At Hender Consulting, we have become increasingly concerned (and sometimes rather amused) in recent years regarding some of the words that people use to describe themselves as professional, both in interviews and on their CVs.

So, we started compiling a list:

Guru, thought leader, globally recognised, charismatic, legend, evangelist, whisperer, strategist, mover and shaker, trendsetter, pacesetter, innovator, inspirational, acclaimed, visionary, groundbreaker, talented, gifted, unique (isn’t everyone), funny, champion, disruptor, brilliant, genius, outstanding, expert, famous, pre-eminent, celebrated, authority, dynamic, people person, change agent, breathtaking, awesome, trailblazer, team player (everyone claims this), activator, don’t suffer fools, futurist, sorcerer, rare, consummate, ideal, perfect, flawless, immaculate, influencer, humble, honest, exceptional.

Yes – these are all words people have actually used on resumes and in interviews.

Our advice to candidates is that instead of using these words to compliment yourself, try giving an example of something you have achieved or a way you have behaved, and let the audience decide if the word applies to you.

The real secret is then to have multiple referees who can confirm that many of the worthy attributes above do indeed apply to you.

It’s always better for someone else to be using these words about you, vs using them to compliment yourself and projecting overconfidence.

For example, maybe avoid saying that you are incredibly humble and yet so brilliant and visionary that you are always several years ahead of everyone else in the room and have therefore spent your whole career waiting for people to catch up.

And yes – believe it or not – someone actually said this.