10 words to avoid when applying for a new job

The networking website LinkedIn has shared the country's most overused words when it comes to professional self-promotion.

The list shows the 10 worst offenders over the past 12 months, terms that should be avoided if you want to stand out among the site's 21 million UK members.

"Specialised" takes first place, followed by "leadership" and "experienced". LinkedIn has consequently partnered with the biographer Christopher Sandford – who is well versed in articulating the achievements of others – to offer advice on how to best sell yourself.

"The language we use says a lot about us, so it's important to choose your words carefully, especially in a professional context," says Sandford. "Too often we hide behind buzzwords which don't mean anything, whether out of a desire to keep things simple, or because we don't feel confident talking about our work accomplishments."

He said that if you are going to use a certain word, then make sure you back it up with an example that compounds your point. He also advised starting with a punchy opener to ensure you stand out.

If you're in the process of updating your LinkedIn profile, steer clear of the following:

1. Specialised

2. Leadership

3. Experienced

4. Passionate

5. Strategic

6. Excellent

7. Focused

8. Creative

9. Enthusiastic

10. Successful

*Rethinks entire CV*

Ella Alexander

Ella Alexander is Harper’s Bazaar's Deputy Digital Editor. She writes across all sections, covering fashion, arts and feminism – from fashion features and shopping galleries to celebrity interviews and long-form opinion pieces. She lives in South London and has an ardent love for Keith Richards, Gary Barlow, AA Gill, George Orwell and Patti Smith (not in order). Her favourite film is The Labyrinth, mostly because of David Bowie, and she is distinguishable through her self-titled ‘Jeremy Corbyn baker boy hat’. She recently achieved relative fame after the Clooneys named their twins, Ella and Alexander, after her.