Every one of us has been guilty of using buzzwords when describing job responsibilities in our resumes. However, overused clichés can actually make your resume look less genuine and harder to stand out amidst a large pool of resumes.
Remember that employers can receive anywhere from 75-250 resumes for every job posted and can typically spend only 25-30 seconds in the initial screening. If your resume looks like it is full of buzz words, standard clichés, and redundant action verbs, it can put off the reader right away.
On the contrary, if you use the right words to describe your job duties, it can help you make a quick and lasting impression.
Here are 25 powerful action words that can make your resume stand out and effectively capture the hiring manager’s attention:
Generated |
Added |
Maximized |
Achieved |
Accelerated |
Improved |
Minimized |
Optimized |
Grew |
Gained |
Produced |
Saved |
Streamlined |
Expanded |
Delivered |
Headed |
Facilitated |
Organized |
Trained |
Restructured |
Undertook |
Updated |
Launched |
Pioneered |
Mapped |
|
While the above action words can make your resume look impactful, it is also essential to use them in combination with specific data and results wherever possible. For instance, instead of just writing “Launched a new training program”, you may want to write “Launched a training program for new sales staff leading to 2% decrease in onboarding time”. Looking for more info on shaping your work experience into a great story? Here are some tips on how to write a resume.
Another proven strategy is to use words mentioned in the job posting itself. 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” or any other quantifiable result from your work history. This 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.
As businesses across Canada are slowly resuming their operations, Canadian workers are looking to make career moves that they’ve put on hold while weathering the pandemic. Business leaders and hiring managers will have more choices than ever before. Business leaders today are hiring candidates who are ready to work, quick to adapt, tech-savvy, and someone who can quickly pivot and perform. Having a resume that uses the right words to communicate your skills is a must to land a great opportunity.
Looking for more specific resume advice? Book a meeting with one of our recruiters: hello@agilus.ca.
Check out our job search resources here.
