Seven Words That Put Power In Your Resume

Posted by in Career Advice


 

I was looking for some inspiration for my last blog of the day, and decided to catch up on my emails.  I came across a blog article about a study done by Yale University on the 10 most powerful words in the English language.   Resumes need to be powerful enough to attract attention, create some excitement and prompt a prospective employer to call for an interview.   Some of the 10 like You, Love or Discovery may not fit in a resume, but you could fit in the rest in the right context.  If you want to put some power in your resume, consider using these proven (#4) words in your resume rewrite.

 

1.      Results.  Use the word and give specific examples.  Education and experience are important qualifiers, but employers are interested in results.  Accomplishment statements describe a problem, action taken and result.  Each job listed should have at least one or two accomplishment statements, showing results.

2.      Health.  Have you found ways to improve the financial health of your company?  What about healthy profits?  Or instituted programs to improve the physical health of employees, clients or customers? 

3.      Guarantee.  Everyone feels comfortable with a money-back guarantee.  While you may not use the exact word, how can you show you guarantee results?  Why will you deliver a guaranteed return on investment?  Accomplishments that list specific projects are perfect interview talking points that show how you can deliver for a new employer.

4.      Proven.  I like to use this word in the summary statement at the very top of the resume, as in “proven professional.”  If you say you have experience in an area, your resume work history and accomplishment statements are the “proof” of your ability.  Past performance is a good indicator of future behavior.  If you’ve proven your worth in the past, it’s a reasonable guarantee you’ll do the same in the future.

5.      Safe.   Again, you may not use the actual word, but companies want employees who are responsible, trained in workplace safety and have experience with compliance and problem resolution.  OSHA safety training certification can be a plus for a manufacturing or industrial job

6.      Save.  Use this one liberally when describing how you were able to save the company time and money.  Instead of just saying you saved money, use actual dollar amounts or percentages to make an impact.  Were you able to save the company from negative media coverage, embarrassment or exposure to liability?  Some things can’t be measured in dollars or hours. 

7.      New.  Are you on the cutting edge in your industry?  Up on the newest ideas, concepts, processes, software or technology?  Have you introduced new, innovative ideas or products or processes that have saved (#6) money and delivered proven (#4) results (#1)?   Whether you’re a new grad or have 20 years of experience, being up on the latest in your field or industry is a powerful asset.

 

Check your resume over and see if you can incorporate at least some of these power words.  Have you come across other words that are just as powerful?  Please share them in the comments below. 

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  • Anjna P.
    Anjna P.

    Useful

  • Barbara Dimry
    Barbara Dimry

    I believe this to be helpful. I am a confident in my field, i believe researching the company and knowing what I can offer will prove my interest in future employment.

  •  Robert J. M
    Robert J. M
    Thanks  and I will rewrite my resume using these 4 very powerful words. If possible, please publish a sample covering letter(s) that work effectively. I used one letter that was on I think Career Builder, I have yet to get a positive response. I can e-mail it to you to get your opinion on the writing.
  • Ernest R
    Ernest R
    These are compelling and strong words that distinguish the high performing and knowledgeable candidate from the rest of the applicants.Thanks for this revelations. I will use them frequently in my job search
  • Kelley W. J
    Kelley W. J
    This is wonderful, I wish that I had come across it sooner! I  have an upcoming interviews, so I am making adjustments as we speak.  These are very valuable hints and its FREE.  I really appreciate your sharing this! #onward-&-upward!#
  • Sheila G
    Sheila G
    This is good and helpful information. I like that the article is straightforward and makes sense. As a Training Specialist, I know how important the right words are for understanding and meaning. I'm hoping that by incorporating these words in my resume, I'll start getting calls for interviews.
  • Rita B
    Rita B
    This was a interesting article. I have worked as a  professional nurse for over 28yrs and I'm currently out of work for 3 wks. Have had 10 interviews within those 3wk but have not been hired. I think that my resume that does not contain the seven words that are in the article granted me the opportunity to be called to be interviewed  but were not expressed verbally during the interview .So I believe that if these powerful words are placed into my resume  they will help me to express both written and verbally  my professional value to a company and lead me to becoming employed.   
  • Jerry D
    Jerry D
    what about quality?
  • Larry R
    Larry R
    This will be a great tool for job hunters to use. It is very factual, and not full of fluff. I loved it.
  • ronald g
    ronald g
    I find this information somewhat useful, but it has been mentioned before that it is still up to that hiring manager to see the true value in the person. I must admit it is the resume that get you in the door.Retired: good luck I'M looking as well........
  • Rose G
    Rose G
    This was a very interesting article. I will review my resume and find ways of using these words. Thank you for the tips
  • Alena B
    Alena B
    The helpful article. Very clear, lucidly and available written. Good suggestions. It really works. Thank you.
  • Denise B
    Denise B
    very good suggestions, should help put punch in resumes!
  • Roya T
    Roya T
    HiI agree with you.  The company needs to make sure I will bring reputation and money for it.
  • Frederic T
    Frederic T
    Informative article. More convenient to experienced professionals. Newly graduated, you need a different approach.
  • RICHARD P
    RICHARD P
    EXCELLENT TIPS
  • ZORAN N
    ZORAN N
    Very interesting and useful information. I will try to write some of these words in my resume. Thank you.
  • Winston B
    Winston B
    I think all of this is great, but if the hiring managers just don't hire black men, there's nothing I can put on my CV to get in now. Is there?
  • Karen F
    Karen F
    Although some of these power words might bring about more interviews, I agree with Marlaine D that it seems everyone has their own opinion on which words one should use on their resume. I am an active career seeker, and I find the task of resume writing very daunting. One thing I have learned from my research is competition is stiffer than ever. I have never had this much of a challenge finding work before. Good luck to all!
  • Chelsa L
    Chelsa L
    You have given me some food for thought.I will have to review my current resume and see if any of these power words will apply.Thank You
  • Mieshia S
    Mieshia S
    Enjoyed reading this article. Made me feel better about some of the points I'd made in my resume by using some of these power words.
  • Cheryl H
    Cheryl H
    Very helpful and nicely written.
  • Ronald E
    Ronald E
    Thank you I will write a second resume and add some of these words.
  • Jatin S
    Jatin S
    excellent info. Very useful for the resume building.Every employer is interested in results,confidence,performance & responsibility from the employees. Good suggestions.Thanks!
  • Tracey B
    Tracey B
    Makes sense to me!! I have a few in my Resume already but can improve!!!

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