key phrases for resume writing

Resume Keywords: 80+ Verbs and Power Words to Use

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The most powerful words you can put on your resume are verbs. While other job seekers are saying, “Responsible for…” you want to be saying, “Led,” “Managed,” “Grew,” etc.

In this article, we’ll look at more than 80 positive, impressive-sounding verbs and action words to use on your resume or LinkedIn.

Let’s get started…

Positive Verbs & Action Words to Use in a Resume

To start, here are some impressive, action-oriented words you can use in your resume to avoid the over-used phrase, “Responsible for…”

Always try to lead off your bullets with a verb when possible. You can also use verbs in your resume summary , bullets  and work history .

Here’s the full list of verbs to help you write a better resume:

Words for Leading People, Projects, and Tasks

• Orchestrated
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Words for Boosting Sales/Revenue

Words for improving a process.

• Accelerated
• Re-engineered
• Reorganized
• Transformed
• Re-calibrated
• Restructured
• Strengthened
• Streamlined
• Transitioned

Words for Creating a New Process or Initiative

• Implemented
• Established
• Spearheaded

Words for Research, Analysis, and Business Decision-Making

Words for saving money or resources for the company, words to show achievements, awards, and successes.

• Recognized for
• Succeeded in
• Outperformed

What Are Good Keywords for a Resume?

Next, you’ll need to put some keywords for the specific jobs you’re applying for.

But what are good keywords to include?

The best keywords to put on your resume are words directly from the job posting. This is what the employer wants to see most (and likely what they’re looking for first – whether they’re using a software-based applicant tracking system or having a recruiter or HR person review each resume manually).

So if the job posting talks about wanting someone who has led projects in the past, make sure you’re saying “leadership” in your list of skills, and put a bullet that says “Successfully led…” in your recent work if possible.

This is known as tailoring your resume .

Try to use the same phrasing that the company uses in the job description at least once (e.g. led vs. leading vs. lead).

This isn’t always possible, and you should always write your resume for a real person first and foremost… since that’s who will be making the final decision. But try to mirror the job description when possible.

Don’t use generic buzzwords and adjectives like “hard-working”

The words listed on the job description are the best keywords and key phrases to put on your resume. Avoid buzzwords like, “hard-working” or “excellent interpersonal skills.” Employers don’t care much about this on a resume and prefer to evaluate it in an interview.

Those generic lists of resume keywords that you’ll find online are not helping. I worked for five years as a recruiter and never once decided to interview someone or recommend them for a job because of a generic phrase like that.

Employers are much more concerned about hard skills and job-related experience on a resume. They want proof you can step into the job and succeed… which is what the resume/CV word list above will help you show!

For skill-based keywords with an abbreviation, try to include the long and short version of the keyword at least once on your resume. For example, if you do business-to-business sales, you’d want to say “B2B Sales” once, and you’d want to write it out in the longer form at least once, too.

That’s just one more tip to help you beat applicant tracking systems.

Write What You Accomplished, Not What You Were Responsible For

When writing your resume and choosing what keywords and verbs to use, keep in mind that your goal should be to highlight what you accomplished… not just what you were responsible for.

Hiring managers aren’t going to be very impressed by a long list of what you were assigned to do. That’s essentially what you’re sharing if you start a bullet with “Responsible for.”

Also, try to include specific data and results when possible, especially in your bullets.

I’ll share a few examples below… by taking some of the words I recommended above and completing the sentence.

The verbs from the list above will be in bold to help you spot them below. Note that you shouldn’t write them in bold on your actual resume most likely.

Examples of How to Write Accomplishment-Driven Resume Bullets

Completed an average of 19 projects per month, bringing in $2.4MM in revenue for the company in 2019″

Audited 4 internal processes and systems related to order management, identifying an opportunity to save 1.2% on payment processing costs.

Overhauled the training program for new sales associates, resulting in 2 fewer weeks of training necessary and a 7% increase in first-month revenue generated by new sales associates in Q1 2020.

Oversaw and mentored 10 new team members per quarter, instructing them on the day-to-day work, company policies, and best practices

Conclusion: The Best Keywords and Verbs to Use in a Resume

You now have a list of powerful, effective words for writing your resume, which you should use to lead off bullet points and other sentences. This will show employers how you performed and what you accomplished in past work.

Try to avoid saying, “Responsible for,” and use the verbs from the word list above instead!

You also know how to find the best keywords for your resume – by using the job description. This is the best way to ensure that you’re not forgetting any essential skills that the employer wants.

Finally, you know NOT to put generic buzzwords like “hard working” or “fast learner”.

If you skipped to the bottom and aren’t sure about any of this, I recommend going back through the article.

Once you implement everything above, you’re going to have a much better resume that gets you more job interviews.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), how to beat applicant tracking systems with your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, what happens when you lie on your resume 10 risks, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, guide to resume sections, titles, and headings, 12 resume formatting tips from a professional, how artificial intelligence (ai) is changing resume writing, 22 resume bullet point examples that get interviews, are resume writers worth it.

Press Enter to search

Power Phrases: What They Are And How To List Them On Your Resume

Power phrases add impact to your resume through action verbs and metrics. Learn how to create your own or use our list of examples to boost your resume

a year ago   •   7 min read

Gone are the days of simply writing that you’re “detail-oriented” or “a good team player”. Recruiters scan through hundreds of resumes, spending less than 7 seconds on each candidate, so if you want to win yourself an interview, you need to showcase your skills in a way that grabs attention and stands out from the rest.

Combining a strong action verb and quantifiable metrics into a memorable power phrase on your resume is one way to do just that. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes good resume power phrases, when and how to use them, and how to construct your own. We’ll also provide a list of key power phrase examples to boost your resume and increase your chances of being noticed.

But first, let’s look at what power phrases are and why you should use them on a resume.

What resume power phrases are and why you should use them

Power phrases are action-oriented phrases that showcase your skills and experience in a succinct, memorable, and informative way. In other words, it’s marketing for your resume.

The goal of a power phrase is to show a recruiter that you are the best candidate for the job through quantified experience and real-world examples. A good power phrase will be memorable and impressive, helping you stand out from the pack while giving the recruiter all the information they need about your skills and experience.

Power phrases can also help optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems by including the keywords employers are searching for.

But where should you use them?

Where to use power phrases

Power phrases can be used in multiple sections of your resume, including your resume summary , work experience section, skills section, and cover letter .

Be mindful of overdoing it though. Don’t cram power phrases into every sentence or your resume will read like an advertising campaign. Choose your words carefully and avoid repeating phrases.

How to create a power phrase

When coming up with power phrases for your resume, consider:

• What skill am I trying to demonstrate?
• What project/achievement in my work experience showcases this skill?
• How can I quantify my success?

Once you have these answers in mind, use this equation to generate a power phrase:

In other words:

What did you do + why/how did you do it + what was the positive result.

Start the phrase with a powerful action verb and end with a quantifiable metric. Research examples of strong action verbs , look for synonyms of common resume verbs , or peruse the examples below to create your power phrases.

If you're unsure whether your resume contains effective action verbs and power phrases, upload it to the tool below . You'll receive an instant review of your resume, supported by insights from recruiters and hiring managers.

List of key power phrase examples for your resume

Below is a list of key power phrases that can be used on any resume, followed by industry-specific examples. Be sure to adapt each phrase to suit your skills and experience.

You can either copy and paste these examples into your resume or use this list as inspiration when making your own.

Universal power phrases

These phrases all use the standard power phrase equation:

Action verb + task/project + result/metric.

The order of the result/metric and action/task is interchangeable, as long as you start with your strong action verb and include a quantifiable metric.

• Accomplished (result/achievement) by (action taken)
• Developed/executed (project/process) resulting in (achievement)
• Improved (process/project) by (action) causing (metric)
• Managed (X) projects simultaneously leading to (result)
• Achieved (result) by (action/task)
• Demonstrated (skill) through (action/example) leading to (result)
• Increased/reduced (metric) by (percentage/amount) through (action)

Depending on your industry and the skills you are hoping to highlight, use the key action verbs listed below or copy these industry examples.

Training and mentoring

Action verbs to showcase training and mentoring skills are: trained, led, managed, coached, mentored, developed, coordinated, and facilitated. For example:

• Coordinated onboarding processes resulting in (impact)
• Mentored and coached (x) team members in (project/skill) resulting in (impact)
• Led group training in (project/area of expertise) resulting in (result)

Action verbs to include for sales resumes are: Increased, improved, exceeded, reduced, developed, implemented, and generated. For example:

• Developed/introduced (strategy) resulting in (% increase) in sales
• Generated new leads through (idea/strategy) leading to (result)

Conflict resolution

Keywords to show conflict resolution are: Mediated, resolved, collaborated, facilitated, and developed. For example:

• Facilitated conflict resolution through (action) leading to (benefit)
• Collaborated with (x) teams to resolve conflicts and (increase/improve result)
• Developed (strategy) to resolve team conflicts, leading to (metric)

Management and leading a team

Verbs to showcase management , supervisory , and team lead experience include: Collaborated, managed, supervised, evaluated, led, delegated, facilitated, resolved, coordinated, and addressed. For example:

• Managed (team/project) of (x employees) resulting in (achievement/benefit)
• Led a team of (x) employees to achieve (result/metric)
• Conducted training and performance evaluations of (x) team members, leading to (benefit/result)

Social media management

Verbs for social media management roles include: Developed, created, ran, managed, spearheaded, collaborated, marketed, and engaged. For example:

• Developed social media strategies through (platform) leading to (metric)
• Created engaging content for (project/platform) resulting in (result)
• Managed (x) social media campaigns for (platform/project) which increased/boosted (revenue/traffic/sales/exposure)

Data analysis

Keywords for data analysis are: Analyzed, developed, implemented, modeled, produced, streamlined, and conducted. For example:

• Analyzed (data/process/project) leading to (result/action/benefit)
• Conducted data analysis and modeling resulting in (achievement)
• Developed and implemented (strategy/system) leading to (benefit)

Research and development

Verbs for R&D resumes include: Researched, developed, conducted, managed, monitored, evaluated, collaborated, and coordinated. For example:

• Developed and implemented (R&D strategy) leading to (metric)
• Monitored and evaluated R&D for (project) resulting in (achievement)
• Conducted R&D for (x) projects, leading to (result)

Talent acquisition

Verbs for HR and talent acquisition include: Hired, trained, sourced, managed, oversaw, developed, and conducted. For example:

• Managed the interview and hiring process for (x) employees, leading to a (metric) retention rate in staff
• Conducted candidate sourcing and screening through (process) resulting in (metric)
• Developed and executed (strategy/process) resulting in (achievement)

Keywords for marketing resumes are: Researched, identified, managed, optimized, executed, ran, led, oversaw, created, marketed, and developed. For example:

• Optimized digital marketing through (channel/platform) for (x) projects, leading to (achievement)
• Conducted market research through (process/platform) identifying target audiences and resulting in (metric)
• Developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that saw a (%metric) increase in (sales/leads/customer interaction)

Budget management

Verbs to showcase budget and finance skills include: Monitored, analyzed, forecast, evaluated, managed, budgeted, implemented, identified, and executed. For example:

• Managed and optimized budgets through (hard skill/process) resulting in (impact)
• Conducted financial analysis and forecasting for (project) resulting in (result)
• Monitored and evaluated the financial performance of (team/project) resulting in (achievement)

Now that you’ve seen some examples of strong power phrases to include on your resume, let’s look at exactly how to include them.

