Table of Contents

• The Enigmatic Nature of Resume Language
• Why Superlatives Lose Their Power
• Replacing Claims with Real Evidence
• Overused Superlatives and Their Practical Alternatives
• Expanding Your Professional Story
• The View from the Hiring Manager’s Chair
• Putting Knowledge into Practice
• The Quiet Power of Restraint

The Enigmatic Nature of Resume Language

In a crowded café one Thursday morning, I overheard a conversation between two young professionals. They were flipping through each other’s resumes, anxiously trading feedback and dissecting every word choice as though each nuance could make or break their chances. One of them—a fresh graduate, still displaying the optimism of someone without too many professional battles—kept pointing out glowing adjectives. “But you said you were the best in the department,” the friend remarked, “how do you prove that?” Their tones revealed a mix of real concern and mild amusement. This minor interaction, a mere blip in their day, hinted at a larger pattern: the hidden traps and shortcomings of using overblown phrases on resumes.

The modern job market, with its abundance of online listings and automated filters, rewards those who master the art of self-presentation. Words like “excellent,” “top-tier,” and “outstanding” have become commonplace in cover letters and resumes, sprinkled in like seasoning on a bland meal. Yet anyone who has received a recruiter’s feedback knows that inflated language, lacking in tangible details, often falls flat. The resume, despite its clear bullet points and formal headings, remains one of the most influential narratives we ever create—our personal hero’s journey compressed into a single page.

Why Superlatives Lose Their Power

Picture a massive, noisy market where every vendor yells about their goods. Among the racket, a few climb onto crates, shouting that their wares are the “finest,” “most incredible,” and “absolutely unmatched.” Initially, you might pause to learn more. But after hearing six or seven identical proclamations, you start to wonder if anything is truly special. The words, once intended to signal excellence, morph into background noise.

Resumes often mirror this clamor. In trying to be heard above others, applicants choose bold terms—“excellent,” “best,” “remarkable,” “outstanding”—as though each extra layer of flourish guarantees distinction. The paradox is that each addition diminishes sincerity. Rather than presenting a sharp narrative of real achievements, it creates a sense of repetitiveness and even skepticism. It’s like listening to an echo of an echo: the original purpose is lost.

A helpful example comes from hiring managers who evaluate countless resumes yearly. In a 2019 survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 60% of recruiters said that overused buzzwords—such as “passionate” and “results-driven”—hurt an applicant’s credibility. Overwhelmed by a sea of similar wording, they look for clear evidence: quantifiable achievements, measurable impact, and specifics that show real skills.

Why don’t these glowing terms succeed? Partly because we all look for patterns. We sense language that feels overly prepared or artificial. We want a glimpse of the candidate’s personality, the story of how they tackled challenges. Overstated adjectives—unsupported by context—block that understanding. They’re placeholders that say, “I’m amazing—trust me,” without clarifying how that claim is based on genuine effort or mastery.

Another element is the emphasis on data in many organizations. A 2020 LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report underscored how hiring managers focus on metrics and outcomes. Suppose someone calls themselves an “exceptional negotiator.” We’re more convinced by proof of how they secured a partnership that boosted revenue by 20% than by self-praise alone.

Inflated claims also feel insincere because they imply no middle ground. Everything is the “greatest” or the “ultimate.” Reality is rarely that absolute. Most accomplishments are strong, meaningful, or developing. Overusing superlatives glosses over the genuine, step-by-step narrative of how you learned, evolved, and performed in a job.

Replacing Claims with Real Evidence

Imagine the stage of your career: every position you’ve held, every project you steered, every hurdle you cleared—these are not vague ideas. They are stories, each with its own characters, conflicts, and resolutions. Using a superlative is like unveiling a poster that reads, “This is the greatest performance you’ll ever see!” Yet without the script, the storyline, or the supporting cast, why should anyone believe it?

