When everything sounds the same.
Have you ever read a number of job descriptions and associated job applications and felt like you were reading the same person repeatedly? It’s a common problem. In today’s competitive job market, many applicants fall into the trap of using generic language and clichés, hoping to sound professional and qualified. The result is a tsunami of generic applications, where individual voices are lost, and recruiters struggle to identify individuality in applicants. Lacking differentiation hurts your chances of landing an interview and undermines your unique value proposition.
Let’s start with an example of a “generic” paragraph you might find in a CV summary:
“A highly motivated and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of success in achieving company objectives. Possessing strong communication and interpersonal skills, adept at building relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Seeking a challenging opportunity to leverage my expertise and contribute to the growth of a dynamic organization.”
Sound familiar? While not inherently bad, this type of wording is so overused that it becomes meaningless. It’s a collection of buzzwords that fail to convey any real personality or specific accomplishments. So, how do you break free from this cycle of generic language and make your application stand out? The answer lies in understanding the different voices we use in our professional communication and learning how to cultivate an authentic and integrated voice.
The Five Voices
To understand why job applications often sound alike, it’s helpful to identify the different voices we tend to adopt in professional settings. Here are five common voices, explored in more detail in a previous post here
* Borrowed Voice: This is the voice we use when we mimic the language and style of others, often without fully understanding its meaning or relevance. It’s the voice of clichés, jargon, and industry buzzwords.
* Performance Voice: This is the voice we use when we try to project an image of competence and professionalism, often by exaggerating our accomplishments or using overly formal language.
* Acceptable Voice: This is the voice we use when we try to conform to the expectations of a particular audience or situation. It’s the voice of political correctness and risk aversion.
* Fragmented Voice: This is the voice we use when we struggle to integrate our different professional and personal identities. It’s the voice of inconsistency and inauthenticity.
* Integrated Voice: This is the voice we use when we communicate authentically and confidently, drawing on our unique experiences, values, and perspectives. It’s the voice of clarity, conviction, and connection.
The goal is to move away from the first four voices and cultivate your integrated voice. This doesn’t mean abandoning professionalism or ignoring industry standards. Rather, it means finding a way to express your unique personality and value within those frameworks.
How Recruiters Spot Borrowed Language
Recruiters read hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications for a single position. This constant exposure makes them highly attuned to patterns of borrowed language. After reviewing 100+ applications, certain phrases and clichés start to jump off the page, signalling a lack of originality, definitely authenticity and possibly, a lack of genuine experience.
Some common red flags include:
* Overused Buzzwords: “Results-oriented,” “team player,” “strategic thinker,” “out-of-the-box” – these words have lost their impact through overuse.
* Generic Descriptions: “Responsibilities included…” followed by a list of tasks that could apply to anyone in a similar role.
* Vague Accomplishments: “Successfully managed projects” without quantifying the results or providing specific examples. “Known for” consistent output and reliability, vague, banal and devoid of any specificity.
* Inconsistent Tone: A sudden shift in language or style, suggesting that different parts of the application were written at different times or by different people.
Recruiters are looking for authenticity and evidence of genuine skills and accomplishments. Tell them what you achieved in your role, not what you were responsible for. When they see borrowed language, they assume that the applicant is either trying to hide something or simply lacks the ability to articulate their value in their own words.
Four Quick Voice Tests
Here are four simple tests you can use to identify and eliminate borrowed language from your job applications:
- Recognition Test: Read through your application and highlight any phrases that sound familiar or that you’ve seen in other applications. These are potential candidates for replacement.
- Read Aloud Test: Read your application aloud and pay attention to how it sounds. Does it sound natural and conversational, or does it sound forced and artificial?
- Conversation Test: Imagine you’re explaining your experience and skills to a friend or colleague. Would you use the same language and phrases that you’ve used in your application? If not, revise your application to reflect your natural speaking voice.
- Consistency Test: Ensure that your voice is consistent across all your application materials, including your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Inconsistencies can raise red flags and undermine your credibility.
By applying these tests, you can identify and eliminate borrowed language, replacing it with your own authentic voice.
Translating Your Spoken Voice into Writing
One of the most effective ways to inject your personality into your writing is to translate your spoken voice into written form. Here’s a practical process:
- Record Yourself: Choose a topic related to your work experience or skills and record yourself talking about it for a few minutes. Don’t worry about being perfect or sounding professional. Just speak naturally and authentically.
- Mine Phrases: Listen to the recording and identify any phrases or sentences that capture your unique perspective or personality. Write these down.
- Lightly Professionalise: Take the phrases you’ve mined and lightly professionalize them. This might involve replacing slang with more formal language or clarifying any ambiguous statements. However, be careful not to overdo it. The goal is to retain the essence of your spoken voice while making it appropriate for a professional context.
For example, instead of writing “I’m really good at problem-solving,” you might write, “I have a knack for identifying and resolving complex challenges.” The second sentence is more professional, but it still retains the essence of your original thought.
Applying Your Integrated Voice Across Assets
Once you’ve cultivated your integrated voice, it’s important to apply it consistently across all your professional assets, including your CV summary, LinkedIn “About” section, and even your introductory remarks in interviews.
* CV Summary: Rewrite your CV summary to reflect your unique value proposition and personality. Avoid generic clichés and focus on specific accomplishments and skills that differentiate you from other candidates.
* LinkedIn “About” Section: Use your LinkedIn “About” section to tell your professional story in your own words. Share your passions, values, and career aspirations.
* Intro in Interview: Prepare a brief and engaging introduction that showcases your personality and highlights your key skills and experiences. Practice delivering it in a natural and conversational tone.
By aligning your voice across all your assets, you’ll create a consistent and compelling brand that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers.
One Paragraph to Rewrite
Breaking free from the cycle of generic job applications requires a conscious effort to cultivate your integrated voice. By understanding the different voices we use in professional communication, identifying and eliminating borrowed language, and translating your spoken voice into writing, you can create application materials that are authentic, engaging, and memorable.
Now, take a moment to rewrite your CV summary in your integrated voice. Focus on showcasing your unique value proposition and personality. Avoid generic clichés and focus on specific accomplishments and skills that differentiate you from other candidates. By taking this step, you’ll be well on your way to creating an authentic job application that truly stands out from the crowd.