When it comes to writing your resume, it’s easy to fall back on tired phrasing or buzzwords with little meaning. With the number of applications recruiters get, you have to grab their attention and be memorable.
The following article will guide you to improve your resume with engaging power words. Read on to find out which power words to use in a resume.
What are power words in a resume
Power words describe your skills and abilities in action by using strong verbs. These persuasive and influential words quickly grab attention and entice further reading.
It is the difference between:
I am responsible for finding new clients VS Acquired new clients
I am tasked with managing a team VS Lead a team
Are action verbs and power words the same
Power words are action verbs but can also include keywords, adverbs and adjectives.
Why should you use resume power words
Resumes often look the same and use phrasing which doesn’t capture attention or accurately describe the experience. Using power words quickly highlights your experience, skills, abilities and suitability for the job.
List of power words for resume
Accomplishments
- Achieved
- Won
- Delivered
- Yielded
- Surpassed
- Streamlined
- Exceeded
- Attained
- Acquired
- Succeed
- Decreased
- Increased
- Augmented
- Boosted
- Excelled
- Drove
- Improved
Management
- Led
- Supervised
- Motivated
- Supported
- Empowered
- Guided
- Headed
- Controlled
- Orchestrated
- Directed
- Spearhead
Problem-solving
- Resolved
- Restored
- Analysed
- Reviewed
- Salvaged
- Fixed
- Settled
- Rectified
- Corrected
- Remedied
Creative
- Developed
- Designed
- Originated
- Conceptualised
- Established
- Devised
- Modelled
- Drafted
- Constructed
- Formed
- Cultivated
- Progressed
- Advanced
Communication
- Persuaded
- Influenced
- Conveyed
- Presented
- Articulated
- Explained
- Described
- Conferred
- Discussed
- Collaborated
- Liaised
Finance
- Yielded
- Generated
- Returned
- Enumerated
- Quantified
- Computed
- Analysed
- Reviewed
- Planned
- Forecasted
Customer service
- Assisted
- Aided
- Advised
- Supported
- Acquired
- Retained
- Answered
- Helped
- Advocated
- Championed
- Assured
Benefits of using power words in your resume
Using power words can help you pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and stand out from the hundreds of resumes recruiters receive.
They can differentiate you from the rest of the applicants as your resume will read as unique and memorable – giving you a better chance at progressing through the recruitment process.
Tips for using power words
Balance your use of power words with descriptions – don’t add too many because they will lose their impact
Use them within context, if you’re not sure what a word means you can do a quick Google search to check if the meaning fits well with your sentence
Use words that many people will understand and use very little jargon, making your resume too complicated to understand is counterproductive
Power word examples
Using the above tips will help you get noticed. We encourage you to have a look at your resume and see where you can improve! Need help tailoring your resume? Read this article.
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