'Power' or 'wow' words (usually verbs) are a great way to put a finishing touch to your professional profile, the statement that describes who you are on your resume/CV, LinkedIn profile and in a job application cover letter. They are also great for adding variety to all your amazing accomplishments.
It's a good idea to do a stock-take of your current resume to ensure you are using action verbs at the start of each achievement statement, and also make sure you aren't using the same verbs over and over again. (My weakness is 'managed'! I like to manage people, projects, programs, problems...)
There are a multitude of websites and books dedicated to power verbs, but I thought I'd share a few of my favourites. These can make you sound more professional and your achievements sound more impressive.
Addressed
Adopted
Advised
Aligned
Analysed
Assessed
Attributed
Audited
Benchmarked
Calculated
Certified
Championed
Classified
Collaborated
Committed
Completed
Cooperated
Coordinated
Correlated
Deduced
Defined
Demonstrated
Detailed
Devised
Edited
Educated
Enforced
Engineered
Enhanced
Ensured
Established
Examined
Exceeded
Excelled
Focused
Forged
Formulated
Fulfilled
Gauged
Generated
Guided
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Influenced
Initiated
Integrated
Interpreted
Invigorated
Launched
Leveraged
Maximised
Mentored
Navigated
Networked
Nurtured
Orchestrated
Organised
Planned
Pre-empted
Presented
Published
Rationalised
Rectified
Redesigned
Researched
Scheduled
Solved
Taught
Transformed
Upgraded
Then once all your power verbs are in, add in some adverbs to really 'pimp' your resume.
Try these prior to a few power verbs: successfully, expertly, effectively, skillfully, accurately, confidently, creatively and thoroughly. You'll sound amazing!
Need some assistance to improve your resume? Check out my FREE Resume Rescue Masterclass and Resume Makeover Challenge.