Resume Writing - Words That Describe You and What You Do.

Hello Everyone: This is the last post on resume writing. As mentioned in the previous post, I want to focus on words and phrases that will help you describe who are you to the reader, what you have done in the past, and what you are doing in a current position. I will share this list with you; before I do, I want you to consider a few things before using any word from this list.

1. Please use words that apply to you or your work product. Just because a word sounds and looks good on your resume doesn't mean that this word actually describes you or the work you have done in the past. Make certain there is a connection between the word and you, or the work that you have done.

2. Please do not overuse a word or a series of words. Try, if at all possible, to keep your writing simple, but keep from saying the same thing over and over again. Is there another way in which you can describe a situation without being unnecessarily redundant? If so, then include another description for the reader.

3. Please use descriptive words, but not three or four in a row within the same sentence. For example: Edited, produced, directed, and starred in a one act play - - "The Lawyer." It is great to know that you were responsible for all of the work in the play. You should receive the credit for each of the roles you played in the production of the play. However, I would suggest that you work in only two of the "-eds" at a time. Edited and produced, maybe in one sentence, then, directed and starred in another sentence. Why? Readers want to know what you did to bring this production to life, still, they also want you to elaborate a little on the editing and producing, first, then, maybe, in the third sentence, discuss the director role, etc. You do not have to make the description go on forever, but you do want the full impact of your work to be noticed. Unfold the description - - a little at a time.

4. Pay close attention to the words you use to describe yourself. Every word that you use to describe who you are may not necessarily be one of the words that an employer wants to describe an employee in a particular company. There are a few words that most all employers would like to see in a description of their employees. An employer would find it hard to frown at a employee who is loyal, responsible, reliable, and discreet. I would not say that you had to be all four, but I hope that you do possess at least two of the referenced characteristics. If you do not, you will soon enough. As a member of the legal profession, please do not leave your "ethical" hard hat at home. You will need that, as well.

Some words to describe your work product.

1. Administered, approved, analyzed
2. Completed, conceived, controlled, coordinated, created
3. Delegated, developed, directed,

4. Eliminated, established, evaluated, expanded
5. Facilitated
6. Generated
7. Implemented, improved, increased, initiated, interpreted
8. Launched, led, lectured
9. Maintained, managed, mastered, motivated
10. Organized, originated
11. Participated, performed, planned, prepared, proposed
12. Recommended, reduced, reviewed, revised
13. Scheduled, set-up, solved, structured, supervised
14. Taught, trained
15. Worked
16. Removed, reorganized, repeated, responsible

Some words to describe you.

1. Active, adaptable, adept, aggressive, ambitious, analytical
2. Challenging, competent, conscientious, consistent, constructive, contributor, creative
3. Dependable, determined, diplomatic, disciplined, discreet, diverse,
dynamic
4. Easily, economical, efficient, energetic, enterprising, enthusiastic, exceptional, experienced, expertise, extensively, extraverted
5. Facilitator, fair, forceful, foresight
6. Honest
7. Imaginative, independent, initiative, innovative, instrumental, insightful
8. Leading, logical, loyal
9. Mature, methodical
10. Objective, optimistic
11. Participated, perceptive, personable, pioneering, pleasant, positive, practical, productive
12. Readily, realistic, reliable, repeatedly, resourceful, responsible, responsive
13. Self-reliant, sensitive, sincere, sophisticated, strongly, systematic
14. Tactful, talented,
15. Unique
16. Versatile, vigorous
17. Will travel, will relocate.

The words used in this post can can be found at:
http://www2.ferrum.edu/career/guide/keywords.html

We have completed our introduction to resume writing. I hope this has been helpful to you. I will take any questions you have or if you have a job description that you want me to review for you, please feel free to send it to me by e-mail or discuss it in a comment.

Our next segment will focus on bar preparation. If you have any questions that you want answered prior to the next post, please know that you do not have to wait. Find a previous post, and make a comment; I'll be ready to take questions for the July 2011 bar exam as soon as you are ready to send them to me.

Until the next post.

Thank you,

Prof. Smith