13 Must-Have Words to Include in Your Resume
Your resume has the power to make or break your career journey. Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or looking to transition, your resume says a lot about you. This post on the 13 must-have words to include in your resume will enable you to communicate your suitability for a role, convince the recruiter, and sweep the ATS off its feet.
We say a person’s look gives them out in seconds, which can be likened to how your resume portrays you. Words are known to carry power, and this is true even for your resume. It becomes imperative to discover ways to optimise your resume. In our previous post on CV writing tips, we looked at impactful formats that make for a compelling resume. What better way to describe your role, results and competence than with well-crafted words?
When crafting your resume, one of the most critical questions is, “How do I stand out among hundreds and thousands of applicants? It’s not just the templates, styles, or fonts that matter; these all matter. But this post will look at must-have words to include in your resume. Stick around if you want to carve a path of productivity and rewarding career progression in 2024.
How the Right Words Can Make Your Resume Stand Out to Employers
The average a recruiter spends on a resume is 6-8 seconds. Within this short window, they decide whether you are suitable for their vacancy. This means the process is strict and offers little room for mistakes. As a job seeker, this is worrying and frustrating to hear. You must be proactive with your words, or else the recruiter will toss your resume under the rug.
Words in a resume should be intentional, constructive and purposeful. Writing your resume clearly and concisely is essential to get hired. It gives enough information to convince and leaves out enough to entice the recruiters.
You may have heard of power words, action words, qualifiers, quantifiers, etc. These are all ways you can use the power of expert writing to woo and win recruiters.
13 Must-Have Words on Your Resume
Always remember that positivity is a charm when choosing the correct words for your resume. It attracts and compels. You need to sell your competence rather than tell your life story. After all, barely any recruiter will sit long enough for that.
Many words have become CV cliches’. These are words that candidates have overused and no longer appeal to recruiters. Note that great words lose value if not backed up with actual achievements. We would examine
These words would deliver strong statements, bringing us to the matter’s crux. What are the 13 must-have words to include in your resume for an irresistible and impactful result?
Achieved
Recruiters are drawn to candidates who are ‘achievers’ and not merely doers. Unsurprisingly, this word is among the 13 must-have words to include in your resume. There are various reasons for this. Achievements show that you are concerned about your output and quality of work. They also show a commitment to growth and a love for results. When a doer merely exists and works the clock, the achiever wants to impact the organisation.
Using the word ‘achieved’ is a quick tip to pique the recruiter’s attention. A pro tip to utilise this word is to back it up with metrics showing the extent of your achievements.
Managed
Regardless of experience or qualification, there is a leader in everyone. It boils down to how well you have nurtured this ability. Using the word, managed communicates a sense of responsibility, trust, competence, leadership and responsibility. It displays your ability to handle tasks and deliver positive outcomes.
A resume with the word’ managed’ in it is a must-have. It is not restricted to managers. Every professional must demonstrate versatility, initiative, professionalism, and leadership skills.
Led
The future and growth of organisations largely stem from the leadership of the few and the whole. It is the effort and drive of leaders who hold this title and the leaders who steer change from the background. Using this word on your resume indicates you have what it takes to impact the team and organisation.
Just like the captain on the ship, it takes one good leader to motivate the weak, applaud the strong and steer the wheel of progress. The word ‘Led’ suggests you took charge, displayed confidence and guided others.
Increased/Improved
The world is evolving and leans towards efficiency and improvements. No one wants regression, no recruiter scouts for candidates that would not put their hands on deck for the organisation’s growth.
The words ‘Improved’ and ‘increased’ on your resume indicate you have what it takes to work with available resources. When used appropriately, they tell the recruiter you seek to improve things in any assigned role. They signify that you are progressive and ready to bring measurable, positive, and impactful change.
Developed
Developed” indicates that you can create, build, or enhance something. It portrays you as actively involved in producing or improving projects, initiatives, or systems. It also means you are not one to leave things as they are, seeking ways to improve current processes, outcomes and systems.
In your skills section, recruiters see this word as an insight into your commitment to professional development and skills enhancement.
Initiated
Where others cringe from responsibility and shy away from the new, a candidate with a sense of leadership and proactivity initiates change. “Initiated” conveys confidence and a willingness to take the lead. It suggests that you don’t wait for instructions but take the initiative to drive projects or improvements.
This word on your resume will tell the recruiter that you think ‘outside the box’ and can spearhead positive outcomes.
Streamlined
Earlier, we looked at how organisations and the world crave to make things more efficient. Crafting your resume with the word ‘Streamlined’ gives it another level of appeal. Who doesn’t love to make things better?
