A résumé should display your unique skills and abilities. A strong résumé should make you stand out from the crowd, so try to show your work history and abilities in an interesting way. One way to do this is using action-oriented words to describe your individual talents.
Choose words that show employers real activities with measurable results. Words like “was” or “became” do not say much about what you actually did. Instead, choose verbs that lead to questions such as “how,” “how many,” “how much,” “when,” “where,” “who” and “why.” Good words should make you want to include more details and make the reader want to know more. You can provide the specifics on how you achieved your results during the interview.
Example of weak word choice:
“I became Lead Scheduler after six months with the office.”
Example of strong word choice:
“I reduced the number of unfilled appointments by 30% in my first 6 months with the office.”
Here are 20 action verbs to consider using in your résumé:
- Accomplished
- Arranged
- Assisted
- Collaborated
- Completed
- Delivered
- Generated
- Improved
- Managed
- Monitored
- Operated
- Planned
- Processed
- Produced
- Reduced
- Reported
- Scheduled
- Screened
- Tested
- Updated
Take the time to review and re-write your résumé to include strong action verbs. This will clearly show the employer the value you will offer as an employee. You want your résumé to make a good first impression so you’ll get the interview!
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
