Better word for describes

Table of Contents

  1. Is Inspirational a descriptive word?
  2. What is the word described?
  3. What is a better word for describe?
  4. What is another word for described?
  5. What is another word for furthermore?
  6. What is furthermore an example of?
  7. Is furthermore a formal word?
  8. What is furthermore in grammar?
  9. What type of word is moreover furthermore?
  10. How do you use the word furthermore?
  11. When should I use furthermore?
  12. Should I use further or furthermore?
  13. Can you start a paragraph with furthermore?
  14. What is a good paragraph?
  15. How do you start a good paragraph?
  16. What is a good sentence starter?
  17. What is a good sentence?
  18. What are the 6 sentence openers?
  19. What are sentence starters called?
  20. What is first next last called?
  21. What are the signal words?
  22. What is a paragraph starter called?

Good Words to Describe Yourself (+ Example Answers)

Is Inspirational a descriptive word?

adjective. imparting inspiration. under the influence of inspiration; inspired. of or relating to inspiration.

What is the word described?

verb (used with object), de·scribed, de·scrib·ing. to tell or depict in written or spoken words; give an account of: He described the accident very carefully. to pronounce, as by a designating term, phrase, or the like; label: There are few people who may be described as geniuses.

What is a better word for describe?

portray, represent, term, depict, specify, outline, chronicle, illustrate, express, detail, name, characterize, call, construe, recount, report, label, tell, interpret, define.

What is another word for described?

In this page you can discover 51 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for described, like: drawn, named, epitomized, depicted, reported, distinguished, discovered, identified, told, stated and represented.

  • Diligent / Loyal / Reliable. I am always the first person my friends call because they know I am always there for them.
  • Creative / Innovative / Visionary.
  • Motivated / Ambitious / Leader.
  • Honest / Ethical / Conscientious.
  • Friendly / Personable / Extrovert.

What is another word for furthermore?

What is another word for furthermore?

moreover further
what’s more also
additionally and
in addition as well
too to boot

What is furthermore an example of?

Furthermore is defined as in addition to or besides. When furniture you are considering buying is beautiful and also cheap, this is an example of a situation where you might say “Its beautiful and furthermore, it’s cheap.” In addition; besides; moreover. In addition; moreover.

Is furthermore a formal word?

Moreover and furthermore are essentially interchangeable synonyms. They’re formal substitutes for additionally, also, as well, in addition to, likewise, and too.

What is furthermore in grammar?

“Furthermore” is similar to “in addition.” Use “furthermore” to add more information in your sentence. It’s a little formal, but you can use it when speaking English. Sometimes, the second part of the sentence that follows “furthermore” contains information more pertinent (important) than the first part. examples.

What type of word is moreover furthermore?

conjunctive adverb

How do you use the word furthermore?

  1. Furthermore is properly used when there is need only to add one more reason to those before-mentioned; its intent is to multiply and it has no relation but to number.
  2. For a state to support itself, those who govern should be moderate; those who ought to obey, governable; furthermore, the laws should be judicious.

When should I use furthermore?

Furthermore is a useful word when you have an additional point to make in an argument or explanation. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence and followed by a comma.

Should I use further or furthermore?

Therefore, we use further in the sentence. Furthermore is a synonym for moreover, in addition, and the like. Generally, furthermore is used to introduce a new argument and placed at the start of a sentence. We tend to confuse the usage of further and furthermore, and end up using them interchangeably.

Can you start a paragraph with furthermore?

You can start a paragraph with “furthermore,” although many teachers won’t like it. If you are looking for the best grade be sure to learn about how your teacher marks. (There are lots of examples in which “rules” taught at certain grade levels are not really official grammar rules at all.)

What is a good paragraph?

A good paragraph is composed of a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. This structure is key to keeping your paragraph focused on the main idea and creating a clear and concise image.

How do you start a good paragraph?

