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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…

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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.