Job search can be a daunting journey and if you have been looking for a while with little or no success, it may be time to revisit your resume and check if you have used words that will make your resume stand apart in the competition.
According to Research 60% of recruiters say that the biggest mistake job seekers make on their resume is using too many buzzwords. The same research also pointed out that 45% of recruiters say that another mistake job seekers make on their resumes is using too much jargon.
When it comes to using words to describe your tasks and responsibilities in a resume, it is important to steer away from overused jargons and buzz words. Instead what will make your resume unique to a recruiter is using action words when describing your job responsibilities.
Consider thinking about it in this way -" What have I done previously that assures a hiring manager that I can get the work done if selected?" Once you frame this question in your mind, jot down the responsibilities and tasks that you accomplished in your previous roles, that would be of value to the role you are applying for. Remember, the key is to always customize your resume to the job you are applying to when you are writing your resume.
One key to getting it right is the strategic and authentic use of action words. Recruiters and hiring managers typically receive 75-250 resumes for every job posted and most likely spend 25-30 seconds screening resumes. This means you have 25 seconds to communicate quickly that you are an action-oriented person who does great work. Getting in the “read more” pile is imperative to your success and moving to the next step.
Using action words enhances your abilities and accomplishments by being specific, focused, and descriptive. They will make your resume more precise and succinct – things hiring managers love when they are staring down an inbox of two hundred plus resumes.
Here are over 50 powerful action words that can make your resume stand out and leave the hiring manager wanting to learn more about you:
Communicate change or improvements:
- Centralized
- Converted
- Integrated
- Merged
- Modified
- Overhauled
- Refined
- Strengthened
- Transformed
- Updated
- Saving money or resources:
- Audited
- Consolidated
- Decreased
- Lessened
- Optimized
- Minimized
- Reconciled
- Reduced
- Saved
- Streamlined
Personal accomplishments:
- Awarded
- Demonstrated
- Drove
- Earned
- Exceeded
- Outperformed
- Managed
- Sparked
- Steered
- Surpassed
Responsibilities and duties:
- Accomplished
- Aligned
- Automated
- Boosted
- Built
- Championed
- Charted
- Communicated
- Constructed
- Created
- Critiqued
- Defined
- Delegated
- Deployed
- Detected
- Developed
- Documented
- Enabled
- Engineered
- Empowered
- Established
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Finalized
- Forecasted
- Gained
- Guided
- Hired
- Improved
- Intensified
- Installed
- Lobbied
- Mentored
- Negotiated
- Performed
- Persuaded
- Pioneered
- Prepared
- Produced
- Quantified
- Secured
- Supervised
- Supported
- Troubleshoot
- Volunteered
Still not finding the right words? Click to find over 280 action-packed words in this Indeed article.
It’s important to be authentic and accurate when building your resume. Try to avoid over-used language or buzzwords. They tend to make your resume look insincere and contrived. Words like results-driven, passionate, dynamic, proactive, experienced, highly qualified, and hard worker maybe be true but communicate that with proof through your deliverables. Who’s not going to say they are passionate or a hard worker? Let your results build your persona.
Remember to support your action words with a quantifiable result from your work history. For instance, if the job posting mentions that they are looking for someone who has led a team before, use the words “Successfully led a team-leading to 2% increase in profits” instead of just "Led a team of 5 people". Making this tweak will not only attract the hiring manager’s attention to your resume but will also increase the chances of your resume successfully passing through the ATS. Read our tips to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Looking for more info on shaping your work experience into an exceptional story? Here are some tips on how to write a resume.
As the Canadian job market heats up, job seekers are looking to land better jobs and make career moves. Business leaders and hiring managers will have more choice than ever before. Business leaders today are hiring candidates who are ready to work, quick to adapt, tech-savvy, and can quickly pivot and perform. Making the right first impression with a resume that uses the optimal words to communicate your skills and potential impact is a must, to be seen by decision makers and secure that interview.
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