Introductions

  1. Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic.
  2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper.
  3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

What is a good sentence starter?

Example: Using Transition Words to Indicate Sequence/Order of Events

generally… furthermore… finally during
in the first place… also… lastly earlier
to be sure… additionally… lastly eventually
first… just in the same way… finally finally
basically… similarly… as well as first of all

What is a good sentence?

A good sentence is a complete sentence. A complete sentence requires a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought—also known as an independent clause. For example: “Parents worry about their children.” This sentence is complete, and conveys a clear idea.

What are the 6 sentence openers?

There are six sentence openers:

  • #1: Subject.
  • #2: Prepositional.
  • #3: -ly Adverb.
  • #4: -ing , (participial phrase opener)
  • #5: clausal , (www.asia.b)
  • #6: VSS (2-5 words) Very Short Sentence.

What are sentence starters called?

A sentence starter, also known as a sentence opener, is a word or phrase used to begin any given sentence.

What is first next last called?

Sequencers are words that organize your writing and speaking, words like first , next , then , after that , and finally . We often use sequencers in English when we give instructions, describe a process, or tell stories.

What are the signal words?

Signal words are specific words that you can use to transition between the different ideas in your paper clearly and organically.

What is a paragraph starter called?

A paragraph develops ONE main idea through a series of related sentences. This main idea is usually introduced in the first sentence of the paragraph, called the topic sentence.

  • call
  • characterize
  • chronicle
  • construe
  • define
  • depict
  • detail
  • express
  • illustrate
  • interpret
  • label
  • name
  • outline
  • portray
  • recount
  • report
  • represent
  • specify
  • tell
  • term
  • communicate
  • delineate
  • distinguish
  • draw
  • elucidate
  • epitomize
  • exemplify
  • explicate
  • expound
  • illuminate
  • image
  • impart
  • limn
  • narrate
  • paint
  • particularize
  • picture
  • recite
  • rehearse
  • relate
  • sketch
  • state
  • trace
  • transmit
  • convey image
  • make apparent
  • make clear
  • make sense of
  • make vivid
  • mark out
  • write up

On this page you’ll find 115 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to describe, such as: call, characterize, chronicle, construe, define, and depict.

Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

TRY USING describe

See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.

How to use describe in a sentence

What that means, as Doughty described and we verified, is that for the time being — maybe for the first time in our adult lifetimes — we can experience the island without a crowd for company.

A MAUI VACATION IN THREE ACTSALEX PULASKIFEBRUARY 12, 2021WASHINGTON POST

SYNONYM OF THE DAY

OCTOBER 26, 1985

WORDS RELATED TO DESCRIBE

  • belong to
  • brand
  • button down
  • constitute
  • define
  • delineate
  • describe
  • designate
  • differentiate
  • discriminate
  • feature
  • identify
  • indicate
  • individualize
  • individuate
  • inform
  • make up
  • mark
  • outline
  • peculiarize
  • peg
  • personalize
  • pigeonhole
  • portray
  • represent
  • signalize
  • singularize
  • stamp
  • style
  • symbolize
  • tab
  • typecast
  • belongs to
  • brands
  • buttons down
  • constitutes
  • defines
  • delineates
  • describes
  • designates
  • differentiates
  • discriminates
  • features
  • identifies
  • indicates
  • individualizes
  • individuates
  • informs
  • makes up
  • marks
  • outlines
  • peculiarizes
  • pegs
  • personalizes
  • pigeonholes
  • portrays
  • represents
  • signalizes
  • singularizes
  • stamps
  • styles
  • symbolizes
  • tabs
  • typecasts
  • ascertain
  • assign
  • call a spade a spade
  • characterize
  • construe
  • decide
  • delineate
  • denominate
  • denote
  • describe
  • designate
  • detail
  • determine
  • dub
  • elucidate
  • entitle
  • etch
  • exemplify
  • explain
  • expound
  • formalize
  • illustrate
  • interpret
  • label
  • lay it out
  • nail it down
  • name
  • prescribe
  • represent
  • specify
  • spell out
  • tag
  • translate
  • belts
  • binds
  • borders
  • circumscribes
  • compasses
  • confines
  • curbs
  • delineates
  • demarcates
  • distinguishes
  • edges
  • encircles
  • encloses
  • encompasses
  • envelops
  • establishes
  • fence in
  • fixes
  • flanks
  • girdles
  • girds
  • limits
  • marks
  • marks out
  • rims
  • sets
  • sets bounds to
  • settles
  • stakes out
  • surrounds
  • verges
  • wall in
  • confirm
  • debunk
  • describe
  • express
  • give for instance
  • make clear
  • ostend
  • proclaim
  • set forth
  • show how
  • teach
  • testify to
  • walk one through
  • confirms
  • debunks
  • describes
  • expresses
  • gives for instance
  • makes clear
  • ostends
  • proclaims
  • sets forth
  • shows how
  • teaches
  • testifies to
  • walks one through

Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

There are so many descriptive words out there…

And yet sometimes you may still struggle to find the right words to describe yourself.

Hey, we don’t blame you. Choosing the words to describe yourself can be a tricky task.

On the one hand, you want to show your positive traits. On the other hand, you might not want to overdo it with self-praise.

Things get even trickier when you’re applying for college or a job and you need to find the most suitable words to describe yourself.

Honestly, we know the struggle — this is why we wrote this article.

  • 95+ Best Words to Describe Yourself 
  • 45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview
  • 40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume
  • 40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application
  • Words NOT to Describe Yourself

95+ Best Words to Describe Yourself 

They say actions speak louder than words, but sometimes you can only rely on words to describe yourself.  

For example, before you can prove your professional or academic capabilities, you first have to express yourself through your college application, your interview with recruiters, or your resume. 

Your online personae — from your social media usernames to the adjectives you use to describe yourself on various platforms (e.g. a dating app) — is also defined by your choice of words. 

Considering how important all of the above is, there’s no doubt you’d want to nail the words to describe yourself. 

To help you pick the right words, we’ve compiled a list of the best 100 words to describe yourself in any situation: 

Best Words to Describe Yourself: 

  • Adaptable
  • Adept
  • Adventurous
  • Affectionate
  • Ambitious
  • Artistic
  • Assertive
  • Attentive
  • Authentic
  • Approachable
  • Balanced
  • Bright
  • Broad-minded
  • Candid
  • Cheerful
  • Chill
  • Clever
  • Communicative
  • Compassionate
  • Competitive
  • Charismatic
  • Considerate
  • Constructive
  • Courageous
  • Creative
  • Curious
  • Dependable
  • Determined
  • Direct
  • Dynamic
  • Easygoing
  • Eclectic
  • Emotional
  • Energetic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Extroverted
  • Exuberant
  • Fearless
  • Flexible
  • Forgiving
  • Friendly
  • Fun
  • Funny
  • Generous
  • Genuine
  • Joyful
  • Happy
  • Helpful
  • Honest
  • Imaginative
  • Independent
  • Romantic
  • Risk-taker
  • Intelligent
  • Intuitive
  • Inventive
  • Inspiring
  • Knowledgeable
  • Kind
  • Logical
  • Loyal
  • Loving
  • Mature
  • Modest
  • Motivated
  • Open-minded
  • Optimistic
  • Original
  • Outgoing
  • Passionate
  • Patient
  • Perceptive
  • Persistent
  • Pleasant
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Self-reliant
  • Sensible
  • Sensitive
  • Sincere
  • Sociable
  • Socially conscious
  • Straightforward
  • Strong
  • Successful
  • Sympathetic
  • Tenacious
  • Thoughtful
  • Tolerant
  • Tough
  • Trustworthy
  • Understanding
  • Upbeat
  • Versatile
  • Vibrant
  • Warmhearted
  • Wise

job interview masterclass

45 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

A common job interview question is “what are 3 words to describe yourself?” 

