10 Adverbs To Use In A CV

Knowing how to write a great CV can be tough. It’s difficult enough deciding which power verbs like ‘managed’ and ‘created’ to use, let alone choosing adverbs. Here is PurpleCV’s list of top ten adverbs you should consider using when writing your CV – and some you might want to avoid!

Using adverbs on your CV can give your employer insight into your personality and how you work. If they can relate to you and your CV, even if you don’t meet all the criteria they were looking for initially, it might just give you that edge which gets you the interview.

Actively:

Actively is a good adverb to use on your CV before verbs like ‘communicated’ or ‘researched’ to show you are proactive and put the effort in.

Analytically:

If you’re analytic, it gives the impression you are methodical and won’t make rash decisions, suggesting you’re less prone to making mistakes.

Confidently:

Employers like confidence, and put in front of verbs like ‘presented’ and ‘managed’ on your CV shows them you are great with people and you have good interpersonal skills.

Consistently:

Consistency is something every employer looks for. Whether it means showing up on time or reaching targets it shows you are reliable and people know what to expect from you. Put in front of verbs like ‘reached’ or ‘achieved’, your CV is onto a winner.

Efficiently:

Efficiently is a good adverb for everyone to use, no matter what career level. It shows you get the work done on time and have forward-planning skills.

Independently:

Put in front of verbs like ‘organised’, ‘led’ and ‘accomplished’ you will have a powerhouse of words that tell the employer you can get the job done and not let anything phase you.

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Proficiently:

Proficiently is a great adverb to use on your CV when a job asks for specific expertise such as knowing how to use specific software or know certain regulations.

Resourcefully:

Resourcefully shows you are a problem-solver and a quick-thinker. Paired with ‘organised’ ‘solved’ and ‘adapted’, who wouldn’t want you on their team?

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Successfully:

Successfully is a word that should be on everyone’s CV. Put with almost any other verb and it shows you get results.

Supportively:

If you’re looking for a role that relies on teamwork, showing you are supportive and can work well with others will go a long way on your CV.

So, which adverbs should you avoid?

Some of the cliché adverbs that flag up a big red no include ‘naturally’ – because you may be seen to be overcompensating and assuming.

Meanwhile ‘imaginatively’ can suggest you throw things together at the last minute and hope for the best, and ‘dynamically’ is overused and considered generic.

Always be sure to support these adverbs where possible with numbers if you can.

If you still can’t get your CV just right, let PurpleCV do it for you.

From as little as £50, our CV Writing Service writes every CV from scratch with CV professionals in your field.