When writing a resume, its important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or cliches, and watch out for tired words and phrases. Begin bullets with strong action verbs and list information in order of relevance and importance to the job goal. While not every synonym will be the perfect fit to convey your exact meaning, by choosing from various alternatives, you can mix things up. Weak, vague or overused verbs can actually diminish the excellent work you did at your last job, so choose action verbs that more accurately reflect what you do. For example, words like accomplished, developed, managed, and handled describe what you have achieved. If youre like me, youre tired of using the same verbs over and over again to describe project management actions. Always use good grammar in english when you write, but do not neglect using strong verbs for strong writing and a more robust writing style.
How to use strong verbs for resume and cover letter. Drafts to prepare papers or documents in a preliminary form. To help you build a strong arsenal of commonly used phrases in academic papers, weve compiled a list of synonyms you might want to consider when drafting or. The resume positions you for the work you want all information should focus on that workposition the layout needs white space. A list of 351 strong verbs to inspire your writing. To demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company, use key terms that the company uses to describe itself. The point is that good writing is more about wellchosen nouns and strong verbs than it is about adjectives and adverbs, regardless what you were told as a kid. If youre not sure where to insert power words in your resume and cover letter, highlight each verb and find a strong synonym to replace it from the above lists. Strong verbs make writing more descriptive and more concise. Contact us hours we are operating virtually monday friday 8 a. Marker verbs for essays of analysis communicates acquaints advertises announces appeals betrays breaks carries concludes connects corresponds declares discloses divulges enlightens evokes hints imparts implies informs introduces makes known offers proclaims provides relates reports reveals signifies states suggests transfers transmits unfolds.
Always begin the descriptions of your experience with. Scan the resume for these warning signs and replace passive resume writing with more active verbs and sentences. Sometimes, you can get stuck using the same verb such. However, it is often difficult to think of good verbs. Learning the correct use of action verbs and active voice can save a bland resume from getting thrown out. Synonyms antonyms definitions examples parts of speech. Here are a few examples of passive resume sentences. You might find this language on the companys about us web page, or in the job listing. Top resume synonyms phrasal verbs only are carry on, pick up and take up.
A 20 percent revenue growth was realized in our department over two years. Verbs for resume include resume, resumed, resumes, resumest, resumeth and resuming. Strong action verbs college of education university of. Action verbs and high impact phrases using action verbs will demonstrate to an employer that you took action, produced results, and contributed. Verbs do have a tone, and even verbs that mean generally the same thing wont work equally well in. Hiring managers love candidates whove helped a team operate more efficiently or costeffectively. Each word has specific usage patterns that are unique to its meaning. For example, if the company identifies itself as innovative, one power word you might incorporate into your resume is innovate or innovative. Its important that every bullet point in your resume include a success verb, not just an active verb.
Draws to compose or write up, following a set procedure or form as in a contract. Verbs such as manage, plan, estimate, integrate, schedule and resolve are so useful. Increased student participation by 25% over a 6month period accomplished constructed ensured hastened minimized reduced losses achieved contributed excelled heightened modernized rejuvenated added delivered expanded improved obtained renovated. These words create an image, as well as describing your work and roles.
The ultimate strong verbs list thatll supercharge your. Resume verb definition and synonyms macmillan dictionary. Action verbs 3442 you saved the company time or money. Do not use personal pronouns i, me, my in the resume. The ultimate strong verbs list and guide to power up your. And in all honesty, writing has never been the most difficult thing in the world for me but when it comes to. Strong action verbs can help drive home your previous success and career achievements. Synonyms for words commonly used in resumes ability aptitude capability adopt use utilize employ apply mobilize exert restore. This list of action verbs for resume writing includes over 320 strong verbs that can be used by candidates from hundreds of industries.
Students can keep these sheets in their writers journal or notebook. Top resume synonyms verbs are restart, reopen and start. Expert tips to use the best resume verbs and other good resume words like a pro. Weve broken the following list of strong verbs into subsets to help you more quickly find the strong verb with the exact quality you want from vivid to forceful to fun. Power verbs for your resume getting results example. Most people dont realize that resumes arent written in perfect english.
That is, making good verb choices without a thesaurus. This post is part of a series called how to create a great resume ultimate guide. A great revision strategy is to look for ways to make verbs more descriptive. Action verbs and high impact phrases foster school of. Accomplishment, creative, communication, helping, instructional, leadership, organizationdetail, research, technical. Frankly, the same tired old words hiring managers have heard over and overto the point where theyve lost a lot of their meaning and dont do much to show off. Todays article shows the impact of good diction and grammar in resume writing. Resume power verbs with synonyms action verbs for statements. You can see the logical connections in relation to a resume. List of resume adjectives, adverbs, and action words. Along similar lines, if you can show that your work boosted the. Not only do you need to know how to use powerful verbs, but having a strong verbs list at your disposal is invaluable. Usually you can use a stronger more compelling verb.
The following exercises are in the free pdf worksheets. The right words enhance your communications, documents and presentations. Synonyms for resume at with free online thesaurus, antonyms, and definitions. So, once youve ditched the reflexive hunt for action verbs, youre instead in the market 25 or so success verbs, he continues. The list is organized in sections to help you locate the best words. Theyre also critical for your performance objectives and your resume. The closer the keywords in a resume are to those in a job description, the better a candidates chances of being selected for a job.
After all, whitecollar employees by definition establish, manage. Change your default dictionary to american english. Only use the verbs youre familiar with unless you take the time to examine the definition in the dictionary. Search a comprehensive list of important resume writing action words, verbs, keywords, adjectives, and adverbs to include on a professional written resume. Instead, make a point of using powerful action verbs and avoid overusing the same verbs such as assisted, oversaw and utilized. Schedule an appointment resume, cover letter questions. Keywords are used to match an applicant with an available job. The list of strong verbs to make your content pop, fizz. Instead, make a point of using powerful action verbs.
Calculate the dollars saved, the revenue increased, the time reduced. Literary essay report or persuasive essay that refers to. Negotiate, for example, relates to your status as a negotiator, a key role in some of the most important jobs in the world. They are important to help you start statements that explain your responsibilities and accomplishments. Definition and synonyms of resume from the online english dictionary from macmillan education. Synonyms for words commonly used in resumes ability aptitude capability adopt use utilize employ apply mobilize exert restore revive specialize in assist dispatch expedite. Without further ado, here are the 25 success verbs he suggests. This list of strong action verbs is a handy reference to use when a better word is needed.
Consider the purpose, result, and benefit to employer of what you did and add that information to bullets. You can use a thesaurus to find other strong verbs, or keep an eye out for interesting verbs while reading. Implemented a new inventory system and slashed costs 20%. This will give your resume an instant boost and ensure employers take notice of your valuable experience.
Action verbs 4361 you increased efficiency, sales, revenue, or customer satisfaction. The list below is not exhaustive as many more strong verbs exist. Resume and cover letter action verbs the balance careers. Read on to get the nittygritty on those important steps, or jump straight to the suave and sexy synonyms that will make your resume words pop and let you ditch. Theres no quicker win for you and your manuscript than ferreting out and eliminating flabby verbs and replacing them with vibrant ones. The statements are sentence fragments that generally begin with a verb. To determine whether a verb is strong, ask yourself whether the verb has a.
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