Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Words to describe yourself on a resume are adjectives like adaptable, diligent, creative, and dependable, as well as action verbs such as led, developed, and improved. These words highlight your skills, traits, and achievements, helping you stand out to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). The key is to choose words that are specific, relevant to the job, and backed by concrete examples. This guide provides a comprehensive list of words, explains how to select them, and shows where to place them for maximum impact. For the next step, read our overview of Resume vs. Cover Letter: Key Differences Explained.

Why Word Choice Matters on a Resume

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, and the words you choose can determine whether you get an interview. According to ALIS, power words quickly gain an employer's attention and effectively prove your qualifications. They are also crucial for passing ATS, which scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job. If the system doesn't find those words, your resume may never reach a human recruiter.

However, using the right words is not just about getting past software. SEEK notes that positive describing words can change the tone and impact of your job applications, conveying skills and achievements in a compelling way. They help you differentiate yourself from other candidates and articulate your strengths persuasively.

Types of Words to Describe Yourself

There are three main categories of words to describe yourself on a resume: adjectives (describing words), action verbs, and keywords. Each serves a different purpose and should be used strategically. Our breakdown of How Do You Spell Resume? Resume vs. Résumé vs. Resumé covers the related details.

Adjectives: Describing Your Traits

Adjectives describe your personal qualities and work style. Examples include "diligent," "creative," "dependable," and "energetic." Indeed suggests using words like "tech-savvy," "forward-thinking," and "results-oriented" to showcase your strengths. However, it's important to avoid overused buzzwords like "hardworking" or "team player" unless you can back them up with specific examples.

Action Verbs: Demonstrating Your Achievements

Action verbs are powerful because they show what you actually did. Instead of saying you were "responsible for" a project, say you "led," "developed," or "implemented" it. ALIS emphasizes that action words show your ability to succeed, such as "developed a new inventory system that reduced labour costs by 18%." Common action verbs include "managed," "created," "improved," and "delivered."

Keywords: Matching the Job Description

Keywords are specific terms that employers look for, often related to skills, credentials, or industry jargon. They can include software names, certifications, or technical skills. To find the right keywords, carefully read the job posting and note the terms used. ALIS advises researching keywords from similar job ads and industry websites. Using these keywords naturally in your resume increases your chances of passing ATS and showing you're a good fit.

Top Words to Describe Yourself

Here is a curated list of effective words to describe yourself, organized by category. These words are drawn from multiple sources and are widely recognized by employers.

For a more extensive list, Call Centre Helper provides 50 words with examples, such as "able," "creative," "dependable," and "successful." Kickresume also offers 60 words, including "persevering," "proficient," and "diplomatic."

How to Choose the Right Words for Your Resume

Selecting the right words requires a strategic approach. Follow these steps to ensure your resume resonates with employers.

1. Analyze the job description: Identify the key skills and traits the employer is seeking. Look for repeated words and phrases.
2. Match your experience: Choose words that accurately reflect your background. Avoid claiming skills you don't possess.
3. Use a mix of adjectives and action verbs: Combine descriptive words with strong verbs to create a compelling narrative.
4. Quantify when possible: Add numbers to your achievements, such as "increased sales by 20%," to make your claims more credible.
5. Avoid clichés: Words like "hardworking" and "team player" are overused. Instead, use more specific terms like "collaborative" or "dedicated."

SEEK emphasizes that describing words add depth and clarity to communication, so choose words that are precise and meaningful. For example, instead of "good communication skills," say "presented to senior leadership" or "facilitated cross-functional meetings."

Where to Place These Words on Your Resume

Strategic placement of descriptive words can enhance their impact. Here are the key sections to focus on:

• Professional summary: This is the first section employers read, so include 2-3 strong adjectives that summarize your professional identity. For example, "Results-driven marketing manager with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns."
• Work experience: Use action verbs at the beginning of bullet points to describe your accomplishments. For instance, "Led a team of 10 to launch a new product, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue."
• Skills section: List relevant keywords and adjectives that match the job description. This helps with ATS and quickly shows your qualifications.
• Cover letter: While not part of the resume, using descriptive words in your cover letter can reinforce your message. ALIS notes that power words are useful in cover letters as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using descriptive words incorrectly can hurt your chances. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overusing buzzwords: Words like "synergy" and "go-getter" can sound empty without context. Use them sparingly and only if you can provide evidence.
• Being vague: Saying you are "detail-oriented" is meaningless unless you show how. Instead, say "reviewed financial reports for accuracy, reducing errors by 10%."
• Ignoring the job description: If the employer is looking for "project management" skills, make sure to include that exact phrase if you have the experience.
• Using too many adjectives: A resume full of adjectives but few action verbs can seem fluffy. Balance descriptions with concrete achievements.

Indeed advises that descriptive words should be used to enhance, not replace, substantive content. Always back up your claims with examples.

Examples of Effective Word Usage

To illustrate, here are examples of weak and strong resume statements:

• Weak: "Responsible for managing a team."
• Strong: "Managed a team of 12 sales associates, achieving a 20% increase in quarterly sales."
• Weak: "Good communication skills."
• Strong: "Presented monthly performance reports to executive leadership, facilitating data-driven decisions."

These examples show how action verbs and quantifiable results make your resume more compelling. Call Centre Helper provides similar examples, such as "delivered all projects in a timely fashion" and "identified a need for a new system."

Remember, the goal is to paint a clear picture of your capabilities. Choose words that are specific, relevant, and honest, and you'll create a resume that stands out for all the right reasons.