LinkedIn reveals most overused buzzwords in user profiles

LinkedIn has just released interesting information on the top 10 most overused words and phrases in members’ LinkedIn profiles.  Terms such as ‘extensive experience’ and ‘proven track record,’ are but two of the top 10 featured.

In analyzing data of its more than 85 million users, LinkedIn hopes to provide its users with information on areas where their profiles are deficient and therefore appease potential employers who view such terms as meaningless.

According to LinkedIn, The top 10 terms most overused by professionals based in the United States are:

1. Extensive experience
2. Innovative
3. Motivated
4. Results-oriented
5. Dynamic
6. Proven track record
7. Team player
8. Fast-paced
9. Problem solver
10. Entrepreneurial

For those more visually inclined, LinkedIn created the following pictorial demonstrations of data gleaned from their user’s profiles:

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Lindsey Pollak, a career and workplace expert, indicates,

“Phrases like ‘extensive experience’ and ‘proven track record’ can appear empty to a potential employer and may do more harm than good when you include them in your profile or resume.  “If you’re using any of these 10 terms, wipe them out. Instead, note that you have eight to ten years of experience or that you increased sales by 300 percent. Include meaningful phrases that apply specifically to highlights you’ve achieved in your career.”

LinkedIn provides its users with many resources for enhancing their profile, including Webinars.  Regardless of whether you have a job you love, or are unfortunately out of work like so many, it’s imperative to keep your resume, and now, in an online world, keep your professional online profile free of the words above and up-to-date.

Why? One never knows who’s watching and what opportunities may present themselves, because if/when a grand professional situation comes calling, it’s necessary to always put your best foot forward.