Action Words for Applications
Using active, positive words (these are normally verbs) in a CV or in an application form can give it additional impact and make a stronger impression on potential employers. Use action words (also called buzz words) to put over what you have achieved in vacation jobs or posts of responsibility - not just the tasks you have carried out.
For example, rather than writing:
"For my final-year project, I had to carry out a survey of patients' attitudes to health care services for the elderly. This involved interviewing patients in hospital and in their homes. A database was used to keep track of data collected. This project was finished on time and was awarded a 2.1 grade."
You should instead write:
"Devised and prepared a survey of patients' attitudes to health care services for the elderly as my final-year project. Interviewed 70 elderly patients and obtained a substantial amount of data. Created a database to analyse and interpret this material. Completed this project three weeks ahead of schedule and achieved a 2.1 grade."
The action words help to give an impression of a positive, motivated person who knows how to present themselves in a businesslike way and will be likely to succeed in a variety of work areas.
ACTION WORDS SLOT MACHINE
Line up the action words to win some (virtual!) money.
You will need Adobe Flash to use the slot machine below. You almost certainly already have it installed, but if not, you can download the latest Flash player by clicking here
SOME MORE ACTION WORDS FOR YOUR CV OR APPLICATION FORM
Don't try to use them all at once - but they will help to offer some ideas for a more dynamic CV
| Planned | Devised | Achieved |
| Developed | Liaised (spell it right!) | Evaluated |
| Supervised | Co-ordinated | Managed |
| Administered | Controlled | Selected |
| Created | Instructed | Negotiated |
| Designed | Researched | Analysed |
| Discovered | Recommended | Tested |
| Diagnosed | Budgeted | Monitored |
| Evaluated | Examined | Assessed |
| Promoted | Sold | Advised |
| Selected | Trained | Taught |
| Explained | Presented | Conducted |
| Distributed | Organised | Solved |
| Represented | Persuaded | Calculated |
| Completed | Arranged | Responsible for |
What action verbs do you like to see in CVs?
(The bigger the word, the more times it was suggested by recruiters.)
From the brilliant 2010 Orange County Resume Survey by Eric Hilden
What action verbs should be left off CVs?
(The bigger the word, the more times it was suggested by recruiters.)
Also see the most overused buzzwords on LinkedIn
Also see our Application and Interview Pages ..... and ..... CV and Covering Letter Examples Home Page