Buzzwords vs. keywords, which ones you need

When writing a resume, there are many variables to have in mind. Whether your resume is going to be screened by a person or a piece of software, you want to write it in a way that attracts attention for the right reasons. Many people try to include words that they deem relevant to the position they are applying for. Some of these words qualify as keywords, others as buzzwords. But what's the difference and which ones should we use?

Keywords are relevant words that show you have certain skills and knowledge specific to a job, like if they ask for experience using a certain type of software, or proficiency in a specific language.  You can find keywords in the job posting, and you should include them in your resume organically.

Buzzwords are words that everybody is using and that usually don't mean anything out of context or without an explanation or example. 

​Take this statement, for example:

​"I see myself as a strong, flexible, and employee-oriented leader. I am skilled in creating, managing, and directing high performance internal customer service teams for competitive and dynamic markets. My focus is on providing solutions and creating value through innovation and development. I have 10+ years of experience in multinational corporations and I’m 100% customer centric."

It is full of buzzwords and cliche phrases like "strong, flexible, and employee-oriented leader," "high performance," "competitive and dynamic markets," "creating value through innovation and development," "100% customer centric" These words and phrases not only lack meaning on thier own (without context), but they are also so common that they have become almost chringeworthy. 

The best way to select which keywords to include in your resume, is by reading the job advertisement and the job description provided in it.