How to list power phrases on your resume

Whenever you describe responsibilities, skills, or experience on your resume, consider using strong action verbs to turn your statement into a power phrase.

Use bullet points

Use bullet points to break up blocks of text and make your resume more easy to skim. Don’t worry about full sentences or pronouns (such as I or my) and cut out any flowery language. Use short, concise sentences to let your accomplishments take center stage.

Quantify your achievements

Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements , such as stats, percentages, revenue, or sales. Don’t use vague words like “some,” “most,” or “many.” Instead, use specific numbers, such as “trained 50 employees” or “increased revenue by 15%”.

Tailor your word choice to the application

Use the job description and position requirements to guide your word choice. For example, if you are applying for a management position, use the terms managed, oversaw, and/or led. If applying for a teaching position, include the terms mentored, trained, or taught.

To determine relevant action words, scan the job description with a keyword finder to create a list of relevant keywords. Convert these keywords into past tense verbs to find your action words.

For example, if your keywords are editing, writing, and publishing, your action words would be edited, wrote, and published. If your keywords are research, management, and data analysis, your action words would be researched, managed, and analyzed.

Another good way to tailor your resume to the job is to use the skills and keyword tool below to search for the job you’re applying for and it’ll provide you with a list of hard skills relevant to that job.

Avoid buzzwords

Power phrases are not buzzwords.

Buzzwords are cliche , overused words such as “team player,” “motivated,” or “hardworking.” These words provide no quantifiable information, are subjective and immeasurable, and can actually negatively affect your resume.

If you are unsure if a word is a power word or a buzzword, consider if the word can be quantified and if it describes an action or a mentality. “Collaborated” is an action you can quantify with metrics, making it a great power verb. “Results-orientated” is a personality trait that is hard to explain through experience, making it a buzzword.

Improving weak statements

Here is an example of how to improve a weak resume statement using a power phrase.

Weak statement: Responsible for managing a team

This statement doesn’t tell a recruiter anything about the team managed or showcase a successful result. It isn’t memorable or impressive and leaves the recruiter with questions.

Strong statement: Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 20% increase in sales

This statement is engaging and informative. It quantifies both the size of the team and the success you had in increasing sales, demonstrating the positive impact of your leadership.

As you can see, power phrases increase the impact of your resume, clearly demonstrating your experience and helping your resume make a strong impression and stand out from the rest.

• Career Advice

Spread the word

How (and when) to list relevant coursework on a resume, how to write an sql resume (with tips and examples), keep reading, how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), oops what to do if there’s a mistake on your resume, getting the basics right: resume line spacing, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.

🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.

Please enter a valid email address

Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]

The use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by companies is on the rise.

ATS is a software that scans every application that comes in for a job.

Based on the job requirements and profile, it decides whether a recruiter should see a resume or not.

And the odds are not in your favor:

ATS rejects, on average, around 75% of job applications.

Even if you get past this obstacle, the recruiter will only give your resume a glimpse. 

It takes him/her around 6 seconds to decide your entire future. 

So how can you get yourself noticed? 

Resume keywords.

Both ATS as well as the hiring manager scan for relevant keywords that fit what they are looking for. 

If you know how to properly use resume keywords, you’ll have a leg up on ATS (and the competition).

• What Are Resume Keywords?

How to Pick the Right Resume Keywords [Step-by-Step]

• 880+ Keywords Divided by Industry 

What are Resume Keywords? 

Resume keywords are words or phrases that describe specific job requirements. 

They are the abilities, skills, expertise, and values that the recruiter is looking for in a candidate. 

Hint: Abilities, skills, and values you should possess. 

We know what you’re thinking: 

How important can a bunch of words really be?

Well, as we’ve already hammered down, your resume will often be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . 

This system has inbuilt software that filters the different applications that come in. 

The recruiter writes a list of keywords in the ATS system. These are the job requirements.

The ATS then scans your applications for those specific keywords that the recruiter plugged in.

If you don’t have the right amount of them, your resume gets thrown in the software void and never reaches the recruiter. 

So, what kind of resume keywords should you include?

Well, they vary from job to job.

We’ll get into more details in the next section, but here’s an example so you get the idea:

Let’s say you are an architect applying for a senior position in a large firm. 

This is your resume summary :

“A detail-oriented and qualified senior architect who excels in developing construction drawings, creating 3D models, and conducting architectural research and analysis.” 

The system reads these keywords in your resume summary:

• Detail-oriented
• Senior Architect
• Construction Drawings

The system registers which of these keywords match the ones set as a requirement by the recruiter.

CHECK: senior architect

CHECK: construction drawings

CHECK: 3D models

NOT CHECK: computer-aided design (CAD) 

NOT CHECK: 10 years of experience

Now, you might have experience with CAD and also have more than ten years of experience. 

But because the ATS didn’t read it, it did not count it, and you might be rejected at this very first stage.

This example perfectly demonstrates the importance of keywords with ATS.

But as we’ve already mentioned, that’s not it. Resume keywords also help impress the recruiter. 

Well, imagine you’re looking for a new laptop online and the seller’s website doesn’t provide the critical details you need in the description, like what the resolution, RAM, processor, or graphics are. 

You’ll scan the page looking for these keywords. If you don’t find them, you’ll just move on to a different website. 

This is the same process that recruiters go through in pursuit of the best person for the job. 

Even with all those resumes failing ATS, hiring managers don’t have time to read all passing resumes line by line.

They usually evaluate resumes only by scanning for a predetermined list of keywords. 

Think of them as an ATS but in human form:

One that gets tired and bored by looking at the same thing over and over.

You want to stand out from the other pool of applicants and get noticed.

You can do that by picking the right resume keywords .

Keep in mind, though, that resume keywords won’t do much unless you’re using an ATS-friendly resume template. After all, if the ATS CAN’T even read your resume, it won’t be able to scan for the keywords!

Novorésumé's resume templates are built with ATS in mind. Just pick one, and you won’t have to worry about formatting!

So how do you pick the keywords the ATS and the recruiter are looking for?

First, scan the job ad for keywords. 

If your resume keywords match the ones given in the job ad, you have a higher chance of getting an interview. 

There are two main categories of keywords the recruiters or managers are looking for: (1) job-related skills and (2) action verbs.  

Job-related keywords describe your primary skills (both hard and soft) and your core qualifications for this particular job. 

e.g: Computer Science, Social Media, Photoshop, Critical-thinking, etc. 

Action verbs , on the other hand, demonstrate action: they show what you have accomplished and how you have succeeded in your previous experience.  

e.g: managed, developed, planned, maximized, etc. 

So, in your resume scan, you should be looking for both job-related keywords and action verbs.

Once you’ve pinpointed all relevant keywords from the job description, it’s time to put them down in your own resume.

But which section do they go under, exactly?

Generally: 

• Job-related keywords go under your “Skills”
• Action verbs will help you with your job descriptions in the “Work Experience” section . 
• Education requirements will be reflected in your “Education” section , 
• Job title descriptions will go on your resume summary.

Are they looking for someone with Photoshop skills?

“Photoshop” is a job-related keyword and you happen to be a pro at it!

So you would put it down under your “Skills” section.

Easy, right?

We’ll demonstrate how exactly you can pinpoint relevant keywords and use them in your resume with the example below.

Before we get to that, though, two words of caution:

Don’t overdo it.

And don’t lie .

Do not use keywords just for the sake of having them in your resume. 

They need to be used in the right context and reflect your actual skills/achievements. 

An ATS can’t spot redundancy or a lie, but the recruiter surely can. 

So stay honest , relevant , and accurate with your use of resume keywords.

Not sure whether the keywords in your resume are relevant? Here’s how you can be sure: 

Pick two to five job advertisements that are similar to the one you are applying for and identify frequently used keywords. Make a list, and include them in your resume (as long as they match your qualifications, of course). 

How to Pick the Right Resume Keywords: A Practical Example

So how do all the steps we described look like in practice?

Let’s take a real-life job posting.

Below is a Software Developer job ad.

Step 1: Highlight all the relevant keywords.

We are looking for a software developer with 5+ years of experience to create and execute functional, practical programs. Throughout the job, you will have to collaborate with other programmers and software developers. Your main objective will be to develop powerful, high-quality, user-focused programs and systems. 

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree (BSc/BA) in computer engineering , computer science or similar degree.
• Must understand in-depth the implications of software engineering.
• Previous, proven experience on a number of projects for software development.
• Experience with software designing in a test-driven environment.  
• Deep knowledge of the frameworks /systems( AngularJS, Git ) and coding language (e.g: C++, Javascript ). 
• The willingness to work in a constantly changing world. Ability to adapt to new technologies and software languages. 
• Creativity is a bonus.
• Great communication and teamwork skills . 
• Attentive to detail .

