Use Active Language
An important part of a strong resume is active language, which grabs attention and gets you an interview. Your experience should be organized in action statements and should include the outcome of your effort. Remember: ACTION & RESULT.
- The emphasis is on what you specifically did and why it is done or what it accomplishes.
Instead of "Responsible for new hire training." A better way is "Trained new hires for compliance with company policies."Rather than, "Responsible for maintaining bookkeeping records" A stronger way is "Maintained bookkeeping records to ensure accurate invoicing."
- Make your resume interesting by choosing words carefully and not being repetitive.
Instead of answered phones-
Responded to phone inquiries to deliver effective customer service. Provided phone coverage to resolve customer concerns.Instead of got pricing from vendors-
Corresponded with vendors and supplies to maintain accurate pricing records. Communicated with company suppliers and vendors to verify correct pricing.
- A myriad of action words exists; below are 100 ACTION WORDS to help you get started!
| Accomplished | Coordinated | Facilitated |
| Launched | Recommended | Achieved |
| Corrected | Founded | Led |
| Reconciled | Addressed | Corresponded |
| Gathered | Maintained | Reduced |
| Administrated | Created | Generated |
| Managed | Reorganized | Advised |
| Delivered | Guided | Mapped |
| Reported | Aided | Designed |
| Headed | Monitored | Represented |
| Allocated | Developed | Helped |
| Motivated | Researched | Analyzed |
| Devised | Identified | Negotiated |
| Resolved | Assembled | Directed |
| Illustrated | Operated | Reviewed |
| Assisted | Distributed | Implemented |
| Ordered | Scheduled | Budgeted |
| Documented | Improved | Organized |
| Screened | Catalogued | Drafted |
| Increased | Oversaw | Specialized |
| Checked | Drove | Influenced |
| Planned | Streamlined | Coached |
| Edited | Initiated | Prepared |
| Studied | Collected | Educated |
| Installed | Presented | Summarized |
| Communicated | Eliminated | Instituted |
| Processed | Supervised | Compared |
| Established | Instructed | Programmed |
| Supported | Compiled | Evaluated |
| Interviewed | Projected | Tested |
| Conducted | Examined | Investigated |
| Published | Trained | Contributed |
| Exhibited | Judged | Qualified |
| Utilized |
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