Useful words and phrases for applications
It’s easy to repeat words and phrases when writing about your skills and experience, so here are some suggestions to help you avoid repetition and add a sense of action and positivity to your application.
As well as effective words to help describe yourself, below are lists of active words grouped together under their basic meaning:
Describing your personality
Adaptable
Capable
Competent
Consistent
Customer-focused
Dedicated
Determined
Diligent
Effective
Efficient
Experienced
Expertise
Flexible
Focused
Goal-oriented
Hard-working
Helpful
Honest
Keen
Proactive
Productive
Proficient
Profitable
Qualified
Resourceful
Successful
Thorough
Trustworthy
Valued
Versatile
Willing
What you did
Achieved
Administered
Collated
Communicated
Completed
Co-ordinated
Demonstrated
Distributed
Ensured
Expanded
Facilitated
Interacted
Liaised
Maintained
Networked
Operated
Participated
Performed
Planned
Presented
Processed
Programmed
Promoted
Provided
Reacted
Represented
Responded
Specialised
Undertook
Unsupervised
Volunteered
Made/Built
Assembled
Completed
Composed
Constructed
Created
Designed
Devised
Engineered
Fashioned
Fabricated
Generated
Originated
Produced
Started
Began
Commenced
Devised
Established
Generated
Implemented
Initiated
Introduced
Launched
Proposed
Set up
Helped
Advised
Aided
Assisted
Enabled
Encouraged
Facilitated
Motivated
Supported
Changed / Fixed
Arranged
Broadened
Completed
Controlled
Determined (an issue)
Eliminated
Improved
Minimised
Modernised
Organised
Refined
Repaired
Resolved
Restored
Revamped
Simplified
Solved
Streamlined
Strengthened
Transformed
Looked at
Analysed
Assessed
Consulted
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Identified
Instigated
Monitored
Planned
Quantified
Recommended
Researched
Reviewed
Useful phrases
Demonstrated skills in...
Proven track record in...
Extensive academic / practical background in...
Experienced in all facets / phases / aspects of...
Accurately checked...
Experience involved / included...
Knowledge of... / experienced as...
Successful in / at developing...
Extensive training / involvement in...
Reported to senior management when...
Constant interaction with...
Disseminated results of analysis...
Provided technical assistance to...
Professionally handled...
Worked closely with...
Familiar with...
Efficiently organised...
Supported customers and colleagues with...
Planned and managed...
Researching, assessing and synthesising...
Initiated financial savings by...
Promoted to…
More resources
- You can find even more effective words on Build My Career's Power Verbs Generator: Power Verbs Generator student link / Power Verbs Generator graduate link
- Advice and examples from jobs.ac.uk
- What words should I use on my CV? from reed.co.uk
Further help
If you are still unsure about the best way to phrase your application, don't worry - we're here to help! Arrange an appointment with a career consultant for professional advice.