35 of the Best Resume Phrases to Use

These resume phrases are sure to make you stand out from the rest!

➪ Make sure you include some of these resume phrases:

COMMUNICATION

• writes clearly/concisely

• speaks effectively

• listens attentively

• openly expresses ideas

• leads group discussions

• provides feedback

• confidently speaks in public

• gathers appropriate information

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

• detail-oriented

• punctual

• coordinates tasks

• meets deadlines

• multi-tasks

• sets goals

• manages projects effectively

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• works well with others

• supportive

• motivates others

• shares credit

• cooperates

• understands feelings

• self-confident

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• leads group

• delegates responsibility

• directs others

• takes charge

• enforces policies

• implements decisions

RESEARCH AND PLANNING

• creates ideas

• predicts

• identifies problems

• analyzes issues

• defines needs

• assesses situations

• develops strategies

The Importance of Using Resume Phrases Relating to Keywords in the Job Description

In today’s competitive job market, using a resume writing process that effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and qualifications is critical to standing out from the crowd. One of the most important creative strategies for achieving this is to integrate power words and keywords from the specific job posting you are targeting. These terms not only align your qualifications with the employer’s needs but also help ensure that your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabs the attention of hiring managers. Below is an analysis of why incorporating these keywords is essential for creating a compelling resume.

1. Improves ATS Compatibility

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever reach the hands of a hiring manager. ATS software scans resumes for relevant keywords and phrases, typically derived from the job post. If your resume doesn’t match the keywords in the description, there’s a significant risk that it may never even make it past the system.

Using power words (such as “led,” “managed,” “improved,” “created”) and keywords that are specific to the job (e.g., “project management,” “data analysis,” “sales strategy”) boosts the chances of your resume being flagged as a strong match for the position. By tailoring your resume to the specific language used in the job posting, you increase your odds of getting noticed by the ATS and ultimately the recruiter or hiring manager.

2. Demonstrates a Direct Fit with the Role

Hiring managers and recruiters want to quickly determine whether a candidate is a good fit for the role. When you use the same action verbs and industry-specific keywords mentioned in the job posting, you create an immediate connection between your experience and the employer’s needs. For example, if the job posting asks for “leadership skills,” “project coordination,” or “stakeholder management,” using those specific terms in your resume will demonstrate that you have the skills they are seeking.

Moreover, power words such as “achieved,” “orchestrated,” or “executed” help convey your proactive approach and accomplishments in a clear, impactful way. This can make it easier for recruiters to see that you not only have the technical qualifications but also the drive and results-oriented mindset they are looking for.

3. Aligns with Company Culture and Values

Incorporating keywords from the job posting allows you to subtly demonstrate an understanding of the company’s culture, values, and mission. Many job post contain language that reflects the organization’s work environment, such as a “collaborative team environment,” “fast-paced,” or “innovative” atmosphere. By mirroring these keywords, you position yourself as someone who is in tune with the company’s ethos, which may increase your attractiveness as a candidate.

For instance, if the description emphasizes “customer-first mentality” or “service excellence,” integrating these terms into your resume can signal to the employer that you are not only a skills match but also a cultural fit. This shows the employer that you’re likely to thrive in their work environment.

4. Emphasizes Key Skills and Competencies

Many job post list key skills and competencies that are crucial for success in the role. These may include both hard skills (like “Python programming,” “SEO optimization,” or “financial modeling”) and soft skills (like “communication,” “teamwork,” or “problem-solving”). Using these terms in your resume helps emphasize your expertise in the areas that the employer values most.

For example, if the job posting specifies “strong analytical skills,” including that exact phrase in the context of a specific project or achievement (e.g., “leveraged strong analytical skills to optimize marketing campaigns”) will both highlight your experience and demonstrate that you understand what the employer is looking for. Power words related to these skills—such as “analyzed,” “optimized,” “evaluated,” or “solved”—further enhance the impact of your resume by showcasing your abilities in action.

5. Enhances Clarity and Persuasiveness

When your resume contains the right keywords and power words, it becomes easier for recruiters to quickly assess your qualifications. Resumes that align with the job post’s language are clearer, more direct, and more persuasive. For instance, a hiring manager looking for someone with “strategic thinking” may be impressed if they see “developed and executed strategic initiatives” in your resume. Such phrasing not only signals that you have the right experience but also conveys it in a way that resonates with the employer’s priorities.

Additionally, using action-oriented language—such as “spearheaded,” “streamlined,” “negotiated,” or “implemented”—is impactful because it suggests initiative and results. This allows you to present yourself as an accomplished professional who can deliver tangible outcomes.

6. Helps in Tailoring Your Resume for Multiple Positions

While each job may require a unique set of skills or experiences, using a flexible set of power words allows you to easily tailor your resume for multiple positions. By focusing on broad action verbs and keywords that are relevant across different roles (e.g., “managed,” “collaborated,” “delivered,” “innovated”), you can adapt your resume for various job applications without needing to completely rewrite it each time. The key is to make strategic adjustments based on the specific requirements listed in each job posting while maintaining consistency in your overall presentation.

7. Increases the Likelihood of Getting Interviews

Ultimately, using the right keywords and power words can be the difference between getting your resume reviewed or rejected. A resume that matches the language in the job post has a higher likelihood of being passed along to the hiring manager for further consideration. Since recruiters and hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, your use of keywords ensures that they immediately recognize your qualifications as relevant to the position, increasing the chances of securing an interview.

Conclusion

Having solid resume writing skills that include Incorporating power words and keywords from the job description into your resume is not just a tactic for passing through an ATS—it’s a strategic move to align your skills and experiences with the employer’s needs. This approach increases the likelihood of your resume being noticed by both automated systems and human recruiters, while also presenting you as a highly qualified, results-driven candidate. By carefully selecting and integrating these terms, you can create a targeted, compelling resume that maximizes your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job.

For more resume tips, check TUN’s interview with Katie Seitz, a career coach at Stony Brook University’s Career Center here, or watch the video below.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Commandments of Resume Writing