Concrete proof lets your track record unfold more naturally. It offers a glimpse behind the curtain, showing who you are and how you behave under pressure. Hiring managers and recruiters are drawn to this kind of detail: it highlights events, outcomes, or processes you directly influenced. It’s the difference between writing, “I excel at problem-solving” and explaining how you resolved a major bottleneck that saved your department hours each week.

By shifting from unwarranted praise to evidence, you command more respect.

Quantifiable details work best when they come from sincere achievements. If you made a difference in a prior role, how did you do it? Did you work collaboratively? Did you reinvent a neglected process that saved money or time? Did you measurably boost morale? Your resume shouldn’t be a neon sign of self-flattery; it should be a gallery of real snapshots showing how you flourish.

It’s also essential to tailor your examples to the role. If you manage client relationships, you can say you’re “excellent at account management,” or you can show how you kept four major accounts engaged through strategic follow-ups that raised renewals by 15%. The latter directly connects your history of success to what you could offer a future employer.

Switching from highfalutin language to specific achievements doesn’t downplay your skills; it amplifies them through verified facts. This approach intrigues, persuades, and positions you as someone able to repeat that success in a fresh environment.

When you have data and real examples, there’s no need to rely on claims that raise doubts.

Overused Superlatives and Their Practical Alternatives

Late in the afternoon, I sat near a hallway in front of a conference room where several hiring managers were conducting back-to-back interviews. The hum of fluorescent lights provided a backdrop. One by one, applicants emerged, each clutching a carefully polished resume. As they waited, hushed conversations floated by: “I wrote that I’m ‘very adaptable.’ Is that good enough?” or “I called myself an ‘exceptional communicator.’ Could that seem arrogant?” Even before walking in, they were torn between wanting to sound self-assured and trying not to appear as if they were exaggerating.

In many ways, these inflated words function as a hidden script people think they must follow to stand out. Terms like “passionate,” “creative,” and “dynamic” saturate resumes and LinkedIn profiles, turning into career jargon that promises much but often lacks follow-through. Consider the most frequently used superlatives and how to make them more genuine:

• “Excellent”
  • Problem: Sets a high bar but lacks a metric or comparison.
  • Alternative: “Led a customer-service team with a 95% positive rating across 400 monthly client interactions.”
• “Outstanding”
  • Problem: Bold adjective without proof.
  • Alternative: “Increased sales by 15% year over year in a crowded market,” or “Shortened onboarding by two weeks, allowing the company to hire new staff faster.”
• “Best”
  • Problem: Absolutes breed skepticism.
  • Alternative: “Earned top performance ratings among 50 peers for two consecutive quarters.”
• “Exceptional”
  • Problem: Even if accurate, it needs evidence.
  • Alternative: “Retained a major corporate client by designing a tailored package, pushing satisfaction scores up by 20%.”
• “Top-Notch”
  • Problem: Still vague without clarification.
  • Alternative: “Placed in the top 10% among 500 employees in quarterly metrics,” or “Cut project completion time from six months to four, surpassing team benchmarks.”

The common theme in these updates is moving from puffed-up words to clear, factual statements that spark curiosity. Replacing “excellent” with a trackable outcome—like a revenue boost or big gains in efficiency—elevates a hollow label into a compelling account of success.

Expanding Your Professional Story

One evening in a quiet library corner, I skimmed through a collection of personal memoirs. These weren’t the accounts of famous figures but of regular folks who chose to share their highs and lows. Each page offered unguarded honesty—failures, achievements, and uncelebrated daily struggles. As I read, I noticed a link to the struggles job seekers face: capturing, in just a few paragraphs, the weight and significance of their career experience.

In many respects, a resume can be viewed as a compact life story. The big difference is that a memoir can afford time to reflect on setbacks, whereas a resume must be direct. Still, both hinge on authenticity. Overdoing flourishes in a memoir can seem melodramatic; overloading a resume with inflated expressions has the same effect. The best strategy is a careful effort to highlight real substance—detailing context, measurable results, and a sense of how you contributed.

