Power Up Your CV with Verbs and Phrases that Showcase Skills
Crafting an impactful CV is crucial for securing job interviews and leaving a memorable impression on potential employers. One effective way to elevate the content of your CV is by incorporating power verbs and phrases. These terms can articulate your skills, experience, and achievements in a compelling and dynamic manner.
Why Power Verbs and Phrases?
Your CV serves as a snapshot of your professional life, and you have limited space to convey your worthiness for a role. Power verbs and phrases help you to cut through the noise, making your actions and accomplishments stand out. They also help to quantify your experiences, lending more weight to your statements.
Some Verbs to Consider:
1. Achieved: This term highlights that you not only complete tasks but excel in doing so.
Example: "Achieved a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings within the first three months of role by …."
2. Managed: Use this to show leadership and organisational skills.
Example: "Managed a team of 10, focusing on project deliverables and team development."
3. Implemented: This verb indicates that you can execute a plan successfully.
Example: "Implemented a new software system that improved operational efficiency by 15%."
4. Led: It denotes leadership and shows you have guided others.
Example: "Led the marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% growth in brand awareness."
5. Initiated: This tells employers that you are proactive and can start successful projects.
Example: "Initiated and completed a full audit of company processes."
6. Negotiated: Employers value negotiation skills in many roles, not just in sales.
Example: "Negotiated contracts with suppliers, reducing costs by 10%."
7. Advised: This word indicates that you have a level of expertise in your field.
Example: "Advised management on regulatory compliance issues."
8. Leveraged: Use this to indicate you've used something to its maximum advantage.
Example: "Leveraged data analytics to improve forecasting accuracy."
9. Collaborated: Teamwork is essential in almost every role, and this word shows you can work well with others.
Example: "Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline the delivery process."
10. Created: This verb suggests originality and the ability to produce something new.
Example: "Created a comprehensive training module that was later adopted company-wide."
Some Phrases to Use:
Those phrases can often be used to summarise your CV or profile.
1. "Responsible for": While not as dynamic as a verb, this phrase helps set the stage for a strong accomplishment that will follow.
Example**: "Responsible for streamlining office administration, reducing paperwork by 30%."
2. "Proven ability to ": This phrase demonstrates that you have evidence to back up your skills.
Example: "Proven ability to manage complex projects on time and on budget."
3. "Skilled in": Use this phrase to directly align your skills with the job description requirements.
Example: "Skilled in Python and machine learning techniques."
4. "Recognised for ": This phrase can precede an award or achievement that distinguishes you from others.
"Recognised for exceptional customer service through quarterly awards."
5. Took Ownership: This phrase shows you possess a high level of responsibility and are committed to seeing projects through to completion. This phrase is often used in the Work Experience section.
Example: "Took ownership of the client onboarding process, resulting in a smoother transition and higher client satisfaction rates."
Some common verbs and phrases you can use in your CV:
Leadership Skills
- Managed
- Led
- Spearheaded
- Oversaw
- Directed
Creativity and Proactivity
- Initiated
- Created
- Took Ownership
- Innovated
- Generated
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Collaborated
- Facilitated
- Liaised
- Coordinated
- "Contributed to"
Project Management
- Implemented
- Orchestrated
- Budgeted
- Prioritised
- "Drove results in"
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Analysed
- Resolved
- Validated
- "Well-versed in"
- Synthesised
Communication Skills
- Advised
- Presented
- "Excelled in"
- Demonstrated
- "Served as"
Technical Skills
- Developed
- Engineered
- Integrated
- Monitored
- "Proficient at"
Organisational Skills
- Organised
- Scheduled
- Processed
- Compiled
- Streamlined
Attention to Detail
- Maintained
- Verified
- Refined
- "Consistently achieved".
- "Capitalised on".
Client and Customer Relations
- Achieved
- Negotiated
- Leveraged
- Enhanced
- "Experienced in"
Administrative Skills
- Coordinated
- Scheduled
- Processed
- Compiled
- Maintained
- Verified
- Assisted
- Handled
- Distributed
Financial Skills
- Budgeted
- Generated
- Fostered
- Negotiated
- Monitored
Mentorship and Training
- Mentored
- Advised
- Served as
- Assisted
- Skilled in
When it comes to crafting a compelling CV, the devil is in the details. Power verbs and phrases can be the key to relaying your accomplishments in the most impactful way possible. Employers are inundated with CVs; make sure yours stands out by incorporating these linguistic elements. You can mix and match these verbs and phrases based on the specific job requirements and your personal experiences. Tailoring your language to match the skills most relevant to the job can greatly enhance the impact of your CV.
If you do not know how to write a UK standard CV or have questions regarding CV writing, you can always join our live webinar, where we explain how to write a CV step by step.
