The power of words: How the right language can make you shine

It's been said time and again that "the difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."

We may know this to be true, but how does it relate to the world of business and job-hunting?

Let's say you are looking for ways to present your job experiences in a way that is flattering, descriptive and realistic (sound familiar?). If you do an Internet search on 'words' and 'job search' or something similar, you will be presented with millions (literally) of articles telling you exactly how to use the right keywords to get scanned, searched and selected by thousands of resume- and employee-seekers out there.

Tips for successful scanning are important, but what happened to good old common sense when it comes to communicating who you are and what you've done to the people on the other end?

Whether you are writing a resume, a brochure or even your life story, we recommend these guidelines:

Stay simple If you were telling your friend or neighbor what you've done, would you try to confuse and impress or would you go straight to the meat of the matter? Job seekers, resume writers and all the rest of us who want to use the power of words to our advantage know that beating our readers over the head with confusing, long, multi-syllabic words will get us nowhere. (OK, maybe to a Scrabble tournament, but that's about it.)

Yes, do use forceful, targeted and descriptive action words to explain what you do, for whom, how and to whose benefit, but say it so the rest of us actually understand it the first time. It's all good Remember that every task, no matter how boring, menial or frustrating, has taught you a skill, method or principle that you use to this day. More than that, someone, somewhere has directly benefited from your work. So...don't downplay anything you have done.

For instance, you may have spent one summer organizing files in a dentist's office, sitting on the floor and sweating to the oldies on the radio. You may have never even considered sharing this experience on paper.

But think about the effect of your efforts: did you create a new filing system that benefits the office staff and the patients? Don't you think that a streamlined office means patients spend less time and money on their treatment in the long run? Doesn't increased productivity among office staff means higher profit margins for the practice as a whole?

Tell it like it is Don't turn your babysitting experiences into a contribution to the worldwide relief of children's hunger, but remember that everything happens for a reason. Each experience each skill has brought you where you are today. Instead of brushing it off, grab it and use the right words to make it -- and you -- shine.

When it comes to telling it like it is, it's always best to, well, tell it like it is: Be truthful. Be realistic. Never be afraid to toot your horn in a way that illustrates the direct benefit of your efforts to those on the receiving end. Say it once but say it right that one time. And, my favorite: show, don't tell.

Once you stop, step back and truly consider your own words, you may be surprised at the sheer power you already possess.