Word Choice

Word choice is important in writing. Using the right word to attract attention from a reader can either make or break what it is you're attempting to express.

Essential to writing a good resume is using words that describe yourself well and drawing attention to the responsibilities and experience that make you qualified for the position.

In order to find words that capture what you're trying to say, look through the list below.

  1. Draw a line through words that don't describe you.
  2. Pick out words that do clearly represent you.

adaptable		insightful		versatile
willing			assertive		perceptive
thorough		sensitive		imaginative
precise			supportive		creative
caring			productive		efficient
energetic		trustworthy		diligent
honest			communicative		intelligent
hard working		helpful			intuitive
courageous		strong			determined
dedicated		analytic		committed

After going through this list you should have an idea of what you want your future employer to know about you.

After finding words that describe you, go through your job responsibilities, internships, activities, etc., and find a verb that specifically fits each. The action words you choose will form an image of you in the reader's mind. Here are a variety of words that will add color to your resume:

accelerated		allocated		administered
assembled  		anticipated		approved
completed		conducted		consulted
contributed		coordinated		created
designed		determined		discovered
eliminated		earned			estimated
executed		explained		experienced
instructed		interpreted		investigated
lectured		maintained		managed
marketed		monitored 		motivated
planned			prepared		processed
recommended		recorded		reorganized
simplified		solved 			supervised
taught 			trained 		translated
updated			worked 			wrote

Along with using words that show who you are and what you've done, it is important to use active not passive words.

Active

Active voice indicates that the subject of the verb is acting -- doing something.

Note

Active verbs "show" rather than "tell"; they can add life and movement to writing.

Passive

Passive voice indicates that the subject of the verb is being acted upon. A passive verb is a combination of a be verb and a past participle.

Hint

The passive form can often be indicated by helping verbs: is, am, are, were, was, been.

References

Jackson, Tom. The Perfect Resume for the 90's. New York: Doubleday, 1981.
Kemper, Dave, Verne Meyer, and Patrick Sebranek. Writers Inc. Burlington: Write Source Educational Publishing House, 1990.
"Resume Preparation: Key Action Words." Career Services, St. Cloud State University.
"Skills List." The Write Place, St. Cloud State University.
"Verbs: Active and Passive." The Write Place, St. Cloud State University.


© 1995 Sara Sharpe