40+ CV keywords to use on your CV

By: Sobhan Mohmand, Editorial manager       Last updated: 5 Nov 2018

If you struggle to find keywords or buzzwords to include in your CV or Resume; you have come to the right place!

When writing your CV it is important to use powerful and positive language. Prospective employers will also judge you on the way you express yourself, not merely on the content of what you have said…

Using powerful buzzwords on your CV will make it stand out from the crowd.

Below are two lists of words that you can use to enhance your CV.

List of personal attributes for a profile statement

You can use the words below to write your personal profile statement:

• Confident
• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Hard-working
• Reliable
• Dedicated
• Creative
• Dynamic
• Business/commercial minded
• Enthusiastic
• Resourceful
• Diplomatic
• Co-operative
• Consistent
• People-oriented
• Loyal
• Self-motivated

Tip: It is important that you include real-world examples with the statements that you make. For example, if you claim to be “diplomatic”, have you included an example where you have demonstrated your diplomacy or negotiation skills? Or, if you claim to be a “creative individual”, have mentioned instances where you demonstrated your creativity?

List of action words to use for job duties

You can use the keywords below when writing about your job duties and responsibilities:

• Achieved
• Accomplished
• Awarded
• Completed
• Conducted
• Delegated
• Delivered
• Demonstrated
• Developed
• Directed
• Enhanced
• Established
• Evaluated
• Facilitated
• Increased
• Initiated
• Launched
• Liaised
• Maintained
• Motivated
• Negotiated
• Regulated
• Supervised

One thing that you might have noticed is that these words are all listed in the past tense. This wasn’t done by accident; the past tense is incredibly powerful because it actually gives the impression that you have really achieved and done something. Always use the past tense when writing about your previous job’s duties, responsibilities and achievements.

How to use keywords on your CV

You have now been given a list of words that you can use on your CV.

Do not simply present the CV keywords in simple bullet points;

• Supervised contractors
• Launched a project
• Enhanced the IT system

That is a bit vague and boring. Instead, they should be incorporated into properly structured and meaningful sentences.

For example:

To make it even more powerful, use it in combination with words such as:

• Effectively
• Efficiently
• Quickly
• Rapidly
• Resourcefully
• Expertly

For example:

Conclusion

The way you express yourself is as important as the information you try to convey. The correct use of positive action words (sometimes referred to as buzzwords) can dramatically enhance the impact of your CV.

Congratulations on supercharging the words on your CV!