When recruiters ask you to describe yourself, they are looking to find out two things: 

  • Do your personality and skills match the job requirements?
  • Are you honest in your answers?

Keep this in mind and it will be much easier to answer this typical interview question successfully. 

Now, if you’re wondering how, exactly, you should answer this question, here’s what we recommend:

  1. Choose adjectives that are relevant to the position you’re applying for (as long as they fit you, of course). 
  2. Back up your answer with examples of how you embody the quality or skill. This will prove that you are answering honestly.

Let’s see how this works through an example. Say you’re applying to be a teacher and you’re asked “what are three words to describe yourself?”   

Here’s how NOT to go about it: 

  • I am creative, competitive, and tenacious.

Now, there’s nothing technically wrong with these adjectives; however, the answer isn’t the best possible for two main reasons: 

  1. Competitiveness and tenacity are not the most sought-after skills for teachers. 
  2. The claims are not backed up with concrete examples. You could really be creative, or you could be exaggerating. Without backing it up, the recruiter can’t tell which one it is.

Here’s a more interview-friendly way to answer this question: 

  • To begin with, I am creative — in my last school, I came up with an SAT exam preparation technique that raised the graduating class’s success rate by more than 30%. I am helpful, both to my students and colleagues — I often stay after class to clarify any questions students may have and I fill in for other teachers whenever I can. Finally, I am very passionate about my work and my students. I’ve been in the field for over 10 years, and I plan on sticking with it for as long as I can.

Here’s a list of words you can use to describe yourself in a job interview: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview 

  • Attentive
  • Artistic
  • Ambitious
  • Analytical
  • Caring
  • Committed
  • Consistent
  • Cooperative
  • Devoted
  • Diplomatic
  • Experienced
  • Extroverted
  • Focused
  • Good listener
  • Hardworking
  • Helpful
  • Insightful
  • Innovative
  • Methodical
  • Meticulous
  • Motivated
  • Objective
  • Observant
  • Organized
  • Persevering 
  • Persuasive
  • Proactive
  • Problem solver
  • Productive
  • Professional
  • Proficient
  • Resourceful
  • Results-oriented
  • Disciplined
  • Team player
  • Thorough
  • Tireless
  • Trustworthy
  • Sociable 
  • Skilled
  • Strategic
  • Systematic

Note

Wondering what other questions might come up in a job interview? Check our list of 35+ interview questions and answers

40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

When it comes to your resume, you won’t be directly asked to find three words to describe yourself. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t care about the adjectives you choose to describe yourself on your resume. 

On the contrary — before even inviting you at the job interview, it’s your resume that speaks for you. So, your choice of words to describe yourself there is arguably even more important.

Of course, it’s not enough to just insert some adjectives here and there and call it a day. Instead, you need to find the right way to “sell yourself.” In this section, we’ll teach you just how you can do that.

Your resume profile is the first place to add the right words to describe yourself. Be it through a resume summary, or a resume objective, you’ll need to find at least one strong adjective to describe yourself and make a good — and lasting — impression. 

If you ask us, that’s pretty essential, considering that most recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds skimming through a resume. Talk about first impressions mattering, right?

Keep in mind, though — 

Just like with the interview, plugging in some adjectives to describe yourself won’t cut it. 

  • First, you should make sure to choose adjectives relevant to the job. 
  • Second, remember to always back up your claims with examples — or, in this case, achievements. 

Let’s assume that you’re a recent college graduate applying as a Communications Assistant. Your resume objective would look something like this:

Hard-working and passionate college graduate looking to apply up-to-date skills and strategies as a Communications Assistant at the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. 1+ years of practical experience as an intern at the Mayor’s Communications Office.  

