced an online tool called "Resume Buzzword Checker" for this. With this you can simply type in a word and see whether it is a buzzword or you can even upload your resume/cv/cover letter and check if you have used any buzzwords on it.

What are the key features of Resume Buzzword Checker?

Full Resume Buzzword Analysis Report

This will reveal the buzzwords, action verbs and context dependent words you have used on your resume, the percentage of your resume's word effectiveness and the words you need to consider removing and rechecking.

Fix Buzzword Issues with Tips

Based on the analysis you get for your resume/cover letter, you will also get the tips to fix your resume buzzword issues on your resume. These tips will tell you what actions you simply need to take to make your resume more effective and appealing to the hiring managers.

Unlimited Resume/Cover Letter Uploads

With Cresuma's Buzzword Checker you will get the chance to upload and generate buzzword reports unlimited times. So that you could modify and check your resume again and again to make it perfect.

Access to Previously Generated Reports

With this feature you may check the previously generated reports anytime.

Once you uploaded your resume, or typed in your word to check, the tool gives you a complete report showing if you have used any buzzwords, positive or resume action verbs. So that you could avoid any buzzword and send your resume to the recruiter confidently.

Check the Cresuma Resume Buzzword Checker to explore more features and get the full report.

Resume Buzzwords Engineering (Verbs)

Engineers often forget to highlight their expertise with the action verbs on their resumes. Rather, they tend to use following buzzwords. Therefore, if you are writing a resume for an engineering related position, pay extra attention to this and try to use the action verbs or resume keywords. Below are some of such engineering resume buzzwords and actions verbs.

32. Oversaw a project

Using "oversaw" does not specifically say what you did in that role and how you were involved in the projection. This actually hints the reader think that you have not been actively participating in the project. Instead, you may consider using action verbs or better resume buzzwords like "assigned' "delegated" "Monitored" etc.

33.  Worked with/in

Saying that worked in a project does not say what you actually did there. It is so vague that the recruiter may not even have a picture of your role. Here, it is wise to use verbs like designed, developed, manufactured, established and so on.

34. Familiar with Electronic Equipment / Machinery

This is just another way that most put on their resumes. It is natural that you tend to think that mentioning your field and the profile/summary on top of the resume will be enough for the recruiter to understand which machinery or equipment you are familiar with. But mind you, the recruiter is not supposed to know it. It is your job to specifically state your experience to the recruiter. On the other hand, your saying that you are familiar does not display your capability to do that. Therefore, it is wise to use an action verb like "operated".

Below are a list of 30 Engineering Buzzwords (technical) for your further knowledge.

35. 3D Modeling 36. Detailed Models 37. Electrical Analysis 38. Fluid Mechanics 39. Integrated Systems 40. Process Sheets 41. Prototypes 42. Product Development 43. Productivity 44. Mounting 45. Manufacturing 46. Test Processes 47. Professional Consulting 48. Process Improvements 49. Process and Procedure Development

50. Structural Design 51. Networked Systems 52. Structural Design 53. Technical Support 54. System Maintenance 55. Tooling 56. Problem-Solving Skills 57. Process Improvements 58. Process Development 59. Machinery Maintenance 60. Internal Controls 61. Computer Programming 62. Allocation 63. Digital Electronics 64. Manufacturing Problem Resolution

Marketing/Sales Resume Buzzwords

The most common mistake on sales resumes is that they use broad words that are not specific and often overused like in other sectors. Here are the most used sales resume buzzwords.

65. Strong Communicator

This is a highly sought-after skill, especially in sales. Yet this has become the most overused buzzword as well. People who are into sales often focus on mentioning this buzzword rather than showing it practically on their resumes. Use your resume and cover letter to show that you are a great communicator in writing.

66. Passionate

No doubt you have to be a passionate person if you are into sales. But it is more important to show it. Therefore, use your past records, achievements and stats to show how passionate you are as they reflect it by performance.

Anyone can say that they are leaders. but it is your actions and behavior that says it louder. Therefore instead of using this sales resume buzzword, show how you took initiative and led some situations.

Below is a list of 20 sales resume buzzwords and clichés for your further knowledge.

