Tag: verbs

Resume Verbs

The verbs you use set the tone for your resume. Strong action verbs convey a track record of accomplishment. Weak passive verbs convey mediocrity and a lack of success. If you want to make a good impression, use verbs that present your experience in a strong positive way.

The verbs you use set the tone for your resume. Strong action verbs convey a track record of accomplishment. Weak passive verbs convey mediocrity and a lack of success. If you want to make a good impression, use verbs that present your experience in a strong positive way.

The range of verbs varies greatly from resume to resume. I picked six resume at random and listed the start of each line under the most recent job:

 

Resume 1:

Established…
Led…
Proficient in…
Repositioned clients/issues…
Provided procurement services…
Responsible for…
Negotiated…
Edited and produced…

Resume 2:

Provider of…
Responsible for…

Resume 3:

Member, Executive Management…
Manage and mentor…
Reorganized…
Developed…
Solidified…
Recruitment of…
Budgeting/Cost…
Clients…

Resume 4:

Promoted and grew…
Customers included…
Increased portfolio…
Grew market share…
Grew market share…
Identified and promoted…
Called on…

Resume 5:

Manage and direct..
Location audits…
Profit Loss responsibilities…
Create effective…
Ensure compliance…

Resume 6:

Management of…
Management of…
Familiarity with…
Responsibility for…
Achieved…
Achieved…
Personally secured…
Went from….
Developed…

Many of the verbs listed are weak. In fact, some aren't even verbs. With only the few words from each resume, which resumes do you want to read? Which bullets are the most significant?

It may be impossible to eliminate all passive verbs. Phrases like “Management of” and “Responsible for” may be unavoidable. The important thing to do is review the sentence structure and make sure you create the strongest presentation.

Resume Language

An often overlooked element of every resume is the choice of verbs. Although most job seekers try to write a resume that will make an impact and have a strong impression, a large number fail at this. To maximize the effectiveness of your resume, you need to choose verbs with impact.

The typical bullets in the work experience section falls into one of three categories: No Verb, Weak Verbs, or Strong Verbs.

No Verbs

Some job seekers put bullets under their work experience that don’t have a verb. Typically, these are general responsibilities. Having responsibility for something says nothing about an individual’s success or potential in that role. Use of these should be minimized.

Examples:

  • Responsible for…

  • Ability to…

  • Strong experience with…

  • Accomplished at…

Weak Verbs

Passive voice and low impact verbs are slight step up from not having a verb, but they’re still not great. Typically, they focus on responsibilities and not accomplishments. The main problem with these is that they do little to differentiate one job seeker from another. Use of these should be limited.

Examples:

  • Charged with…

  • Reported to…

  • Interacted with…

  • Provided…

  • Monitored…

  • Oversaw…

  • Managed…

  • Assisted with…

Strong Verbs

Writing with strong verbs will do several things for your resume. First, it will sound better and less wishy-washy. Second, it will focus the reader on what you did, not what you were responsible for. Finally, it will force you to include examples of your accomplishments. Where possible, you should use strong verbs.

Examples:

  • Achieved…

  • Sold…

  • Designed…

  • Exceeded…

  • Implemented…

  • Streamlined…

  • Improved…

  • Saved…

  • Grew sales…

  • Reduced costs…

Try to use strong verbs and language that makes an impact. It will help your resume stand out. Just remember one thing, the choice of verb is only a component of writing an effective resume. Using a strong verb doesn’t guarantee that a bullet will make an impact. The key is providing examples of your success.