LinkedIn reveals year’s most overused buzzwords


14 Dec 2010

If you would describe yourself as having extensive experience, you’re not alone – according to professional social networking site LinkedIn, it’s 2010’s most overused phrase in members’ profiles in the US.

LinkedIn has just released its list, which shows “innovative” and “motivated” behind “extensive experience”, respectively.

Results are similar for LinkedIn members outside the US. In France, for instance, the most-often used word is “innovative”, while in Spain it’s “dynamic.”

Experts advise members who have used any of these words to replace them with actionable information and phrases.

LinkedIn’s top 10 terms that are overused by professionals based in the US:

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

“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 (CV),” said Lindsey Pollak, a career and workplace expert.

“If you’re using any of these 10 terms, wipe them out. Instead, note that you have eight to 10 years of experience or that you increased sales by 300pc. Include meaningful phrases that apply specifically to highlights you’ve achieved in your career.”

DJ Patil, LinkedIn’s chief data scientist, said LinkedIn wanted to reveal insights that help professionals make better choices about how to position themselves online, whether they are reaching out to new clients or networking with peers.

LinkedIn has more than 85 million members.

Tina Costanza