Resume Buzzwords: 200+ Power Words to Strengthen Your Application

Resume buzzwords are meant to highlight strengths, but too often, they do the opposite. Words like “team player” or “hard worker” have become clichés, offering little value without proof.

The challenge isn’t using buzzwords but using the right ones—and using them well. That means knowing which keywords matter, how they align with the job, and how to ground them in real achievements.

At Enhancv, we’ve helped thousands turn generic language into career-defining clarity. In this guide, we’ll break down what buzzwords to include in a resume, which to avoid, and how to make every word count.

Think your resume could be stronger? Use our free Resume Checker to spot weak buzzwords, overused phrases, and areas where your content could make more impact.

What are buzzwords on a resume?

Resume buzzwords are commonly used action verbs, adjectives, and industry terms that help describe your skills, strengths, and experience. You’ll often find them repeated in job descriptions, which is why they show up so frequently in resumes.

By definition, a “buzzword” is “a word or expression from a particular subject area that has become fashionable by being used a lot”—especially in the media (Cambridge Dictionary). In the context of resumes, buzzwords are the language people reach for when trying to sound qualified or impressive, and while some can help, many fall flat without proof to back them up.

However, not all buzzwords are created equal. Some are so overused—like "team player", "go-getter", "hard worker"—they’ve become resume filler. Without concrete examples to support them, they tend to weaken your message, not strengthen it.

Here’s where it gets more specific: buzzwords aren’t (exactly) the same as keywords.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the two terms to make things clearer:

Why you need to include (some) buzzwords in your resume

Buzzwords may have a reputation for being fluffy, but when used correctly, they do more than just fill space—they add energy, clarity, and personality to your resume.

Recruiters aren’t just looking for a checklist of hard skills. They want to understand how you think, lead, communicate, and solve problems. That’s where the right buzzwords come in. Paired with real examples and measurable outcomes, buzzwords help signal not only what you’ve done, but how you did it.

And while keywords help your resume get seen, buzzwords help it get remembered.

Let’s break down which buzzwords to use and which ones to leave behind.

20 bad resume buzzwords and 200+ strong alternatives

Some resume phrases have been used so often they’ve lost all meaning. While the intention behind them might be good, these clichés don’t add value, especially if they’re not backed by real achievements.

Below are 20 of the most common resume clichés—and, under each, better buzzwords or action-driven alternatives you can use instead. These replacements help show what you’ve actually done, not just what you claim to be.

Let’s dive into your options.

1. Team player

“Team player” is one of the most overused phrases in resumes and one of the least convincing. Employers expect collaboration, but what they want to see is how you work with others and what you help achieve. Be specific about the context, your role, and the results.

2. Hard worker

Saying you're a "hard worker" is vague, unprovable, and frankly expected. What hiring managers actually want to know is how you approach challenges, meet goals, and follow through when it matters.

Replace this phrase with verbs that show persistence, ownership, and consistent delivery.

3. Go-getter

This phrase should stay off both your resume and your LinkedIn profile. “Go-getter” sounds more like a buzzword you'd hear in a motivational speech than something that belongs in a professional document.

4. Results-driven

Recruiters aren’t looking for that phrase—they’re scanning for what you did and what happened because of it. Swap it out for verbs that show clear outcomes, and let the numbers or impact speak for themselves.

5. Strategic thinker

If you truly think strategically, show it through how you’ve planned, prioritized, or led initiatives with long-term value. Replace the cliché with verbs that reflect high-level decision-making.

6. Detail-oriented

This phrase shows up on nearly every resume, which is exactly why it doesn’t stand out. If you’re truly detail-oriented, highlight the tasks where accuracy, thoroughness, or precision actually mattered.

7. Self-starter

Much like “go-getter,” this one is overused and under-evidenced. Being a self-starter means taking initiative, but you need to show what you started, not just state it. Focus on independent contributions that delivered value.

8. People person

While interpersonal skills are valuable, “people person” reads more like a personality trait than a professional skill. Swap it out for language that shows how you communicate, collaborate, or build relationships in a work context.

9. Excellent communication skills

Rather than stating this outright, demonstrate your communication strengths through specific responsibilities. Think about presentations, documentation, negotiation, or any other task that relies on clarity and impact.

10. Passionate

“Passionate” on its own doesn't carry much weight unless you show what you’ve done with that passion. Focus on how your personal investment in the work led to extra effort, advocacy, or leadership.

11. Innovative

“Innovative” can quickly come across as a bad buzzword if you don’t show what you created or improved. Highlight original ideas, tools, or workflows you developed—and the difference they made.

12. Motivated

This is another soft descriptor that’s hard to measure and easy to overlook. Let your actions show your drive. Use language that highlights self-direction, progress, or consistency.

13. Thought leader

Unless you’re actively contributing to industry conversations, this can sound inflated. Replace it with examples of how you’ve shared knowledge, built credibility, or shaped direction.