1. Look at Your Own Background
   Rather than hastily calling yourself “the best” at one function, ask, “What actually happened at that job?” Did you introduce a system that saved colleagues countless hours? Did you start a project that helped a community group? Zero in on genuine occurrences and achievements that can stand in for empty labels.
2. Track Recurring Themes
   Sometimes, the strongest storyline emerges when you connect the dots across your career. If you frequently solved logistical puzzles, focus on that thread. Did you coordinate complex timetables, allocate resources effectively, or handle unexpected problems? Use data to reinforce these claims. This removes the need for catch-all phrases like “top-tier organizer.”
3. Gather Outside Observations
   Friends, former coworkers, or managers may see strengths you overlook. They can recall moments where you truly shone, offering firsthand stories. These testimonials add layers of credibility. For instance, if you excelled at defusing office tension, detail how you arranged open dialogues, what methods you employed, and how you resolved friction.
4. Give Context
   If you transformed a process in your previous position, don’t just say you made it “fantastic.” Show the previous reality: maybe the process took an entire workday, wearing down team morale. Then describe how you streamlined the steps, cutting it down to two hours.
5. Be Confident but Modest
   We often see confidence and humility as opposites, yet the most persuasive communicators blend them. Confidence emerges from concrete proof—facts, numbers, and true stories—while humility appears in the even-handed tone of your claims. Rather than calling yourself “unmatched,” calmly walk readers through your achievements.

The View from the Hiring Manager’s Chair

One afternoon, in a nondescript meeting room with a steady hum from the wall-mounted air conditioner, I observed a group of hiring managers going through a tall stack of resumes. Each sheet offered a different tale of someone hoping to join the team. Some were graphically stunning, while others were plain and understated. Yet, after hours of reading, it became clear that design wasn’t the deciding factor. Substance was.

Despite what some might imagine, hiring managers are not dazzled by ornate wording. They don’t automatically trust elaborate claims or flowery descriptions. Their core mission is to spot a fit—evidence that an applicant can meet the role’s demands and click with the organization’s culture. Every line in a resume is a chance for the candidate to provide that evidence.

• 1. A Race Against Time
  Harvard Business Review states that some recruiters only have seconds to scan each resume. In that brief window, lofty words like “truly adept” or “extremely proficient” demand follow-up questions—“Proficient at what, specifically?” Meanwhile, precise statements immediately stand out: a 25% sales increase, a 40% cut in expenses, or a redesigned process.
• 2. Authentic Markers
  Hiring managers develop a sense for authenticity. They quickly dismiss adjectives that aren’t backed by anything. When they see “world-class leader” or “unmatched skill set,” they may wonder if the applicant is compensating for gaps. Contrastingly, a list of achievements—managing a major client relationship or raising customer satisfaction by 15%—demonstrates real ability.
• 3. Finding Unique Takes on Common Duties
  Job tasks like event coordination, budget handling, or team leadership crop up in many industries. Recruiters look for how you tackled these tasks under unique conditions. If you reduced spending, how did you do it? If you supervised employee training, what distinctive strategies did you use?
• 4. Building Trust
  Hiring is, fundamentally, about forming relationships. From the second they see your resume, managers ask, “Can I rely on this candidate to represent us effectively?” Words packed with flair but short on proof can break that trust, whereas measured language and clear outcomes uphold it. Stating, “Oversaw quarterly budgeting for five departments, cutting overspending by 12%” suggests both ability and honesty.
• 5. A Bridge to the Interview
  A strong resume sets the stage for the next step: the interview. Spotting a notable anecdote—like “negotiated a tough vendor contract under a strict timeline”—prompts more questions. During that discussion, managers can delve deeper into your problem-solving and communication methods. Overly grand words might derail trust, but solid facts bolster it.