Even if you’re a seasoned professional with many achievements to show, you’ll need an adjective to describe yourself. In such a case, your resume summary would look something like this: 

Task-driven professional experienced in data entry, customer service, and reception duties. Able to perform accurate and efficient entry of data into administrative software. 

Get the idea? Here are some more adjectives to choose from: 

Words to Describe Yourself in a Resume

  • Accomplished
  • Accountable
  • Bold
  • Collaborative
  • Competent
  • Confident
  • Conscientious
  • Cooperative
  • Data-driven
  • Detail-oriented
  • Eager
  • Efficient
  • Emotionally intelligent
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Ethical
  • Experienced
  • Expert
  • Flexible
  • Gregarious
  • Motivated
  • Organized
  • People person
  • Persistent
  • Personable
  • Professional
  • Proficient
  • Resourceful
  • Self-assured
  • Self-starter
  • Skilled
  • Skillful
  • Sociable
  • Strategic
  • Team player
  • Thoughtful 
  • Tireless
  • Unconventional

40 Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

The majority of college applications require that you submit a personal statement. 

Personal statements are a way to promote yourself and show why you are the right candidate for a certain program. Unlike motivation letters, where you’re supposed to explain your academic objectives, personal statements allow space for creativity. 

Thus, you can get more expressive and personal with the words to describe yourself in a college application, as opposed to your resume or job interview. As an undergrad candidate, you are supposed to highlight your strengths and show what makes you unique. 

Here are some adjectives you can use for inspiration:

Words to Describe Yourself in a College Application 

  • Artistic
  • Athletic
  • Authentic 
  • Brave
  • Committed
  • Compassionate
  • Courageous
  • Curious
  • Daring
  • Dedicated
  • Diligent
  • Down-to-earth
  • Enthusiastic
  • Extroverted
  • Fearless
  • Generous
  • Genuine
  • Go-getter
  • Idealistic
  • Imaginative 
  • Independent
  • Inspired
  • Loyal
  • Motivated
  • Musical
  • Open-minded
  • Outdoorsy
  • Positive
  • Productive
  • Resilient
  • Respectful
  • Risk-taker
  • Scholarly
  • Self-reliant
  • Sincere
  • Social butterfly
  • Studious
  • Supportive
  • Unique

10 Words NOT to Describe Yourself (Professionally)

As you can imagine, there are also words you should refrain from using to describe yourself — especially in the professional context. 

Not that these adjectives are bad per se — however, they might not arouse the expected reaction when you use them out of context. What do we mean?

Take the following example. Imagine using these words to describe yourself in a job interview: 

“How would I describe myself? Let’s see, I’m amazing, funny, and unique.” 

Now, it’d be more than OK if a colleague — or anyone, for that matter — described you this way. Calling yourself amazing in front of recruiters, however? Might be a bit too much, without really saying anything at all.

Here’s a list of our top 10 words NOT to describe yourself (outside of your friends’ circle):

  1. Amazing 
  2. Awesome 
  3. Dynamic 
  4. Funny
  5. Honest
  6. Humble
  7. Intelligent 
  8. Talented
  9. Visionary
  10. Unique

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope that by now you’re equipped with many more words to describe yourself. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered in the article: 

  • Many situations will require that you find the right words to describe yourself. A resume, job interview, or college application are among the most common. 
  • During a job interview, make sure to use words to describe yourself that are relevant to the job and to back up your claims with examples. 
  • Your resume profile is your chance to make a memorable first impression — scan the job ad to choose adjectives that are relevant to the position and back them up with your achievements. 
  • There are some words you should not use to describe yourself — if it can’t be backed with concrete examples if it sounds generic, or if it’s an adjective that makes more sense being said for you (and not by you), then stay away.  

Struggling to find the words to describe yourself and enhance your résumé? Then try out our CV buzzwords, key adjectives and examples, which will boost your chances of getting your dream job.

Positive Words to Describe Yourself on Your CV

These are great adjectives to describe yourself:

1. Able

I am able to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.

