If you use the phrases “responsible for, duties included, or worked with…” you are selling yourself, your experience and your resume short. These passive terms do absolutely nothing for communicating the value and benefits you offer an employer.
These phrases are boring and repetitive because most every job seeker uses them. Hiring managers need words that jump off the page and captivate them. Here are a few examples of my favorite action words:
Accelerated
Authored
Captivated
Captured
Championed
Consolidated
Critiqued
Directed
Diversified
Diverted
Doubled
Enforced
Enhanced
Exceeded
Pioneered
Forged
Formalized
Formulated
Generated
Influenced
Initiated
Integrated
Intensified
Leveraged
Masterminded
Maximized
Mentored
Optimized
Orchestrated
Re-engineered
Spearheaded
Structured
Proliferated
Recaptured
Rejuvenated
…And the list could go on. Don’t like these? Use the synonym feature in Microsoft Word or go to thesaurus.com. Be strategic in your action verb choice and choose strong words that convey ACTION and RESULTS to begin every sentence. These words are a key component in creating a powerful and captivating resume.
For more great resources and resume samples visit Great Resumes Fast or to request a free resume analysis send your resume via e-mail to info@greatresumesfast.com.
Author:
Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.
Jessica Holbrook Hernandez
Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, global resume authority and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast, is a former HR Manager who partners with professional- and executive-level candidates to create authentic, branded resumes and cover letters. An international resume columnist and resume expert for JobTalkAmerica radio, her work opens doors to lucrative positions at Fortune 500 companies.
Perry Newman
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