Comments on: Should you eliminate buzzwords from your resume and online profiles?

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:05:14 +0000

In reply to Kristin Johnson. Kristin - I agree! Backing it up is key! Thanks for stopping by!

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:49:06 +0000

In reply to Ari Herzog. I'd venture a guess that everyone has some words in their materials that someone could consider less than descriptive, while others would think them important qualifications. The most crucial point is that everyone should make an effort to evaluate our word choices to be sure we are selecting the most useful, descriptive, targeted choices.

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:45:07 +0000

In reply to Melissa Cooley. It's a classic case of "no one right answer." Everyone has a different opinion, so the best thing to do is to create materials that actually represent what you have to offer and to prove that you do! Thanks for your comment!

By: Kristin Johnson

Kristin Johnson — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:56:36 +0000

I say, “Where’s the beef?!” If you want to use a certain phrase or term, go for it, just be prepared to back it up with evidence that you really do have those characteristics. Maybe try to be more creative with your wording, but “if the shoe fits…”

By: Ari Herzog

Ari Herzog — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:59:08 +0000

Not me, I saw that report the other day and I don’t use any of those words to describe myself.

By: Melissa Cooley

Melissa Cooley — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:33:55 +0000

This post reminded me of the 2010 Orange County Resume Survey (http://www.saddleback.edu/jobs/documents/2010OrangeCountyResumeSurveyResults.pdf), which I read last summer. As part of that survey, employers were asked to indicate which words candidates should include and which words they should leave off. Interestingly enough, words like “innovative,” “team player,” and “multi-tasker” made both lists.

I agree with you that going on a mission to eliminate all buzzwords from a resume and cover letter is not necessary. For example, if a buzzword is used in a job posting or on the company’s website, that would indicate that it is a value they hold. I can’t see a reason to not use the word in that case.

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:57:40 +0000

In reply to Rob Poindexter, Careers Blogger and Sales Pro.

Rob – Glad you stopped by! I only quote the best! Thanks for your great post — it was the perfect thing to demonstrate this point, which seems to be what everyone is thinking about lately!

By: Rob Poindexter, Careers Blogger and Sales Pro

Rob Poindexter, Careers Blogger and Sales Pro — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:18:20 +0000

Miriam, let me congratulate on your excellent ability to find just the right people to quote. LOL. Seriously though, this was a great post, and your points are very well made, as usual.

Thanks for bringing me along for the ride. I only hope I can get my head through the door.

Cheers,
Rob