50+ Verbs That Can Give Your Resume Pizzaz
Having written thousands of resumes, I have gradually compiled a comprehensive list of descriptive verbs to spice up even the most mundane of documents. After all, how many times can you use the word managed, led, or developed in the same resume without becoming boring? If you choose wisely from the following verbs, it will give your resume a unique flavor and will help you stand out from the crowd.
Responsible for has got to be one of the most overused phrases. Instead, try communicate, consult, complete, create, deliver, demonstrate, facilitate, guide, implement, maintain, orchestrate, organize, oversee, plan, participate, perform, or promote.
Lead or Led can be amplified by using verbs such as build, craft, head, enact, govern, inspire, institute, officiate, optimize, orchestrate, pioneer, preside, propel, spearhead, steer, or supervise.
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Handle is vague and non-descript. How about: address, advance, alter, apply, centralize, compile, conduct, construct, coordinate, determine, establish, execute, exhibit, or govern.
Manage is probably the most overused of them all. How about considering verbs like control, coordinate, convey, consult, define, delegate, devise, establish, negotiate, orchestrate, or supervise?
Develop can be replaced with actualize, champion, advance, amplify, augment, cultivate, enrich, evolve, expand, foster, grow, heighten, magnify, promote, refine, or strengthen.
If you are looking for more verbs to season your resume properly, visit Thesaurus.com or try out VisualThesaurus.com. Remember though, your resume is not a game of Mad Libs. It is important that the verbs you choose make sense and convey the meaning you want.
Happy Resume Writing! Stay tuned for more tips on job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
This blog's author, Debra Wheatman of Careers Done Write, provides executive career services including resume and cover letter preparation, job search / interviewing strategies and professional branding including how to effectively use LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media in your career.
Visit CareersDoneWrite.com to learn more about how we can put your career in gear with interview catching resumes and professionally written career documents.