The Power of Words
If you are in the process of looking for a new job or role, you may want to explore some powerful words that can be incorporated into your resume to make it pop. Are you a hard worker? What about a team player? Or are you a people person? If you started reading this and nodded to most of them, stop now! Because the person reading your resume will not want to see those words there.
When updating your resume, remember to use powerful words that will make your resume pop and stand out. As good as these terms might seem, let’s be honest, they have been used on a few million too many resumes. So they basically lost their meaning to potential bosses.
Remember that resume power words and action words are essential. It’s also necessary to add some specific terms to your resume. For example, use the company’s keywords used in the job advertisement. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for to make it personal. Make your resume words pop and ditch the duds that stop you from getting to the next step in your job application.
Powerful Company Keywords
Use the company’s keywords/buzzwords to tailor your resume and cover letter. Choose your words wisely and utilise action verbs to show you are attentive and detail-sensitive. This gives the hiring manager the chance to see that you have read the job description.
In the job listing, you’ll find many powerful words that you can use on your cover letter and resume. Instead of copying those words, it’s a good idea to try to find alternatives or synonymous that you feel match the job description tone. It’s also a great idea to research the company on their website. That way, you’ll be able to pick up many powerful words to use to make you stand out from the crowd.
It’s also a great idea to include words related to the company’s mission. That shows the hiring managers you did your research and would be an excellent fit for the team. Here are some examples that you can use:
- If you are applying for a writing role, don’t just use “I wrote”. Use action words such as I published, reported or investigated. It’s great to include social shares, page views, or circulation of your features.
- If you are applying for a finance or business job, use specific words such as enhanced, developed, expanded, established, and increased. Even better if you can add some numbers on gains or savings you have produced for previous employers.
- If you are applying for a customer service role, use words like aided, communicated, experience, helped, and reached.
The best words you use on your resume will also depend on your skills and what kind of job you are applying for. Using the right combination of words on your resume can help you stand out among other applicants.
Examples of Powerful Words for Your Resume
Below you’ll find some power words and action words that you can use for describing yourself and the duties you perform. Remember that the best ones to use on your cover letter and resume will depend on what kind of job you are applying for.
Top 10 Power Words for:
Leadership Role:
- Directed
- Advocated
- Coached
- Delegated
- Guided
- Monitored
- Motivated
- Lead
- Pioneered
- Launched
Achievement Words:
- Maximised
- Targeted
- Produced
- Boosted
- Generated
- Raised
- Lifted
- Showcased
- Accomplished
- Outperformed
Customer Service Role:
- Delivered
- Verified
- Concluded
- Negotiated
- Advocated
- Consulted
- Resolved
- Advised
- Assisted
- Attracted
Creative Role:
- Developed
- Created
- Constructed
- Transformed
- Shared
- Showcased
- Briefed
- Expressed
- Documented
- Advertised
Sales Role:
- Boosted
- Enhanced
- Captured
- Achieved
- Accomplished
- Accelerated
- Advised
- Maximised
- Negotiated
- Expanded
There are so many benefits to using powerful words on your resume. For example, you can showcase your positive mindset by using the right power word to demonstrate that. The right words can help you articulate more detailed job descriptions and personality.
Using a wide range of powerful words throughout your resume will also improve readability. This can help to showcase your qualifications and skills to get the right job. What are the synonyms for all those duds words like “dedicated”, “manage”, “hard worker”, “leader”, and “team player”? If you choose the right words to showcase your skills in a meaningful and evocative way, all those power words will come across in the right way.
Finally, Now you have all the words down, but if you are still struggling to get it across the right way, contact Career Stylr to get a personalised resume and cover letter to help you land your next gig.
