10 Best and Worst Resume Buzzwords for 2026

In today’s job market, many resumes are initially screened by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before reaching hiring managers. To enhance your chances of being noticed, your resume must successfully navigate this technology.

If your resume makes it through the digital gatekeeper, it will face competition from countless others that also passed the ATS. To stand out, utilizing buzzwords is essential.

Here are three crucial tips for effectively incorporating buzzwords into your resume:

Key Takeaways:

• Identify buzzwords in the job description that highlight the skills and experiences the hiring managers seek.

• Use buzzwords that articulate your unique value and the positive contributions you can make to the organization.

• Steer clear of overused buzzwords that dilute your resume’s impact.

• Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments alongside buzzwords.

Ten Best Resume Buzzwords to Use

Now that you’ve crafted your resume, it’s time to enhance your statements with impactful buzzwords. Here are our top recommendations, categorized for clarity:

Buzzwords to Highlight Achievements:

• Leveraged

• Negotiated

• Budgeted

• Achieved

• Generated

Always accompany these buzzwords with numerical data to highlight your success.

Buzzwords to Reflect Your Value:

• Managed

• Launched

• Orchestrated

• Redesigned

• Supervised

Incorporating these action words into your resume makes it more compelling. The more aligned your language is with the job description, the better your chances of being recognized.

Ten Worst Resume Buzzwords To Avoid

After ensuring your resume is rich with valuable buzzwords, it’s equally important to eliminate ineffective terms. Avoid clichés and vague language to keep your resume unique and specific.

Here are the top ten buzzwords to omit:

• Hard worker

• Synergy

• Describing tasks with “can’t” or “won’t”

• Rockstar

• Passionate

• Motivated

• Skilled

• Responsible

• Outside the box

• Go-getter

Using these outdated buzzwords can lead to generalizations that fail to impress hiring managers. Instead, focus on the recommended buzzwords or brainstorm alternatives that convey specific achievements.

With limited space to convey the most compelling aspects of your resume, choosing impactful words is vital to make a lasting impression.

Including generic terms can lead to your resume landing in the trash, so avoid using them to keep your application out of the wastebasket.

Imagine this basketball photo represents your resume and the hoop is a corporate trash bin. It’s not so motivational now, is it?

The most effective buzzwords connect your skills and experiences to the job requirements. In contrast, ineffective buzzwords can hinder your chances of getting hired. Let’s ensure that doesn’t happen.

What Is a Resume Buzzword?

Buzzwords, also known as action words, are essential for adding impact to your resume without falling into the trap of clichés.

These words help articulate your roles and responsibilities while aligning with what hiring managers seek when reviewing resumes.

Buzzwords are typically used in the work history and career objective sections of your resume. They serve to enhance your experience and qualifications.

Here are examples contrasting buzzwords with non-buzzwords:

As illustrated, buzzwords enhance your value as an employee by detailing your achievements and how you achieved them.

When writing a resume, it’s crucial to distinguish yourself from the average candidate. A standout candidate can clearly convey their potential value to an employer, and buzzwords are an effective tool to achieve this.

How to Find Resume Buzzwords

Finding the right buzzwords for your resume may initially feel challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with resume writing conventions.

The first step to identifying relevant buzzwords is to closely examine the job description. Every listing will outline key skills and qualifications; incorporating these keywords into your resume is crucial, particularly in your career summary and work history sections.

Additionally, researching the company’s values is beneficial. Review the “About Us” section on their website and the profiles of key team members. Using their terminology can help tailor your resume to align with the company’s mission and culture.

Resume Buzzwords to Avoid and How to Change Them

Employers often spend as little as six seconds reviewing resumes before deciding to keep or discard them. To ensure your resume has a longer lifespan, avoid certain buzzwords that detract from its impact.

Here are some overused buzzwords to eliminate, along with suggestions for improvement:

1. “Hard worker,” “Go-getter,” “Go-to person”

   These terms are vague and common. Instead, provide specific examples of your accomplishments.

   “Managed and organized the creation and development of a bi-annual $10,000 company fundraiser, achieving sponsorship goals within three months.”

2. “Creative,” “Think outside the box,” “Strategic thinker,” “Passionate”

   These descriptors lack specificity. Illustrate your creativity with concrete examples of your contributions.

   “Developed new strategies that enhanced energy efficiency by 50%.”

3. “Excellent communicator,” “Team player,” “Natural leader,” “Synergy”

   Rather than stating these traits, demonstrate them through specific outcomes resulting from your communication skills.

4. “Responsible,” “Focused,” “Detail-oriented,” “Results-driven”

   These buzzwords are too generic. Instead, be specific about your responsibilities and achievements.

   “Directed a project that educated staff in effective fundraising techniques.”

5. “Expert,” “Specialized,” “Experienced,” “Certified”

   Instead of these terms, show your expertise through your accomplishments.

   “Published 15 articles in industry journals and delivered keynote speeches at five academic conferences.”

Additional Effective Buzzwords

To further enhance your resume, consider incorporating these additional buzzwords that effectively showcase your skills:

• Budgeted
• Compiled
• Guided
• Hired
• Merchandised
• Negotiated
• Presented
• Resolved
• Supervised
• Trained/Mentored
• Upgraded
• Won
• Increased/Decreased
• Under budget

Final Thoughts

Incorporating buzzwords into your resume is a strategic way to enhance its visibility. Your resume must first pass through an ATS, making the use of relevant buzzwords essential.

If it makes it past the digital screening, hiring managers will look for buzzwords that reflect your value and potential contributions. By implementing our recommended buzzwords and avoiding ineffective ones, you can create a resume that captures attention and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.