Having the right industry related power words or action verbs in prominent positions on your CV can go along way in getting you noticed by employers.

You will be judged on how well your CV is written and how good it is at communicating with recruiters. Properly incorporating power words can help convey strong writing skills and increase the strength of your curriculum vitae.

Write action words as being in the past tense, this will create the impression of something having been already previously done or completed. If you use the present tense then it may convey the message that you are still in the process of doing it.

You can list industry specific action words by bullet points in their own section, for instance under a heading like areas of expertise. Or you can plant then in sentences in the body of theĀ CV, and then highlight or underline them.

Remember not to overuse power words, the most effective way to strengthen your CV with them is to use them sparsely.

20 Powerful CV Words

Finding power words
Research the job you are applying for and find relevant associated keywords. Read the job descriptions of similar vacancies and note down strong industry related technical words that stand out.

 

Technical words
These are industry specific jargon that can impress by showing your in-depth knowledge and understanding of you business.

Organizational skill power words

  • Categorized
  • Filed
  • Incorporated
  • Organized
  • Prepared
  • Recorded
  • Registered

Achievement power words

  • Achieved
  • Built
  • Created
  • Developed
  • Established
  • Expanded
  • Solved
  • Streamlined

Creative power words

  • Adapted
  • Combined
  • Composed
  • Conceptualized
  • Condensed
  • Created
  • Customized
  • Designed
  • Developed
  • Revised
  • Revitalized
  • Shaped
  • Solved

Management power words

  • Administered
  • Appointed
  • Approved
  • Consolidated
  • Contracted
  • Controlled
  • Implemented
  • Negotiated
  • Produced
  • Recommended
  • Reorganized
  • Strengthened
  • Supervised

 

Related topics:

Career advice

CV layout

CV services

CV templates

Writing a CV

Why CVs are rejected