Words to Use in a CV to Get You Hired (Updated)

Writing a CV can be a daunting task. It’s your chance to make a good first impression on a potential employer. Using the right words can make your CV stand out and increase your chances of getting hired. In this blog post, we will explore some keywords and phrases that you should use to enhance your CV and make it more appealing to employers.

Action Words

Action words, also known as verbs, are crucial in a CV. They show what you have done and can do. Here are some powerful action words to include:

• Achieved: This word shows that you have reached your goals. For example, “Achieved a 20% increase in sales in one year.”
• Managed: Use this if you have led a team or project. For example, “Managed a team of 10 people.”
• Developed: This indicates that you have created something new. For example, “develop a new marketing strategy.”
• Improved: Show that you have made something better. For example, “Improved customer satisfaction by 15%.”
• Designed: If you have created a product, plan, or system, this is the word to use. For example, “Designed a new website layout.”

Skills

Skills are what you can do well. Including the right skills can help employers see that you are a good fit for the job. Here are some important skills to mention:

• Communication: This shows you can talk and write clearly. For example, “Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.”
• Teamwork: Employers want to know you can work well with others. For example, “proven ability to work effectively in a team.”
• Problem-solving: Show that you can find solutions to problems. For example, “excellent problem-solving skills.”
• Leadership: If you have led a team or project, this is a key skill. For example, “strong leadership abilities.”
• Time management: Show that you can manage your time well. For example, “Effective time management skills.”

Results

Employers love to see results. Including numbers and percentages can show that you have made a real impact. Here are some examples of how to include results in your CV:

• Increased sales by 25% in six months: This shows that you have contributed to the growth of the company.
• Reduced costs by 10% through efficient budgeting: This demonstrates your ability to save the company money.
• Boosted customer satisfaction scores by 15%: This indicates that you have improved the customer experience.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal traits that help you work well with others. Here are some soft skills that employers value:

• Adaptability: Show that you can handle change. For example, “adaptable to new situations and challenges.”
• Dependability: Employers want to know they can rely on you. For example, “highly dependable and trustworthy.”
• Creativity: Show that you can come up with new ideas. For example, “creative thinker with innovative ideas.”
• Empathy: This indicates that you understand and care about others. For example, “empathetic and good at understanding others’ needs.”
• Motivation: Show that you are driven and enthusiastic. For example, “highly motivated and eager to learn.”

Experience

Your experience section is where you list your previous jobs and what you did there. Use strong words to describe your duties and achievements. Here are some tips for writing about your experience:

• Start each bullet point with an action word: For example, “Managed,” “developed," and “Led.”
• Be specific: Include details about what you did and how you did it. For example, “Managed a budget of $50,000.”
• Show results: Whenever possible, include numbers to show your impact. For example, “Increased social media followers by 30% in three months.”

Education

Your education section should list your degrees and any relevant coursework or certifications. Here are some tips for writing about your education:

• Include your degree and major: For example, “Bachelor of Science in Marketing.”
• Mention any honours or awards: For example, “Graduated with honours.”
• List relevant coursework: If you took courses that are relevant to the job, list them. For example, “Courses in Digital Marketing and Consumer Behavior.”

Additional Sections

Depending on your experience and the job you are applying for, you may want to include additional sections on your CV. Here are some examples:

• Certifications: List any certifications you have earned. For example, “Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”
• Languages: If you speak multiple languages, list them. For example, “Fluent in Spanish and English.”
• Volunteer Work: If you have done volunteer work, include it. For example, “Volunteered at a local animal shelter.”

Formatting Tips

Finally, here are some tips for formatting your CV to make it look professional:

• Use a clean, simple layout: Avoid too many fonts and colors. Use bullet points to list your duties and achievements.
• Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages. Be clear and to the point.
• Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend or family member to review your CV.

Conclusion

Using the right words in your CV can make a big difference in getting noticed by employers. Focus on action words, highlight your skills, show results, and format your CV professionally. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job. Good luck!