2. Creative

I use a creative approach to problem solving.

3. Dependable

I am a dependable person who is great at time management.

4. Energetic

I am always energetic and eager to learn new skills.

5. Experience

I have experience working as part of a team and individually.

6. Flexible

Positive Words to Describe Yourself on Your CV

I am flexible in my working hours, being able to work evenings and weekends.

7. Successful

I have successfully met deadlines on every project I’ve worked on.

8. On Time

I am always on time for organized events, work-related or otherwise.

9. Honest

I am honest and trustworthy when I am counting money after our church bake sales.

10. Imaginative

I work with the team to provide imaginative solutions for our customers.

11. Innovative

I am always coming up with innovative ideas.

12. Motivated

I am motivated to go to the gym before work to stay fit and healthy.

13. Organized

I have organized the staff functions for the last four years with great success.

14. Reliable

Co-workers rely on me to be on time.

15. Sense of Humour

Even though I take my work seriously, I do have a good sense of humour.

For more advice about embedding these words into your CV, read our article: A Guide to Writing a Successful CV

Positive Words to Describe Your Day-to-Day Work on Your CV

These are great words to help you describe your daily tasks in a variety of ways:

16. Delivered

I delivered all projects in a timely fashion.

17. Helped

I helped out at the local care home during my spare time.

18. Identified

In the role, I identified a need for a new system and, with management backing, it has since been implemented.

19. Managed

I’ve managed the team through several large projects.

20. Participated

I participated in my local Race for Life 10k charity run.

21. Supervised

Positive Words to Describe Your Day-to-Day Work on Your CV

During this time, I supervised swimming galas at my local pool.

22. Presented

I presented my analysis findings to the wider business to achieve buy-in for positive change.

23. United

I united several teams in a large project to achieve real change for our customers.

24. Led

I led the project team in delivering a successful outcome.

25. Provided

I provided much-needed support to my team through the pandemic.

26. Proved

I proved my case for introducing a new system through extensive research and analysis.

27. Ran

I ran weekly project meetings to make sure work was delivered on time and to a high standard.

28. Responded

I responded to unexpected events with speed and professionalism to ensure a positive outcome for our customers.

29. Reported

I reported directly to the Board of Directors…

I reported directly to the Board of Directors with any changes in customer behaviour, along with proactive suggestions on how to address them.

30. Gained

I gained first-hand experience of customer challenges by running a series of face-to-face workshops.

31. Tested

I tested a range of products to determine which ones were most suitable for our clients.

32. Balanced

I balanced my time successfully across 3 key projects in the business, delivering results in a timely manner.

33. Conducted

I conducted several investigations to find out where there were opportunities for cost savings.

34. Focused

I focused much of my time and energy on driving improvements across the contact centre.

Positive Words to Show How You Went Above and Beyond in Your Role

These are great words to include in your CV to highlight where you’ve really added value in your role:

35. Supported

I supported junior team members to help them achieve their longer-term career goals.

36. Modernized

I modernized the customer complaints process to help make efficiency savings across the business.

37. Saved

I saved time across the business by analysing key business processes and identifying improvements.

38. Volunteered

I volunteered to take the lead in a mental health and wellbeing project, above and beyond my core duties, to help improve the working environment for my colleagues.

39. Developed

I developed a new process to address a gap in the customer experience.

40. Won

I won gold in my very first cross-fit competition.

Positive Words to Show How You Went Above and Beyond in Your Role

41. Secured

I secured funding from the Board of Directors for a new WFM system.

42. Savings

I made cost savings on our products by using local manufacturers.

43. Enhanced

I enhanced the leadership team by going on a mental health awareness course and bringing my learnings back into the business.

44. Implemented

I implemented a new WFM system, following several months of research and cost analysis.

45. Nominated

I was nominated for an industry award following the work I did on improving the customer experience.

