How to Decode a Resume: Buzzwords to Look Out for When Hiring
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 6:53 am
Buzzwords may be present if a candidate is looking to exaggerate the details of past jobs or simply inflate their qualities and qualifications, so it’s important to be able to recognize such worn phrases. EBI identified some of the most common buzzwords candidates will use in their resume and how you can understand the true meaning behind them.
What buzzwords can say about a candidate
You could say that the use of buzzwords shows a lack of imagination and creativity, but this isn’t always the case, as many candidates simply want to make sure their resume follows the correct format or template. By using the standard language expected of a resume, a person is essentially communicating that they know how to follow instructions and details, so a couple of buzzwords here and there might not be anything to worry about.
But it’s often the sheer quantity of buzzwords that can separate someone aiming to oman phone number library appear presentable and someone aiming to exaggerate themselves. If you find yourself reading a resume saturated with a high number of buzzwords then it’s possible that you have a candidate looking to spin an inflated tale about their experience and qualifications, while just a few buzzwords here and there might not be enough to read anything concrete into.
Popular Buzzwords
Jack Of All Trades
This is a candidate’s way of saying that they are competent in all areas, but what it actually communicates is that they aren’t able to bring any kind of high-level specialist in a particular area.
Perhaps a better way to phrase this would be to describe their quickness to learn and their initiative to take on new and unfamiliar tasks, giving them the competency to work effectively across all trades.
Willing To Put In Extra Work
While this might feel like a way of stating their enthusiasm and dedication to the job, it could signal that the candidate will make up for their shortcomings by putting in more hours and taking on too many projects at once.
A smarter way of communicating their work ethic would be to mention specific projects they have created themselves to benefit their employer. This removes the hint of desperation and flattery that comes with explicitly stating you are willing to do extra work just to get the job.
What buzzwords can say about a candidate
You could say that the use of buzzwords shows a lack of imagination and creativity, but this isn’t always the case, as many candidates simply want to make sure their resume follows the correct format or template. By using the standard language expected of a resume, a person is essentially communicating that they know how to follow instructions and details, so a couple of buzzwords here and there might not be anything to worry about.
But it’s often the sheer quantity of buzzwords that can separate someone aiming to oman phone number library appear presentable and someone aiming to exaggerate themselves. If you find yourself reading a resume saturated with a high number of buzzwords then it’s possible that you have a candidate looking to spin an inflated tale about their experience and qualifications, while just a few buzzwords here and there might not be enough to read anything concrete into.
Popular Buzzwords
Jack Of All Trades
This is a candidate’s way of saying that they are competent in all areas, but what it actually communicates is that they aren’t able to bring any kind of high-level specialist in a particular area.
Perhaps a better way to phrase this would be to describe their quickness to learn and their initiative to take on new and unfamiliar tasks, giving them the competency to work effectively across all trades.
Willing To Put In Extra Work
While this might feel like a way of stating their enthusiasm and dedication to the job, it could signal that the candidate will make up for their shortcomings by putting in more hours and taking on too many projects at once.
A smarter way of communicating their work ethic would be to mention specific projects they have created themselves to benefit their employer. This removes the hint of desperation and flattery that comes with explicitly stating you are willing to do extra work just to get the job.