Putting Knowledge into Practice

Early one morning, I walked through a lively city park and spotted a performer juggling three bright balls. A small crowd looked on with fascination. He never claimed to be “the greatest juggler on Earth,” nor did he boast about “legendary dexterity.” He simply showed his skill by keeping those orbs spinning in the air, never dropping one. This unassuming act underscored a straightforward idea: when your talents are plainly visible, you don’t need to brag.

For job seekers aiming to act on these lessons, the key is to adopt that performer’s quiet confidence. Changing from “I’m the best at this” to “Here’s the proof of my ability” can be challenging in a competitive market. Thankfully, a few targeted tactics can ease you into this shift:

• 1. Catalog Your Achievements
  Start by reflecting on each job you’ve held, writing down what you made happen. Indeed’s Career Guide suggests listing all milestones—even small ones—that hint at progress or success. Ask, “Did I solve a major problem? Earn special recognition?” This process reveals patterns of success and facts you can share.
• 2. Turn Achievements into Short Narratives
  After gathering your wins, shape them into brief, potent statements. Swap “I was the best salesperson” for “Closed 15 more deals than the team average in Q2, producing a 10% revenue lift.”
• 3. Highlight the Path as Well as the Destination
  Don’t focus solely on end results. If you organized a fundraiser, mention the volunteers you recruited, the promotional steps you took, or how you overcame local skepticism. Did you exceed your initial goals or build lasting community support?
• 4. Show How You Grew
  Employers know that no one is perfect. Emphasize what you learned and how you improved. Terms like “expanded on prior wins,” “developed new strategies,” or “refined our approach” suggest adaptability instead of rigid self-praise.
• 5. Use Descriptive Words Sparingly
  You needn’t remove adjectives and adverbs completely, but ensure they’re warranted. If you call yourself a “very capable leader,” back it up with a snapshot of how you inspired introverts to share their ideas, unlocking innovative solutions.
• 6. Revise and Test
  Treat resume writing as an evolving task. Step away for a day, then return to see if any phrases still feel exaggerated. A friend or colleague can provide another perspective, telling you where you might need more details or fewer labels.
• 7. Welcome the Conversation
  Ultimately, your resume’s mission is to start a dialogue—by phone, video, or in person. When you present concrete examples, you invite the interviewer to learn more about your thought process and teamwork methods. An interviewer might say, “I see you trimmed overhead by 10%. How did you approach that?” That question becomes your stage, letting you speak to your strengths without inflated adjectives.

The Quiet Power of Restraint

We live in a culture where many judge success by volume—how grandly one announces each triumph. Commercials explode with hype, social media overflows with polished images, and some personal branding experts swear by dazzling, superlative-laden self-descriptions. Yet, among all that noise, authenticity stands out the most.

A concise, fact-based resume is not about showing a lack of ambition. Rather, it’s the refined skill of letting your track record do the talking. It shows future employers that you not only have faith in your capabilities but can also clearly demonstrate them through quantifiable examples. In essence, you recognize what really matters in a professional environment.

Yes, dramatic adjectives pervade job applications because they’re a shortcut—a fast injection of drama into an otherwise neutral line. But as we’ve seen, simple language backed by documented achievements carries far greater weight. When your resume reads like a compilation of real numbers, examples, and concise stories, you give a clear picture of someone who can handle challenges, adapt to unexpected changes, and work effectively with others. This understated credibility does more to win attention than a page of “best” and “brilliant.”

Removing or reducing superlatives isn’t a magic bullet in a fierce job market. No single method can assure success. However, it’s a powerful shift in perspective—a promise of honesty, indicating: “Let me show you the substance behind my skills,” rather than “Take my word for it.” In that small but meaningful change, you display quiet confidence, often prompting a recruiter to say, “I want to learn more about this person.”

Final Suggestion: This evening, take out your resume and circle any over-the-top descriptions—every instance of “best,” “incredible,” or “greatest.” Then replace them with facts, figures, or a brief anecdote that shows why you deserve such recognition. Notice how your overall credibility improves.

Let your achievements, data, and examples speak on your behalf.