Effective writing styles

Create a professional resume with your 'personal voice'. Experienced Human Resources professionals, who are likely to receive your application, can usually tell when you've based your application on a template.

Proactive language

Using proactive keywords can help you effectively communicate those of your personal characteristics that an employer seeks. Find keywords in the position description. Describe relevant information from the last five years or so. Action verbs make an impact. Consider the following list:

Accelerated

Collaborated

Edited

Identified

Researched

Allocated

Concluded

Encouraged

Organised

Reviewed

Advised

Co-operated

Initiated

Persuaded

Revived

Attained

Expedited

Influenced

Performed

Strengthened

Delegated

Facilitated

Interpreted

Produced

Balanced

Devised

Fashioned

Launched

Sustained

Budgeted

Directed

Finalised

Recorded

Upgraded

Built

Displayed

Moderated

Reported

Validated

Coordinated

Generated

Motivated

Represented

Wrote

Negotiated

Implemented

Estimated

Developed

Assessed

Submitted

Recommended

Marketed

 

 

Resume employer dislikes

Though each individual employer will have their unique likes and dislikes regarding formatting, style and content, research has shown that there are particular things they do not like:

 

  • Poorly researched and untailored resumes
  • Poorly written resumes
  • Achievement certificates from high school
  • Overuse of glowing adjectives
  • Standard resumes templates