CV Buzzwords

Posted by Tom Austen on June 9, 2016

Recent studies have shown that employers only spend between 5 and 7 seconds looking at a candidate’s CV. The Independent online has stated that “one in 10 larger businesses, who staff more than 250 people, say they are seeing more than 400 applications for entry level jobs advertised.” With so much competition and such little time to stand out, it’s never been more important to make an impression.

DON’T BLEND IN

One of the most off-putting faux pas when reading a person’s CV are buzzwords – phrases which are far too cliché. With only a few second to impress, a potential employer who has been reading the same over-used and generic phrases is unlikely to read on without any evidence to back you up.

1) So What Are “Buzzwords”?

To help better understand the term “buzzwords” here are a few of the most common examples:

• Hard Worker
• Passionate
• Enthusiastic
• Time Management
• Organised
• Motivated
• Driven
• Creative
• Extensive Experience
• Responsible
• Strategic
• Track Record
• Wide Range

2) Personal Profile

A quick example of the over-use of generic descriptions for a Sales Manager personal profile / summary:

“Hardworking, passionate and enthusiastic individual with extensive experience in Sales Management. Excellent time-management and organisation skills with a proven track record in achieving and exceeding sales targets. Highly motivated and driven to succeed.”

OK, I may have exaggerated a little but, as you can see, this person’s summary is far too general and could be applied to every single other person applying for this or a similar Sales role. An employer wants to know what makes you special, why they should hire you out of everyone else and, most importantly, what you can do for them.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Every time you use a word to describe yourself think how can I demonstrate this? What proof do I have of this? If you can, quantify. Don’t just say that you achieve and exceed targets. Instead, directly relate that to your achievements. What targets? How did you achieve / exceed them? Do you have figures to back this up? If yes, include them. So if you do want to use descriptions such as ‘enthusiastic’ or ‘creative’, don’t just stop there. Explain why / how straight away or later on in your CV.

“Listing universal transferable skills isn’t the same thing as proving you have them. Especially if you’re using the same laboured descriptions as everyone else” writes Zak Harper on job search site Jobsite. “Don’t spend too much time describing the obvious parts of your job – focus instead on what you actually achieved while doing them”.

Past performance is a good indicator of future performance, so be specific in order for the employer to see what you could do for them if they were to employ you.

DEMONSTRATE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

Hard Worker

Demonstrate rather than say. Why are you a hard worker? For example, work flexible hours, do overtime, long hours, go above and beyond expected duties, promotion within a company etc.

Extensive Experience

Instead, how long have you been in the industry? E.g. over 20 years’ experience within Sales and Managerial positions.

Passionate

Show this rather than say it. Do any of your interests relate to your job position? For example, if you’re working in property sales or letting, do you spend your spare time renovating your own house? Are you interested in interior design? Have you taken on any related courses in your own time? Your passion should speak for itself.

Track Record

This would be a great time to include figures of past performances. Being specific here can highlight your continued success over time within a particular area. It is much more impressive to show rather than just say.

OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Most of what you can demonstrate will be shown in your work experience rather than trying to cram everything into a personal profile. Your summary should be about two sentences highlighting your experience and key achievements, which should be enough to convince the employer to read on. Things like the fact that you’re a hard worker, experienced, passionate and organised will be shown later on in your CV.

When writing about your job role and responsibilities, remember to include your achievements…and quantify!

Before you submit, take another look at the job description and have a final read through of your CV – have you tailored your application to suit this specific job role?

Finally, “one spelling or grammar mistake and your CV will be chucked in the bin”, states theundercoverrecruiter.com. It might be a good idea to get someone else to have a read of your CV before you hit send.

Happy job hunting!

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