If You Feel The Need To Call Yourself An Expert, You’re Probably Not One

It absolutely blows my mind when I pull up a resume and someone has identified him or herself as an “expert”.

If a person is considered an expert, they’ve gained that title by kicking out incredible, industry recognized work. If a person is an “expert” people in their industry will already know who they are. They don’t need to write “expert” next to their own names, they’re known. I could rattle off a handful of people I consider true experts in the UX field. But only a handful.

If someone else calls you an “expert” that’s really flattering. And you should feel good about yourself. You should not, however, add the title to your resume, or your social profile, or ever say, “Yes, I’m considered an expert in my field by my peers.” It’s just kind of gross.