Job Responsibilities: 

• Work with programmers to build algorithms and flowcharts . 
• Produce clean, usable, datatype-based software.  
• Incorporate software components and programs from third parties. 
• Validate and implement programs and systems. 
• Fix, debug and improve existing software. 
• Collect and analyze feedback from the client. 
• Suggest and enact improvements.  
• Create technical paperwork for reference and reporting purposes.

Step 2. As you’re highlighting, divide the relevant keywords into job-related and action verbs. 

This will make it super easy for you to write the resume. 

Step 3: Now, we’ll make another division. 

This is based on the resume sections which each keyword should fall under.

RESUME SUMMARY: 

• Software Developer 
• Software designing
• 5+ years of experience 
• User-focused 

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High-quality 
• Incorporate
• Test-driven environment
• Datatype-based software
• Technical paperwork
• Communication skills 
• Attentive to detail 
• AngularJS, Git
• Coding language
• Bachelor's degree (BSc/BA)
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science

Step 4: What’s left is to reflect upon strengths and choose the best keywords for you.

Keep in mind not all keywords should be included in the resume: only the qualifications and achievements which are relevant to your experience. 

Once you’ve decided all the resume keywords relevant to you, use them in your resume.

Step 5: Finally, let’s put everything together. 

Take a look at Melissa’s Software Developer ATS tailored resume .

Melissa went through all the described steps in this example and integrated all relevant keywords into her resume. 

Melissa just upped her shot at getting that interview .

Now it’s your turn! 

In the next section, we’ll show you the most relevant resume keywords for your profession.

880+ Resume Keywords Divided by Industry 

Although resume keywords are tailored to the job description, there are some valuable skills recruiters are always keeping an eye on.

Below, you will find a tailored list of top keywords for every profession and industry. 

Discover the industry-specific keywords that HR managers, recruiters and the ATS look!

53+ Education and Training Resume Keywords [A-Z]

119+ information technology resume keywords [a-z], 45+ law enforcement resume keywords [a-z].

• 59+ Tourism and Hospitality Resume Keywords [A-Z]

115+ Marketing and Business Administration Resume Keywords [A-Z]

• 143+ Finance and Accounting Resume Keywords [A-Z]

57+ Human Resources Resume Keywords [A-Z]

32+ architecture and construction resume keywords [a-z], 54+ health care resume keywords [a-z], 109+ manufacturing resume keywords [a-z], 91+ social work resume keywords [a-z].

• Administration
• Co-directed
• Cognitive Skills
• Collaboration
• Community Building
• Computer-based Training
• Discipline,
• Field Instruction
• Fundraising
• Holistic Learning
• Individualized Education
• Instruction
• Integration
• Interactive
• Interpersonal
• Job Placement
• Multi-class
• Parent Communications
• Parent-teacher Meeting
• Peer Counseling
• Program Development
• Public Relations
• Recruitment
• Relationship Building
• Setting Boundaries
• Verbal Communication
• Writing Lesson Plans
• Writing Reports
• Written Communication
• Access platform
• Ad creative/impression/inventory/rotation analysis/configuration/deployment/design
• Application Technology
• Architecture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Banner advertisement
• Business Analysis
• Business Continuity
• Business support systems (BSS)
• Business Transformation
• C++ Programming
• Capital Budgets
• Certificate authority
• Change Management
• Channel behavior / conflicts/marketing/outcomes/profitability/promotion/satisfaction
• Cloud Computing
• Co-branding
• Competitive intelligence
• Compliance and Security
• Component development
• Customization and Configuration
• Data Centre Operations
• Data Controller
• Data Gathering
• Data Localization
• Data mining/warehousing
• Database Administration
• Database Design
• Database Development
• Database Integration
• Database Management
• Delivery Systems
• Design Patterns
• Digital Marketing (pull/push)
• Digital Media
• Disaster Recovery
• Distributed Systems
• Distribution channels
• Electronic data interchange (EDI)
• Electronic marketing
• End-User Support
• Enterprise Systems
• Fault Analysis
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Global HITS
• Graphic design
• Information Security
• Information Technology
• Infrastructure Development
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Java Technology
• Knowledge management
• Machine Learning
• Management Information System (MIS)
• Multiplatform Integration
• Needs Assessment
• Network Administration
• Network Engineering
• Network solutions
• Open Source Technology
• Operations support systems (OSS)
• Privacy Policy
• Process Reengineering
• Product Launch
• Product Lifecycle Development
• Product Testing
• Professional Service
• Program Management
• Programming / Coding
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance / Code Testing
• Research & Development
• Resource Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Scalability and Product Extensions
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Service-Oriented Architecture
• Software Configuration
• Software Development
• Software Engineering
• Software Installation / Upgrade
• Software-as-as-Service
• Solutions Delivery
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• System Integration
• Systems Administration
• Systems Configuration
• Systems Deployment
• Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Technical Documentation
• Technical Support
• Technology Stack
• User Interface Design
• Vendor Management
• Visual Basic
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
• Vortals (Vertical Industry Portals)
• Web Administration
• Web-Based Technology
• Workflow Management
• Yield Management
• Acquisition
• Adjudication
• Administrative law
• Community engagement
• Copyright law
• Crime analysis
• Crime prevention
• Crisis management
• Depositions
• Due diligence
• Intellectual property
• Interrogation
• Joint venture
• Judicial affairs
• Juridical doctor
• Landmark decision
• Legal advocacy
• Legal research
• Legislative review
• Limited partnership
• Negotiation
• Police surveillance
• Probate law
• Unfair compensation
• Uniform patrol
• Will preparation
• Witness protection

59 + Tourism and Hospitality Resume Keywords [A-Z]

• Adherence To Policies And Procedures
• Attention To Detail
• Back Office Operations
• Banquet Operations
• Central Reservation System (CRS)
• Client Needs Assessment
• Club Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Customer Service
• Event Coordination
• Facility Management
• Flexibility
• Food And Beverage
• Food Sanitation
• Front Desk Operations
• Guest Relations
• Guest Retention
• Guest Services
• Health & Safety
• Hospitality Management
• Housekeeping
• Human Resources
• Inventory Planning
• Kitchen Operations
• Maintenance
• Meeting Planning
• Menu Planning
• Multi-Unit Operations
• Multitasking
• New Product Development
• Portion Control
• Procurement
• Promote Services
• Property Development
• Property Management
• Quality Assurance
• Recall Customer Programs
• Regulatory Compliance
• Reservations
• Resolving Complaints
• Resort Management
• Revenue Projections
• Service Management
• Training & Development
• Transportation
• Travel and Tourism
• Account Management
• Acquisitions
• Administrative Support
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Advertising
• Analyzing Data
• API (Application Programming Interface)
• BI (Business Intelligence)
• Brand Associations
• Brand Awareness
• Brand Salience
• Budget Management
• Build Relationships
• Business Development
• Business Intelligence
• Business Plans
• Business Process
• Business Strategy
• Business Systems
• Case Management
• Client Relationships
• Client Services
• CMS (Content Management System)
• Commissioning
• Complex Projects
• Continuous Improvement
• Contract Management
• Cooperation
• Correspondence
• CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
• Cross-Functional Team
• Customer Experience
• Daily Operations
• Data Analysis
• Data Collection/Entry
• Data Management
• Data Quality
• Digital Marketing
• Employee Engagement
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)
• HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
• IBM (International Business Machines)
• Information Systems
• Internal Communications
• Inventory Management
• KPI (Key Performance Indicators)
• Management Consulting
• Market Research
• Operating System
• Operational Excellence
• Performance Management
• Portfolio Management
• Process Development
• Process Improvement
• Product Management
• Product Marketing
• Product Quality
• Project Delivery
• Quality Assurance/Control/Management
• R (Programming Language)
• Relationship Building/Management
• Sales Management
• SAP (System Application Products)
• SDL (Software Development Lifecycle)
• Service Blueprint
• Spreadsheets
• Stakeholder Management
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Standardization
• Statistical Analysis
• Status Report
• Strategic Direction
• Strategic Planning
• Strong Analytical Skills
• STP Analysis (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)
• Supply Chain Management
• SWOT Analysis
• Value Proposition

