Avoid these words in your LinkedIn profile

Creating the perfect resume and cover letter means using the right terminology. The words you use can speak to your character, skills and personality. But did you know that this rule also applies to social media? Watch what you write on your LinkedIn profile, as certain overused words will be easily overlooked by potential employers. It's time to improve your personal marketing and make your profile stand out (in a good way) by replacing these commonly used terms:

Creative
Almost everybody claims they're creative. Instead of just saying you're creative, prove it. Describe exactly how you're imaginative by going in depth on special projects you've played a part in, or how you've come up with a creative strategy for improving communication around your office. An employer won't be very impressed with the word "creative" unless you actually provide some evidence.

Consider asking a connection on LinkedIn to write up a recommendation that details a time when you were especially creative.

Synonyms: Inventive, visionary, gifted, innovative, original

Expert
All job applicants want to prove that they're an expert in their field, and some attempt to do so simply by listing the word "expert" in their LinkedIn profile. This won't cut it. Why are you an expert? What have you done in your career to turn you into an expert in your field? You have to prove that you're an expert. Make sure to include information about special classes you've taken, internships you've completed, people you've shadowed, projects you've taken on, etc. It's those concrete examples that will really show an employer that you are indeed an expert

Synonyms: Trained, sharp, professional, savvy, experienced, skilled

Driven
Being driven is certainly a skill that all employers want in their candidates, no matter the industry. When employers see this term used over and over again on LinkedIn, however, the word begins to lose its meaning, and using it doesn't put you ahead of your competition. Think about the ways in which you've been driven in your professional life. Maybe you went out of your way to help a client or you finished a difficult project in a short amount of time and did a great job on it. Again, examples are really what's going to make an impact on whoever is reading your profile.

Synonyms: Directed, motivated, ambitious

Passionate
Not everyone is passionate about their job, so this is a rare trait for employers to come across. Being passionate typically translates to someone being responsible and dedicated. But passionate isn't always the best word choice when referring to your professional life, so choose a more appropriate, work-related term instead.

Synonyms: Devoted, focused, spirited, avid