To Write Powerful Resumes Use Powerful Words

I cannot impress strongly enough the need to have and to use a thesaurus. There is nothing worse than saying:

- Achieved strong results due to strong ability to assess situations and utilise strong relationship skills.

Even though only two words have been changed, look at how much more powerful and interesting this next sentence is.

- Achieved outstanding results due to innate ability to assess situations and utilise strong relationship skills.

When writing your résumé, don’t necessarily settle for the obvious word – especially if this is the fourth sentence you have used it in. Why not consider some of these alternatives to commonly used words:

Managed or…  Directed / Guided / Spearheaded / Motivated / Drove

Increased or…  Advanced / Boosted / Enhanced / Escalated / Expanded

Achieved or…  Accomplished / Performed / Executed / Effected

There are thousands of alternatives in your thesaurus to bring life to your text but remember – keep in mind who the documents will be sent to.

Some industries or positions are more flamboyant like the Music industry, some more power oriented like Sales & Marketing, others like Engineering and Human Resources require conservative assertion, for industries like Accounting and Legal keep it sedate.

But for all industries – keep it interesting, keep it concise, keep it relevant.

And above all – Keep It Honest! Never be tempted to ‘load’ your résumé or exaggerate your skills in any way. Always remember, one day you will be sitting in front of the recruiter and having to explain or discuss your achievements.

Here’s to writing powerful résumés.

Beverley Neil

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