“C-Level Strategist,” “Business Game Changer,” “Major Difference Maker.”
No, No, and No.
We love the zest and we love the enthusiasm, but you’ve overdone it. Simply, calmly, and concisely tell us what you do, what you’re good at, and how you do it. Don’t make a scene, don’t be dishonest, and don’t speak in generalities.
The phrases and words above are headlines. They are catch-phrases and “fluffy” jargon, meaning special words or expressions that most folks can’t and don’t want to understand. “Filler” may be a better way of explaining it. These are the phrases and sayings that shut the conversation down.
As a recruiter, when I read these words, I don’t think this person is the real deal… I think the opposite.
I mean this.
I’ve referenced it before, but we have a phrase in the office deemed “no-touchy.” This means the person is basically unhireable or unemployable. It means that a particular person would not be a value-add to most teams, and in fact may be a liability. We don’t send these folks to our clients.
We seek the 100% qualified folks whose work speaks louder than their words. When you sell yourself so hard that you can no longer “hear” yourself, it can have a negative effect. Don’t go so deep you become hard to understand. Don’t underestimate saying less, both out loud and in writing, it's a powerful tool.
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
Looking for your next great opportunity?
Have hiring and/or recruiting needs?