When it comes to resume writing, the choice of words is crucial. Not only to make sure that software will review your resume positively, but you also want to include relevant skills, qualifications, and competencies in your resume.
The words chosen by candidates reveal their level of experience, says Susan Joyce. She is the owner and operator at JobHunt.org. This guide helps you conduct a safer, smarter job search. If I were to pick up the resume of a candidate for C-suite and they chose vague descriptions, then that person would be immediately discredited. Many people think that a candidate’s resume text is more important than their experience, but it’s not always the case. The resume of a job candidate will likely be rejected if the hiring manager does not see that they have qualifications by their word choices or grammar.
We asked a panel of experts, including career coaches, writers of resumes, and resume-writing professionals, what the best words are to include on your resume. Here is their advice.
1. Numbers
Share the numbers if you want to demonstrate that you are results-oriented. According to Angela Copeland a job coach, you should prove that you are an “excellent digital marketer” rather than just saying it. You can say something like, “Grew your online revenue and sales by 200% within a year.” Now that is impressive!
2. “Redesigned”
Action verbs, according to Jenn deWall a career and life coach, are essential for any resume. Not just any verbs will do. She encourages her clients to use verbs which demonstrate leadership and change. The word “redesign” shows problem-solving abilities, as well as an ability to see the big picture. It also reduces inefficiencies and waste.
3. “Launched”
Cliches should be avoided. Instead, use simple but powerful words. The most powerful words are simple, straightforward ones that convey responsibility. Solved, optimized, launched, and transformed are examples of verbs with action that will make you appear professional without using cliches.
4. “Modernized”
Master resume writer Jacqui Bartlett-Poindexter says that modernized along with “conceived” and “metamorphosed”, is “like an on/off switch. It powers up the story of the candidate, showing them how they have improved, imagined and transformed their workplaces, and gained revenue, growth in customers, reputation, momentum, etc. They can help their business. “They empower and promote the story of candidates .”
5. Value or value
Expert and author of Fearless Salary Negotiation Josh Doody, Josh Doody says that these words indicate the candidate’s thinking in relation to their activities. The term ‘hardworking’ doesn’t help because hard work does not necessarily lead to better results. Focusing on productivity, value and progress shows that the candidate is focused on improving the business, which resonates almost instantly with hiring managers.
6. “Orchestrated”
Anyone can claim to have ‘led’ an organization. Joyce insists on using verbs to describe what actually happened during the task. Consider the verb “orchestrated” and the way it shows the hiring manager, rather than just tell them, what has been accomplished. By definition, orchestrated means to direct and arrange. It is important to show readers that you are qualified by using the storytelling element and showing them your real qualifications.
7. Specific Details
Joyce advises job-seekers to be specific when writing their resumes, rather than focusing on the latest buzzword. It’s more important to choose words that describe your actions and goals accurately. Instead of saying hardworking, say what kind of work was performed, for example, did the candidate strive to meet an impossible deadline with great effort? Use verbs to describe what you have done, such as influenced, improved or achieved. So, the qualification of a candidate is not misunderstood.
8. “Create,” “led,” “managed”
Kate O’Sullivan, ‘s executive coach says: “I look for candidates that have played a part in bringing an idea to fruition and then executing it.” One of the most important qualities that I’m looking for in a candidate is their ability to take an idea or a strategic goal, and bring it all together. This person will be more valuable than someone who simply executes plans. action words are a great way to show that you have been involved in higher-level thinking. This will attract the attention of hiring managers.
9. Provide examples
O’Sullivan says that it is difficult to convince someone who reads your resume of the soft skills you have, such as teamwork, by simply listing them. If you try to put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer for just a moment, you’ll understand. The majority of job-seekers want to appear desirable, so they include these skills in demand. Just listing the skills won’t help you stand out from the rest. You can make your examples more powerful by doing this. You can show you’re a good team player by mentioning things such as working in cross-functional groups, onboarding of new employees, or creating a cross training program. You can demonstrate your skills by listing specific accomplishments or projects. This will make you stand out.
10. Be skimmable
Doody says that resumes should have impact while being skimmable. This means they can be easily skimmed or read by hiring managers and recruiters. Doody is candid: “I tell my clients that they should assume the hiring manager will not even glance at the resume before they are in the middle of interviewing the candidate. The day before an appointment, hiring managers do not sit down with a glass wine to read each of the resumes they are considering. They rush to get to the interview in time and then skim the resume to come up with topics to discuss.
11. “Spearheaded”
Copeland says that a resume, and job searching in general, is not the right time for shyness. Use powerful words to emphasize the level of your involvement. It’s not the right time to downplay your achievements or contributions. Replace the words ‘helped’ with’spearheaded’ if you played a major role in the project.
12. “Committed”
Start your project and finish it. DeWall says that this word does exactly that. You’re mistaken if you ignore diction or word choice, and believe that it doesn’t matter. She adds that managers can assess your skills, as well as aptitude and readiness.
13. Expert Editing
editing begins with a thorough reading and rereading of your resume. Our experts each weighed in with their opinions on how important it is to edit a resume. These are some of their tips:
Word choice is extremely important. “You only have limited space on your resume so each word is important,” explains O’Sullivan. Focus on your achievements and quantify them where you can. Tailor your experience to the job that interests you. You’ll get more attention if you focus on a few projects or responsibilities in greater detail, rather than listing everything that you have ever done. Concentrate on the most recent experiences. “Does the information help me sell my skills for this position? If not, remove it.”
Copeland advises that the easiest way to make your words more effective is to speak your resume aloud to yourself. This can help you catch many potential problems before others do. then ask someone in another field to review it. Consider updating your wording if they feel your resume is confusing.
