This One Word Can Ruin Your Resume
When you’re writing your resume, one phrase can make all the difference. It’s one you’ve probably used many times, but it’s time to say goodbye to: “Responsible for.”
It sounds fine at first, but here’s the thing: it makes you sound passive and like you were just there to do a job. Hiring managers don’t want to read about what you “did.” They want to know what you achieved and how you made an impact. So, if you want your resume to stand out, it’s time to replace “responsible for” with action words that show you’re proactive and results-driven.
Why Does It Matter?
Hiring managers see a lot of resumes and have only a few seconds to decide if they should keep reading. If you say, “Responsible for managing a team,” it’s not impressive. But if you say, “Led a team to increase sales by 20%,” that catches their eye. It’s about showing you took charge and made a difference.
How to Fix It:
Here’s how you can replace “responsible for” with stronger verbs that show what you actually did and what results you achieved:
Instead of “Responsible for managing the team,” try “Led a team of 10 and increased performance by 25%.”
Instead of “Responsible for handling customer service,” try “Improved customer satisfaction by 15% through team coaching.”
Instead of “Responsible for overseeing projects,” try “Managed 5 projects from start to finish, meeting all deadlines and budget goals.”
Pro Tips for Your Resume:
Add Numbers: When you can, include specific results like sales numbers, growth percentages, or performance improvements.
Use Action Verbs: Words like “led,” “managed,” “created,” and “improved” make you sound active and capable.
Be Specific: Avoid vague language. Instead of saying, “Handled marketing,” try, “Developed and launched marketing campaigns that grew engagement by 30%.”
The Takeaway
If you want to impress hiring managers, stop saying “responsible for” and start using action verbs that show you’re a doer. This simple change can help your resume stand out and land you more interviews.
So, next time you’re updating your resume, think about what you actually did and how you can show it in a way that highlights your achievements. Be proactive, and you’ll see more opportunities come your way.