68. Sales-driven 69. self-motivated 70. results-oriented 71. results-driven 72. Managed sales team 73. Prepared reports 74. lead team 75. innovative 76. highly motivated 77. dynamic 78. works well in a team

79. hard-working 80. creative 81. outgoing personality 82. negotiator 83. team player 84. people person 85. detail oriented 86. self-starter 87. team-oriented

Project Management Resume Buzzwords

88. Responsible

Your resume is not a place for vague language. When you say you are responsible you do not say specifically the role you played. Rather, the better buzzwords to show it like you "managed" or "directed" while highlighting your contribution to the particular project. Additionally, try to show the recruiter of your achievements using numbers.

89. Synergy

This is another resume buzzword that has been overused by most professionals. Especially the project managers. Actually, the recruiters do not appreciate this "synergy" as it is too vague. Therefore, you better include better buzzwords in your project management resume such as "collaborated" and "coordinated".

90. Attention to detail

Saying "attention to detail" doesn't give a clear picture. At least how it is related to the job role you played. Therefore, be specific to show that you are detail-oriented or you have very good attention to detail.  Simply prove it. A better way, to say this is, using some phrases like you "analyzed data to check errors and inaccuracies" "analyzed data to evaluate and forecast"

Considering these changes and utilizing the resume space with the right keywording will enhance the chance of your Resume being picked by the ATS system. Further, there is a high chance that the recruiter may become interested in your CV/resume and, pick it as it has a massive convincing language and presentation. Therefore, it is advisable to know how to write a perfect resume before you start writing your resume/CV. However, we also advise you to consider the best resume colors and the best resume fonts as you start the rest. Because it will also help you increase the chance of being picked even further.

People who read this article also read, Must-Have Skills to put on your Resume 2024

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Hiring managers are bored of seeing these résumé clichés. Here's how you can avoid them.

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• Job applicants can undersell themselves with tired tropes in their résumé.
• It's better to view it as a marketing tool, said career coach Jenny Foss.
• She said the mistakes she sees include using jargon and listing every job they've had.

Your résumé and cover letter are a hiring manager's first impression of whether your skills and experience match the job you want.

Jenny Foss, a career consultant and author of " What to Do (and NOT Do) in 75+ Difficult Workplace Situations ," said too many candidates fall into cliché that bore recruiters and undersell applicants.

She listed three mistakes to avoid.

1) Listing only your duties and responsibilities

Foss finds the majority of her clients undersell themselves to potential employers because they focus on writing the duties and responsibilities they've held in a role without highlighting the impact they've had or the outcome they've delivered.

"A lot of people tend to assume or fear that, if they don't have obvious quantitative results, then they can't share it because there are no numbers to highlight," Foss said, adding that qualitative results count just as much.

For example, you could highlight how you've transformed a team as a leader, she said.

To highlight your impact, Foss recommended going through each bullet point of your résumé and asking: "So what? Why am I sharing this?"

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If you've said that you manage Fortune 500 companies, for example, she said, ask yourself: "What's the significance of that? What's the outcome?"

You should show the business significance of what you have done in a role and why it matters to the job you're applying for, she said.

2) Jargon and buzzwords

There are certain cliches you see over and over again in résumé, Foss said.

She said candidates should avoid using the terms "detail-oriented," "track record of," and "responsible for" without qualifying them.

"If you're detail-oriented, show me an example in your experience section where your meticulous organizational skills came into play and worked out well," Foss said.

It's best to avoid company-specific jargon and acronyms, too, she said.

3) Including every job you've ever had

Foss said that just because you've done something doesn't mean you need to include it.

You don't have to include a bad job you left after a few months, she said. Or if you're worried that a hiring manager will think you're old if your career goes back too far, you can leave your first job out.

"This is not your autobiography. It is a marketing tool," she said, adding the aim is to give the hiring manager enough information to invite you for an interview .

It's also fine to include a career break in your résumé, whether it was for a sabbatical, childcare, or travel, Foss said. People tend to over-explain them or become apologetic, but there's nothing wrong with stating "career break" or "professionally active career break," she said.

Be unapologetic about it, she said, and move on to focus on your qualifications for the role.

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