Do You Describe Yourself Differently on Paper than You do in Person?
Whether you're updating your resume, filling out your social media profiles, or writing an "About Me" page on your website - chances are you describe yourself much differently in writing than you do in person.
All of us have a tendency to do it. But why? Why must we embellish descriptions of ourselves with terms people don't use in everyday conversations? Would you ever really go so far as to say you're an "authority" when meeting someone for the first time?
Stop and think for a moment about the last description you wrote about yourself. How many cliches, superlatives, and over-blown adjectives did you use?
Did you write things about yourself you would never have to nerve to say in-person?
Here are some top words you should think twice about using to describe yourself. Leave them for other people to use to describe you!
1. Authority.
Many people claim to be authorities - especially lawyers who have niche practices. It's great to be really versed in something, but it's not-so-great to toot your horn about it. Take it down a notch and simply use the words "specialize" or "specialist" instead.
2. Innovative.
All of us like to think of ourselves as being trailblazers, but most people who claim to be innovative really are not.
If you are innovative, don't say it. Prove it. Describe the services you provide and your track record for providing those services.
3. Passionate.
It's understood that you love what you do, or else you wouldn't be doing it, right? So saying you are incredibly passionate about the services you provide and helping people may sound a little redundant, not to mention scary. Try focus or specialization instead.
4. Unique.
People are unique. Your firm is not. Show that your firm is better than the competition. Let your clients define what you do as unique.
5. Creative.
Creative is one of those adjectives people throw into their descriptions for good measure. And, since EVERYONE uses it, there is often no meaning behind it. Effective, proven, dynamic, team player - these are also throw-away terms that have also lost their impact.
The next time you describe yourself in writing, imagine yourself having a conversation with someone you just met. What you would say to him or her is exactly what you should be writing about yourself.