Varying workloads and daily activities can breed room for lags, inefficiencies and reduced productivity. Being the professional that streamlines means you identified issues, worked through possible solutions and implemented effective ones. At that moment, the recruiter can see cost savings, increased productivity, opened channels, and more.
Generated
Another striking word for resume optimisation is ‘Generated. ‘It is no wonder that it is among the 13 must-have words for your resume. It simply means growth, productivity, and tangible proof of your competence.
If you are in sales, marketing, or business development roles, “generated” is a pivotal term to showcase your ability to bring in new business, clients, or revenue. It also means you do not let things dry out; you groom and grow them.
Influenced
Influenced on your resume is a clear indication that you are that professional who lights up the room. The one who challenges everyone to be better. The personnel who combs through the organisation and inspires positive action.
You can demonstrate your influencing skills as a critical achievement, a regular job description, or a soft skill. The only rule is to professionally reflect on how you have influenced change and what the outcome was.
Negotiated
The business world is a place of negotiations, making this word a must-have. And it is more than having the word on your resume; it is having and using this skill that makes the difference.
‘Negotiated’ shows you have what it takes to communicate effectively and persuasively, make headway in cases of differing opinions or interests and manage relationships effectively to achieve favourable outcomes.
Implemented
Recruiters want to hire competent hands, individuals with the potential to make an impact. This is why using the word “Implemented” indicates that you are the right candidate who can lead strategic decision-making and execution. It suggests that you understand how to translate plans into actionable steps.
Adding ‘implemented’ to your resume is a tell-all sign that you are a problem solver, innovator, and open to new ways of getting things done.
Optimised
Professionals with a continuous improvement and growth mindset are like jewels in the recruitment process. Having ‘optimised’ on your resume indicates that you do not get stuck in the old ways but commit to improving.
It suggests that you implement change and refine your work. It demonstrates a strategic mindset, consideration of long-term objectives, and a disposition to align your efforts with broader organisational goals.
Resolved
Resolved reflects your problem-solving skills, entailing your ability to identify and address issues promptly. This word showcases potential employers and shows you can effectively navigate and overcome obstacles.
However, it is vital to note that specific examples that illustrate the nature of the issues you addressed and the positive outcomes achieved are essential. This helps potential employers understand the scope and impact of your problem-solving abilities. It also increases believability and erases ‘bluff.
RKY CV Optimisation Service.
Your CV is a powerful tool to achieve your dreams. We have examined 13 must-have words to include in your resume, but we should not just stop here. It is not enough to crave your dream job or know what to have in your CV. Applying the right words, ideas, and descriptions will ensure you hit the mark. RKY CV optimisation service is a rich blend of competent professionals who are exceptional researchers with mastery of word power and the recruitment world. We excel at inputting must-have words backed up with proven achievements and qualifiers.
You need a CV and Cover letter customised just for you. Many of our CV and Cover Letter experts have been industry leaders with a wealth of experience and achievements that crown their expertise. It is a team of innovation-friendly professionals who understand your needs and know how to portray your strengths and counter your weaknesses.
At RKY Careers, our CV optimisation service results from our innate passion and ability to help each client regardless of their background and pursuits. We meet your needs, project your values, highlight your skills, and position you as the best candidate for the Job. We are behind the success stories of thousands and cannot wait to be a part of yours.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, a pro tip is to look out for specific skills and competencies that are a must-have for your speciality. The recruiter has already given you a list of all the skills they’re looking for in their perfect candidate. Please don’t ignore them. Pick out some of the critical attributes they’ve highlighted, and make sure you demonstrate them on your application.
If all else fails, RKY Careers Optimisation Service has got you covered.
FAQs 13 Must-Have Words to Include in Your Resume
Here is a list of frequently asked questions and concise answers from seasoned professionals about must-have words for resume building.
How Can I Use These Words Without Sounding Cliché?
To avoid cliches, use words naturally and back them up with specific examples. Recruiters want to see these words demonstrated in your resume. For instance, when you like to use ‘achieved’, you can say ‘Achieved 97% customer satisfaction rating on average via exceptional communication skills, surpassing existing KPIs by 12%.’
Can These Words be Used in Any Industry or Field?
The 13 must-have words can cover any job industry or field. The key is in the application. These words should be solidified and tailored to your specific field or industry by infusing technical terms into the descriptions, such as data analysis, fabrication, process improvements, etc.
How Do I Quantify Achievements Related to These Words?
When you back them up with achievements, these words mean more to the recruiter. These should be specific words and percentages, if applicable. Examples are 19%, 5+, and $200000+. Such percentages and figures are also known as metrics.
Should These Words be Included in the Resume Summary or Experience Section?
Must-have words are not restricted to the job description alone. They are also valuable in your career summary section. After all, this section is one of the most crucial parts a recruiter uses to decide on your application.
