By Russell Sutton
CVs call for streamlined language and verbs, adjectives and adverbs that carry a specific meaning.
For example: collaborated, created, devised, initiated, negotiated, prepared, trained.
When selecting a word, consider the specific action you took. For example, if you started a project, use 'initiated': this shows an employer that you're proactive. If you helped colleagues get to grips with a new software or process, use 'trained': this tells an employer that you empower others.
- List your credentials in the same format throughout your CV: if you abbreviate a company name, do so for each mention of it
- Begin each of your experience entries with an active verb (i.e. 'Developed...' rather than 'Was tasked with developing...')
- Detect lazy words using the steps below and replace them
CVs call for streamlined language and verbs, adjectives and adverbs that carry a specific meaning.
For example: collaborated, created, devised, initiated, negotiated, prepared, trained.
When selecting a word, consider the specific action you took. For example, if you started a project, use 'initiated': this shows an employer that you're proactive. If you helped colleagues get to grips with a new software or process, use 'trained': this tells an employer that you empower others.
- List your credentials in the same format throughout your CV: if you abbreviate a company name, do so for each mention of it
- Begin each of your experience entries with an active verb (i.e.
- Detect lazy words using the steps below and replace them
Read the following section of a CV.
Private Tutor, ABC Tutors 2017-2020
- Helped students with their reading and writing skills
- Gave new tutors support with teaching methods
Private Tutor, ABC Tutors 2017-2020
- Helped students with their reading and writing skills
- Gave new tutors support with teaching methods
Consider:
How did you ‘help’ these students? What ‘support’ did you give new tutors?
A revised version might look like this:
Private Tutor, ABC Tutors 2017-2020
- Created worksheets to consolidate and develop students’ reading and writing skills
- Tailored tutoring sessions to each student’s needs
- Trained new tutors in using the YouLearn platform for online tutoring
Here's why:
- The word 'consolidate' means to bring the learning together: this was achieved through the use of a worksheet
- Teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all: in this revised version, you’re showing the reader that you accommodate different learning needs
- ‘Trained’ conveys your communication skills. By specifying the platform and the mode of teaching, you’re also showing a wider range of skills
Here's why:
- The word 'consolidate' means to bring the learning together: this was achieved through the use of a worksheet
- Teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all: in this revised version, you’re showing the reader that you accommodate different learning needs
- ‘Trained’ conveys your communication skills. By specifying the platform and the mode of teaching, you’re also showing a wider range of skills
CVs call for streamlined language and verbs, adjectives and adverbs that carry a specific meaning. For example: collaborated, created, devised, initiated, negotiated, prepared, trained.
When selecting a word, consider the specific action you took. For example, if you started a project, use 'initiated': this shows an employer that you're proactive. If you helped colleagues get to grips with a new software or process, use 'trained': this tells an employer that you empower others.
- List your credentials in the same format throughout your CV: if you abbreviate a company name, do so for each mention of it
- Begin each of your experience entries with an active verb (i.e. 'Developed...' rather than 'Was tasked with developing...')
- Detect lazy words using the steps below and replace them
Read the following section of a CV:
Private Tutor, ABC Tutors 2017-2020
- Helped students with their reading and writing skills
- Gave new tutors support with teaching methods
Consider:
How did you ‘help’ these students? What ‘support’ did you give new tutors?
A revised version might look like this:
Private Tutor, ABC Tutors 2017-2020
- Created worksheets to consolidate and develop students’ reading and writing skills
- Tailored tutoring sessions to each student’s needs
- Trained new tutors in using the YouLearn platform for online tutoring
Here's why:
- The word 'consolidate' means to bring the learning together: this was achieved through the use of a worksheet
- Teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all: in this revised version, you’re showing the reader that you accommodate different learning needs
- ‘Trained’ conveys your communication skills. By specifying the platform and the mode of teaching, you’re also showing a wider range of skills