Michael Sterling

70 Verbs to Beef Up Your CV

 

Today’s blog is brought to you by the letter V.  V as in: Verb and CV – curriculum vitae.

 

We all know a verb describes an action, state, or occurrence. CVs, or resumes, are chock-full of verbs. They’re used to draw attention to accomplishments. However, most resumes are also filled with the same, mundane verbs which turn a resume stale and make it easily overlooked. To catch the eye of the reader, break away from the blah. Beef up your CV with powerful, dynamic verbs.

 

When you next update your resume, review the verbs. Switch them up with fresh, creative alternatives.

 

Action Verb Alternatives

 

Instead of Managed or Led:

Piloted

Guided

Chaired

Coached

Executed

Facilitated

Fostered

Orchestrated

Directed

Governed

Spearheaded

Mentored

 

Instead of Saved:

Consolidated

Conserved

Lessened

Protected

Preserved

Secured

 

Instead of Improved:

Modified

Refined

Redesigned

Overhauled

Elevated

Revamped

Restructured

Revitalized

Simplified

Transformed

Upgraded

 

Instead of Developed or Created:

Charted

Devised

Formed

Forged

Formalized

Conceived

Shaped

Generated

Established

Engineered

Built

 

Instead of Increase or Add:

Augment

Boost

Supplement

Expand

Gain

Generate

Maximize

Lift

Append

 

Instead of Achieve:

Deliver

Acquire

Attain

Close

Fulfill

Accomplish

Realize

Earn

Surpass

Outperform

 

Instead of Communicate:

Advise

Brief

Convey

Counsel

Document

Report

Persuade

Lobby

Illustrate

Inform

Network

 

Select from these 70 suggestions, do a Google search for other alternatives or check out thesarus.com.  Be creative to beef up your CV, but not over-the-top.

 

Have some fresh action verbs to add to the list? Leave a comment. And connect with me on LinkedIn.  Interested in more resume and job search tips?  Check out the Career Wellness section of the SterlingFreeman website.

 

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