Resume Writing Tip #6 – Word Selection

This is critical, especially the action verbs that you choose to use.  For example, if an objective was obtained, why use the verb “met” when you could use “achieved” or “exceeded” instead?  Also, you should start out each sentence with an appropriate verb rather than hide it in the middle of the sentence.  Consider the following:

• Good management verbs – directed, managed, oversaw, led, supervised, assigned, chaired, founded
• Good administrative verbs – designed, developed, established, negotiated, executed, implemented
• Good accomplishment verbs – achieved, exceeded
• Good adjectives to describe yourself (cover letter, etc) – resourceful, innovative, action-oriented, self-motivated, creative
• Usually bad verbs (too passive) – coordinated, participated, facilitated, arranged, influenced, analyzed, responsible for

See the rest of my series on Resume Writing here.   I also have a related series for Job Hunting and one for Interviewing.

Author: Gordon Daugherty

Over the past 15 years Gordon has seen nearly 1,000 startup pitches, advised more than 200 entrepreneurs and been involved with raising over $45M in growth and venture capital. Throughout his 28 year career in high tech, serving twice as President and three times as CMO, Gordon has both an IPO and a $200M acquisition exit under his belt. Now his emphasis is purely focused on helping startups and early stage tech companies. Through his Shockwave Innovations advisory practice and as Managing Director for Austin’s Capital Factory startup accelerator, Gordon is an active angel investor, VC and startup advisor. View all posts by Gordon Daugherty