14. Problem solver

“Problem solver” is too broad on its own. Instead, get into what kinds of problems you tackled, and how you approached them. Focus on outcomes and logic.

15. Fast learner

While learning quickly is a valuable trait, it’s better to show what you learned and how you applied it. Use this opportunity to point to real adaptability or self-education.

16. Multi-tasker

Simply listing multitasking as a skill sounds like you’re doing everything at once—but not necessarily doing it well. Use clearer language that shows you can manage competing priorities effectively.

17. Creative

“Creative” works better when it’s tied to what you created and why it mattered. Highlight design, innovation, or problem-solving in a way that ties to value.

18. Leadership skills

“Leadership” doesn’t always mean management, but it should mean you influenced direction or results. Instead of stating it, describe how you led.

19. Responsible for

This phrase is overly passive. You don’t want to sound like someone who held responsibilities. You want to sound like someone who owned them and delivered.

20. Experienced in

Saying you're “experienced in” something is a missed opportunity. It tells us you’ve done it, but not how well or to what effect. Focus on what you achieved using that experience.

Each of these alternatives offers more depth, clarity, and intent and helps move your resume from generic to impactful.

Here’s how this buzzword makeover can look on a resume:

Next, let’s look at how to choose the right buzzwords for the job you’re applying for, based on the language in real job postings.

How to match buzzwords with ATS and job descriptions

Using buzzwords effectively isn’t about dropping trendy terms into your resume, and it’s definitely not about stuffing your content with every phrase you can find in a job ad. The goal is to identify the right language: the keywords that applicant tracking systems are trained to detect, and the buzzwords that recruiters recognize as signals of real value.

It’s important to draw the line here:

• Keywords are typically nouns—job titles, skills, tools, qualifications—and they help you pass ATS filters.
• Buzzwords are often action verbs and adjectives. They add energy and context, and help show how you get results.

You need both, but only when they reflect what you’ve actually done. This section will show you how to extract the most relevant terms from any job description and use them in a way that feels natural, intentional, and aligned with your experience.

Here’s how to get it right:

Start with the job description

Read through the listing line by line. Highlight nouns (skills, tools, deliverables), verbs (responsibilities), and adjectives (qualities or traits) that repeat or stand out. These are your keyword clues.

Example:

From that line alone, potential buzzwords include:

• Strategic
• Results-oriented
• Lead
• Cross-functional
• Campaigns
• Optimize
• Performance

Mirror the language where it makes sense

Your resume doesn’t need to copy and paste the job description, but it should reflect the same intent and terminology. If they say “optimize performance,” and you improved conversion rates, say so using that verb: “Optimized email campaigns to improve conversion by 18%.”

Tailor for every role

This step is often skipped but makes a major difference. Even if you’re applying for the same role at different companies, their language will vary. Customize your resume slightly each time by swapping in role-specific buzzwords.

Prioritize relevance over quantity

More buzzwords aren’t better—better buzzwords are better. Choose the ones that most closely align with your actual experience. Avoid stuffing your resume with terms that don’t reflect what you’ve done.

Get instant feedback and see how well your resume matches the job description with Enhancv’s free AI Resume Reviewer.

Now that you know how to find the right buzzwords and how to separate them from generic filler, the next step is all about placement. Even the best language won’t make an impact if it’s buried in the wrong place or repeated without purpose.

Where to include buzzwords in your resume (and how)

Once you’ve identified the right buzzwords from the job listing, the next step is to place them intentionally throughout your resume.

Here’s how to do it:

Professional profile

This is prime space to align your resume with the role right from the start—and it’s often one of the first things a recruiter reads.

The summary is an adjective-rich area by nature, which makes it a good place to include one or two well-chosen buzzwords that reflect your professional identity, core strengths, and alignment with the job title or function.

That said, be selective. Overloading this section with buzzwords can dilute your message. Focus instead on clearly communicating your competencies, your unique value, and the kind of impact you bring to the table.

Look at an example summary from a product manager resume:

Skills section

The skills section is where you want to make the ATS buzz (pun intended)—because this is one of the first places applicant tracking systems scan for exact keyword matches. It’s also where recruiters glance to confirm you meet the baseline requirements before reading deeper.

Use the nouns and adjectives you pulled from the job description, especially when they reflect tools, technologies, or role-specific competencies. Think about phrases like “UX design”, “customer segmentation”, “pipeline management”, or “data visualization”.

In many cases, the line between keywords and buzzwords is getting thinner, especially when it comes to industry jargon. It signals to a recruiter that you speak the language of the role.

Check out a software engineer’s skills section created with Enhancv’s Resume Builder:

Experience section

This is where your action verbs matter most.

Start each bullet point with a strong, job-relevant verb and tie it to outcomes or deliverables. These verbs double as high-impact buzzwords—they signal ownership, movement, and contribution.

