List of 101 Power Words to Describe Yourself in a CV [Adjectives & More]
List of 101 Power Words to Describe Yourself in a CV [Adjectives & More]
If you want to get a good job, you need to write an excellent cover letter and CV. This is the first step that many companies make when they look for new employees. Unfortunately, most people do not pay enough attention to their documents. The result?
Their resumes often have mistakes or missing information. If you are trying to change your life and career, you must seriously prepare your documents. You can start by drafting a list of words that will help you describe yourself accurately and effectively.
These words will also give potential employers more confidence about making an offer to you. This article will provide you with several adjectives and advice on using them (and others) in a cover letter.
Here is the list. Feel free to use it in your CV or cover letter. And if you have some good words that are missing from this list, please share with us in the comments area below:
- Accurate
- Active
- Adaptable to Change
- Adventurous
- Affectionate
- Aggressive (in a good way!) (*) (*) Be careful with this word, never use it in your CV if you have little experience!
7 . Ambitious
8 . Analytical
9 . Articulate
10 . Assertive
11 . Attentive
12 . Authoritative
13 . Calm
14 . Capable
15 . Careful
- Charismatic
- Collaborative
18 . Communicative
19 . Committed to Excellence and Quality (in a good way!) Be careful with this word; never use it in your CV if you have little experience! Best used for jobs where quality is of critical importance (e.g., engineering or health care).
20 . Confident (*) Be careful with this word and never use it in your CV if you feel confident!
- Creative
- Curious
- Daring
- Decisive
- Dependable
26 . Devoted to Helping Others Best used for jobs where your ability to help others is of critical importance (e.g., social work, pastoral ministry).
24 . Dynamic (in a good way!)
25 . Easy-Going (in a good way!)
26 . Effective
- Efficient
28 . Empathetic
- Enthusiastic
30 . Energetic
- Exceptional communication skills - Best used for jobs where excellent verbal communication skills are critical (e.g., sales or marketing). Also, consider using the following words: empathetic, articulate, and assertive.
32 . Exceptional problem-solving skills - Best used for jobs where excellent analytical skills are essential (e.g., engineering, finance, accounting). Also, consider using the following words: attentive, adaptable to change, creative, devoted to helping others, enthusiastic, accurate.
33 . Exceptional time management skills -Best used for jobs where excellent time management is essential (e.g., sales or marketing). Also, consider using the following words: efficient, organised.
34 . Fast learner - Best used for entry-level positions when you have little experience in a position that requires previous knowledge to perform effectively. Also useful if your job involves working with some complex software that takes some time to learn.
35 . Flexible - Best used for jobs that require frequent change (e.g., sales) or challenging work environments. Also, consider using the following words: active, adventurous, and adaptable to change.
36 . Friendly (in a good way!)
37 . Generous (in a good way!)
38 . Goal-oriented - Best used for entry-level positions when starting your career or trying to change fields. Also useful if your job requires you to meet strict deadlines every day or achieve specific goals related to customer service, quality control, etc...
39 . Good communication skills - Best used for jobs where excellent verbal communication skills are essential and NOT the primary skill required. Also, consider using the following words: empathetic, articulate, assertive, attentive.
40 . Good team worker - Best used when you have little managerial experience, and you need to show you can work well with others in a team environment. Also helpful if you have worked as a team member in your previous job(s) but want to be seen as someone who can lead or even manage some people from time to time (e.g., sports coach). Also, consider using the following words: collaborative, friendly, cooperative, easy-going, supportive.
41 . Hard worker - Best used for jobs that require significant effort and energy each day. Also helpful if you have worked in a position where you squeezed out the most of your effort to achieve results or changing fields/jobs where hard work is valuable (e.g., sanitation worker, construction). Also, consider using the following words: energetic, enthusiastic.
42 . Helpful (in a good way!)
43 . Honest - Also consider using the following words: loyal, trustworthy, open, ethical, discreet.
44 . Idealistic (in a good way!)
- Industrious - Be careful using this word for positions that require you to work with other people. It can make a hiring manager think you lack social skills or communicate and interact effectively with others.
46 . Innovative - Best used for entry-level positions when new ideas are critical to completing the job. Use it in conjunction with "detail-oriented" if possible. Also, consider using the following words: original, creative, resourceful.
47 . Inquisitive - Also consider using the following words: curious, attentive, observant.
48 . Intelligent (but not a know-it-all!) - Use caution when writing this one - it is very positive but may alienate some readers. Also, consider using the following words: perceptive, logical, critical, astute, inquisitive.
49 . Integrity - Also consider using the following words: honest, reliable, trustworthy.
50 . Logical - Also consider using the following words: rational, insightful, level-headed.
51 . Managerial skills - Best used for entry-level positions when starting your career or changing fields and show you can manage some people from time to time (e.g., sports coach). It is also helpful if your job requires a lot of interaction with other managers/supervisors regularly (e.g., human resources manager) or managing complex processes that require input from other teams or functional areas regularly.
52 . Maturity - Best used for jobs that require you to be older than the typical candidate, e.g., truck driver, insurance agent/broker, law enforcement officer, paramedic... Also useful in cases where your previous job did not provide enough responsibility and you have experience working independently (e.g., sales rep.)
