How can you describe yourself, your experiences, and your education in a way that will make you stand out? Language can help! Using creative and original vocabulary will make your resume more interesting to read. Try this useful vocabulary for creating a resume to improve your resume (and perhaps improve your chances of getting an interview).

Useful Vocabulary for Creating a Resume

It is common to use words such as make, do, improve, or get on resumes. However, these words are too common and are seen as “weak” words: there are other stronger verbs in the English language that much more effectively express what you did at your last job. Try using some of the words below instead. In the parentheses, you will see the words or concepts that are commonly used with these power verbs. Some of the words are applicable for more than one category, so they may appear twice.

Instead of MADE or DO, say:

• Acted as (an employee with a title)
• Conducted (research, studies)
• Coordinated (events. meetings, groups, activities)
• Developed (ideas, projects)
• Delivered (results)
• Designed (projects, spaces, events, graphics)
• Devoted (yourself to a cause, devoted time to something important)
• Gathered (information, ideas, objects)
• Participated in (events, conferences, meetings, projects)
• Performed (tasks, duties, responsibilities)

Instead of THINK/RESEARCH, say:

• Analyzed (data, statistics, research findings, etc.)
• Evaluated (data, statistics, research findings, etc.)
• Examined  (data, statistics, research findings, etc.)
• Defined (target markets, audiences)
• Developed (research studies, ideas, projects)
• Observed  (data, statistics, research findings, etc.)
• Recommended (actions based on professional experience or research)

Instead of GOT/RECEIVED, say:

• Achieved (a goal)
• Accomplished  (a goal)
• Earned (a new job title, an award, money)
• Fulfilled (a goal)
• Gathered (data, information)
• Obtained (data, information)
• Received (data, information, objects)

Instead of HELPED or IMPROVED, say:

• Advanced (an industry, a cause, an idea)
• Assisted with/in (a job, tasks, duties)
• Contributed to  (an industry, a cause, an idea)
• Contributed by + ing (an action you took to improve this cause)
• Consulted (a company, a person)
• Encouraged (growth through action, a company, a person)
• Enhanced (growth through action, a company, a person)
• Generated  (revenue, sales, internet traffic, acclaim)
• Gained (revenue, sales, internet traffic, acclaim)
• Identified (a problem, a market, an audience)
• Maximized (profits, efficiency, sales)
• Modernized (an industry, a system, an organization)
• Strengthened (an industry, a system, an organization)
• Upgraded (technology, software)

For ACTIONS you took (organizing, managing), say:

• Delegated (responsibilities, tasks, duties)
• Diversified (a company’s portfolio)
• Facilitated (meetings, changes)
• Formulated (ideas, projects, change)
• Headed (a project)
• Hosted (a conference, a meeting)
• Implemented (change)
• Influenced (a person or company to change)
• Launched (a project, advertising campaign)
• Managed (people, a company, a project)
• Mediated (issues between people, departments, or companies)
• Negotiated (agreements and transactions between people, departments, or companies)
• Operated (machinery, computer programs, production)
• Organized (meetings, plans)
• Overhauled (change in a company)
• Oversaw (a project or company)
• Pioneered (a new idea)
• Planned (an event, a project)
• Prepared (a presentation, a proposal, anything to be presented or given to the public or co-workers or clients)
• Presented (ideas, findings, proposals)
• Promoted (ideas, companies)
• Provided (support, professional help)
• Pursued (a goal or new project)
• Redesigned or Re-engineered or Restructured (a way of doing things, a system)
• Reorganized (a way of doing things, a system)
• Represented (a company, an organization, a team, a department)
• Spearheaded (a project)
• Trained (a person or a team)
• Unified (a group, departments, companies)
• Utilized (resources, tools)

With CISL’s Career English program, students spend time with an American company and practice their English in a real working environment. Before spending time with their host company, students work with the Career English Coordinator to improve their interview skills and to create their American-style resume. 

Would you like to learn more about what it is like to spend time with an American company through CISL’s Career English program? Read about some of the experiences of former students and watch Desi’s video below. 

• Desiree’s experience with an architecture firm
• Antonio’s time in Real Estate
• Katrin learns about event planning
• Hyebin’s talent scout and marketing experience!

CISL Career English Program from Converse International School on Vimeo.