One buzzword to "retire" from your resume, portfolio and Linkedin profile...
...if you want to be taken seriously
In the quest to stand out in a sea of applicants, one word has been overused to the point of losing its impact: "passionate."
It's time to rethink this approach and focus on what truly matters to employers: evidence of your skills and achievements.
Here’s why, backed by insights and actionable tips:
🚱 The Dilution Dilemma
A LinkedIn survey revealed that "passionate" is one of the top 10 most overused buzzwords.
This overuse dilutes its meaning, making it less effective in making your resume or portfolio stand out.
💪 Action Over Words
Employers value evidence of your capabilities more than self-proclaimed traits.
Another study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers showed that employers rank leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills above self-described passion.
These are qualities better shown through concrete examples than through adjectives.
For example—
Option 1:
"I am a passionate leader, an excellent team player, and a great problem-solver."
Option 2:
"Led a team of 5 designers in a project that increased user engagement by 30%, by implementing user feedback into the design iterations and optimizing the team's collaboration through weekly brainstorming sessions."
Which option do you think demonstrates you passion better and makes you sound more credible? 😉
🎭 Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of stating you're passionate, demonstrate it through your achievements and experiences.
This proves your effectiveness and genuine interest in enhancing UX!
🔢 Quantify Your Passion
Use numbers and data to illustrate your accomplishments.
Did your innovation reduce costs by 20%?
Did your leadership increase team productivity by 30%?
Numbers offer solid proof of your passion translating into tangible results.
📚 Highlight Continuous Learning
Passionate people often pursue continuous improvement.
Detailing your ongoing education, certifications, or attendance at industry workshops can be a more powerful testament to your dedication than simply stating you're “passionate.”
✂️ Tailor Your Language:
Customize your resume and portfolio to reflect the language of the industry and company you're applying to.
Even use job descriptions as a guide to highlight relevant accomplishments that resonate with the employer's needs and values.
🎨 Diversify Your Vocabulary
There are plenty of other words and phrases that can convey your enthusiasm and dedication without resorting to clichés.
Consider phrases like "committed to," "driven by," or "dedicated to" followed by specific examples of your work.
💬 Engage with Your Work
Finally, let your genuine interest and engagement in your field shine through by discussing industry trends, challenges, and innovations in your cover letter or interviews.
This approach conveys a depth of interest that the word "passionate" simply cannot.
Moving away from "passionate" to a more evidence-based representation of your skills and achievements can significantly elevate your resume and portfolio.
Make every word count to ensure that you're not “just another applicant” but a standout candidate who knows precisely how to apply their passion to make real impact.
What strategies have you found effective in showcasing your dedication and achievements without falling back on clichés?
Let's share insights and elevate our professional narratives together!
—Marina
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