You shouldn’t use ‘workaholic’ on your resume. Here is why.
Firstly, while ‘workaholic’ might seem like the type of buzzword an employer wants to hear, the term actually suggests you have an unhealthy addiction to work.
Second, merely listing ‘workaholic’ on your resume or in your cover letter is not going to convince an employer you are a hard worker. You need to prove it!
Let’s first breakdown a little further the difference between a hard worker and a workaholic. Then I will let you know how to convince an employer you are a workhorse.
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Hardworking Versus Workaholic
The difference between being hardworking and a workaholic is healthy productivity versus a compulsive need to work, regardless of health and wellbeing.
Workaholism can take a toll on physical and mental health. Which in the long run isn’t going to serve an employer well. An employer wants an employee who is committed, shows up, works hard, and puts in additional effort when needed. An employer does not want an employee that is going to burn themselves out, have trouble delegating, alienate their colleagues, or make mistakes because they are taking on too much and not giving themselves a break.
These negative connotations are why you should avoid listing workaholic on your resume. However, it is not just a simple exercise in replacing workaholic with a suitable synonym. You need to put in additional effort to demonstrate you are hardworking.
How to Prove You Are a Hard Worker
Regardless of the synonym you replace ‘workaholic’ with; overachiever, dedicated, diligent or industrious. A potential employer will be looking for more than an assertion of your resume that your ‘hardworking and prepared for a challenge’. They want to see proof.
You can provide this proof in the form of outcomes you have achieved through hard work. Your resume needs to include examples of your achievements. These examples should also highlight the work you put into realising that result.
Here is an example:
Awarded ‘Number One Sales Representative’ for Q2 2019; by setting goal, requesting feedback from the Sales Manager, putting in additional hours to improve my product knowledge and shadowing experienced team member
This bullet point states the achievement, which is impressive, but also how it was accomplished. Showing the ‘hard work’ put in. Without the additional information, it might have just been a lucky quarter, but this shows that extra effort and hard work that went into achieving this result.
Extending on our earlier look at the difference between a hard worker and a workaholic, an employer will want to know that you’re not just a hard worker, but also aware of the issues of burnout, that you manage your health, that you are resilient and resourceful, and that you can ask for help when needed.
Here is another example:
Assumed leadership role during the three-month absence of Team Leader; following abrupt resignation of Team Leader performed both roles simultaneously for six weeks. Prioritised customer service. Gained team respect and cooperation through open communication, and suitable and equitable delegation of additional tasks.
This example demonstrates a willingness to step up and put in additional work when required during a busy or challenging period, but it also shows an awareness of limitations, the need to prioritise and preparedness to delegate.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Use ‘Workaholic’ At Interview Either
On a side note, please also avoid using “I am a workaholic” as your go-to when answering ‘What is your greatest weakness?’ at an interview. It is cliché and insincere. Your response should instead demonstrate that you have the self-awareness to recognise your weakness (everyone has their limitations) but also are willing to learn and develop.
You should choose a non-essential skill, something that is not critical to the role you are applying and one that you have improved. Demonstrate the steps you have taken to improve and always stay positive.
As you can see from the examples in this post, including a ‘story’ with your achievements can give the employer an insight into your work ethic, motivations and strengths.
Related: How to Write an Authentic Resume
