Your LinkedIn profile is your first impression in a world of professionals. But your profile could blend into the background if you’re using the same tired phrases everyone else is. Clichés are the enemy here; they don’t tell potential employers anything useful about you. The goal is to stand out, not sound like everyone else. Here are 15 common phrases you should never include in your LinkedIn profile.
“Hard Worker”
This phrase has lost its punch. Every professional on LinkedIn claims to be a hard worker, which makes it unremarkable. At this point, it says nothing about what you actually bring to the table and comes across as filler rather than meaningful information.
“Results-Driven”
This buzzword sounds impressive, but without specifics, it’s just a placeholder. It’s one of those phrases that everyone tosses in, but it tells the reader nothing about what kind of results you’re actually driving. It’s a classic example of a phrase that lacks substance.
“Team Player”
Being a team player is a standard expectation in the professional world, so simply stating it doesn’t set you apart. This phrase has been so overused that it has become empty of meaning. Instead, describe how you’ve worked with teams to reach goals or led collaborations that delivered outstanding results.
“Responsible For”
This is one of those phrases that instantly deflates the energy of your profile. It sounds passive and uninspiring, as if you’re listing duties in a job description rather than showcasing achievements. There’s no excitement or passion behind it, just a flat recital of responsibilities.
“Think Outside the Box”
Once upon a time, this phrase might have suggested innovation, but now it’s one of the most overused clichés. It’s become a hollow phrase that everyone throws around, losing its original meaning. Plus, it doesn’t really paint a clear picture of what makes you creative.
“Motivated”
Sure, motivation is important—but claiming to be motivated without anything to back it up comes across as a weak attempt at self-praise. The phrase is so generic that it could apply to anyone and doesn’t really set you apart in a meaningful way.
“Proven Track Record”
While this sounds impressive at first, it’s a phrase that’s been thrown around so much that it’s become a filler. It begs the question: What kind of track record? This phrase won’t help if you don’t provide additional info regarding your “proven track record.”
“Self-Starter”
It is just another way of saying you can work independently, but it’s vague and doesn’t show what you’ve actually done. Show initiative by describing projects or tasks you’ve taken on without supervision and how that made a difference to the company.
“Expert”
Calling yourself an expert is a risky business, especially when everyone else is using the same term. Without the credentials or evidence to back it up, the word “expert” feels more like an empty brag than a reflection of actual skill. It’s also prone to sounding arrogant if not properly supported.
“Detail-Oriented”
Being “detail-oriented” has become a basic expectation for most professionals, which is why it’s a phrase you’re better off avoiding. It sounds more like a checklist item rather than a unique quality and adds nothing fresh to your profile. It’s a phrase that blends in with the noise.
“Dynamic”
The word “dynamic” should convey energy and adaptability, but it’s often used without much thought or context on LinkedIn. It’s another one of those buzzwords that’s been overused to the point of meaninglessness. It feels like you’re trying too hard to sound impressive without offering anything substantial.
“Goal-Oriented”
Claiming to be “goal-oriented” is another filler that falls flat. Everyone has goals, and achieving them is a given in most roles. This phrase fails to tell the reader anything specific or meaningful about you, and worse, it often feels like filler in an otherwise unremarkable sentence.
“Passionate”
Passion is important, but just saying you’re passionate doesn’t mean much. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for your work by showing how you’ve gone above and beyond in your field. Whether it’s volunteering, taking additional courses, or working on side projects, let your actions reflect your passion.
“Excellent Communication Skills”
Regardless of industry or role, everyone feels the need to highlight their communication skills, but just saying it doesn’t make it stand out. It’s a phrase that lacks punch, offering no tangible insight into how you actually communicate. Instead, mention how clear communication has helped you achieve your goals.
“Strategic Thinker”
Being a strategic thinker is already essential in many roles, so simply stating it isn’t enough to set you apart. Instead, use results-driven and give instances where the skill has been instrumental. The phrase has been thrown around so often that it feels more like an empty label than an indicator of actual talent.
