Resumes can make or break whether you get an interview, let alone a job. So, of course, you want a resume that screams, "Look at resu-me!"
The problem is finding the words to express all the things you've done. It is very easy to choose inaccurate words. I bet you didn't catch the "mistake" in that last sentence. Let me share some advice from N.H. Kleinbaum, author of Dead Poets Society:
"So avoid using the word 'very' because it's lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don't use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys: To woo women. And, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won't do in your essays."
Language can also be used to woo the employers looking at your resume.
Here are 15 superb replacement words for your resume.
Developed
Most people believe that creativity is wonderful, which it is. But try replacing created with a more developed word.
Organized
You made plans, were responsible for and oversaw a project. Organize your choice of words like you organized that project!
Strengthened
Employers are looking for your strengths. What if one of your strengths is strengthening what is already in place? Try replacing improved with strengthened.
Mentored
It feels good when you help someone else, and it looks good on paper too. You can lead a team or be a team player, but you'll probably have better results if you mentor the team.
Diagnosed
This may not work for medical-related fields, but it shows analysis skills. Did you find a problem in the budget or diagnose an inaccuracy?
Systematized
Are you the person who has all of their folders color coded? You could say that you're detail-oriented or a strategic thinker, but maybe you're systematized.
Conceptualized
We're back to those creative skills. Can you take a concept from your mind and turn it into reality? You just conceptualized.
Surveyed
Research skills are great. When you were looking for an answer, you probably looked at countless options and surveyed them to find an optimal solution.
Negotiated
You can make or handle arrangements for a partnership, but negotiations take more effort.
Founded
Do you ever hear that a company was "started in 1952?" No, you hear that it was "founded in 1952."
You didn't start the math club at your college, you founded it.
Centralized
Did you bring everyone together, unite, synergize or join forces? Centralized teams are focused on the center of the issue at hand.
Edited
Unless you're an editor, this is a great replacement when explaining how you revised, fine-tuned or rearranged a proposal.
Collaborated
Unless you've ever been an assistant, your job title didn't include assisting with a project. It's great to contribute to the project, but better when you can collaborate with others.
Secured
Were you responsible for the discussions that led to new finances or partnerships? You secured those finances or partnerships.
Volunteered
You can be the hard-worker that takes on new opportunities and challenges, but it looks better when you've volunteered to accept those jobs.
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