“Creative” is a popular word used by many to describe themselves. In fact, you may be one of the 187 million LinkedIn users who used the term in your social media profile this year. The LinkedIn blog recently released its 2012 list of most overused buzzwords for LinkedIn profiles. Not surprisingly the word “Creative” topped the list for a second year in a row. It was also the most popular buzzword in Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, and a few other countries.
This post prompted me to take another look at my own profile and make sure it is free of these buzzwords. It is hard not to use these words. Pick up any resume guidebook, jobseeker article or job description for that matter and these words are listed as descriptors. If you are having trouble coming up with new buzzwords, our Sodexo Careers blog contributors as well as our own recruiters have provided a slew of useful information to help get you started.
As for your need to be creative, highlight ideal strengths instead of traits. Replace generic qualities about yourself with action words to make your resume pop. While Sodexo certainly seeks candidates who are creative and innovative, tell us how! Instead of listing your job duties, include your achievements. Achievements are things you did which added value, a tangible or noticeable difference and contributed to the bottom line of your organization.
Use this downtime during the holiday season to scrub your social media profile to create one that stands out in the New Year.
What replacements do you have for these buzzwords?
3 comments:
Excellent post. I see relevance for entrepreneurs (consultants) who have bios, "about me" and services pages. When highlighting your "stand-out brand", I suggest taking the same advice given to job seekers: create case studies that feature your accomplishments for clients. Memtions stats and best practices implememted or established. Highlight your "out onthe box, crazy-good, ideas, that when executed led to real change or increase in revenue. Then, the buzz words translate into value statements.
Tiffany Odutoye (Tiffany-O) @tiffanyodutoye
I'm glad you enjoyed the post Tiffany! You are right, not just job seekers can benefit from a profile makeover!
As a student, especially one who is currently working on my LinkedIn, I found this posting to be very beneficial. It is easy to buzz words because they are the words we hear on a regular basis and sometimes feel these are the words recruiters want to hear. In reality individuality is important when creating a profile. I hadn't realized how important it is to prove the words you use. By displaying your creativity, it will go farther with the recruiter than just listing it.
Post a Comment