Posted by Russ in One of the things I enjoy doing is writing resumes. It’s fun (call me crazy). Writing resume doesn’t have to be as stressful as most make it to be. Proper choice of words, phrases and carefully crafted sentences can make a whole lot of difference when writing resumes. I tend to switch jobs quite often (generation Y, anyone?) and besides new environment and new network of people, one thing I have enjoyed and learned over time is writing resumes that can pack a punch. This post highlights some words that can help you create one that will stand out. Just make sure to choose and craft sentences carefully and you will be well on your way to impressing your potential employer.
Overused Resume Words
Before we get onto the list lets start with five overused resume words and synonyms you can replace them with
- Perform
Replace with: conduct, execute, operate, produce- Provide
Replace with : contribute, extend, implement, produce, arrange- Identify
Replace with : disclose, reveal, uncover, pinpoint- Develop
Replace with : create, generate, institute, set up- Manage : administer, lead, supervise, direct
Replace with : devise, produce, compose, create
Action Words To Use On Your Resume
Your resume should be concise, descriptive and should be able to detail the scope of your responsibilities and achievements with fewer words. In order to achieve that and make your resume stand out, replace your passive voice verbs with action verbs. Below we have listed 30 action verbs to help you pack a punch into your resume.
- administer
- analyze
- assign
- build
- collaborate
- craft
- communicate
- compose
- conceptualize
- control
- conduct
- create
- coordinate
- cultivate
- document
- deliver
- design
- evaluate
- enforce
- expedite
- forecast
- facilitate
- formulate
- generate
- integrate
- initiate
- investigate
- mentor
- maximize
- originate
- operate
- produce
- participate
- recruit
- research
- resolve
- set up
- team
- track
- write
Verbs That Help Demonstrate Accomplishment
Employers want candidates that are best suited for the job that needs to be filled. When preparing your resume make use of results-oriented verbs to the experience, skills section so as to convey a strong message that will outline your accomplishments. Here are a few examples
- achieved
- attained
- awarded
- contributed
- consolidated
- customized
- enhanced
- exceeded
- entrusted
- founded
- granted
- improved
- invited
- introduced
- launched
- minimized
- overhauled
- presented
- piloted
- positioned
- progressed
- quadrupled
- ranked
- recognized
- re-engineered
- restored
- restructured
- resolved
- revamped
- revitalized
- selected
- streamlined
- secured
- transformed
- vitalized
It’s your turn to share. Please take a minute and share some words that will help us all write resumes that will not only land a job but create a lasting impression. We will soon have a post covering industry specific “resume keywords,” if there are any you would like to see please let us know in the comments.
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This is a great listing. I’m going to throw this into my Monday Millennials listing for next week.
I’d caution against being overly verbose… randomly picking words out of a thesaurus or choosing a fancier word when your ordinary vocabulary would fit the bill can make you seem like you’re trying too hard, or worse – like a snob.
The example that you should follow is the job description itself: take a close look at the vocabulary used on the job description. Don’t dumb down for it, but focus on which specific words take precedence. “Demonstrated management ability” and so forth means you might want to put management or something close to it on your resume if you have that experience.
Also, dressing up a burger flipping job is the quickest way to become “the person who gets laughed out of their job interview”.
Do your best to describe your achievements, but don’t lie – a McJob is just a McJob.
Anyway, great article!
-Nick Armstrong
PsychoticResumes.com
HI I never used a resume before, I been at a job for almost 16 years. So now I need a resume.
Something you missed is that you absolutely have to think about what impression you’re creating.
When you have a great deal of information to present, how you order it, what you emphasize is key.
For instance, with one resume I was able to more than double responses by realizing that a tech professional needed to emphasize their team-playing skills.
Do you have any suggestions for a heading other than “Skills & Experience?” I am at a loss for words! Thanks
Mike, I have a suggestion for a substitute for “Skills and Experience”. How about, “Qualifications and Accomplishments”?
[...] Many Human Resources staffers preach the dangers of lying on your resume, and they’re right—to an extent. Inventing companies and inflating employment lengths can get you fired or at the very least embarrassed during the hiring process. But employers don’t want complete honesty, do they? There are plenty of facts that are better left private (don’t disclose your religion, age, race, etc.). And employers expect you to put your best foot forward, so show them your very best. You’re giving them a snapshot of who you are; there’s nothing wrong with using just the right lighting to show them your good side on a resume. [...]
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