Learn how to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume and make it more specific, relevant, and powerful. Follow these tips to showcase your skills and achievements.

The most important point, and usually the most overlooked one is to read the job description properly. The first step is screening (a thing big corporates don't handle manually). You'll be eliminated in the first round itself if you don't match with words they specifically want you for. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This will help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Does it read "content creator"? Learn if they have mentioned SEO copywriting. Write it somewhere relevant. Use specific examples to show your experience. This will help employers understand how you have used your skills in the past to achieve results.

Ensure that your document is clear, concise and accessible to a broad audience. The goal is to communicate your skills and experiences effectively, so focus on clarity and specificity. Tailoring your language to your audience and providing tangible examples of your accomplishments will make your resume stand out without relying on buzzwords or jargon. Opt for straightforward and clear language. Avoid using terms that might be industry-specific and not universally understood. Replace complex terms with simpler, more widely understood alternatives Use specific keywords related to your skills and experiences without relying on vague industry buzzwords. If you're in a technical field, simplify technical terms without sacrificing accuracy.

What are the best ways to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume?

Your resume is your personal branding tool that showcases your skills, achievements, and value to potential employers. But if you fill it with buzzwords or jargon that are vague, overused, or irrelevant, you risk losing the attention and interest of the hiring managers. How can you avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume and make it stand out from the crowd? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Use specific and measurable examples

Instead of using generic terms like "team player", "results-oriented", or "hard-working", show how you demonstrated these qualities in your previous roles. Use specific and measurable examples that highlight your accomplishments and impact. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of five", say "Led a team of five to increase sales by 25% in six months". This way, you can showcase your skills and achievements with concrete evidence and numbers.

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Tarmeet Kaur Matta

Strategic HR Innovator: Maximizing Potential, Fueling Growth || Manager Human Resources @Tyroo || Ex - vCommission, Collegedunia | 3.14 & Xapads || Top Recruiting Voice
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Ensure that your document is clear, concise and accessible to a broad audience. The goal is to communicate your skills and experiences effectively, so focus on clarity and specificity. Tailoring your language to your audience and providing tangible examples of your accomplishments will make your resume stand out without relying on buzzwords or jargon. Opt for straightforward and clear language. Avoid using terms that might be industry-specific and not universally understood. Replace complex terms with simpler, more widely understood alternatives Use specific keywords related to your skills and experiences without relying on vague industry buzzwords. If you're in a technical field, simplify technical terms without sacrificing accuracy.

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Soumili Roy

I edit B2B SaaS content, grow your LinkedIn organically, and also write for top brands | 40+ brands served already | Ghostwriter & Result-oriented Content Marketer/Manager | Building @FirmaX with care
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Buzzwords are often used to impress employers. But, frankly, they hate words that could easily fit as a keyword in your resume without any weight at all. Let's say you mentioned hardworker as a soft skill. As much as it is a good word to use, employers can skip just by believing you aren't. Why? Because there's hardly any proof. Instead of saying you are a "hard worker," describe a specific time when you worked hard to achieve a goal. For instance, you could say, "Increased website traffic by 38% in six months by implementing a brand new SEO strategy." That right there is evidence. And, evidence matters.

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2 Tailor your resume to the job description

One of the most common mistakes that job seekers make is using a one-size-fits-all resume for every application. This can result in using buzzwords or jargon that are not relevant or aligned with the job requirements. To avoid this, tailor your resume to the job description and use keywords that match the skills, qualifications, and expectations of the employer. For example, if the job description asks for experience in social media marketing, use terms like "created and executed social media campaigns", "increased followers and engagement", or "analyzed and optimized social media performance". This way, you can show that you understand the job and have the right skills and experience for it.

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Soumili Roy

I edit B2B SaaS content, grow your LinkedIn organically, and also write for top brands | 40+ brands served already | Ghostwriter & Result-oriented Content Marketer/Manager | Building @FirmaX with care
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The most important point, and usually the most overlooked one is to read the job description properly. The first step is screening (a thing big corporates don't handle manually). You'll be eliminated in the first round itself if you don't match with words they specifically want you for. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This will help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Does it read "content creator"? Learn if they have mentioned SEO copywriting. Write it somewhere relevant. Use specific examples to show your experience. This will help employers understand how you have used your skills in the past to achieve results.

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3 Avoid acronyms and technical terms

Unless you are applying for a highly specialized or technical role, avoid using acronyms and technical terms that are not widely understood or recognized by the general audience. For example, instead of saying "Implemented CRM system", say "Implemented customer relationship management system". This way, you can avoid confusion and make your resume more clear and accessible to the hiring managers. If you have to use acronyms or technical terms, make sure to explain them or provide context for them.

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Ketaki , Your Personal Branding Guide

Creating Impact, Authentic Value Driven Transformation | LinkedIn Specialist | Image Consultant | Soft Skills Corporate Trainer | Personal Branding Career Coach
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Most of the companies have ATS systems. So it is wise to avoid acronyms to make your resume more readable. for example: Managed a project with 20 team members using AGILE methodology Revised: Managed a project with 20 team members using AGILE project management methodology.

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4 Use action verbs and power words

One of the easiest ways to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume is to use action verbs and power words that describe your skills and achievements in a dynamic and powerful way. Action verbs and power words can help you highlight your accomplishments and showcase your value to the employer. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for", say "Led", "Managed", "Delivered", or "Achieved". Some examples of power words are "Innovative", "Strategic", "Collaborative", or "Efficient". These words can help you convey your strengths and potential in a concise and compelling way.

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5 Get feedback and proofread

Finally, one of the best ways to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume is to get feedback and proofread your resume before sending it. Ask someone who knows your industry or field, or someone who has experience in hiring or reviewing resumes, to give you honest and constructive feedback on your resume. They can help you identify and eliminate any buzzwords or jargon that are not adding value or clarity to your resume. Also, proofread your resume for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors that can undermine your professionalism and credibility. A well-written and polished resume can make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting an interview.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use specific and measurable examples

2 Tailor your resume to the job description

3 Avoid acronyms and technical terms

4 Use action verbs and power words

5 Get feedback and proofread

6 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Branding

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What are the best ways to avoid using buzzwords or jargon in your resume?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use specific and measurable examples

2 Tailor your resume to the job description

3 Avoid acronyms and technical terms

4 Use action verbs and power words

5 Get feedback and proofread

6 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Branding

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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