Adding generic buzzwords to your résumé and LinkedIn profile can be off-putting to potential employers. However, it's much worse when you recite them during an interview. Whether your interviewer asks you to "tell me about yourself" or "What are your greatest strengths?" the goal is to get a better idea of who you are and see if you're a good fit for the position. You don't want to come across as arrogant or inauthentic.

Generic buzzwords during an interview

Describing yourself as "creative" or "innovative" can come across as cheesy or obnoxious. <ul><li>Express your creativity and innovative spirit through an online portfolio or blog with your latest projects. Be ready to talk about how you’ve leveraged your creativity in your latest projects, and what was the outcome of those projects. </li><li>Explain why you like tackling new challenges and share recent examples of when you had to think outside of the box in order to solve a problem, learn a skill, or meet a goal.</li></ul>

Creative and innovative

Employers are interested in hiring professionals who can adapt to new challenges in the workplace. Instead of stating, "I'm adaptable", state that you're equipped to handle whatever workplace scenarios you may encounter by explaining how you successfully met challenges head-on.

Adaptable and flexible

When you want to describe yourself as dynamic or passionate, show, don't tell. Show up at the interview full of positive energy and excited to share your ideas. To ensure you can express your dynamic personality and passion during the interview, do your research on the company and the position, so you feel confident.

Describing yourself as dynamic and passionate

Being a team player is more than getting along with others and being able to work in a group. A real team player can compromise when necessary, show respect for others, listen to the needs of their team members and work together. You can show you're a team player throughout the interview process by describing an accompishment that was a group effort and giving credit where credit is due. Speak of "we", not "I" when appropriate, to demonstrate that you have a team player mentality.

Team player

Instead of saying you're a hard worker, convince your interviewers of your work ethic by showing them your capabilities. Talk about a major contribution you've made, the goal you've met or exceeded, or accomplishments you've achieved that illustrate how your hard work has paid off for your former employers.

Describing yourself as dynamic and passionate

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