143+ Finance and Accounting Resume Keywords

• (FASB) Financial Accounting Standards Board
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Adjusting/closing entries
• Analysis/analyzing
• Annual Budget
• Annual Reports
• Asset Management
• Audit/auditing/audit controls
• Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
• Balance sheet
• Benefits administration
• Budget/budgeting/budget control
• Business plan
• CAD (Cash Against Documents)
• Capital budget
• Cashflow Statement (CFS)
• Cash management
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• Chart of accounts
• Client/client base
• Collections
• Commercial lending
• Consumer lending
• Contract management
• Corporate governance
• Corporate treasury
• Cost accounting
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Cost-Effective
• Cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Cost reduction and avoidance
• Credit management
• Debt management
• Debt refinancing
• Debt service
• Debt to worth
• Depreciation/accelerated depreciation
• Disbursements
• Discount cash flow
• Dividend(s)
• EBIT/EBITDA
• Efficiencies
• Equity underwriting
• Expenditures
• Expense analysis
• Feasibility
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Management
• Financial Modeling
• Financial Planning
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Statements
• Fixed assets
• Forecast/forecasting
• Foreign exchange
• General accounting
• General Ledger
• High stress
• Income Statement
• Inflow/outflow
• Initial Public Offering (IPO)
• Interest rate(s)
• Internal controls
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Inventory control
• Inventory management
• Investment analysis/management
• Investor relations
• Job (order) costing
• Journal/journaling
• Letter of credit
• Liabilities/liability
• Loan administration
• Management reporting
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Mutual fund(s)
• Net present value (NPV)
• Operating reports
• Payroll administration
• Portfolio Analysis
• Process improvement
• Profit and loss analysis
• Profit and loss statement (P&L)
• Projections
• Public speaking
• Purchase accounting
• Quarterly/year-end reporting
• Real estate
• Reconciliations
• Regulations
• Relationship management
• Reporting and analysis
• Revenue Growth
• Reverse takeover
• Risk Management
• ROE/ROI/ROA
• Sarbanes Oxley
• Shareholders
• Statistical models
• Strategic Thinking
• Tax accounting
• Taxation Compliance
• Transaction
• Trend analysis
• Underwriting
• Variance analysis
• Venture capital
• American Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Benefits Administration
• Career Pathing
• Claims Administration
• College Recruitment
• Compensation
• Competency-Based Performance
• Corporate Culture Change
• Cross-Cultural Communications
• Diversity Management
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Communications
• Employee Empowerment
• Employee Involvement Teams
• Employee Relations
• Employee Retention
• Employee Surveys
• Expatriate Employment
• Grievance Proceedings
• Human Resources (HR)
• Human Resources Generalist Affairs
• Human Resources Partnerships
• Incentive Planning
• International Employment
• Job Task Analysis
• Labor Arbitration
• Labor Contract Negotiations
• Labor Relations
• Leadership Assessment
• Leadership Development
• Management, Training & Development
• Manpower Planning
• Merit Promotion
• Multimedia Training
• Multinational Workforce
• Organizational Design
• Organizational Development
• Organizational Needs Assessment
• Participative Management
• Performance Appraisal
• Performance Incentives
• Performance Reengineering
• Position Classification
• Professional Recruitment
• Regulatory Affairs
• Safety Training
• Self-Directed Work Teams
• Succession Planning
• Train-the-Trainer
• Union Negotiations
• Union Relations
• Wage & Salary Administration
• Workforce Reengineering
• Abstraction
• Architectural Codes
• Architectural Rendering
• Building Codes
• Building Construction
• Building Systems
• Computer Processing
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Conceptualization
• Construction Administration
• Construction Documents
• Creative Thinking
• Design Concepts
• Design Development
• Design to Delivery
• Fire Safety
• Imagination
• Industrial Design
• Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
• Managing Expectations
• Model Making
• Residential Construction
• Retail Construction
• Sustainable Design
• Technical Vision
• User interface design
• Visual design
• Zoning Codes
• Average response time
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac Cathlab
• Case history reports
• Caseload management
• Central Line Placements
• Composite Health Care System
• Electrophoresis
• Emergency treatment
• Fistula Revascularizations
• Flow sheets
• Government requirements
• Hospital procedure
• Immunizations
• Instructions
• Instrument trays
• Medical assistance
• Nursing practitioners
• Nursing staff
• Occupational therapy
• Paternity tests
• Patient care procedures
• Patient comfort
• Physician prescriptions
• Plastic surgery
• Prescription drug
• Presentations
• Quality of care
• Satisfaction surveys
• Skin grafts
• Special Procedures Unit
• Surgical equipment
• Swan-Ganz Catheter
• Traumatized patients
• Water safety
• Accident Prevention
• Audit Control Procedures
• Automated Manufacturing
• Capacity Planning
• Capital Budget
• Capital Machinery Acquisition
• Capital Project
• Cell Manufacturing
• CNC / PLC Machining
• Computer Integrated
• Concurrent Engineering
• Cost Avoidance
• Cost Reductions
• Cross-Functional Teams
• Cycle Time Reduction
• Distribution Management
• Efficiency Improvement
• Environmental Health & Safety
• Equipment Management
• Ergonomically Efficient
• Facilities Consolidation
• Forecasting / Budgeting
• Inventory Control
• ISO 9000 Compliance
• Just-In-Time (JIT)
• Labor Efficiency
• Lean / Agile Manufacturing
• Logistics Management
• Machine Downtime
• Manufacturing (CIM)
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing Integration
• Manufacturing Technology
• Master Schedule
• Materials Management
• Materials Planning
• Materials Replenishment
• Multi-Site Operations
• Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
• On-Time Delivery
• Operating Budget
• Operations Management
• Operations Reengineering
• Operations Start-Up
• Optimization
• Order Fulfillment
• Order Processing
• Outsourcing
• Performance Improvement
• Physical Inventory
• Pilot Manufacturing
• Plant Management
• Plant Operations
• Preventative Maintenance
• Process Automation
• Process Redesign/Reengineering
• Product Development & Engineering
• Product Rationalization
• Product Testing / Validation
• Production Forecasting
• Production Lead Time
• Production Management
• Production Methodologies
• Production Output
• Production Plans/Schedules
• Production Scheduling
• Productivity Improvement
• Profit & Loss (P&L) Management
• Project Budget
• Prototype Design
• Purchasing / Procurement
• Purchasing Management
• Quality Circles
• Safety Documentation
• Safety Management
• Shipping & Receiving Operation
• Spares & Repairs Management
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• System (MRP)
• Technology Integration
• Time & Motion Studies
• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Traffic Management
• Turnaround Management
• Value-Added Processes
• Warehouse Management
• Work in Progress (WIP)
• Workflow Optimization
• Workforce Management
• World Class Manufacturing (WCM)
• Yield Improvement
• Action Plan
• Consultation
• Domestic Violence
• Eating Disorder Inventory
• End of Life
• Grant (Writing)
• Harm Reduction
• Individualized
• Interdisciplinary
• Intervention
• Mental Health
• NEO Personality Inventory
• Psychiatric
• Rehabilitation
• Schizophrenia
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
• Supervision
• Wechsler Memory Scale

But wait...

There’s more!

Check out our full list of action words and power adjectives for your resume, complete with 340+ action verbs for all professions .

Key Takeaways

Here are some things to keep in mind after reading this article:

• Resume keywords are crucial in a resume. They help you get past ATS and noticed by the recruiter.
• Remember how to make the best use of resume keywords: Scan the job listing for the main responsibilities and requirements the recruiter is looking for. Divide them into job-related responsibilities and action words. Then use them in your own resume in the appropriate sections.
• Don’t overuse resume keywords or lie about your abilities. The recruiter will spot a fraud from miles away.
• Your resume keywords will mainly depend on the specific position you are applying for. However, there are certain in-demand industry keywords the recruiters are keeping an eye on. Revisit our comprehensive list of industry-specific keywords whenever you need some inspiration.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume | Beginner's Guide
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Get a FREE Executive Resume Template to help you improve your resume.

Job seeker central special: $10 off monthly membership.

Resume Writing Tips

The ultimate guide to resume keywords and how to use them (includes examples by industry).

Resume keywords can ensure the success of your resume getting through the screening process and into the hands of a decision maker. It’s why you hear resume writers and career coaches talk about them so often. Once in the hands of the hiring manager, these keyword phrases and buzzwords will determine whether your resume will attract employer attention, make it through their initial resume scan, and get you an interview. So it benefits you to know exactly what keywords are, how to use them, where to use them, where you can find good keywords, and examples of the best keywords by industry. Let’s get started!

What are resume keywords?

Keywords are buzzwords that relate to a specific position, industry, or profession. They typically refer to nouns but can also include action verbs. Although, when hiring managers are scanning a resume for keywords or using applicant tracking to search a resume they’re typically using the nouns as the keywords and phrases they search for. Action verbs are used when the hiring manager is reading your resume. Action verbs present your accomplishments, qualifications, and results in a direct and active way.

What is resume keyword scanning?

Keywords are how the potential employer or recruiter will screen your resume. This is done through applicant tracking systems and through the hiring and job search process. Potential employers use ATS to electronically search your resume to determine if you match their specific hiring criteria. If your resume does not include the right keywords to match the search, you’ll be overlooked.

How do you use resume keywords?

You can use keywords on your resume and cover letter to highlight the qualifications and accomplishments that correlate to a specific company or position. These key phrases can be used in your summary, career profile, executive summary, work history, or in a separate keyword section. Technical skills and hard skills often make for great keyword phrases on your resume.

To increase your chances for successful keyword scanning, incorporate relevant keywords as you write about your achievements and accomplishments. Optimize your resume by using keywords to communicate your skill set and experience.

Resume keywords can also be used on your cover letter, thank you letter, networking letters, and LinkedIn profile. I especially recommend including keywords in your LinkedIn profile headline, summary, and under each place of employment.

Where should keywords go in your resume?

Keyword phrases should be used in the following resume sections:

• Job title / position title
• Branding statement underneath position title
• Career summary
• Accomplishment section
• In a separate keyword section dedicated to listing 10-15 keywords together
• Work history section; in relevant accomplishment bullet points

What keywords should you use on your resume?

You should use the keywords and buzzwords that are most relevant to the position, industry, and company that you’re targeting. Think about the skills that the employer posted in the job description or what they would value most in the position. If you can find a list of the most applicable keyword phrases, try to incorporate those that are the most important in your resume. Remember you don’t want to be passed over because your resume doesn’t include the right buzzwords. Hard skills usually make great keywords. Soft skills are not terms that recruiters will use to search applicant tracking systems.

Chances are, the candidate with the most relevant keywords—and experience that is a good fit—will get the interview.

How do I find keywords for my resume?

Human resources professionals are trained to scan your resume for keywords that match the position and industry. If you aren’t sure what those are, do some research online to start getting ideas. You can search Indeed or Glassdoor ; look up positions on job boards like Monster.com; visit the company’s website to research the company, industry, and position more thoroughly; or find books like 1500+ Keywords by Wendy Enelow for a list of industry-specific keywords.

What are good keywords for a resume?

The best keywords and keyword phrases are usually industry and position-specific keywords. Think about terms you would type into a search engine if looking for someone to perform the job—these are usually the terms the recruiter would use to perform a search. A prospective employer usually isn’t going to search by years of experience or soft skills.

How many keywords should you use on your resume?

There’s no magic number for the right amount of resume keywords. What’s important is that you’re including the most relevant keywords and mentioning them a few times throughout your resume. I do advise you to include a keyword section at the top of your resume that would typically include 9-15 keywords. A section like this makes it easy for the employer to scan and digest.

What are keyword phrases on a resume?

