This may surprise you but when going through job applications nearly everyone says exactly the same thing in their introduction. It becomes incredibly hard to pick someone from a list of 1,500 odd people who say “I am highly motivated” or ” I have a proven track record”, so you don’t end up choosing any of them.
There are 3 words you should particularly avoid so you’re not caught in the same position
1. Motivated
Saying you’re motivated doesn’t give anyone an insight into who you are or your work ethic when everyone else is saying the same. Instead give facts, figures, and insight into your achievements. It’s far more beneficial to an employer to read what you can bring to the business.
2. Specialise
One of the most overused words and also it’s very often used in the wrong context. Essentially everyone specialises in something from an industry perspective but it doesn’t come across as though you’re any more qualified than anyone else… “I specialise in architectural recruitment” for example doesn’t compel you to pick up the phone and ask that person in for interview. An employer will want to know far more details about what else you can offer.
3. Track record
This may be true but again it doesn’t offer anything of value that would make you and your CV stand out… “I have a proven track record of having posted CV tips on LinkedIn”…
All 3 words have appeared in LinkedIn’s Most Overused words year after year so we would advise you to choose some alternatives. They’ve been so overused that they’ve lost meaning or value.
What to do...
When you’re constructing your CV have a think about the claims you’re making and ask yourself “have I quantified that statement in my CV?”. Use figures or achievements to substantiate your statements.
Most people have no clue why they’re using these statements so if you’re going to use them, make it worthwhile!
Our advice is the avoid them altogether.
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. You are creative so be more human and talk about yourself normally rather than conforming to what you “think” you should be writing.
4. Don’t copy other people and what they write, you are unique so only write what is unique about you. It’s time to stand out rather than blending in with conformity
As an example of what a recruiter could say, which one would you pick if you were going to employ me years ago?
1. “Highly motivated recruiter, specialising in architectural recruitment”
2. “Architectural recruiter who’s won Recruitment Consultant of the year 3 years running, has an established client base and has made it into the £500k club 2 years running”
Who would you pick for an interview, 1 or 2?