The Importance of Action Words on Your CV

What Are Action Words? Action words, or verbs, play a crucial role in writing a compelling CV. They are part of what’s called “active voice,” which highlights your direct involvement and contributions. For example, instead of writing “management of a team of 10,” use “managed a team of 10.” This active voice indicates clear action, making your CV more engaging and impactful.

Active vs. Passive Voice Active voice, where action words like “managed,” “developed,” or “spearheaded” are used, makes your CV sound proactive and focused. In contrast, passive voice (“management of a team”) sounds detached and less direct. Using active voice ensures that your achievements and responsibilities resonate more effectively with recruiters.

Where to Use Active Voice Active voice should be used throughout most of your CV, particularly in the career history section where you detail your responsibilities and accomplishments. Phrases like “delivered projects,” “accelerated growth,” or “led initiatives” enhance the CV’s impact.

When to Use Passive Voice The exception to using active voice is the key skills section, which sits between the profile and work experience sections. Here, you should use passive voice (e.g., “project management,” “budget management”). This section is meant to include keywords that align with job descriptions, helping your CV perform better when scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Recruiters and ATS software often search for these terms in passive voice.

Conclusion Using action words in active voice throughout your CV, except in the key skills section, makes your document stronger and more appealing to recruiters. This approach ensures your CV is engaging, keyword-rich, and aligned with how employers search for skills and qualifications.