Keyword phrases can refer to personal characteristics, action verbs, or phrases that carry impact. Examples of these high-impact phrases include best-in-class, entrepreneurial vision, peak performer, world-class leadership, and team building. They’re not exactly the terms that potential employers would use to search in applicant tracking systems, but they add clarity and impact to your resume.

What are action verbs?

Action verbs are words that allow you to describe your accomplishments and achievements in an action-driven style. They’re much more effective than using passive language on your resume. In resume writing, the action verb is usually the first word in a sentence because we omit the “I.” The idea is you’re communicating to the reader that you’re the person taking the action. It’s a more powerful way to state what you’ve accomplished.

Here’s an infographic that lists 100 action verbs alphabetically. This ought to help you choose powerful action verbs for your resume.

Examples of action verbs are words like achieved, created, designed, developed, pioneered, negotiated, managed, spearheaded, increased, and delivered.

Examples of resume keywords

I thought it might be helpful to provide some examples of keywords based on industry. This is not an all-inclusive list. It doesn’t cover every industry and every position within each industry. It’s more like a summary and an example to give you an idea of the keyword possibilities for the different industries listed.

Resume keywords for nonprofit management

Positions might include agency director, board director, committee member, executive director, or special events director.

• Budget oversight
• Community outreach
• Corporate giving
• Corporate sponsorships
• Fundraising
• Member communications
• Special events management
• Volunteer training

Resume keywords for banking

Positions might include branch manager, bank manager, lending officer, regional vice president, vice president, underwriter, managing director, and credit officer.

• Asset management
• Branch operations
• Commercial banking
• Credit analysis
• Loan administration
• Loan processing
• Portfolio management
• Relationship management
• Return-on-equity (ROE)
• Secured lending

Resume keywords for customer service

Positions might include account manager, director of account relations, key account manager, or vice president of customer service and retention.

• Account relationship management
• Customer loyalty
• Customer retention
• Customer satisfaction
• Key account management
• Service measures

Resume keywords for engineering

Positions might include chemical engineer, design engineer, director of R&D, electrical engineer, industrial engineer, laboratory manager, process engineer, project manager, R&D engineer, software engineer, and test engineer.

• Chemical engineering
• Experimental design
• Facilities engineering
• Field performance
• Process development
• Process engineering
• Product development cycle
• Project planning
• Project management
• Quality assurance
• Statistical analysis

Resume keywords for healthcare

Positions might include chief nursing officer, finance manager, medical affairs director, or medical director.

• Acute care facility
• Ambulatory care
• Clinical services
• Healthcare administrator
• Managed care
• Outpatient care
• Practice management
• Primary care
• Provider relations
• Public health administration
• Quality of care
• Risk management

Resume keywords for hospitality

Positions might include banquet manager, certified food and beverage executive, club manager, general manager, restaurant manager, and sales director.

• Back of house operations
• Catering operations
• Club management
• Contract F&B operations
• Guest relations
• Hospitality management
• Meeting planning
• Resort management
• Relationship building
• Vendor sourcing

Resume keywords for human resources

Positions might include benefits and compensation administrator, employment manager, HR manager, recruiter, labor relations specialist, or learning and development manager.

• Benefits administration
• Change management
• Benefits and compensation
• Hiring process
• Interview/interviewing
• Performance reviews
• Succession planning
• Contract negotiations
• Arbitration
• Negotiation
• Performance appraisals

What are the keywords recruiters are looking for on your resume?

Recruiters are searching for hard skills on your resume or cover letter. Hard skills will make the best keywords and phrases to communicate your skills and experience. While years of experience may be a requirement for a position, stating you have 10 years’ experience usually isn’t a term that the employer would input into a search engine or applicant tracking system to scan resumes. JobScan put together a list of the top 500 resume keywords to boost your resume that is a great tool to research overall keywords.

How do you optimize your resume for keywords?

Include buzzwords in multiple sections of your resume. The position title can be a key search term employers use to screen resumes so make sure it’s front and center at the top of your resume. A one-line branding statement underneath your position title could also include keywords. Create a separate keyword section on your resume where you list 9-15 keywords and adjust these as you apply to different positions. You always want to include the most relevant keywords first.

As Jon Shields points out in his JobScan article, terms like guru, wizard, goddess, ninja, or rock star won’t help you when it comes to keyword scanning and popping up in search results. They may be fun but there isn’t much usefulness to them.

Need more resume help? Check out these other popular articles:

12 Resume Writing Tips for 2019

How to Write a Resume for Career Advancement and Promotion

Infographic: 127 Resume Writing Tips

Are you tired of your resume being rejected by applicant tracking systems? I know how frustrating it is to submit your resume and receive no response. I hate seeing qualified people never breakthrough the screening process. It shouldn’t be that way. That’s why I created this guide and I encourage you to download the FREE PDF so you can start seeing better resume response rates!

Share this post:

Explore more like this:.

How to Find and Convey What Sets You Apart on Your Resume

3 Executive Resume Strategies to Fast-Track A Stalled Job Search

Write Your Executive Resume Like A Pro

About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

[…] post The Ultimate Guide to Resume Keywords and How to Use Them (Includes Examples by Industry) appeared first on Blog | Great Resumes […]

Hi, Thanks for this, Proper format and well-optimized resume with proper keywords is a very important factor in catching your job profile & application to recruiter’s eyes.

[…] The Ultimate Guide to Resume Keywords and How to Use Them (Includes Examples by Industry) […]

[…] these kinds of keywords, even if only to help get your resume past an applicant tracking system. Look here for effective keywords broken down by industry. However, you should not include words and phrases in your work experience section just because you […]

[…] a comprehensive look at how to incorporate keywords into your resume, check out my article The Ultimate Guide to Resume Keywords and How to Use Them. This article also includes examples of keywords, sorted by industry, to get you […]

[…] Keywords, Keywords, Keywords. Just like location, location, location in real estate, keywords and key phrases are the base for […]

Since 85% of low backpain is nevertheless undiagnosable and difficult to prescribe treatment for the principle is to start by attempting to relieve the pain working with the simplest, most cost efficient and non-invasive methods possible.

As 85 percent of lower back pain remains undiagnosable and difficult to prescribe appropriate treatment for the rule of thumb is to begin by wanting to alleviate the discomfort cheapest non-invasive and effective methods possible.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today

Are you struggling to create an executive resume that will impress employers? Download this free executive resume template and receive a series of 10 emails with expert guidance on how to write resume content that resonates with employers so you get more interviews.

It's everything you need to stand out, make an impression, and accelerate your job search.

Work with Us

Get expert advice delivered straight to your inbox.

200 Resumé Words That Make Your Resumé Stand Out

4 Min Read | May 17, 2024

Just 7.4 seconds: That’s how much time you have to grab a recruiter’s attention when they read your resumé for the first time. 1 That’s it! So, if you’re looking for a new job, I have a helpful hint: To grab a hiring manager’s attention, make your resumé stand out using powerful resumé words. Hear me out on this—the chances of landing your dream job get a whole lot higher when you communicate your work experience with descriptive and confident resumé words because they help you stand out from the competition.

Resumé power words are strong, actionable and confident verbs and adjectives that describe your abilities and accomplishments. And they can make you stand out in a pool of other job seekers (without any changes to your actual work experience).

Words to Use in a Resumé

Words matter! And with the right word choice, you can give your resumé a big boost of style and confidence. Here are the top 200 resumé power words that will communicate your skills, abilities and talents and help you stand out to a hiring manager.

Resumé Power Words for Leadership

•  Enforced
•  Executed
•  Facilitated
•  Fostered
•  Founded
•  Guided
•  Headed
•  Instructed
•  Mentored
•  Moderated
•  Motivated
•  Orchestrated
•  Overhauled
•  Presided
•  Spearheaded
•  Steered
•  Supervised
•  Trained

Resumé Power Words for Collaborate

•  Aligned
•  Associated
•  Combined
•  Contributed
•  Cooperated
•  Joined
•  Integrated
•  Linked
•  Merged
•  Pooled
•  Synchronized
•  United

Resumé Power Words for Responsible For

•  Achieved
•  Accomplished
•  Assembled
•  Concluded
•  Coordinated
•  Devised
•  Effected
•  Fulfilled
•  Gathered
•  Handled
•  Produced
•  Prompted
•  Solved

Resumé Power Words for Communication

•  Advertised
•  Authored
•  Broadcast
•  Circulated
•  Distributed
•  Championed
•  Clarified
•  Consulted
•  Conveyed
•  Defined
•  Diagramed
•  Documented
•  Drafted
•  Endorsed
•  Illustrated
•  Influenced
•  Informed
•  Liaison
•  Negotiated
•  Networked
•  Notated
•  Persuaded
•  Presented
•  Promoted
•  Publicized
•  Published
•  Recommended
•  Recorded
•  Storyboarded
•  Translated

Resumé Power Words for Achieved

•  Administered
•  Arranged
•  Attained
•  Captured
•  Completed
•  Converted
•  Delivered
•  Earned
•  Enacted
•  Established
•  Lifted
•  Performed
•  Predicted
•  Procured
•  Proved
•  Secured
•  Strategized
•  Trailblazed
•  Yielded

Resumé Power Words for Worked On

•  Applied
•  Attended
•  Dedicated
•  Endeavored
•  Forecasted
•  Formulated
•  Implemented
•  Masterminded
•  Operated
•  Pursued
•  Processed
•  Rendered
•  Strove
•  Troubleshot
•  Undertook
•  Visualized
•  Volunteered

Resumé Power Words for Improved

•  Accelerated
•  Advanced
•  Boosted
•  Discerned
•  Enhanced
•  Expanded
•  Familiarized
•  Increased
•  Maximized
•  Outpaced
•  Perfected
•  Redesigned
•  Refined
•  Reformed
•  Renovated
•  Resolved
•  Restructured
•  Revamped
•  Revitalized
•  Simplified
•  Skyrocketed
•  Streamlined
•  Strengthened
•  Transformed
•  Upgraded

Resumé Power Words for Researched

• Investigated

Resumé Power Words for Created

• Constructed
• Established
• Kick-started

Resumé Power Words for Managed

•  Controlled
•  Designated
•  Directed
•  Employed
•  Governed
•  Mastered
•  Organized
•  Oversaw
•  Planned
•  Programmed
•  Ruled

What Words NOT to Use in a Resumé

When you’re updating your resumé (or creating a brand-new one), it’s best to stay away from general office buzzwords and confusing phrases. These are words that you might hear people say all the time, but nobody really knows what they mean. Here are a few examples of words to avoid using on your resumé:

• Hard worker
• Moving parts
• Move the needle
• Team player
• Think outside the box

Instead, you’ll want to focus on using specific power words that show (not tell) your skills, experiences and successes on the job.

