Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Unfortunately not when it comes to your CV…
The language you choose can make the difference between landing an interview and watching your application disappear into the digital void. But here's the thing - most people are using the exact same phrases that recruiters have seen a thousand times already.
Ready to make your CV stand out for all the right reasons? Here's everything you need to know about choosing words for your CV:
"The right words can bring your CV to life, turning a list of responsibilities into a compelling story of your achievements. Use clear, active language to highlight what you’ve accomplished, not just what you’ve done - words like "delivered," "led," "achieved," and "improved" carry weight and show impact. Avoid overused buzzwords that add little value, and instead focus on specifics that demonstrate results. Every word should earn its place, painting a picture of your skills, experience, and the difference you’ve made in previous roles. A well-crafted CV with purposeful language can make all the difference in catching an employer’s attention."
Zoe King, Business Manager | Reed
Things you should avoid in your CV
Beyond overused buzzwords, there are certain approaches that will send your CV straight to the rejection pile - including:
Long passive phrases: Nobody wants to read a novel about your responsibilities, so keep it snappy and active. A CV that’s too long is unlikely to get shortlisted.
Unrealistic accomplishments: Don't claim to be an expert in everything. If you can't back it up in an interview, don't put it on your CV.
Overly technical jargon: Your CV is a sales document, not a technical manual. Keep the language accessible.
Unrelated personal activities: Unless your hobby of collecting vintage teaspoons directly relates to the role, leave it off. Generic hobbies like 'socialising with friends' probably won’t add anything either.
Top CV mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)
Hobbies and interests: Should I include them in my CV?
Words you shouldn’t use in your CV
Let's start with the bad news. These overused CV buzzwords have lost all meaning and might actually harm your application:
- Flexible
- Motivated
- Strong work ethic
- Multi-tasker
- Independent
- Detail oriented
- Self-motivated
The problem isn't that these qualities are undesirable - it's that saying you have them without proof is meaningless.
Think about it: have you ever met someone who describes themselves as 'unmotivated' or claims to have a 'weak work ethic'? Of course not. These words have become so commonplace they're essentially white noise.
Obviously, if one of these words is a key element for the role you’re applying for, then they can be used. However, always make them more meaningful by actually expanding on the concept and using real scenarios to put it into practice.
Words you should use in your CV
These action words and positive descriptors demonstrate impact and grab attention:
Achievement-focused language:
- Achieved
- Delivered
- Generated
- Improved
- Led
- Planned
- Completed
- Implemented
Positive descriptors (when backed up with examples):
- Accurate
- Adaptable
- Confident
- Hard-working
- Innovative
- Proactive
- Reliable
- Responsible
The key difference between these words and the ones you need to avoid is that they suggest action and results, rather than just personality traits.
How to use action words effectively
Action words turn your CV from a list of duties into actual accomplishments, showing employers you know how to get things done.
But, simply using them by themselves isn’t always enough.
Here’s how to make them work for you (without sounding like you swallowed a thesaurus):
- Don’t just list responsibilities - describe the impact you made.
- Pair every action word with a specific result or example.
- Ditch vague statements and paint a clear picture of your impact.
Example 1
- You could say: ‘Responsible for IT strategy and team meetings.’
- You should say: ‘Created a global team of IT pros to develop solutions that tackle persistent problems.’
Example 2
- You could say: ‘Supervised customer service team for retail operations.’
- You should say: ‘Co-ordinated and led the customer service team, boosting customer satisfaction by 29% in six months by introducing best practices from other industries.’
See? The strong versions are like your regular CV, but clearer and more impressive.
Tips for making every word count
Remember, using the ‘right words’ won’t matter if they’re not relevant to the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to make sure your application stands out:
- Tailor your approach: Every job is different, so customise your CV to match the job description. Mirror the language and highlight the skills and experience that matter most for that role.
- Be ruthless with details: Ditch the filler. If an achievement or skill doesn’t show why you’re a great fit, leave it out.
- Make your impact obvious: Use facts, figures, and results wherever you can. ‘Saved the company money’ is fine - ‘Reduced costs by £8,000 annually through process improvements’ is better (and, let’s be honest, more brag-worthy).
- Stay focused: Keep sections punchy and avoid rambling. Every bullet point should add weight to your application, not dilute it.
A succinct and relevant CV tells employers you know what they want and you’re ready to deliver.
Final thoughts
And the biggest secret for selling your CV? Use the job description.
The recruiter has already given you a list of all the skills they’re looking for in their perfect candidate. Don’t ignore them.
Pick out some of the key attributes they’ve highlighted, and make sure you demonstrate them on your application, using strong active verbs to back up your claims with solid evidence.
If all else fails, there are always CV templates…
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One response to “The best words to use in a CV (and the ones to avoid)”
You cannot be everything to everybody. But you can know and be yourself by presenting the best parts of what makes you the unique you, who wants to work in a job that best uses your skills set and changes your weaknesses into strengths for everyone`s benefit.