Words You Choose
To appear dynamic and capable in a letter or during an interview, use words that are specific and descriptive rather than vague or general. The words and phrases chosen to describe yourself have an impact on your overall impression. Lists are provided for the following word types (link to one of the three for word examples):
Examples of Action Words
Use action words to describe your skills and accomplishments. Avoid overuse of "able to," "can," "know how to," and "responsible for." Example, "Hired, trained and supervised six employees." versus a passive sentence, "Responsible for hiring, training and supervising employees." Use the past tense when describing past job duties or activities; do not use words ending in -ing. "Ordered supplies, maintained accurate financial records and filed." versus "Responsible for ordering, bookkeeping and filing."
|
analyzed |
distributed |
managed |
reorganized |
|
approved |
established |
motivated |
researched |
|
arranged |
evaluated |
negotiated |
reviewed |
|
assembled |
expanded |
organized |
revised |
|
assisted |
facilitated |
participated |
scheduled |
|
communicated |
implemented |
performed |
set up |
|
completed |
improved |
persuaded |
solved |
|
composed |
increased |
planned |
supervised |
|
created |
initiated |
presented |
supported |
|
demonstrated |
investigated |
proposed |
taught |
|
designed |
led |
provided |
trained |
|
developed |
lectured |
recommended |
wrote |
|
diagnosed |
maintained |
reduced |
Personal Descriptor
Use descriptive words. Be specific about what you worked with and describe accomplishments by using numbers or other descriptive words to give a clear picture.
|
adaptable |
efficient |
observant |
responsible |
|
aggressive |
energetic |
optimistic |
skilled |
|
assertive |
enthusiastic |
patient |
stable |
|
astute |
flexible |
perceptive |
strong |
|
bilingual |
honest |
personable |
tactful |
|
capable |
imaginative |
persistent |
thorough |
|
competent |
independent |
poised |
tolerant |
|
creative |
innovative |
practical |
trained |
|
dedicated |
loyal |
productive |
versatile |
|
dependable |
mature |
punctual |
will relocate |
|
detail-oriented |
methodical |
realistic |
willing to travel |
|
diplomatic |
motivated |
reliable |
|
|
effective |
objective |
resourceful |
Qualitative Words and Phrases
|
consistently |
significantly |
|
effective |
successfully |
|
experienced |
varied background |
|
extensive |
wide scope |
|
familiarity with |
in-depth knowledge of |
|
proficient in |
|
Key Words
|
Administration: |
transcriptions |
records management |
business law |
|
Art : |
multi-media |
graphics |
illustration |
|
Automotive : |
electrical theory |
tune-up |
transmission |
|
Computers : |
networks |
java programming |
database |
|
Education : |
psychology |
communication |
lesson plans |
|
Engineering : |
schematics |
prototype |
design specifications |
|
Health Careers |
anatomy |
pharmacology |
medical terms |
|
Hospitality : |
international |
customer
|
sanitation |
|
Industrial : |
blueprints |
machine tool |
hydraulics |
|
Management : |
accounting |
human services |
marketing |
|
Science : |
quantitative analysis |
microbiology |
applied physics |
|
Social Services : |
gerontology |
substances abuse |
mental health |
*For on-line lists of action and key words, refer to e-resumes.
Career and Employment Services
Gannon Bldg, Room 218
Phone: 517) 483-1172
Additional contact information »