Here’s an example: Let’s say one of your job responsibilities is to provide customer service over the phone. Look at the difference between an average answer and one using resumé power words:

• Answered customer questions on the phone in a timely manner
• Established trust with customers over the phone by researching and implementing advanced listening skills and reducing call wait times

Do you see the difference? The job responsibility is the same , but the impact of using resumé power words makes this job seeker stand out from the competition.

Ken Coleman Resume Templates

Did you find this article helpful share it.

About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

5 Ways to Make a Resumé With No Experience

No matter how much or how little work experience you have, I know you’ve got plenty of qualifications to share on a resume. Here are five ways to create a new resumé with no experience.

How to Write a Resumé in 6 Steps

If you want to set yourself up for success in your job hunt, making a good resumé is the first step. Here are six things to keep in mind when you’re learning how to write a resumé.

• email (1) [email protected]
• Group 15 404-252-8777

Sunday - Friday 9AM - 9PM

25 of the Best Resume Phrases to Use

Book your consultation with an award-winning writer.

“Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.” – Pearl Strachan Hurd

Words are powerful and have the ability to leave a lasting impression on those we share them with. The right words written or spoken can accelerate your career while the wrong words can tank it.

This same principle applies to your resume and the wording you choose plays a huge part in connecting with your reader; it’s what helps you land the interview.

If you’re looking for just the right words to convey your message, you’ve visited the right place. Here are 25 of the very best resume phrases to use that are sure to make a difference and help your resume stand out:

• Welcomes responsibility
• Listens attentively
• Decision maker
• Strong networking skills
• Effective communicator
• Motivate others
• Goal-driven
• Mentored or Fostered a team
• Acquired clients, resources or funding
• Orchestrated, Founded or Designed a project, process or policy
• Consolidated or Reduced inefficiencies or expenses
• Accelerated growth
• Generated revenue or sales
• Overhauled, Revitalized or Revamped a system or department
• Outpaced or Outperformed competition
• Boosted sales
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
• Thrive in a team environment
• Forge strong relationships
• Extensive experience
• Recognize, identify and propose solutions for…
• Earned promotion, achievement or award
• Reduced material cost or reduced company’s burden
• Developed new product or service offering
• Implemented innovate approach

Using power phrases and words throughout your resume can help you stand out as long as it’s presented in a professional way. Remember, it’s important that your resume is easy to read and not filled with fluff words and phrases to the point it’s difficult to understand and offers no value.

Always make sure your resume is tailored to the specific role you’re seeking and make it easy for the employer to connect the dots between your skills and they’re needs; without copying their job description.

Resume writing is a craft and because of this, many of those new to the job market will seek the services of a professional resume writer.

Don’t be one in a million instead be the ONLY one in a million!

YOUR 25% DISCOUNT IS ONE CLICK AWAY

Call now for a free initial consultation.

Resume Keywords to Land Interviews and Get Hired

In This Guide:

What are resume keywords, why do keywords matter when building a resume, how to find industry-specific keywords to build a better resume, how to use keywords in your resume, 3 types of keywords you must avoid in your resume, 300+ excellent resume keywords to always use in your application, key takeaways.

Quick Answer: Resume keywords are essential for optimizing your resume and increasing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. These keywords are specific terms and phrases that highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job you're applying for. Incorporate keywords throughout your resume, including in the summary, work experience, skills, education, and certifications sections. Avoid using buzzwords, jargon, and arrogant keywords to maintain a professional and effective resume.

Ever wondered how recruiters can process hundreds of resumes in only a few days?

It's through the use of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and resume keywords. Companies automate the screening process using keywords to filter out the most qualified candidates on the list.

The reason why you're struggling to land a job might be that your resume isn't optimized with keywords.

In today's guide, you'll learn:

• What resume keywords are and what makes them essential for getting you hired
• How to find the right resume keywords to impress recruiters and beat ATS
• Where to put keywords in your resume for maximum efficiency
• Three types of resume keywords to always avoid when applying for jobs
• +300 terms and keyphrases for resume keyword optimization

So, let's get to it!

Resume keywords are any terms and phrases that you must use to enrich your CV and get yourself noticed. They differ depending on the job role you want to apply for and the industry you're in.

A keyword for your resume can be a relevant job title, duty, skill, degree, or certificate. But it could also be any hobby or interest the hiring company is looking for in an applicant.

Creating a resume with strong skills and achievements is the best way to prove your worth. You can only convince headhunters of hiring you if you're qualified for the position.

Before you even start thinking of landing an interview, you first have to get your foot in the door. That's why if you ask any HR expert about resume keywords, they'll describe them as crucial for landing your dream job.

Here are two reasons why resume keywords are important for your resume:

Keywords in your resume help you pass applicant tracking systems

Using keywords in a resume is a relatively new trend in the hiring industry. Because decades ago, recruiters didn't pay a lot of attention to resume keywords as long as the applicant had experience.

Today, things have changed – 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen out candidates and ease the hiring process . And thanks to ATS software, recruiting managers are no longer forced to read every single resume in their inbox word by word.

What headhunters will do instead is look for specific skills and qualifications by scanning applicant resumes using ATS. The tool will then shortlist a few final candidates that the recruiter can check manually and call for an interview.

So here's the deal – resume keywords are no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for job hunters. If you want to maximize your chances of getting noticed, you need to optimize your resume with carefully chosen ATS keywords.

Engage hiring managers by giving them what they’re looking for

Having the right keywords in your resume is also vital for making your application more appealing.

As mentioned in the definition above, resume keywords can be skills, duties, achievements, certificates, etc. These are all relevant terms and phrases that recruiters expect to see even when not using ATS.

Also, companies are no longer considering just years of experience when hiring applicants. They'll always prefer an applicant who shows industry knowledge through the language they use in their resume.

So by including resume keywords you'll tailor your application specifically to the job offer. That's important for keeping recruiters excited about you and fully engaged with your resume.

The best way to beat resume screening software is to reverse-engineer the hiring process.

How do you come up with the best keywords to use in your resume?

Start by skimming through the job ad to hunt for interesting terms and key phrases. You must read each section carefully — especially the job description, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements. Take as much time as you need with this step so that you don't miss any important ATS keywords.

Once you have your final list, you may start adding these keywords to different sections of your resume. We'll get into more details about that in a moment.

Another way to research resume keywords is by doing a quick Google search. You can find hundreds of keywords to use in your CV and pick the ones that are most relevant to your application.

The reason this approach works is because you’ll be using the hiring company’s own words and terminology. You don’t have to guess which terms to use or how to describe yourself.

Let's think about what the recruiter does when he’s asked to hire for a new position:

They imagine the ideal employee they want to employ in terms of qualifications, skills, and personality. Based on that, they write a job offer detailing all their demands and expectations.

In that job posting, the hiring company will include industry-specific keywords to use for resume robots. Once the job is posted and candidates start sending their CVs, the ATS will begin the screening process.

Any resume with an outdated layout and a low keyword score will be rejected. The remaining candidates are ranked based on qualifications and relevance to the job position.

So far, you've learned what resume keywords are, why they're important, and how to find them. But now, it's time to jump into some practice and teach you how to use job-relevant keywords in your resume.

Finding good keywords to use in your resume is only the beginning. Because that leaves you with a list of terms and phrases that you have to add to an existing resume.

Here are three rules to always keep in mind when adding keywords to a resume:

Spread Keywords Through Different Sections

First things first, your resume should have keywords all over it from start to finish. Simply because you can never know which section recruiters are going to read first.

In addition, sprinkling keywords everywhere on the page makes it easier for you to include as many terms as possible. You can find a place to put words, phrases, personality traits, skills, and technical terms anywhere depending on the section format.

The most important sections to use keywords in are:

• Summary or objective
• Work experience
• Skills/Core competencies
• Certificates & licenses

Still have certain keywords that you can't put anywhere in your resume?

Add a specific section just for that!

Creating a new resume section is an easy way to include keywords that don't fit with the rest of your resume content. For example, if you've won any awards worth mentioning, you could add a small "Awards and Honors" section to the page .

Make sure your resume content flows

Many keywords will naturally appear in your writing when describing your skills and experience. In fact, your current resume may already be optimized for lots of keywords even if you don't know that.

But in other times, it may be hard to find a way to use some keywords when they don't fit with your content. And that's when keyword placement on a resume gets tricky.

You should use keywords in resume sections and sentences where they flow naturally. The summary and experience sections are a good place to start.

For keywords that you can't fit into sentences, you can always create separate sections and add them. This can work for single-word terms — such as talents, character traits, certificates, projects, and awards.

As a rule of thumb, you should mainly prioritize the human reader's experience. Because beating ATS will eventually put your resume at the hand of the recruiter. Resumes with the highest job success rates are the ones that find a perfect balance between human-appealing and ATS-friendly.

Avoid over-optimization

One of the most common mistakes for beginners when making a resume is over-optimization. A job seeker learns about keywords and thinks "the more I optimize my resume, the higher my chances of getting interviews."

The thing is, while keyword density does matter in your resume, providing an optimal reading experience is more important. You don't want to include too many keyphrases just to beat ATS. That might leave a negative impression on hiring managers.

The best way to optimize a resume for keywords is to reorder your list based on relevance and importance. Feel free to leave away keywords that you can't fit anywhere on the page.

