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Here are seven of the most commonly used "big words" that I see every day in resumes sent to me by clients. Warning! Using these words may cause severe drowsiness ... and get your resume tossed in the wastebasket.
Implementation - My all-time least favorite word. It's a favorite of senators and others who make their living by not speaking clearly. Try saying "roll-out" or"set-up" instead.
Utilization - Have you ever heard anyone use this word in a conversation, ever? Neither have I. Never "utilize" what you can simply "use."
Impact (used as a verb) - Wisdom teeth are impacted. And I suppose meteorites can "impact" the moon. But in your resume and cover letter, use the verb "affect."
Impactful (allegedly an adjective) - "Illiterate" is the image this word conveys. Say "high-impact" (better) or "effective" (best).
Facilitate - Don't "facilitate" a meeting; "help lead" or "conduct" it instead.
Deliverables - I'm pretty sure this term refers to "products" or "finished goods." But I could be wrong.
Interface - I think it was Isaac Asimov who said: "When I'm interfacing with a woman, I'm kissing her, by God." This word can be the kiss of death to clarity. Instead of "interfacing" with people, "work" with them.
In short, don't hide behind your vocabulary. Just be informative and clear.
Implementation - My all-time least favorite word. It's a favorite of senators and others who make their living by not speaking clearly. Try saying "roll-out" or"set-up" instead.
Utilization - Have you ever heard anyone use this word in a conversation, ever? Neither have I. Never "utilize" what you can simply "use."
Impact (used as a verb) - Wisdom teeth are impacted. And I suppose meteorites can "impact" the moon. But in your resume and cover letter, use the verb "affect."
Impactful (allegedly an adjective) - "Illiterate" is the image this word conveys. Say "high-impact" (better) or "effective" (best).
Facilitate - Don't "facilitate" a meeting; "help lead" or "conduct" it instead.
Deliverables - I'm pretty sure this term refers to "products" or "finished goods." But I could be wrong.
Interface - I think it was Isaac Asimov who said: "When I'm interfacing with a woman, I'm kissing her, by God." This word can be the kiss of death to clarity. Instead of "interfacing" with people, "work" with them.
In short, don't hide behind your vocabulary. Just be informative and clear.
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