Get your CV and Cover Letter into Action

The words that you choose to describe your qualities and skills in both your CV and job application cover letter are fundamentally important.  Significant emphasis needs to be placed on Action Words and phrases highlighting your accomplishments.

While most Job Seekers think that long copy and 'fluffy' words are what gets you noticed, in fact it is rather the use of Action Words that makes all the difference. An Action Word is best used when emphasising your skills and accomplishments. Action Words are also referred to as Action Verbs, as these words are usually verbs, describing a specific action. Beginning to see why using Action Words in your CV and cover letter is so important when applying for a new job? Let's keep going with this, and it will soon be apparent to you as to why these action verbs are so powerful in your Curriculum Vitae. Every job seeker should keep in mind that the language and words in your CV, is all that you have to initially sell your unique achievements and skills. This is why using Action Verbs in your CV and job application cover letters are the very best way to get your CV noticed and into the job interview stage.

It might be a good time to cover a few language and grammar pointers to refresh your memory and make sure you have your bases covered when attempting to make use of Action Verbs to stress your career accomplishments. Most should be familiar with the following explanations, if not; here are some simple and very basic forms of language.

Verbs: A verb is a 'doing word' and indicates a specific action that takes place. Verbs may be used in both past present and future tenses. For example; achieve, achieved, guide, guided, formulated, prepare, assess etc.

Pronouns: A pronoun is a 'naming word' and transforms a generic noun into a personal noun, such as I, you, he, she, his, her, their, ours etc.

Adjectives and Adverbs: An adjective is a 'describing word' and is used to describe a noun and pronoun, for example; gracefully, firmly, assertively. An adverb is also a 'describing word' however the difference is that adverbs are used to describe verbs, for example; gracefully, firmly, assertively.

Now we have gone over the basics we can get going with creating your perfectly worded and phrased CV and job application cover letter.

Things to remember when emphasising your CV with Action Words.

• Make use of action verbs in your CV to increase the credibility of your statements. By using action words, you are clearly explaining not what you did, but rather the way in which you performed the task you want to highlight. By writing your CV and cover note using sophisticated language that is relevant and specific to a certain task, the reader is convinced of your experience as a result of illustrating how the task was performed.

• Action words are empowering words and should be applied to your CV when describing your accomplishments and achievements. By using action words to emphasise your achievements, this language will assist in illustrating the extent of your experience.

• Research power words before making use of them as certain phrases are industry specific and you don't want to appear as though you are exaggerating or being insincere.

• Use adjectives and adverbs in your Curriculum Vitae sparingly. Excessive use of this language distracts from any emphasis you may have placed on important information. Remember that adjectives and adverbs are usually used in creative writing to make a story easier to imagine. The only thing that your CV needs to accomplish is to communicate your skills and accomplishments in a concise and reader friendly manner.

• Never begin a sentence in your CV with a Pronoun, such as I, we, I'm etc. Your CV should be no longer than two pages. By using a pronoun such as I, suggests that you have written your CV in a long wordy format. Rather make use of bullet points and action words to start your sentences and best detail your working experience. Action words allow you to start a bullet point in a descriptive way that is specifically relevant to the skills you wish to sell to the recruiter.

• Make use of digits where required. Instead of typing out letter for letter spelling on digits you wish to note, rather make use of the actual digit itself. Quantifying your accomplishments with numbers to illustrate these firstly is easier on you when preparing your Curriculum Vitae which can be a lengthy process and digits are easier to recognise and retain than reading the word written out. Your CV is all about standing out and being remembered so try to make this as easy for the recruiters as possible.

There is a saying that applies to everything in life... 'Everything in moderation'. While you have read all about the importance of using action words in your CV in order to distinguish yourself from the hordes of other applications; be careful not to over use these words. Match action words to skills which you possess (never lie) that are relevant and appear in the job spec. Try to  stick to the 2 page CV rule and ensure that your curriculum vitae makes the most excellent first impression.

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