Eliminate This Filler Word

Eliminate This Filler Word Eliminate This Filler Word You are wasting time, space and air by using this filler word in your bio, summary and pitch. It is probably one of the most meaningless, over-used words in job search. What is it? Eliminate This Filler Word Professional How many of you use this on your resume? In your LinkedIn profile? In your pitch? Wasted Space You use it as filler because you dont know how else to describe yourself. I get it. But it is a very long word- four syllables, and 12 characters (if you spell it correctly). Empty Meaning And if you arent a professional, then are you an amateur? What are you implying when you use that word? Do you mean you have experience within a specific role? If you are using this word are missing the opportunity to highlight specific skills. You may want to keep your options open, but this isnt the way to do market yourself. Missing SEO Im not a recruiter, however, I am pretty sure there isnt one recruiter out there searching for the term professional. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is officially defined as: the process of maximizing the number of visitors to a particular website by ensuring that the site appears high on the list of results returned by a search engine This means that if someone searches anywhere online for words (think key words like  skills, certifications, technology, etc.) the people with the greatest match for specific key words show up at the top of the list of search results. Shouldnt you describe yourself using words that people are actually looking for? Take A look At These Here are shots of profiles from LinkedIn to help you see how these professionals have missed the boat. And here are examples from Twitter. Let me cut these people some slack. Most of these folks are probably not looking for jobs, so they arent paying as much attention to how they brand themselves. But is this really an excuse? Suggested Replacements If you are serious about creating the right online image, say what you really mean or leave it out! Both LinkedIn and Twitter allow your headline/bio 160 characters. Use them wisely! Instead of Digital Marketing Professional, be more precise. Digital Marketing. Campaign strategy and implementation. Increasing ROI and engagement.  (87 characters) Instead of Project Management Professional, include context. Coordinate  Software Development team. Manage  timelines, people and budgets across the world bringing gaming solutions to customers.  (131 characters) Instead of IT Professional, state skills. Oversee Enterprise Applications ERP.  Monitor  system security.    Trouble-shoot telecom and network systems.  MCSE, MCP, CCIE, A+  (128 characters) As For Your Pitch I can hear it now. I am a Non-Profit professional with x number of years working in the non-profit industry. Lets tell the real story Ive been advocating for  inner-city youth within a community wide organization for X number of years. I orchestrate and incorporate programs within partner groups to develop financial literacy, healthy eating habits, and self confidence for some of our citys most at risk kids. Is using the word professional taking the easy way out? Is it lazy? Or is it just that we dont know any better?