It’s All About the Action – Verbs that is!

​When you read a story, article, or watch a movie, are you more interested in it if there is action. Action can get your attention, draw you in, and make you want more. The same holds true with your resume.  Use action verbs in your resume to catch employers’ attention, draw them in, and make them want to interview you.

Writers like to use an “Active” voice rather than a “Passive” voice when writing to make things more exciting.  Here is an example:

• Example of passive: Responsible for increasing sales by $2 million.
• Example of active: Increased sales by $2 million.
  

An Employer reading hundreds of resumes may notice the active voice and set your resume in the “Next Step” pile instead of the “File” pile.

Demonstrate your ability to lead or take initiative with action verbs like: Resolved, Suggested, Revised, Reduced, Gained, and Improved. These words suggest that you saved money or earned money for the company. Other words that benefit you are the words that show either your independence or team player abilities depending upon the type of job for which you are applying.  Review the list and make several selections based upon your chosen career path.

When you write your resume with an active voice versus a passive voice, people will view and act upon your resume differently.