Use This, Not That: Resume Power Words

It’s time to find a job. You’ve dusted off your job search profile, but how is your resume?

Image: AndreyPopov; BigStock

The key to a stand-out resume is phrasing. Your experience and skills are important, but don’t just list your experiences, describe them. Use bullet points to elaborate on exactly what you did and what skills you can bring to the table.

However, instead of everyday language, use power words to take your resume to the next level and help it go from good to great, grabbing employers’ attention.

If you’re talking about communication, try: addressed, advertised, outlined, negotiated, observed, collaborated, edited, interpreted, marketed, or composed.

If you’re talking about research, try: collected, evaluated, investigated, measured, conducted, determined, reviewed, summarized, identified, explored, or gathered.

If you’re talking about organization, try: processed, ordered, maintained, cataloged, distributed, monitored, operated, incorporated, updated, inspected, or categorized.

If you’re talking about management, try: adapted, hired, scheduled, administered, implemented, produced, oversaw, directed, coordinated, produced, maintained, supervised, or developed.

If you’re talking about creativity, try: customized, modified, displayed, composed, fashioned, initiated, performed, revised, wrote, created, or integrated.

If you’re talking about teaching, try: facilitated, advised, trained, coached, instructed, motivated, consulted, led, explained, informed, or encouraged.

Another way to make your resume stand out is by looking for keywords in the job posting and incorporating them into your resume. Employers tell you what they are looking for- use that to your advantage! Not only will this strengthen your resume, but also can help you beat the ATS (applicant tracking system). The ATS will be looking for keywords and filtering out resumes before they even make it to a hiring manager, so using the keywords the ATS has been set up to identify will only help your resume make it to the top.

The content of your resume is important, but so are the words you choose to describe it. Use power words to create the best resume possible and stand out from the crowd. Resume done? Check out these tips on how to ace the next step, interview screenings.

What other power words should you include on your resume?