So far, our articles on CV writing mainly discussed what you should or should not write in your CV.

The
purpose of this article is to go a little deeper into the content of your CV and see what type of words can
make the selector immediately shortlist your CV for an interview.
The basic purpose of these words is to demonstrate your hold of a particular situation and the actions you
took to achieve a result or come out of a situation. One important thing to note here is that the immediate
past tense of a verb is more powerful than the verb itself. Using a past tense also shows that you actually
completed the work you started successfully. Adding some figures and facts along with these verbs would
add more impact.
Let's see with an example how each word can be utilised to its full power:
1. Achieved
Good example: Achieved the target of implementing the software onsite for 200 users 15 days before the
deadline.
Bad example: To implement the software onsite.
This sounds more like a responsibility. The interviewer is mainly interested in knowing about your output.
2. Built
Good Example: Built new premises to convert the study centre into a residential college accommodating
200 students.
Bad example: Building a new premise for the residential college.
3. Developed
Good example: Developed guidelines for 50 users to understand and use the new process for client
handling.
Bad example: Developing guidelines to use the new process for client handling.
The selector and the interviewer will be amused with questions like: What guidelines? When? For whom?.
The good example here answers these queries and shows your output rather than your responsibility.
4. Eliminated
Good example: Eliminated the use of thick brown tape for sealing the packages to reduce the cost by
over 15 per cent.
Bad example: To eliminate wasteful of resources.
The selector will again have the questions like 'what type of resources?', 'how did your action help?'
5. Forecast
Good example: Forecast a downturn in the FMCG business because of economic slowdown. Suggested
measures to combat it and achieve the quarterly target.

Bad example: To analyse and forecast the market.

6. Introduced
Good example: Introduced a new process to handle queries from potential customers to increase the
conversion rate by 60 per cent.
Bad example: Introducing a new process to handle client queries.
7. Modernised
Good example: Modernised a chain of 15 retail outlets across three states to meet the taste of urban
youth.
Bad example: To modernise the look of retail chain outlets.
8. Organised
Good example: Organised reseller conferences in three cities while maintaining a close co-ordination
with three internal departments and four vendors.
Bad example: Organising events like exhibitions and retailer conferences.
9. Recommended
Good example: Recommended five new ways to ensure that the company is able to roll out the new
version of its 'small car' before the launch of Nano [Images].
Bad example: Recommending ways for the company to roll out its new 'small car'
10. Secured
Good example: Secured first position in the university while pursuing MBA course and helped the college
stand at the top of the list.
Bad example: University topper during MBA.
How do I use these in my CV?
1. List your responsibilities and achievements.
2. Find the one word that best describes your role in that situation such as manage, co-ordinate,
plan, advise etc.
3. Begin your sentence with the past tense of the verb you decide to use for every responsibility.
4. Add some figures and facts to your statement.
If you are stuck with finding a good word to describe your action in the CV, take a look at this list of some
frequently used action words.
Achieved

Acquired

Attained

Analysed

Assessed

Appraised

Completed

Composed

Created

Designed

Developed

Directed

Drafted

Established

Eliminated

Ensured

Forecast

Found

Introduced

Investigated

Implemented

Launched

Liaised

Managed

Marketed

Operated

Organised

Presented

Procured

Provided

Promoted

Recruited

Revised

Researched

Recognised

Resolved

Scheduled

Secured

Scored

Solved

Supervised

Terminated

Targeted

Trained

Taught

Teamed Up