During the process of resume writing, you have to use a lot of different adjectives.  You use them to describe your work ethic, your employment history, and even your goals.  The trick is, however, using the right adjectives that add real meaning and the prospective employers are looking for.  How do you decide which words to use? 

The first thing you should look at while trying to decide which adjectives to use is the attitude that your words evoke.  Strive to include words that have a positive connotation.  If you can't wait to work your way up the ranks in your career, why not say that you are enthusiastic?  Stubbornness could be better described as persistent.  For example: saying that you are motivated sounds much better than saying that you are desperate.  Take care to choose words that put a positive spin on your own situation and experiences. 

Another thing you should consider is the appropriateness of your adjectives.  If you are applying for a sales position, including being aggressive is a strong attribute.  On the other hand, if you are applying for a nursing position, saying that you are aggressive about your patients' care doesn't have the same ring as saying that you are passionate about your patients' care.  As you work on your resume writing, consider each adjective to use to ensure that the word fits into the work environment you hope to join. 

Finally, quantifiable adjectives are always easier for prospective employers to interpret than vague adjectives are.  Saying that you have experience in a busy retail environment, for example, doesn't accurately describe your work experience.  How many customers are required before a retail center is considered to be busy?  A busy store in your home town may not sell as much merchandise as a busy store in a major, metropolitan city sells.  Using a quantifiable adjective like a number would clear up any uncertainty about the descriptions in your resume. 

Choosing words the right adjectives to describe yourself and your experiences can make all the difference in the world as you are looking for your next job.  While resume writing with mediocre adjectives may blend into the woodwork with others, strong, resumes with positive adjectives can catch the eye of the all-too important human resources manager.  In no time at all, you may be interviewing for the position of your dreams. 

By Holly Wright