How Can I Sell Myself On My CV and Cover Letters?

 

Always aim to include power words within your CV and cover letter. Strive to make it bold and exciting. They are also crucial for illustrating your strengths and why you are the best fit for the role. As mentioned, power words drive more attention, drawing in the reader without you coming across flat, which will give you an edge over your competition.

This article will look at different power words providing the best way to introduce them into your CVs and cover letters.

 

Hiring managers read many CVs and cover letters. They see the same tiresome words over and over, such as ‘managed’ and ‘responsible’ for. Frankly, I would not want to read repetitive CVs and cover letters as it shows no one has taken the time to make them POWERFUL and ENGAGING!

Power verbs are also known as ‘action’ verbs, and when used, they communicate your meaning with confidence, compared to regular verbs. Power verbs can make your supporting information more interesting while also preventing you from using the same words throughout to describe your achievements.

So let’s add more meaning to your application documents, with some vital phrases and exciting action verbs!

Action Verbs For Your General Achievements

Throughout your CV and cover letter, you want to show your hiring manager your achievements.

However, do not fall into the habit of just stating your achievement. For instance, I am qualified in such and such. This isn’t as engaging and could cause the reader to miss important parts  within your application.

On the left is a list of our top 10 general achievements action verbs looking at different skills and qualities specific jobs may require. Take a look and spice up your applications with these words.

List of Power / action words to create a compelling cv and cover letter
Action Verbs For Communication Skills

Communication skills are always an important part to highlight as they require you to have clear and concise verbal communication with colleagues and much more.

In addition, Linkedin’s Global Trend report found that 92% of hiring managers state that soft skills are equally or more important than hard skills.

To make yourself stand out, try to be precise with your communication achievements, and then begin to use some action verbs to catch the hiring manager’s attention.

On the right are our favourite action verbs to showcase your communication skills.

list of creative action verbs
Action Verbs For Creativity

Specific job roles require you to be creative in different ways, from content creation to innovative ways to adapt and change business protocols. This is also a great way to show your creativity by using meaningful action verbs to highlight your creative side.

Try to avoid using words, such as I created and I prepared. Instead, use something bolder and different compared to the other candidates. It will provide you with an advantage while also showing how creative you can be with words.

To the left are our top 10 action verbs to show how creative you really can be.  

List of management action verbs
Action Verbs For Management Skills

Lastly, let’s look at power verbs for management skills. According to GOV.CO.UK, a recent survey found that in 2018 21% of individuals are in a management role.

In many cases, younger professionals only have one way to go, and that is up. Therefore, when applying for management positions, you have to showcase your experiences of administering management skills and qualities. For instance, motivating employees, listening to problems and how you will solve them.

Instead of using common words, try some of our top 10 management skills action verbs found to the right.


RoleCatcher.com

Our platform aims to reduce unproductive and overwhelming job search stress and motivates you to take a step closer towards landing your dream job. We make the job-seeking experience as seamless as possible, helping you get organised and regain control. You can search multiple job boards, store and prioritise contacts, and track the process of your applications in one place, meaning you’ll never bite off more than you can chew.  

 

We cannot change the current demands of the job searching environment, but we can make the process more manageable, allowing you to take control and find new opportunities.  

Start your search with RoleCatcher.