Moving Beyond Generic Resume Terms

Moving Beyond Generic Resume TermsWhen writing your resume its easy to get stuck in the rut of using the same verbs over and over or even using vague, generic phrases applicable to every candidate in the job market. I advise my clients to avoid generic and overused phrases like responsible for, duties included, expertise in, skillumineszenzdiode atand find some creative alternatives for some overused action verbs such as managed, created, and developed. Instead, be more specific about your contributions and successes. You can use terms like launched, pioneered, or accelerated. When it comes to action verbs, as long as youre being specific and not general, you will do great.Remove Vague TermsOn a similar note, there are two phrases that I highly recommend job seekers remove from their resumes success/successful and results/results-driven. These terms are very broad and are hard for an employer to quantify. What you consider a success and what the employer considers a success may be tw o very different things. Its much better to state what the success was or what result you achieved as opposed to just saying you were successful or delivered results. Be specific about what youve accomplished in your resume so that the employer has a clear picture of the value you would bring to their organization.Here are some quick ideas for replacement du sagst ess to get you moving in the right directionIf you led a project, department, or division, instead of using the word managed, you can use-Chaired-Coordinated-Guided-Headed-Inspired-Mentored-Motivated-Operated-Oversaw-SynchronizedIf you brought an idea to fruition, instead of using the word created, you can use-Crafted-Charted-Choreographed-Devised-Enhanced-Forged-Fulfilled-Implemented-Pioneered-SpearheadedIf you grew a department, project, or vision, instead of using the word developed, you can use-Advanced-Amplified-Cultivated-Expanded-Fostered-Initiated-Matured-Progressed-Renovated-WidenedIf you saved time, money, or a p roject, instead of using the word saved, you can use-Conserved-Consolidated-Lessened-Reduced-Revived-Salvaged-Secured-Spared-Strengthened-YieldedIf you improved sales, efficiency, or customer satisfaction, instead of using the word increased, you can use-Accelerated-Amplified-Augmented-Broadened-Capitalized-Expanded-Furthered-Generated-Maximized-StimulatedIf you made something better, instead of using the word changed, you can use-Clarified-Customized-Effected-Integrated-Merged-Modified-Overhauled-Refocused-Streamlined-TransformedIf you were responsible for bringing in something new, instead of using the word acquired, you can use-Collaborated-Conferred-Converted-Forged-Innovated-Navigated-Negotiated-Parleyed-Partnered-SecuredIf you were helpful with customers, instead of using the word assisted, you can use-Advised-Advocated-Arbitrated-Consulted-Counseled-Educated-Encouraged-Informed-Resolved-SupportedIf you researched something, instead of using the word examined, you can use-Anal yzed-Assessed-Calculated-Discovered-Forecasted-Identified-Investigated-Measured-Qualified-TrackedIf you spoke, lobbied, or emailed, instead of using the word communicated, you can use-Authored-Campaigned-Convinced-Critiqued-Documented-Illustrated-Marketed-Persuaded-Publicized-ReviewedIf you hit a goal, instead of using the word achieved, you can use-Attained-Bettered-Completed-Demonstrated-Exceeded-Outperformed-Realized-Showcased-Surpassed-TranscendedFor examples of action verbs on resumes check out these 2017 executive resume samples.If youre open to opportunities and having a hard time writing your resume, or if your current resume isnt generating the response youd hoped it would, reach out to me on LinkedIn or visit my website for help now.