Here’s an experience section from a nurse's nurse's resume:

Struggling to find the right words for your work experience? Our Bullet Point Generator helps you craft strong, relevant achievements in less time.

Achievements or career highlights

If you include a dedicated section for accomplishments, this is the place to reinforce measurable impact using high-value buzzwords.

Here’s an example from a PR resume. Referencing industry language and recognizable media names doesn’t just add context—it shows you understand the space you work in.

Education & certifications

Your education section can do more than list degrees—it can also reinforce your qualifications with keywords and relevant terminology. This is especially useful if the job ad mentions a required field of study, coursework, certifications, or academic honors.

If your degree closely matches what’s listed in the job description, use the same phrasing where it makes sense, but don’t alter your degree title just to align with the ad. Keep it accurate. A better approach is to add a bullet point beneath your education entry that includes one or two job-relevant terms.

You can also include buzzword-adjacent phrases like “climate reporting,” “stakeholder communication,” or “research methods” to show relevance—especially helpful for early-career applicants with limited work experience.

Cover letter

Your cover letter isn’t parsed by ATS software—so technically, you don’t need to include buzzwords for the algorithm’s sake. But it’s still worth being intentional about your language here, because you're writing directly for a human reader.

Just like in your resume, the key here is to use buzzwords sparingly and with context. A few well-placed phrases—especially those pulled directly from the job description—can make your cover letter feel aligned without sounding forced.

Use buzzwords in your opening line, or when describing why you’re a strong fit for the role. Think of it as showing that you speak the company’s language without trying too hard.

Here’s an example from a cover letter intro:

Some buzzwords actually work better on LinkedIn than on a resume or cover letter. LinkedIn’s algorithm and search filters often use these terms to connect you with recruiters or surface your profile in searches—even if they’re a bit vague. Phrases like “motivated” or “passionate about [field]” can help humanize your profile and signal culture fit in a more casual, networking-oriented space.

On a resume or cover letter, however, they can feel like fluff unless paired with hard evidence. Keep them on LinkedIn for visibility, and stick to results-driven language in your formal application materials.

Buzzwords by profession: 10 tailored lists to use in your resume

Buzzwords aren’t one-size-fits-all. The language that works in a product manager resume won’t land the same way in nursing or finance. To really stand out—and to make your resume more relevant to recruiters and ATS—it helps to use role-specific verbs, nouns, and industry phrases.

Here’s a breakdown of buzzwords tailored to 10 common professions. Use them to match the tone of your field, speak the language of the job description, and strengthen your resume with every bullet point.

Each of these lists mirrors the language you’ll see in job descriptions—and more importantly, what hiring managers expect to find in your resume.

Now, let’s wrap up with some quick best practices for using buzzwords the right way.

Final tips for adding buzzwords to a resume

Learn how to show you understand the language of the role and the value of your own experience.

Follow these best practices:

• Be selective: One or two well-placed buzzwords per section is enough. Let your results carry the rest.
• Back them up: Buzzwords should lead into specifics such as outcomes, numbers, or examples that prove your point.
• Mirror the job description: Pull high-impact words directly from the listing where they genuinely apply.
• Prioritize verbs over fluff: Start bullet points with strong action verbs. Avoid vague adjectives unless they’re supported.
• Spread them out: Don’t crowd your summary or skill section. Distribute buzzwords across your experience for balance.
• Stay true to your experience: Use buzzwords only for things you’ve actually done. Clarity always wins over exaggeration.
• Buzzword Litmus Test — Before you keep a buzzword, ask yourself: Is it in the job description? Can I prove it with a specific achievement? Does it describe me better than 80% of applicants? If you can’t say “yes” to at least two, cut it.

Let’s look at the red flags that can pull attention away from your actual value, and how to avoid them so hiring managers stay focused on your strengths.

Trendy buzzwords we need to retire (at work and beyond)

Some buzzwords don’t just wear out their welcome on resumes—they’ve been overplayed everywhere from LinkedIn feeds to company all-hands.

Here are a few we can collectively say goodbye to:

• AI (without context): Not everything needs to be “AI-powered.”
• Synergy: If you mean collaboration, just say collaboration.
• Work-life balance: Overused to the point of losing all meaning.
• Zoom fatigue: We get it—video calls are tiring.
• Circle back: Translation: “I forgot, let’s discuss later.”
• Future-proof: Nothing is, really.
• Move the needle: Unless you’re a tailor, maybe skip this.
• Paradigm shift: Dramatic, but vague.
• Growth hacking: Feels more like a marketing gimmick than a plan.
• Disruptive: If everyone says it, it’s no longer disruptive.

These phrases might have had their moment, but now they’re more likely to make eyes roll than spark interest. Stick to clear, concrete language that actually says something.

Conclusion

Resume buzzwords aren’t inherently good or bad—it’s how you use them that counts. When chosen carefully and backed up with results, they can strengthen your resume and bring your experience to life. Keep it relevant, keep it real, and you’ll get noticed for all the right reasons.