Top 10 Workplace Cliches...and How to Use Them Correctly

Why be original and face blank stares and quizzical looks from interviewers, colleagues, and managers when you can alter your vocabulary ever so slightly to pave the way for cheers, high-fives, and a big ol' pat on the back?

If you are fresh out of the law school scene and trying to make your way in the workplace or through interviews, you might be up on the legal lingo, but now you need to make sure you are hip with the business buzzwords.  Here's your primer to workplace cliches, as compiled by PR Newswire. 

1. Leverage: As in, "We intend to leverage our investment in IT infrastructure across multiple business units to drive profits."

2. Reach out: As in, "Remember to reach out to customers impacted by the change."

3. It is what it is: As in, "The server is down today, and clients are irate. It is what it is."

4. Viral: As in, "Our video has gone viral."

5. Disconnect: As in, "There is a disconnect between what the consumer wants and what the product provides."

6. Value-add: As in, "We have to evaluate the value-add of this activity before we spend more on it."

7. Circle back: As in, "I'm heading out of the office now, but I will circle back with you later."

8. Socialize: As in, "We need to socialize this concept with our key stakeholders."

9. Interface: As in, "My job requires me to interface with all levels of the organization."

10. Cutting edge: As in, "Our cutting-edge technology gives us a competitive advantage."

Feel free to study the workplace cliches intently, and then attempt to use all 10 in a single coherent, original sentence.  However, it is not our recommendation that you begin your interview with that sentence.

Related Resources:

• Survey Reveals Most Overused Workplace Terms (PR Newswire)
• Law Career Center (FindLaw)