46. Launched

I launched a new product to market which exceeded sales targets for that quarter.

47. Increased

I increased profits across a variety of products through cost-saving changes to our manufacturing processes.

48. Campaigned

I campaigned for positive changes to our health and wellbeing programme throughout my time at the company, resulting in new initiatives being introduced which helped boost our staff retention rates.

49. Achieved

I achieved a pass grade for my Level 2 Management course.

50. Competed

I competed at industry events for a sought-after ‘best in show’ award and won several times.

Using these words is a great way to describe yourself and your achievements and make your CV stand out. For more tips like this, read our article: How Do I Make My CV Really Special?

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Example Personal Statement:

I am a talented, ambitious and hardworking individual, with broad skills and experience in digital and printed marketing, social media and leading projects. Furthermore, I am adept at handling multiple tasks on a daily basis competently and at working well under pressure.

A key strength is communication; building strong relationships with people in order to deliver the best results.

Recently, I completed an Open degree, including Business and Design modules at the Open University and I am now fully employed by Clearly Presented as a Digital Media Manager.

Find even more positive words and phrases to build enthusiasm, in our article: Top 25 Positive Words, Phrases and Empathy Statements

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15 More Words From Our Experts

Expert Advice Written on Post It Note

Not quite what you are looking for? Then have a look at these words that you can use in the “about me” section on your résumé.

We asked expert customer service recruiters for their advice on which other words to use on a CV. These recruiters responded with the list below:

51. Articulate

I am an effective and articulate communicator with all levels of employees.

52. Confidence

I instil confidence in others and approach new challenges with an open mind.

53. Commercial

I have a strong commercial outlook…

54. Consistent

I have been able to deliver a consistent approach throughout a challenging period of development.

55. Driven

I am extremely driven, with a clear goal to succeed.

I used the advice passed on by my supervisors to mentor struggling individuals..

56. Enthused/Enthusiastic

I am always highly enthused about my work and tasks ahead.

57. Inspirational

I have been told that I am an inspirational coach and mentor.

58. Interactive

I understand the importance of being interactive and enjoy communicating with others for the benefit of the company.

59. Leader

I am a natural leader and developer of people.

60. Mentor

I used the advice passed on by my supervisors to mentor struggling individuals.

61. Personable

I am happy and extremely personable and excel in a positive work environment.

62. Safe Pair of Hands

I have been told that I provide a safe pair of hands in challenging times.

63. Self-Development

I am committed to learning and self-development so that I can consistently achieve better results.

64. Subject-Matter Expert

I am seen as a subject-matter expert within the field of workforce management and deployment.

65. Versatile

I have an extremely versatile skill set.

The Top Ten Words to Leave Off a CV

Whilst the words above can be great additions to a CV, our experts also have their bugbears about certain other words that candidates use.

Here is a list of our top ten words to avoid using on your résumé.

1. Seasoned

Using this will make you sound like you are a steak! Also, it is so dated. There are much better words to use!

2. Authoritative

Recruiters want a collaborator not a dictator, especially in the customer service field. So, replace a phrase such as “I was in an authoritative position…” with “I was in a position of leadership…”.

3. Think outside the box

Give examples of how you were made to think creatively and the benefits that such innovation brought to the company. To do this, it is important to avoid vague phrases such as “I think outside the box.”

4. Detail-orientated

There is a chance, no matter how excellent you believe your grammar to be, that you will make a mistake on your CV. Whilst many recruiters may overlook one minor error, pairing the mistake with the phrase “detail-orientated” could create problems.

5. Track record

If your CV is written correctly, the recruiter will be able to see your track record, so don’t waste your limited space with needless phrases like this.

6. Hard-worker

It is much more convincing to show the recruiter that you are a hard-worker than to tell them. Recruiters will draw their own conclusions from the evidence that you present, so don’t try to confuse them by using vague phrases… it won’t work.

