FollowHere’s my soap box rant on words that have been bugging me lately. These are my pet peeves – and only my pet peeves. Other people may say I’m being a little picky.
“I’d consider”
If someone says “I’d consider a lower level job,” I hear: “I’ll jump ship at the next better offer.”
“Dealing with”
Spoken interviews and used in resumes “dealing with customers, staff, people etc”. Not a nice term. This sounds like my Dad when he’s mad.
“Facilitate”
Sounds a bit passive aggressive – usually used when someone wants to control a meeting and direct a result, but doesn’t want to be obvious about it. Look in their passive aggressive tool kit and you may find enough post-it notes to start a cold war.
“Outcome”
I like using the word “outcome” when I’m not really sure what to say. I can sound like I’ve achieved something, but I can be vague about what. Read the full outcome of a rant about outcomes here.
“In relation to”
Stick with about!
“In terms of”
Padding and filler. It either is or it isn’t!
Karalyn is the Founder of InterviewIQ and chief champion for all her clients. Get personal coaching to make 2023 your most successful year yet. Check out our job search booster services here>>Give me smarter ways to find a job .
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The one I hate the most is when someone answers my questions and starts with – ‘obviously’……….if it was obvious, I wouldn’t be asking….!! 🙂
Thanks Sarah, I forgot to add when people say “as I said before” in a tone that implies impatience. If I am asking the question again, it means that it wasn’t answered well enough in the first place, or there is more detail I need.
Hi Karalyn.
I couldn’t agree with you more. These phrases give me the pip too. They’re not only too formal, but they seem a bit “Americanised”, rude and very fake. I mean “dealing with” customers, and having to “facilitate” anyone or anything is (to me) is very ignorant. I have found that I get alot further in an interview if I don’t reherse and just be myself. These of course, are only my findings and opinions.
Hi Linda,
I’m afraid the language permeates much of what we write in Australia as well. I have a few posts on weasel type words on job descriptions which make simple tasks incomprehensible!
Karalyn
Love the brilliant bit about “facilitate.”
Some people need to look in the mirror and tell themselves, “speak plainly.” I hate when I need to ask someone to do that for me, because things tend to be awkward thenceforth.
I agree with you on everything except “facilitate.” Sometimes part of one’s job really DOES consist of making it easier (or in some cases, even possible) for other people to do things. Sometimes you’re introducing people to each other for the purpose of collaboration. That’s facilitating. There’s nothing either passive or aggressive about it!
I am a bit late to this conversation but want to add my “thumbs up”. Who wants stuff ‘jargon bingo’ on their CV (and just off to check our company’s career development guide to see if we are giving any bad advice).
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