53 . Motivated - Use this one if you are changing fields but want to show how motivated you can learn new things and succeed in your new role/career path. The key is also including what motivates YOU - find the right words! Consider using the following words: energetic, enthusiastic, passionate.
54 . Native speaker of a language - This one is huge nowadays. Use it if you can, and be very specific about the language(s) you are referring to. If possible, also specify your level of proficiency in this language (e.g., advanced). Also, consider using the following words: fluent, conversational, basic.
55 . Passionate - Also consider using the following words: enthusiastic, committed, dedicated.
56 . Patient - Best used for medical/caregiving professions where patience with ill people or children is critical to your success as a professional. It is also helpful for individuals who work in customer service positions that require them to deal with rude customers regularly.
57 . Persistent - Also consider using the following words: tenacious, determined, stubborn.
58 . Precise - Also consider using the following words: thorough, meticulous, detailed.
59 . Problem solver - Outstanding phrase to highlight your transferable skills and abilities! You want to make sure you don't come off as a know it (use other phrases for that), but rather someone who can help find creative solutions to problems in complex situations. Also, consider using the following words: resourceful, analytical, critical, logical.
60 . Qualifications summary at the end of resume or CV (rather than objective) - The proper use of this one is very effective because it allows you to get straight into the heart of what makes you unique. It allows you to highlight your most important credentials and achievements related directly to the job description. It would help if you also considered using a combination of some relevant keywords from specific language/skills that are used in the job description:
61 . Relevant qualifications summary - If this phrase is on a job posting, it means the company has requested candidates submit their resumes with a list of skills and abilities. This will help them decide which candidates are qualified for an interview (i.e., better qualified than others). It's good practice to use this one whenever possible if applicable!
62 . Results-oriented - Good choice when your previous experience demonstrates how well you can deliver accurate results instead of just spending time doing busy work. Also, use this phrase to show how effective you are at managing results (i.e., bottom line).
63 . Results-driven - Use this one if your resume needs to demonstrate outstanding accomplishment(s) that produced a quantifiable and positive outcome or result (e.g., revenue, cost savings, profit...) Also, consider using the following words: goal-oriented, bottom line.
64 . Solutions-oriented - This is a great one to use to show how you can solve complicated problems and develop innovative solutions. Also, consider using the following words: resourceful, customer service, ideas.
65 . Strong communication skills - Highlight your language and writing skills here. Consider using the following phrases instead: fluent in English, proficient in French, excellent verbal and written communications skills.
66 . Team player - Use this phrase if most job duties involve working with others or as part of a team (i.e., not if it's an individual contributor). Also, consider using this one when there isn't any other way to describe your ability to work well within a team environment (i.e., you don't have a lot of experience or related job titles).
67 . Time management - Best used for CVs where your work demonstrates a high level of efficiency and ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. Also, consider using this phrase to show how well you make optimum use of your time to achieve outstanding results. " I also have exceptional organisational skills that enable me to optimise the use of my time ."
68 . Trustworthy - Use this one if references can attest to your honesty, integrity and character. Also, consider using a combination(s) of the following words: dependable, loyalty, commitment, reliability, honesty, consistency.
69 . Versatile - Use this word if you can successfully "step in" and adjust to various situations, circumstances or tasks. Also, consider using the following terms: adaptable, flexible, fast learner.
70 . Willingness to travel - Best used when you need global experience (e.g., international supply chain jobs ). Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following phrases instead: available for worldwide travel, willing to relocate anywhere in North America.
71 . Work well under pressure - Best used on job descriptions that require staff members to work very long hours regularly and always meet tight deadlines/timeframes! Use this one when you want people reading your resume/CV to know that you are resourceful, resilient, and able to manage and overcome challenges effectively.
72 . Results-oriented - This is also great when your work demonstrates a high level of efficiency and ability to juggle multiple tasks at once (e.g., sales manager). Also, consider using this combination: bottom-line results, profit optimisation.
73 . Ability to multitask - Best used on job postings that require candidates to juggle multiple projects, clients or tasks simultaneously. The following phrase would work well, too: " I am usually responsible for managing multiple accounts ."
74 . Multi-talented - Use this word if most of your experience can't be described with just one adjective (i.e., you're a jack of all trades but master of none).
75 . Outstanding leadership skills - Best used on job postings for executive positions and if you have experience as a leader (i.e., supervisor, manager). Also, consider using this when you want to emphasise your communication skills or ability to motivate/inspire others through effective leadership. " I'm also an exceptional leader that implements best practices and inspires my team."
76 . Extensive knowledge of the industry - Use this phrase if you have specialised knowledge in a particular area (e.g., a chemical engineer specialising in the petrochemical sector ).
77 . Exceptional managerial skills - Use this word if most of your job duties require managing others (e.g., manager, supervisor).
78 . Expert communicator - This is a great phrase to use if most of your work involves providing information or training to others. Also, consider using this one when you want people reading your resume/CV to know that you're an influential writer and speaker. The following words would also be great in combination(s) with this one: writing skills, public speaking, communication skills, presentation skills " I'm an exceptional industry expert who has developed extraordinary communications skills through my work experience ."