Most importantly:

You shouldn't use a single keyword more than once or twice in your CV. But if necessary, you should look for synonyms and related terms that you can use interchangeably to avoid repetition.

Throughout this guide, we've defined good resume keywords as expressive and relevant to the job position. They're enough to portray who you are to the hiring company within a relevant context.

What if we told you that there are keywords that match that description but are bad for your resume? You see, good keywords aren't always about relevance but also about how they make the headhunter feels.

The exception to the rule occurs when a job hunter uses one of the following keywords types:

At first glance, buzzwords seem like the best way to shine and bring your resume to life. But in reality, this type of keyword is only good for making yourself look like the average Joe that's never getting hired.

Do we even need to ask why?

The recruiter handling your application has read thousands of resumes in their lifetime. They've evaluated enough candidates to see every single clichéd description or overused term anyone can use.

So when they see buzzwords in any resume, they'll be quick to form a negative impression.

Keep in mind

Not only are buzzwords overused, but they also sound generic most of the time. Expressions like specialist , innovative , and strategic would often only add confusion and make your resume less clear.

Jargon keywords

Jargon keywords are industry-specific terms that are impossible to understand for outsiders. They're bad for your resume because they leave both ATS and hiring managers confused about the meaning of your sentences.

That's when an attempt to show off can turn into a weakness in your resume.

To make sure that you're not using jargon language, ask a friend or a family member to read your resume. Even if the use of jargon terms is necessary, you should try and use more popular terms or easier synonyms that anyone can grasp.

Arrogance keywords

It's one thing to show what you're capable of and the potential you'll bring to the table. But another to only speak of individual career wins and individual glory.

The thing is…

Bragging on your resume can easily make you look overqualified for the job. That's especially true if you focus too much on personal achievements in the experience section.

Even worse:

As soon as recruiters sense your arrogance, they'll be more likely to second guess your teamwork and collaboration skills. You'll shoot yourself in the foot by displaying narcissistic traits all over your resume.

So how do you find a good balance between competence and arrogance?

The right way to show off when applying for a job is to mix individual success with company achievements. You want to prove your worth as an employee by establishing clear causality between your input and your previous employer's growth.

In this part, we've collected some of the best keywords that will make your resume more attractive and memorable.

The truth is:

There's an unlimited list of key terms that may be worth including in your resume. But it all depends on your line of work, position, industry, and country of residence since you want to stay relevant.

Director-level candidates usually have a specific set of keywords they need to use in their application. Keywords and phrases like leadership, team building, X years of experience, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) are a must if you want to prove seniority and expertise.

There is a bit of overlap between most jobs in the language you can use to write your resume. Some action verbs, personality traits, core skills, and accomplishments are shared between a lot of industries.

Action verbs to use in the experience section

• Accelerated
• Accomplished
• Conceptualized
• Constructed
• Coordinated
• Established
• Facilitated
• Implemented
• Interpreted
• Interviewed
• Investigated
• Volunteered

Best soft skills to use as keywords in your resume

• Accepting Criticism
• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Artistic Sense
• Assertiveness
• Attention to Detail
• Brainstorming
• Business Ethics
• Business Etiquette
• Business Trend Awareness
• Communication
• Competitiveness
• Conflict Resolution
• Crisis Management
• Critical Thinking
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Depersonalization
• Design Sense
• Disability Awareness
• Dispute Resolution
• Diversity Awareness
• Emotional Intelligence
• Emotion Management
• Entrepreneurial Thinking
• Flexibility
• Friendliness
• Giving Feedback
• Intercultural Competence
• Interpersonal Skills
• Knowledge Management
• Listening Skills
• Logical Reasoning
• Managing Remote Teams
• Managing Virtual Teams
• Meeting Management
• Negotiation
• Observation
• Organization
• People Management
• Performance Management
• Positive Attitude
• Presentation and Public Thinking
• Presentation Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Process Improvement
• Quality Client Service
• Receptive Attitude
• Recruitment
• Responsibility
• Self-Assessment
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Confidence
• Self-Control
• Self-Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Thinking
• Stress Management
• Supervising
• Taking Criticism
• Talent Management
• Task Delegation
• Team Building
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Technical Writing
• Technology Savvy
• Technology Trend Awareness
• Time Management
• Tolerance of Change and Uncertainty
• Train the Trainer
• Troubleshooting
• Verbal Communication
• Visual Communication
• Work-Life Balance
• Writing Reports and Proposals

When it comes to technical jobs, however, we found it impossible to make an all-inclusive keywords list in a single guide. So we collected the most in-demand technical skills to help get you started with resume keyword optimization.

Common core skills across many industries

• Basic Computer Skills
• Content Writing
• Data Analysis
• Google Workspace: Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Skype, Zoom, Meet, Webex
• Training and Supervising
• Translation

Graphic design skills for your resume

• Color Enhancing
• Color Theory
• Freehand Drawing
• Idea Generation
• Illustrator
• Photo Editing
• Print Design: Flyers, Posters, Brochures, Magazines, Business Cards
• Social Media Design
• Vector Tracing
• Visual Identity

Sales & marketing skills

• A/B Testing
• Cold Outreach
• Creative Storytelling
• Customer Onboarding
• Email Marketing
• Lead Generation
• Lead Nurturing
• Market Research
• Paid Advertising Campaigns
• Prospecting
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Social Media Marketing
• WordPress Management

Most sought-after IT skills for resumes:

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Agile Development
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Backup Management
• Cloud Management
• Configuring, Managing, and Maintaining Networks
• Database Administration
• Data Privacy
• Data Synchronization
• Front-End & Back-End Development
• Google Cloud
• Internet Applications
• Internet Security
• Lan Technology
• Maintaining Servers, Routers, and PCs
• Microsoft Azure
• Microsoft Office
• Network Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance
• Social Media Experience
• Software Installation
• Technical Support

Language keywords for resumes

• Mandarin Chinese

Career-boosting awards and certifications to put in a resume

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
• Certified Business Economist (CBE)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Challenger Sales
• Google Ads Certifications
• Google Analytics Course
• Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification
• Lean Management
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Looking for more job-specific skills to use as keywords in your resume? Check out our even more extensive list of resume skills categorized by type and industry.

• A resume keyword is any term or keyphrase that makes your resume more appealing to recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• To find job-specific keywords, scrutinize the job description carefully and look for any sought-after duties, soft and core skills, degrees, certificates, or awards that are worth featuring in your resume.
• Having a good keyword density is important for beating ATS — but including too many keyphrases can make your resume illegible for humans.
• Use keywords in different sections of your resume and be sure to avoid over-optimization.
• Buzzwords, jargon, and bragging keywords do the opposite of what resume keywords are meant for. Avoid them as much as possible to keep your chances of landing an interview high.

• Resume Guides

Negotiating a Salary Increase for a New Job: What to Expect and How to Ask

Sure-fire zoom interview tips to ace your online interview, how to answer the “why are you applying for this position” interview question, how to ace 'tell me about a time you failed' job interview question, are there enough remote entry-level jobs here’s what 10 800 postings say, the stay-at-home parent resume: transferable skills & getting your career back on track.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Big Résumé Mistakes You Might Be Making, And How To Avoid Them

Posted: June 12, 2023 | Last updated: June 13, 2023

Don't make these mistakes

When it comes to job interviews, we've all heard that first impressions are key. Well, the same goes for your résumé. An eye-tracking study by career site Ladders Inc. found that recruiters spend just seven seconds scanning a résumé. With such a small amount of time to impress, it's vital to avoid the mistakes that could cost you the chance of getting your dream job.  Read on for 25 of the most common.

1. Making it too long

2. Making it too short

3. Picking the wrong design

It's a good idea to make sure that your résumé is designed in a way that reflects the type of job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a position in graphic design or the creative arts, it could work against you if your résumé is dull and uninspiring. In contrast, if you're applying for roles in industries such as finance or law, it's best to stick to a traditional layout. 

4. Strange font choices

5. Bad formatting

6. Bad use of color

Adding a splash of color to your résumé won't hurt if you're applying to jobs in the creative sector or less conventional companies. However, you should be controlled in your use of color. Only use colors in headings, and avoid garish or hard-to-read colors such as yellow. If you're looking for jobs in more traditional firms such as banks it's a good idea to stick to black and white. 

7. Errors and typos

8. Not including a personal profile

8. Including a generic personal profile

We've already established that including a personal summary is essential, but it's also important to think carefully about what to put in it. Of course, you want to sell yourself and make sure you show that you're a good fit for the role, but don't make it unoriginal. Try to avoid clichéd phrases that every other candidate will use such as 'self-motivated' and 'results-driven', and instead focus on being genuine and talking about what you can offer and what you're looking for. 

9. Writing in the third person

Writing in the third person may seem like a creative way to make your résumé stand out, but it's not a good idea. Your résumé is your opportunity to communicate with potential employers, so writing it in the third person makes it hard to really connect with them. It can also give them the wrong impression of who you are as a person, as it can often come across as rather egotistical.

10. Poor choice of language

11. Outdated information

12. Not tailoring for each position

If you're applying for several jobs it might be tempting to just fire off the same résumé to all of them. However, it'll give you a much better chance of securing an interview if you customize it each time. Indeed, 63% of recruiters said this is something they definitely want from job candidates in a survey by Careerbuilder. Today, many companies perform an initial electronic résumé review, so it's important to go through the job description and ensure you've included any keywords mentioned.

13. Telling lies

Three out of four recruiters have found a lie on a résumé, according to a study by CareerBuilder. The most popular included lying about qualifications, job titles, and employment dates. However, while it may be common, it's definitely a mistake to avoid. Not only is it unethical, but if you get caught out it will undoubtedly hinder your chances of making it to interview. And if you were to get the position and the company finds out you weren't being truthful it could ultimately cost you your new job.

