Choose the best resume action verbs!

The page “Choose the best resume action verbs” helps you to pick up the best verbs from the toolbox and build your resume… I recommend to use the verb in the past for a past action and in the “-ing” form if it is your current position.

Remember to use words and short sentences without technical vocabulary and with concrete facts in numbers and percentages (I increased sales by 50%).
Replace the verbs of state (to be, to exist) by action verbs (sold, managed).
Use the active form (Increased) instead of the passive form (Sales were increased)

Also don’t forget to:

Use a conservative font, such as Arial or Times New Roman
Use a laser printer to print your resume, print on one side A4 paper only with 0.5 – 1-inch margins
Stick to one page unless you have an advanced degree or extensive experience (+10 years)
Leave sufficient white space to make it easy to read
Make sure the format suits your qualifications
Avoid underlining, use bullets to emphasize your credentials
Put your name, address and phone number at the top of the page, repeat your name on the second page at the top
Choose topic headings raising interest
Cite numbers to convey size and scale of the project, budget, staff supervised
Mention if you hold a permanent resident visa
No need to include the phrase “references available upon request”
Avoid repeating words or phrases
Avoid unnecessary words, sentences, phrases such as “Duties including/Hired to/Project involved”
Avoid self-flattering such as ” highly skilled, outstanding, or excellent”
Do not use the first person or any pronoun
Customize each resume to each position you seek, and emphasize relevant experience, skills, accomplishments and activities
Avoid to be too fancy or too static
Include the information:
- Identifying Information
- Education
- Experience
- Fellowships, Awards, Honor
- Membership or Professional Affiliations
- Languages
- Publications and Presentations
- Area of Specialization