Just because you’re responsible for something doesn't mean you did it. Image: Mariia Korneeva/Shutterstock.com
By: Nancy SegalThere are words you should use in your resume—and words you definitely should not. If your resume uses the words “responsible for,” you have work to do! Just because you’re responsible for something doesn’t mean you did it—it only means that you are supposed to do it!
Other phrases that you should banish from your resume include: duties include, hardworking, objective, references available upon request, detail oriented (unless included on the job posting you’re targeting), team player, phone (and email)—although you should certainly include your contact information, there’s no reason to label it. There are more but you get the idea.
Instead of using passive language—or words that are so generic as to be meaningless, your resume should use action verbs.
Here are some strong words to show your value:
· Delivered
· Identified
· Resolved
· Led
· Directed
· Oversaw
· Conducted
· Focused
· Reconciled
· Organized
· Presented
· Coordinated
· Delegated
· Orchestrated
· Built
· Planned
· Spearheaded
· Created
· Designed
· Formed
· Decreased
· Furthered
· Saved
· Clarified
· Modernized
· Streamlined
· Upgraded
· Aligned
There are many additional words to choose from; make sure the language you use on your resume is strong and represents what you bring to the table!
Nancy H. Segal is a federal job search expert. Following her own senior-level federal HR career, she founded Solutions for the Workplace LLC to provide a HR management perspective to astute applicants to U.S. government positions.
Conversions to Schedule P/C Pending; Acknowledgement Form Draws Attention
Federal Employee Survey Shows Plummeting Views on Engagement, Leadership, Performance
OPM Takeovers of RIF, Suitability Appeals Diminish Legal Rights, Unions Say
See also,
Calculating Service Credit for Sick Leave At Retirement
FERS Supplement vs The 10% Pension Bonus
How Your FERS, Social Security and TSP Payments Get Taxed
