Action Words in Resumes

Letting your prospective employer know the type of person you are is crucial to establishing a common ground. You will have three venues to accomplish this: your cover letter, your resume, and the interview.

Besides your cover letter, your resume will be the first glimpse of your personality that your prospective employer will be able to see. Many people argue that the layout of the resume is the most important aspect, and while this may be true from a design/functionality point of you, it is a rather myopic statement. In reality, the content of the resume itself is what will draw an employer to hire you.

Your resume will be the tool that you will use to show your potential employer what you are capable of doing and why you are the person that they should hire to do it. For this reason, using action words within your resume are important for getting intention.

Need a few examples of action words? Try a few from the list below:

• Implemented - This can show ambition and determination. Be careful not to use implemented in a way that comes off overbearing or cocky.

For Example:
Implemented two new organization systems that increased employee productivity.

• Initiative - This word establishes your ambition and employability. Every employer is looking for an employee that can show initiative and take on tasks independently. The last thing that an employer wants to do is be constantly giving your direction- showing them that you are capable of assigning yourself tasks independent of formal supervision definitely works in your favor.

For Example:
Designed and maintained employee blogs independent of formal instruction by my own initiative.

• Pioneered - This is a very powerful word, as it shows ambition, courage, and innovation. These qualities are highly sought after in an employee, and being able to show your prospective employer that you have them will set you ahead of your competition.

For Example:
Pioneered the use of WordPress as a content management system outside of a blog-style website for sales pages.

These are just a few examples of the type of vocabulary that you will want to use on your resume. The key here is to use words that accentuate your abilities without overly exaggerating them. Using words that will show a prospective employer that you are a valuable asset will increase your chances of employment dramatically.

Do not come off rude or arrogant. This point cannot be stressed enough, but using empowering language can often result in that type of tone. Be careful, and ensure that your resume maintains a sense of professionalism. Remember that an employer already knows what they are looking for in an employee, and they don’t need you to tell them.

If you are ready to take your resume to the next level of professional action, learn about our professional resume writing services.