Words have power. The choice of words makes all the difference in what the reader pictures in his mind. Remember this when you write your resumé or complete an application. You can help the employer see your knowledge and value by using action words and descriptions. These two examples illustrate this principle.

Example one: Read both statements, both of which could appear either in a résumé or on an application. Which applicant would you hire to be in charge of the office at your RV park?

Applicant A: “I worked as a cashier in an RV park office.”

Applicant B: “Duties as a cashier in an RV park: Opened register, verifyied cash-on-hand. Rang up sales on cash register, gave change, processed credit card sales, closed cash register at end of day and reconciled sales and cash. Prepared report and noted low-inventory items.”

Wouldn’t you pick B over A? The difference in the two statements is that Applicant B's uses action words that describe or paint a picture. The employer knows that B had responsibility and the extent of his/her knowledge. In the case of Applicant A the employer is left to imagine what A’s cashiering duties consisted of. Applicant A may have simply taken money for sales and given change.

Example two: These three applicants are applying for maintenance work in an RV park handling all aspects of maintenance. All have had experience at this type of work before. Which resumé or application would be more appealing to an employer?

Applicant C: “I worked in maintenance at an RV park.”

Applicant D: “Cleaned restrooms and helped the regular maintenance man with repairs.”

Applicant E: “Maintenance duties at an RV park: Unclogged toilets and sinks and sewer drains, repaired or replaced as necessary. Mowed lawn with riding mower 1-2 times/week, trimmed edges with weed-trimmer. Cleaned restrooms on relief basis. Replaced screens in recreation room.”

Put yourself in the employer’s position. Don’t you think most would prefer Applicant E’s resumé? E lists specific duties using action words like “unclogged,” “repaired,” “replaced.” The employer has a clear idea of E’s skill level.

Applicant C’s statement is very vague. C may have cleaned restrooms but have no idea how to do repairs. If C is highly skilled, it isn’t apparent by this statement.

Applicant D gives one specific - “cleaned restrooms.” However, “helping” is vague and meaningless. C may have “helped” by handing the maintenance man the hammer or wrench and not be capable of actually doing any repairs. C should list the actual things he/she did like “measure and cut boards to length” or "replace washers in leaky faucets."

Your turn:

To spruce up your resumé or applications, take each job you are including and make a list of the specific tasks you did. Use verbs that show action to describe each task. You probably won’t want to include every single task but do include those that are relevant to the position you are applying for and that show your skill level.

Give yourself the edge by replacing vague job duties with descriptive responsibilities. Not only will you sell yourself as capable of doing the job but you appear more professional. You show you understand the employer’s needs and can meet them.