The current job market is highly competitive, making the search for a new position feel more challenging than ever. To enhance your chances, it is crucial to ensure your resume is a strong asset rather than a hindrance.
One effective strategy for differentiation is to customize your resume by steering clear of commonly overused terms. An analysis conducted by the career platform ResumeCoach reveals that millions of resumes on Indeed prominently feature a select few vague buzzwords.
According to the study, the word “managed” was the most frequently used term, appearing on 9.1 million resumes from a total of 111 million examined. Following closely, “organized” was found in 7.1 million resumes, while “accurate” appeared on 5.3 million.
The issue with these terms is that they merely describe job functions without demonstrating the applicant’s impact, which is paramount for hiring managers. For instance, saying “managed a team of five employees” does not convey the level of success achieved in the role. Instead, a stronger phrasing might be “led a five-person team that increased conversions by 150%.”
“Employers seek to understand not just what you did, but how you achieved it and the results that followed,” noted Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, in Money’s 2026 resume guide.
The Most Overused Resume Terms
ResumeCoach’s investigation monitored the usage of 110 common resume buzzwords using Indeed’s database, encompassing nearly 111 million resumes across the nation. Here are the most prevalent terms:
- Managed: 9.1 million resumes (8.2% of the total)
- Organized: 7.1 million (6.4%)
- Accurate: 5.3 million (4.8%)
- Collaborated: 4.4 million (4%)
- Trained: 4.3 million (3.9%)
- Efficient: 4.1 million (3.7%)
- Skilled: 4 million (3.6%)
- Implemented: 3.6 million (3.3%)
- Supported: 3.4 million (3.1%)
- Delivered: 3.1 million (2.8%)
- Monitored: 2.9 million (2.6%)
- Strategic: 2.6 million (2.3%)
- Established: 2.4 million (2.2%)
- Supervised: 2.4 million (2.2%)
- Detail-oriented: 2.3 million (2.1%)
- Resolved: 2.2 million (2%)
- Reliable: 2.2 million (2%)
Enhancing Your Resume
Experts recommend that job seekers remain aware that many employers utilize applicant-tracking systems (ATS) technology—and increasingly, AI—to screen resumes before they reach human eyes. This necessitates a resume format that is easily processed by ATS software.
A straightforward and legible format is essential, according to Spencer. It is advisable to eliminate complex design elements such as tables and graphics, favoring clear section headers and a predictable layout instead.
When it comes to content, incorporating language from the job description can significantly improve an ATS’s likelihood of ranking your resume favorably. Lauren Mastroni, a career expert and digital content writer at Resume Genius, cautioned against paraphrasing terms from job listings to ensure your resume aligns with screening software requirements.
For related insights and additional advice on securing employment in 2026, readers can explore topics including essential tips from career experts, the demand for financial assistance in the workplace, and the long-term value of a bachelor’s degree.