Power words to bring life to your applications July 1, 2009
Posted by Helen Curry in : Uncategorized , trackback****Be aware this content is over two years old****
When writing a CV or application form, it is easy to hit a writer’s block on finding new ways to say “I did this… then I did this… my duties were…”, and of course you are not selling yourself by using flat lists. What you need are dynamic, positive words that prompt you to describe your achievements in a job and celebrate your initiative. Easier said than done? Try this cheat-sheet to find inspiration…
Leadership/management
- organised
- responsible for…
- co-ordinated
- implemented
- supervised
Initiative
- designed
- introduced
- created
- revamped
- devised
- solved
Success
- achieved
- delivered
- proven track record in…
- expertise/proficient in…
- notable
- instrumental to…
Communication
- persuaded
- negotiated
- recommended
- corresponded
- coached/trained
Attitude
- motivated
- confident
- enthusiastic
- effective
- positive
Notice a relation to key skills? The words lead you to analyse your work history and experiences for evidence of your abilities – that is what employers are looking for from your job application. I find it useful having a list like this in front of me when writing to get me thinking along these lines (and because there is something energising just reading these possibilities).
For more information on job applications, see The Careers Group helpsheet on Job applications
Comments»
[...] best advice I could found was found on the University of London’s Career’s Group Blog. Lots of good advice on those elusive key words (or power words as the HR people like to call [...]