100 resume buzzwords to include (and 30 to avoid)

Hiring managers and human resources professionals pore through a lot of resumes. Reading countless applications from candidates who describe themselves as hard workers, team players, and strategic thinkers can take its toll, so it's not surprising there are certain words recruiters would rather not see. If you're hoping to earn the good esteem of potential employers, now's the time to make changes to your documents before you send them in. To help you, we've provided 100 buzzwords you can include on your resume and some you may want to avoid.

What are resume buzzwords?

Resume buzzwords are terms or phrases you add to your resume to increase your chances of getting noticed by the hiring manager. The idea behind resume buzzwords is to help your resume stand out from others with language that compels the reader to stop and consider your qualifications more seriously. They're similar to keywords, except that keywords are often industry-specific, whereas buzzwords tend to be more general. 

In a colloquial sense, "buzzword" implies something of little substance, but that's not necessarily the case with resume buzzwords. While some buzzwords are certainly empty and best avoided, others are effective at strengthening your resume and conveying your ability to achieve measurable results.

Why is it important to use buzzwords in your resume?

It's important to use buzzwords in your resume because they grab attention, and your resume won't get read unless it gets noticed. To illustrate, imagine two applicants for the same job who have the same qualifications, experience, and skills. One applicant writes that they're a "seasoned professional" who was "responsible for team projects." The other applicant says they "designed data infrastructure projects and coordinated the activities of a five-member team for six years." Both are essentially saying the same thing, but the second one uses stronger, more specific words that distinguish their qualifications. Buzzwords gave them an advantage.

"It's important to use buzzwords in your resume because they grab attention, and your resume won't get read unless it gets noticed."

100 resume buzzwords to include

Good resume buzzwords are strong and less commonly used than their cliche counterparts. The adjectives are unique and specific to your professional circumstances, and the verbs are active action verbs — not passive, stative, or linking verbs. Below, you'll find 100 effective buzzwords to include on your resume, separated by category:

Resume buzzwords for describing yourself (adjectives)

1. Adept
2. Assertive
3. Certified
4. Decisive
5. Determined
6. Distinctive
7. Enthusiastic
8. Exceptional
9. Imaginative
10. Impeccable
11. Innovative
12. Methodical
13. Observant
14. Original
15. Particular
16. Proactive
17. Proficient
18. Relentless
19. Resilient
20. Resourceful
21. Systematic
22. Versatile
23. Vigilant
24. Visionary
25. Well-versed

Resume buzzwords related to accomplishments or leadership

1. Aligned
2. Accelerated
3. Accrued
4. Advanced
5. Cultivated
6. Delivered
7. Directed
8. Facilitated
9. Gained
10. Generated
11. Guided
12. Increased
13. Launched
14. Managed
15. Maintained
16. Mentored
17. Motivated
18. Outperformed
19. Perfected
20. Persuaded
21. Streamlined
22. Supervised
23. Surpassed
24. Trained
25. Won

Resume buzzwords related to problem-solving or decision-making

1. Adapted
2. Adjusted
3. Assessed
4. Audited
5. Conserved
6. Consolidated
7. Customized
8. Devised
9. Diagnosed
10. Discovered
11. Documented
12. Examined
13. Forged
14. Identified
15. Lessened
16. Negotiated
17. Prevented
18. Reconciled
19. Resolved
20. Restored
21. Restructured
22. Simplified
23. Solved
24. Standardized
25. Yielded

Resume buzzwords related to communication or interactions

1. Advocated
2. Arbitrated
3. Clarified
4. Consulted
5. Conveyed
6. Corresponded
7. Counseled
8. Defined
9. Disseminated
10. Emphasized
11. Engaged
12. Ensured
13. Influenced
14. Inspired
15. Projected
16. Promoted
17. Proposed
18. Referred
19. Reported
20. Reviewed
21. Revised
22. Supported
23. Translated
24. Updated
25. Volunteered

30 buzzwords to avoid on your resume

You'd do well to know that there are also resume buzzwords that can turn employers away. Usually, it's because the terms are cliche, ambiguous, or hold little meaning. They tell instead of show when it's the inverse you should aim for. With that in mind, unless you want to end up on an employer's “do not call” list, avoid using any of the following empty buzzwords:

1. Best in class
2. Best of breed
3. Bottom-line-focused
4. Creatively
5. Detail-oriented
6. Dynamic
7. Functioned as
8. Go-getter
9. Go-to person
10. Hard worker
11. Hardworking
12. Outside-the-box thinker
13. Passionate
14. People person
15. Perfectionist
16. Proactively
17. Problem solver
18. Proven track record
19. Quick learner
20. Results-driven
21. Responsible (for)
22. Seasoned
23. Self-motivated
24. Strategic thinker
25. Strong work ethic
26. Synergy
27. Team player
28. Thought leadership
29. Value add
30. Work well under pressure

How to incorporate buzzwords on your resume

As you can see, there are a lot of good words for beefing up your resume, so you may feel a bit overwhelmed trying to choose which ones to use. To make it easier, consider the following tips:

• Review the job description. There, you're likely to find a host of keywords that are either identical to the terms listed above or somehow related to them. Incorporate those keywords and associated buzzwords to improve the chances of your resume getting seen.
• Know when to break the rules. As you review job descriptions, you may notice that some employers include cliche buzzwords in their listings. In those cases, feel free to use terms that you might otherwise omit.
• Research employers. Study their websites, familiarize yourself with their company values, and use buzzwords that reflect those values.
• Maximize your buzzword volume. Ideally, you'd include buzzwords in as many sections of your resume as you can. But be careful about overloading. Should you overuse buzzwords, the quality of your writing may diminish, and your intent may be obvious to the employer.

Now that you know the best words to include, which ones to omit, and how to incorporate them, it's time to update your resume and get it out there. When you're ready, upload your revamped resume to CareerBuilder and start getting noticed.

The bottom line: When you're applying for a job you really want, the time you get to make an impression is short, and you can't afford to make a bad one. Make the most of your opportunity by selling your skills, highlighting your accomplishments, and backing up your claims. Use words to illustrate how much of an asset you can be to the employer lucky enough to hire you.

More tips for getting noticed by hiring managers

All great resumes have a few elements in common. Make sure yours isn't missing any of the key information employers are looking for.

Don't overlook the importance of highlighting your skills, and bear in mind that some skills may be more valuable than others.

A solid cover letter expands on the details you include in your resume, and familiarizing yourself with the appropriate format ensures you present yourself professionally.