4 Power Words That Will Make Your CV Stand Out

In today’s job market, your CV is the most important document you have to get your job application in the hands of a potential employer.

Did you know that the use of power words on your CV can help you get closer to getting the job?

Power words are words that grab an employer’s attention and prove your qualifications. Powerful words are useful especially when the employer is using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to select the right candidate. The system looks for certain keywords and if it does not find, then your CV will not be considered.

Having the required qualifications and not presenting them on your CV can cost a job opportunity.

So how then can you use power words and make your CV stand out?

Power words can be divided into four groups which are keywords, action words, number terms, and description words. Let’s look at them in detail.

1. Keywords

These are phrases and words that reveal to the employer that you read the advert, you have qualifications and skills, you are conversant with certain tools, and you are familiar with a particular industry.

Avoid the use the phrases like excellent oral and written communication skills but rather ensure your great skill is clear.

How then can you find the right keywords?

This could be the question you are asking yourself but here is the way to go.

Check the job posting and look for the correct keywords, browse other keywords from the website, visit other websites and find common keywords, ask people in the industry about standard qualifications or research keywords in other ads.

Remember to get the meaning of the words you choose which accurately represent the work you did for you to be confident.

2. Action Words

These are verbs that describe an action. Professional CV writers usually put them at the beginning of the bullet or description. It is better to say completed a project than to say you were responsible for the project.  

Action words show that you succeeded, for example delivered all projects before the due date. You should know your employability skills and how to sell them as this will impress employers and you improve your chances of landing the job.

Some of the action words that highlight your success and describe your skills include, accomplished, achieved, improved, attained, increased, launched, delivered, completed, upgraded, doubled, multiplied, expanded, developed, collaborated, proposed, designed, promoted, simplified, predicted, demonstrated, adjusted, assessed, budgeted, analyzed, reviewed, submitted, monitored, installed, implemented, administered, delegated, or solved.

3. Description Words

These are adjectives that describe the traits and strengths. Before using these words, ensure that you know how they apply to yourself. Examples accurate, creative, realistic, innovative, curious, receptive, ambitious, reliable, knowledgeable, decisive, dedicated, resourceful, analytical, responsible, broad-minded, objective, efficient, open-minded, optimistic, flexible, supportive, talented, confident, or industrious.

4. Number Terms

They are referred to as quantifiers. These are words that describe the size, length, or quantity. They can be called extra details which help the reader measure success. For example, in an amateur CV one can say managed a team but in a professional CV, one will use managed 30 employees. Adding a number paints a clear picture and the level of your responsibility. Other examples: reduced the losses by 90%, or increased the sales by 1 million.

When you are not in a position to use number words, for example, if you have not been in the workforce for long, you can just use the strongest words action words to strengthen your achievements. Example contributed to the success of the project

Nutshell

Using power words in your CV adds quality and helps you get closer to meeting your potential employer. Power words are important and knowing the best power words for a particular industry can lead you to interview.

Does your CV have the power words that will get you that job? Get a FREE CV Review from our professional CV writers and find out!