7. Results-driven

Are results your only driver? Don’t limit yourself by using such language. Demonstrate how you are driven by purpose, personal development and colleagues/teammates, as well as by achievement.

8. Go-to person

Not only is this too informal for a CV, it takes focus away from how your skills align with those in the job description. Don’t distract yourself by trying to do everyone else’s jobs – they will be more experienced in these than you.

9. Passionate

This is so over-used. If you were not passionate about an aspect of the role, it is assumed that you would not be applying for the position. So, set yourself apart from the average candidate by trying something different, like noting how fulfilling the passion makes you feel.

10. Team player

It is important to note that you enjoy a collaborative atmosphere, but the phrase “team player” is contrived. Alternatively, refer to a success story of when you worked alongside someone else to bring great benefits to the workplace.

Find out more mistakes to avoid when writing a CV by reading our article: Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Job

What Else Should You Be Wary Of?

The advice above can help to shape a CV, but doing any of the following can seriously damage your chances of acquiring the customer service job that you crave.

Writing in Third Person

CVs should never be written in third person. Use first person and choose the present or past tense to showcase the most important and relevant information to your employment goals.

So, for example, do not say “James Bell is…”, instead state “I am…”.

Removing Personal Information

Things to include: your address, postcode, mobile number and email address! So many people are not including this information, making it very difficult for agencies and organizations to know where candidates are looking for work and also to register the CVs on their systems.

It also makes it impossible to find candidates again when searching in specific locations.

Including a Headshot/Photograph

This is just a waste of space, especially as you should already be aiming to cut your CV down into two pages.

Also, don’t save your CV as an infographic. These may look good, but they can’t be used by agencies and often won’t upload to company career sites. Send your CV as a PDF or Word document and keep the formatting simple!

Expanding Margins and Cutting White Space

No one wants to read a CV that is formatted with a tiny font and no white space! White space allows the eye to rest between reading and absorbing the content, and it acts as a cue to important information the employer should read with care.

At the same time, a CV with too much white space will look like you have no relevant experience or skills to offer the employer. Find a happy medium – keep the CV readable and clean, while filling the space.

Including Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Mistakes

In this day and age there should be NO excuses, but it still happens, and more often than you would expect. These kinds of mistakes can get even the most qualified candidate’s CV thrown into the “no” pile.

Remember, the CV is an excellent way to demonstrate to potential employers or recruiters what type of employee you are, your attitude to work and, most importantly, your attention to detail!

After you have reviewed your CV carefully, have a friend – or two – review it again for you!

Heavily Detailing Secondary Experiences

It is very easy to keep adding a new job to your existing CV, but does your previous role still hold any relevance? Or, looking back, should your previous role actually be enhanced to support more of your present role?

I am responsible for the leadership, coaching and development of 100 FTE. In the past year we have seen an uplift of 5% on service level performance against the previous 5 years.

As your career progresses, your older jobs may not be as relevant as they once were.  Your CV is your opportunity to showcase your career and you need to highlight what is most important, taking space from less important detail that you may now be able to remove.

Listing Your Duties From a Previous Job

Everyone needs to see and understand what you do, but what is it that sets you apart from the crowd?

In addition to listing some, if not all, of your duties and responsibilities, try and include some achievements, tangibles, or context around the role. This could involve something like the following:

You may write: I am responsible for 100 + FTE.

You could write: I am responsible for the leadership, coaching and development of 100 FTE. In the past year we have seen an uplift of 5% on service level performance against the previous 5 years.

Thanks to both of the following recruitment experts for providing much of the information in this article. 

  • Francesca Randle at Cactus
  • Michelle Ansell at Douglas Jackson

We hope that all of these positive words to add to your CV will get you that all-important interview.

If so, come back to this page and check out the articles below, which provide some great advice for dealing with this next stage of the process:

  • Top 50 Customer Service Interview Questions – with Answers
  • Interview Dos and Don’ts
  • Ten Probing Interview Questions

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