79 . Exceptional interpersonal skills - Use this word if most job duties require frequent contact with other staff members, vendors, clients or customers. Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following phrases (e.g., excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills ).
80 . Exceptional listening skills - Use this one if you are a great listener who picks up on cues and quickly responds to requests and feedback. Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following words instead: attentive, hearing everything someone says, information gathering.
81 . Technical expertise - Best used on job postings for technical jobs. Use this word when most of your experience is derived from work using specialised equipment or systems related to the job posting (e.g., IT manager).
82 . Well-informed - This is another great one that emphasises a candidates' quick wit and ability to read people's practical listening skills.
83 . Exceptional analytical skills - This is also great when your work involves analysing and implementing data (e.g., accountant).
84 . Ability to motivate others - Use this word if you are the type of person who makes people want to achieve their full potential through enthusiasm, encouragement and positivity. Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following words: inspiring, motivating initiative.
85 . Exceptional leadership abilities - Use this phrase if most of your experience on job postings involves managing other staff members directly or indirectly. The following combinations would also be good: profit optimisation, bottom-line results, high-volume sales leader (in conjunction with a position opening for sales manager or director).
86 . Exceptional communicator - Use this sentence if most of your job duties involve effective communication and writing skills. Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following words: technical proficiency, well-informed, expert writing skills " I'm a skilled leader with exceptional communication and writing skills ."
87 . Outstanding leadership potential is another great one when you want to emphasise your potential for gaining more responsibility in the future. The following phrases would also work: ambitious, determined, goal-oriented, " I have the leadership experience and qualities needed to take on a management position ."
88 . Opportunity recognition - If you are already transitioning into a new career or just starting in professional, managerial or administrative positions, this is a great word to use. This phrase emphasises your ability to identify career-related opportunities as they arise.
89 . Exceptional organisational skills - Use this one if most of your job duties require staying organised and working on multiple projects simultaneously. The following phrases would also be good: multi-tasking, time management " As an excellent manager with exceptional organisational skills, I am well suited for fast-paced industries where flexibility is needed ."
90 . Ability to remain calm in stressful situations - If your work involves resolving conflicts and handling high-stress environments, this word will emphasise how you excel under pressure. The following phrases would also work: professionalism, calming influence in emergencies, quick thinking when faced with stressful situations.
91 . Ability to work well under pressure - Another good choice for jobs that require handling high-stress environments (e.g., sales, first responders). The following phrases would also be good: multi-tasking, time management, professional appearance in the face of adversity " As a firefighter with experience working under stress, I am confident I will excel as a sales manager ."
92 . Exceptional decision-making abilities - Use this word if most of your job duties involve problem-solving and making important decisions. Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following terms instead: excellent choices, logical conclusions " My years of experience have given me exceptional skill at reaching sound business conclusions ."
93 . Exceptional time management skills - Great for managers/administrators! Also good if your job is very fast-paced. The following phrases would also be good: multi-tasking, staying calm in stressful situations, quick thinking under pressure. " I have mastered the art of multi-tasking and time management, making me a well-suited manager for growing companies ."
94 . Ability to work independently with minimal supervision - Another great one for high-stress environments or positions where you do not need direct oversight most of the time (e.g., sales, consultants). " As a self-starter with exceptional leadership qualities, I believe I will excel as a police chief shortly."
95 . Committed to excellence - If you're seeking a high-level position, use this phrase if your work ethic is always on point (e.g., excellent attention to detail). " I'm an ambitious professional with exceptional communication skills and commitment to excellence ."
96 . Consistently exceeds expectations - Another strong one for managers/administrators! Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following words: best in class, high standards " As an experienced entrepreneur with consistent achievements, my management style will benefit any company ."
97 . Ability to change directions quickly when needed - Use this word if most of your job duties require altering plans or changing priorities frequently. The following phrases would also be good: strong sense for new opportunities, quick thinking under pressure, " As a seasoned firefighter, I am well-versed in how to change directions quickly when needed ."
98 . Strong work ethic - Use this word if most of your job duties require putting in long hours or extra effort. Also, consider adding some combination(s) of the following terms: eagerness for challenges, hardworking attitude, " My excellent work ethic and attention to detail has helped me earn my reputation as a diligent worker ."
99 . Ability to stay composed in stressful situations - Great for high-stress jobs (e.g., first responders). The following phrases would work: to remain calm in stressful situations and professional appearance faced with adversity.
" My years of experience in the military have allowed me to master the art of remaining calm in stressful situations ."
100 . Trustworthy - Use this word if you deal with confidential information regularly. The following phrases would also be good: security consciousness, highly ethical " My years of experience as a financial adviser has made trustworthiness my number one priority ."
- Quick thinking under pressure - Great for high-stress environments! Also, consider using some combination(s) of the following phrases instead: fast learner, ability to change directions quickly when needed, multi-tasking under pressure " From training camp to professional stadiums, I am well-trained and able to remain calm; under pressure ."
Thanks for reading! Do you have any other words to describe yourself that could be included in a CV?
Please leave them (and your e-mail address) in the comment section.