5 Power Words That Hiring Managers Look For on Your Resume

You can usually count on scanning software to handle your resume before a hiring manager ever sets her eyes on it. With tough competition and limited job opportunities in the modern workplace, it's important to make sure your resume is stocked with proof that you know how to set goals and accomplish them. Add these five power words to your resume to get a leg up during your job search.

1. Improved

Hiring managers look for employees who are innovative. Find an example of a process you improved, and explain how it saved your employer time, money or other resources. In the interview, you can elaborate on your successful idea and explain how it streamlined the organization and how its implementation improved the company's bottom line. For example, you could tell the hiring manager how you improved your department's supply inventory process, reducing the number of required man hours by 40 percent.

2. Developed

Organizations love to hire creative employees who are willing to take risks to help the company reach its goals. Describe a time when you created something successful that helped move the department ahead. For example, make sure your resume talks about the sales pitch you developed that increased company sales by 20 percent last quarter.

3. Resolved

It's important for hiring managers to find employees who know how to solve problems without relying too much on advice or guidance from their superiors. Let the hiring organization know you're an independent thinker who excels at troubleshooting by describing an issue you resolved in a previous position. For example, a software analyst might discuss working out the kinks in a program his company developed.

4. Mentored

Great employees share their knowledge and experience with others to foster an environment of teamwork and development. Hiring managers are typically impressed by employees who take the time to help other workers succeed in their careers. Include in your resume any leadership programs in which you served as a mentor, or describe a time when you counseled another worker to aid in his success. Include your mentee as a reference when you send your resume.

5. Accomplished

Most importantly, hiring managers want to be sure you know how to set your sights on a goal and achieve it. Self-motivated employees move ahead in their careers while also recognizing their roles in an organization's success. Detail some significant career accomplishments on your resume. For example, include sales records you set or industry awards you received.

Whether you use these five power words or come up with some of your own, it's important to incorporate action verbs into your resume to demonstrate your ability to make things happen. Try to naturally work a few into your job interview as well to show off your success.

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