Take a look at any employment site, and you’ll see job descriptions packed with jargon—words and phrases that are used so much, they’ve become meaningless. This lazy language makes job seekers’ eyes glaze over, but it can be tough for hiring managers and recruiters to stop using it. It’s a shorthand that’s hard to abandon, especially when you’re crunched for time to get your job listings posted.
With more job seekers applying to fewer positions and reading listings more carefully before hitting ‘apply,’ the language you use matters more than it did three years ago. Vague promises and recycled corporate-speak won’t cut through when candidates are comparing your role to five others.
Never fear! Here are 40 boring buzzwords, along with alternatives that will excite potential new hires. When your phrasing stands out from the crowd, job seekers will pay attention… and apply!
COMMONLY USED JOB LISTING CLICHES
Instead of this cliche → try using this instead
Additional duties, tasks and responsibilities as needed/as assigned → Jumps in on extra projects
BA required → Degree preferred
Balance/juggle/handle multiple projects → Seamlessly shifts gears
Collaborative → Cooperative
Communication skills/Strong communicator → Candid, vocal, open, honest
Competitive salary → List actual salary range
Conceptualize → Dream up
Creative/Innovative → Original
Deadline-driven → On time, all the time
Detail-oriented/attention to detail → Conscientious
Digitally fluent/digital native → Tech savvy
Dynamic → Flexible
Entrepreneurial → Pioneering
Evangelist → Enthusiast
Execute/Implement → Make it happen
Fast-paced → Busy
Flexible hours → Be specific about what this means for your workplace
Go-getter → Takes initiative
Guru → Visionary
He/She → You
Include salary requirements → List actual salary range
Interpersonal skills → Plays well with others
Jedi → Gifted
Multi-tasker → Adaptable
Ninja → Skilled
Optimize → Improve
Organizational skills → Methodical, efficient
Passionate → Deeply committed
Positive attitude → Unflappable
Proven ability/proven track record → Experience
Results-oriented → Follows through
Rock star → Top of your game
Salary commensurate with experience → List actual salary range
Self-starter/self-motivated → Ambitious, driven
Standard Equal Employment Opportunity language → Rewrite in your own words to explain why EEO is important to your company
Synergize → Cooperate
Team player → Relationship builder
Wizard → Expert
Works well independently and with a team → Succeeds in solo or group projects
Written and verbal communication skills → Write and speak with ease
To see if your job listings are guilty of jargon, use your web browser or Microsoft Word “find” function. Plug in the buzzwords above and see if they pop up in your job descriptions. If they do, simply replace with the suggested words or phrases above… or, even better, write something in your own words. The more natural your job posting reads, the more likely it is that candidates will respond.
When you’re cliche-free, click here to get your job listing in front of thousands of incredible, qualified candidates.
Good luck!
Topics:
Job Descriptions
