Your resume is your chance to showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers, and using action words is a powerful way to make your skills stand out. Action words, also known as power words, are descriptive verbs that help to emphasize your accomplishments and make your resume more dynamic. Here are some tips for using action words in your resume:
1. Use Specific Verbs
Rather than using vague, generic verbs, use specific verbs that accurately describe your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “helped with sales,” say “increased sales by 20%.”
2. Avoid Passive Language
Passive language, such as “responsibilities included” or “duties included,” can make your resume sound passive and unengaging. Instead, use active language that emphasizes your achievements and shows your initiative.
3. Use Present Tense for Current Positions
When describing your current job, use present tense verbs, such as “manage” or “lead.” For previous positions, use past tense verbs, such as “managed” or “led.”
4. Highlight Transferable Skills
Transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving, are skills that can be applied to different jobs and industries. Use action words to emphasize your transferable skills and show how you have used them in previous roles.
5. Customize Your Resume for Different Job Fields
Tailor your resume for the different job fields you apply for by using action words that match the skills and qualifications needed for each field. This will show that you are a good fit for each role.
Some examples of strong action words to consider using in your resume include:
- Managed
- Coordinated
- Led
- Improved
- Designed
- Developed
- Implemented
- Streamlined
- Executed
- Achieved
In conclusion, using action words in your resume can make your skills stand out and help you make a strong impression on potential employers. By being specific, avoiding passive language, using present tense for current positions, highlighting transferable skills, and customizing your resume for each job, you can showcase your achievements and make your resume more dynamic.