Old? Lifer? Dated?

I’ve asked around and the recruiters and HR people that use Ladders to hire great professionals don’t understand it either.

To describe yourself as “a seasoned professional with over 15 years experience” is to say nothing that compels your audience to hire you. It’s cliched. It’s a wasted opportunity. It’s like a car ad that begins “equipped with doors that open, and four wheels arranged in two axes, this car will…”

It’s entirely too obvious and doesn’t give the hiring manager a reason they must keep reading.

It’s far, far better to focus on the successes you’ve had, or traits that have enabled you to reach the heights you’ve hit in your career.

So rather than “seasoned”, describe yourself as:

“steadily progressing”

“industry-leading”

“respected expert in my field”

“goal-achieving” (or “goal-smashing” if that’s your jam)

“tested and proven”

or other gripping phrases that highlight the story and the pitch you want to make. Leave the “seasoned” for the steaks, and choose more powerful, effective words when crafting your resume.