Tip Sheets

Use Action Words to Get the Job

Action words tell employers that you get results. When you are filling out application forms, preparing a resumé or talking to employers, use action words to describe what you have done, the positive results you have achieved, and how well you are able to handle different situations.

The following exercise has helped many people find words that describe their skills and personal strengths in an action-oriented way.

From the following list, choose words that describe something you have done (whether or not you were paid for it). If you find that you are choosing most of these verbs, skip to step two.

	Check off (or write down) the words that describe activities you enjoy.
	Ask yourself "what?" or "whom?" after each word that describes things you enjoy doing (e.g. achieved what? advised whom about what? motivated whom to do what? recommended what to whom?). Write out your answers to these questions.
	The following words describe work-related characteristics. Copy (or check off) the ones that describe you best.

Describe situations in which you have demonstrated these qualities.

The more specifically you can describe your skills and strengths and the situations in which you have demonstrated them, the more impressed employers will be!

Other Relevant Tips For more, visit the TIPS home page at alis.alberta.ca/tips

Additional Reading Advanced Techniques for Work Search and Job Seeker's Handbook: An introductory guide to finding work produced by Alberta Employment and Immigration. For copies of these publications:

		download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop
		call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton
		visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline.

Last Updated: June 20, 2006