14. Exaggerating your skills

15. Not mentioning specific results

16. Including the wrong interests/hobbies

17. Not filling in gaps

18. Leaving off helpful information

19. Making it too technical

20. Including a headshot

While including a headshot on your résumé is standard in some parts of the world, in the US it's not needed. In fact, in the US 80% of recruiters will reject your application if it includes a photo, according to Graduate Land. Unless you're an actor it's best to leave the headshot, it'll just make potential employers think you're egotistical or don't have a good grasp of workplace professionalism.

21. Using an unprofessional email address

22. Poor choice of file name

23. Not being cautious with social media

24. Not sending a cover letter

While you should aim to make your résumé as complete as possible, you still need to add a cover letter for each application. It may seem like wasted effort, but avoiding it is definitely a mistake; 45% of recruiters will automatically discard a résumé if it doesn't come with a cover letter, according to Careerbuilder. Not only that, but it's your chance to go into more depth about your skills and experiences, and to show a little more of the 'real' you. 

Now take a look at some  online interview tips from an expert

Or discover  jobs that no longer exist

More for You

Americans are finally catching on to Costco's tricks — here are 15 to watch out for so you don't get fleeced on your next trip

"It's Common In Europe But Non-Existent In America": People Are Sharing Little Experiences Or Traditions From Abroad They Wish They Could Adopt Back Home

The Only Way You Should Store Butter, According to Land O'Lakes

Childhood Classics or Cringe-Worthy? 18 Movies You Adored as a Kid but Now Find Utterly Ridiculous as an Adult!

This Subtle Form of Cheating Could Be Why You're Not Happy in Your Relationship

Trump trial verdict: if guilty, what would ex-president’s punishment be?

'America will become a renter nation': Grant Cardone warns the US could see 100-year mortgages — says we might even rent our clothes. How to buy real estate without going deep into debt

There are major changes coming for your washing machines and dryers

What Is a Reasonable Life Span for a Modern Car?

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Gilligan's Island

"Surprisingly, It's Still Fairly Undiscovered By Americans": Frequent Fliers Are Sharing Underrated Destinations To Consider In Place Of Popular Vacation Spots

19 Things About Getting Older That People Struggle To Accept

Fact Check: The Truth Behind 'Trump Mailer' That Warned Texans Would Be 'Reported' to Him If They Didn't Vote

Hunter Biden Handed Legal Win

Why Florida’s Retirees Are Fleeing — And Where They’re Going Instead

Home maintenance expert reveals simple trick that could add years to your washing machine’s life: ‘I never knew this’

23 Employees Who Messed Up So Badly At Work, I Have NO Clue How They Got Away With It

46% of divorced couples say this was the No. 1 conflict in their relationship—and it isn't money

The Forgotten '60s Sitcom That Kicked The Twilight Zone Off TV

It’s time to bring back the world’s greatest fighter jet – from the 1990s

How to structure your résumé so it gets recruiters' attention

• The F-method helps recruiters identify key info by structuring résumés for how they read them. 
• This approach can help job seekers because recruiters might spend only seconds looking at a résumé.
• Highlighting key skills and accomplishments up top can help hiring managers and scanning software.

Sometimes, an F can be a good thing .

Take the so-called F-method. It's a way of organizing your résumé so that a recruiter can read the most important parts across the top — like the upper portion of the letter F.

The next most essential info goes farther down with keywords or points sticking out like the arm on an F.

The idea behind the framework is to help someone looking over your résumé get to the good stuff right away. That's because recruiters might spend only seconds scanning your work history and other accomplishments, and you need to make sure you really stand out, really quickly.

"The skills section on my résumé is in that 'F.' It's in that direct line of sight," Lee Woodrow, owner and principal consultant at Bigger Fish Executive Branding , told Business Insider.

Highlighting the top information right away is all the more important in an environment where it's getting harder to get desk jobs — and where the ease of applying means recruiters are often overrun with applications.

'Buzzword bingo'

Woodrow, who's been writing résumés for others for many years, said the top of a CV built around the F-method should include essential information about the value you bring: details like who you are professionally, what area your expertise is in, and which industries you've worked in.

"It's an elevator pitch," he said. That information belongs at the top near your name, he said, so that it gets seen. "That entices the reader to read on."

It's also important, Woodrow said, to have the right words and phrases up high where a busy recruiter can see them.

"It's like buzzword bingo," he said.

This is often important when recruiters are trying to fill technical roles. They might not have a lot of background in the particulars of a job, so they might be on the hunt for phrases or words that a hiring manager has flagged.

Related stories

Setting your résumé up with the F-method can mean a break from traditional formats, such as listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, which may surprise some.

But Woodrow said floating the most important ideas to the top makes sense if, for example, your most relevant experience for a job isn't tied to your latest role. Or, in other cases, he said, a job posting might call for someone with a master's degree or a Ph.D.

"Why would you put it lower down on page two or three? You'd want it on page one somewhere — highlighting it in that area which is in the 'F,'" Woodrow said.

In any case, he said, it's important to keep the most relevant information on the first page of a résumé.

Have a few goals in mind

Woodrow said one goal for your résumé should be ensuring it can be easily read by the applicant-tracking software companies often use to sift through job applications. Another aim should be having clear section titles so the document is a breeze for a recruiter to navigate. Highlight things like relevant job experience for a role you're going for, he said.

Last, Woodrow said, a résumé needs to influence a decision-maker by giving proof of your accomplishments. He recommends including three brief examples on the first page about how you solved a problem. To do this, describe a situation, give context, and use metrics from the business, if possible, to demonstrate how you improved a situation.

It's an abbreviated version of the STAR technique , sometimes used in interviewing, and involves describing a situation or task, actions, and results.

Kyle Samuels, founder and CEO of the executive search firm Creative Talent Endeavors , told BI that using the F-method to lay out a résumé can make sense for technical roles where a recruiter needs to know you have a certain amount of experience with, say, a particular programming language or modeling.

But in other cases, where a job might be more senior, artificial intelligence tools that do a first pass on a stack of résumés might make the F idea somewhat moot because AI bots can scoop up huge volumes of information.

"It kind of feels like a poor man's AI," Samuels said, referring to the F-method.

He said that with a role like a VP of marketing, you might have several candidates who would be a great fit.

"We're not expecting to see the exact same formatting or skills or experience, and so we really pore through the résumé," Samuels said.

That's why, especially when recruiting for more senior roles, there's little substitute for reading a résumé thoroughly, he said.

"I study it like the Torah," Samuels said.

• Main content

• Freelance Tips

How to Craft a Content Writer Resume (with Examples)

• By  Emily Numa
• May 24, 2024
• How To Become A Freelancer
• Skills and Experience

Share this article:

A well-crafted content writer resume is essential if you want to land new clients and succeed as a freelancer. In this post, we’ll explain how to create a resume that showcases your skills and gets you noticed. We’ll also give you an example of a resume to help you get started on your own.

What to Include in Your Content Writer Resume

When writing your resume , there are some key elements you should always include:

• Your contact information
• A professional summary (a brief statement highlighting your expertise and experience)
• Previous work experience and content writing skills (including unpaid work)
• Relevant education (degrees, online courses , certificates, etc.)
• Professional achievements or awards
• Membership in professional societies

If you’re a beginner and don’t have much professional writing experience, you can include any writing-related aspects of past employment. For example, if you’re a former teacher , you could list comprehensive lesson planning as research and writing experience. Or if you worked in an office, you can describe how you managed projects and prepared presentations or other professional documents.

Writing Your Content Writer Resume

Here’s a breakdown of how to write an effective content writer resume:

1. Choose a Format

There are several different formats to choose from for your resume. You can write a chronological resume , a functional resume , or a combination of both. Both formats have their advantages – a chronological resume highlights your work history and education over time, while a functional resume emphasizes your related skills. If you’re a relatively new writer with little professional writing experience, a functional resume (or a combination of both formats) is probably the best way to showcase your skills.

2. Decide What to Include

It can be challenging to decide what to include on a resume, especially if you have a varied work history. Generally, your content writer resume should be concise; it’s usually best to keep it to around one page.

If possible, try to tailor your resume specifically to the writing job you’re applying for. This means you may need to emphasize different skills or achievements for each potential role or client. For example, if you’re applying for a position writing content for a veterinary office, it would be appropriate to include your time as a volunteer at an animal shelter, even if it didn’t involve writing. However, this experience would not be relevant to a job as a financial writer , so you would leave it off that version of your resume.

Additionally, even if you don’t have an industry-specific degree , you can include past coursework or professional development that relates to the job you’re applying for.

3. Provide Concrete Details

To help your resume stand out from the crowd, provide as many concrete details of your experience and professional achievements as you can. For example, if you took the lead on a project or increased website traffic and conversions for a client, be sure to include the specific data in the work experience section. Here are some more ideas for using numbers in your resume .

4. Tailor Your Language and Tone

Always use clear and concise language for your content writer resume – and be sure to proofread for errors and inconsistent formatting before submitting it. In addition, visit the website of the organization you’re applying to work with and try to match their language and tone as much as possible (as long as it’s professional!). When discussing your previous experience, use bold, engaging verbs (e.g., “crafted,” “supervised,” “implemented”).

5. Optimize With Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems . These systems collect and rank resumes – based on how well they match the job description – to narrow down applications to the most suitable candidates. Make sure your resume is tailored to the vacancy in question!

Content Writer Resume Example

There isn’t one single best tool to use to create your content writer resume. You can write it in Microsoft Word as a PDF, or you can use Google Docs, Canva, or other resume-building sites . No matter what tool or software you use, be sure to include all relevant information, and ensure the content is presented neatly and is easy to follow. A good tip is to email it to yourself and open it on your own computer to get a better visual understanding of the format.

Below is an example of a fictional content writer’s resume to use as inspiration; you can read an additional example on the LiveCareer website.

Example Resume

Becoming a freelance writer.

Do you want to learn more about what it takes to be a successful freelance content writer , including how to find clients? Check out our comprehensive Becoming a Freelance Writer course. It teaches you everything you need to know about launching a rewarding career as a freelance writer. Sign up to receive your free lessons today!

Related posts:

Start your journey

Kick-start a flexible new career, time for a change.

Sign up for a Knowadays free trial – it’s your first step towards a new career.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.