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Why You Should Use Power Words in Your Cover Letter

Are you not getting enough response from your cover letter? You may need to strengthen up your content. Action words, also called power words, add direction and persuasiveness to your cover letter. Power words can be verbs or nouns to describe your accomplishments and qualifications. Not only are power words effective, they also help your cover letter sizzle, leaving your mark on the reader.

Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential in most jobs. In your cover letter, highlight your excellent communication abilities with words like “negotiated,” “addressed,” “persuaded,” and “encouraged.” To showcase your writing skills, use terms such as “authored,” “corresponded,” and “publicized.” Choose words that are logical, concise, and engaging for the reader.

Management Skills

When applying for administrative and management positions, it’s crucial to choose words that precisely describe your qualifications and showcase your leadership skills. Instead of using passive phrases such as “was in charge of” or “was responsible for,” opt for assertive and powerful verbs like “managed,” “oversaw,” “supervised,” and “administered.” Using these terms not only clarifies your role but also emphasizes your proactive approach to leadership. Remember, a single impactful word can often communicate what four ordinary words might, making your resume more concise and compelling.

Research Skills

When describing your research skills, choose power words that accurately reflect the depth and scope of your work. Replace phrases like “looked at data” with more precise and dynamic verbs such as “examined,” “surveyed,” “investigated,” “analyzed,” and “evaluated.” These terms not only demonstrate your ability to handle complex information but also highlight your analytical prowess. Additionally, consider using words like “systematized,” “inspected,” and “extracted” to further convey your meticulous approach to gathering and organizing data. This strategic choice of language showcases your expertise and makes your research qualifications stand out.

Creative and Technical Skills

To effectively highlight your creative skills, opt for dynamic verbs like “introduced,” “designed,” “founded,” and “integrated.” For instance, you might say, “I designed and implemented innovative strategies for data transfer.” When detailing your technical abilities, use precise terms such as “assembled,” “programmed,” “calculated,” “engineered,” and “upgraded.” These words clearly demonstrate your proficiency and hands-on experience in technical domains, presenting you as a capable and skilled professional.

Power Words for Impactful Resumes and Cover Letters

In crafting your resume or cover letter for positions in the creative or technical fields, the language you use can significantly impact how your skills are perceived. Leveraging strong, action-oriented words to describe your accomplishments not only clarifies your contributions but also elevates your profile to potential employers. As you apply these tips, remember that each word should be chosen with the goal of constructing a compelling narrative that showcases your unique talents and qualifications. With thoughtful word choice, you can transform your professional documents into powerful tools that capture the attention of hiring managers and set you apart from the competition.

Posted: January 12, 2017
Category: Careers, Resumes

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