Resume writing is not like expository writing or creative writing. It embodies a functional, direct writing style and focuses on the use of action words. By using action words in your writing, you more effectively stress past accomplishments. Action words help demonstrate your initiative and highlight your talents. Al ways use verbs that show strength and reflect the qualities of a "doer" By using action words, you characterize yourself as a person who takes action, and this will impress potential employers.
The following is a list of verbs commonly used in resume writing. Use this list to choose the action words that can help your resume become a strong one:
- administered
- introduced
- advised
- invented
- analyzed
- maintained
- arranged
- managed
- assembled
- met with
- assumed
- responsibility
- motivated
- billed
- negotiated
- built
- operated
- carried out
- orchestrated
- channeled
- ordered
- collected
- organized
- communicated
- oversaw
- compiled
- performed
- completed
- planned
- conducted
- prepared
- contacted
- presented
- contracted
- produced
- coordinated
- programmed
- coimseled
- published
- created
- purchased
- cut
- recommended
- designed
- recorded
- determined
- reduced
- developed
- referred
- directed
- represented
- dispatched
- researched
- distributed
- reviewed
- documented
- saved
- edited
- screened
- established
- served as
- expanded
- served on
- functioned as
- sold
- gathered
- suggested
- handled
- supervised
- hired
- taught
- implemented
- tested
- improved
- trained
- inspected
- typed
- interviewed
- wrote
WORK EXPERIENCE
Regional Sales Manager
Manager of sales representatives from seven states. Responsible for twelve food chain accounts in the East. In charge of directing the sales force in planned selling toward specific goals. Supervisor and trainer of new sales representatives. Consulting for customers in the areas of inventory management and quality control
Special Projects: Coordinator and sponsor of annual food industry sales seminar.
Accomplishments: Monthly regional volume went up 25 percent during my tenure while, at the same time, a proper sales/cost ratio was maintained. Customer/company relations improved significantly.
Below is the rewritten version of this information, using action words. Notice how much stronger it sounds.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Regional Sales Manager
Managed sales representatives from seven states. Handled twelve food chain accounts in the eastern United States. Directed the sales force in planned selling towards specific goals. Supervised and trained new sales representatives. Consulted for customers in the areas of inventory management and quality control. Coordinated and sponsored the annual Food Industry Seminar. Increased monthly regional volume 25 percent and helped to improve customer/company relations during my tenure.
Another way of constructing the work experience section is by using actual job descriptions. Job descriptions are rarely written using the proper resume language, but they do include all die in formation necessary to create this section of your resume. Take the description of one of the jobs you are including on your resume (if you have access to it), and turn it into an action-oriented paragraph. Below is an example of a job description followed by a version of the same description written using action words? Again, pay attention to the style of writing, as the details of your own work experience will be unique.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR I
Responsibilities: Coordinate and direct public services to meet the needs of the nation, state, or community. Analyze problems; work with special committees and public agencies; recommend solutions to governing bodies.
Aptitudes and Skills: Ability to relate to and communicate with people; solve complex problems through analysis; plan, organize, and implement policies and programs. Knowledge of political systems; financial management; personnel administration; program evaluation; organizational theory
WORK EXPERIENCE
Public Administrator I
Wrote pamphlets and conducted discussion groups to inform citizens of legislative processes and consumer issues. Organized and supervised 25 interviewers. Trained interviewers in effective communication skills
Now that you have learned how to word your resume, you are ready for the next step in your quest for a winning resume: assembly and layout.
