Center for Employment Services
LCC > CES
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Resumes
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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):
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Examples of ACTION
WORDS
(past tense
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."
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analyzed
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distributed
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managed
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reorganized
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approved
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established
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motivated
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researched
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arranged
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evaluated
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negotiated
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reviewed
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assembled
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expanded
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organized
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revised
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assisted
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facilitated
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participated
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scheduled
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communicated
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implemented
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performed
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set up
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completed
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improved
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persuaded
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solved
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composed
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increased
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planned
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supervised
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created
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initiated
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presented
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supported
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demonstrated
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investigated
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proposed
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taught
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designed
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led
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provided
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trained
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developed
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lectured
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recommended
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wrote
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diagnosed
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maintained
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reduced
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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.
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adaptable
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efficient
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observant
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responsible
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aggressive
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energetic
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optimistic
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skilled
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assertive
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enthusiastic
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patient
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stable
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astute
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flexible
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perceptive
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strong
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bilingual
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honest
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personable
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tactful
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capable
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imaginative
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persistent
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thorough
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competent
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independent
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poised
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tolerant
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creative
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innovative
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practical
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trained
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dedicated
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loyal
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productive
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versatile
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dependable
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mature
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punctual
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will relocate
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detail-oriented
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methodical
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realistic
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willing to travel
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diplomatic
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motivated
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reliable
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effective
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objective
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resourceful
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Qualitative Words and Phrases
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consistently
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significantly
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effective
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successfully
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experienced
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varied background
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extensive
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wide scope
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familiarity with
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in-depth knowledge of
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proficient in
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Key Words
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Administration:
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transcriptions
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records management
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business law
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Art :
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multi-media
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graphics
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illustration
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Automotive :
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electrical theory
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tune-up
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transmission
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Computers :
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networks
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java programming
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database
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Education :
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psychology
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communication
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lesson plans
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Engineering :
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schematics
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prototype
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design specifications
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Health Careers
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anatomy
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pharmacology
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medical terms
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Hospitality :
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international
relations
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customer
service
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sanitation
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Industrial :
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blueprints
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machine tool
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hydraulics
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Management :
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accounting
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human services
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marketing
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Science :
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quantitative analysis
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microbiology
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applied physics
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Social Services :
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gerontology
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substances abuse
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mental health
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*For
on-line lists of action and key words, refer to
e-resumes.
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