Job Description
Looking for a job in Kenya? It can feel like running in circles. You send out CV after CV. Weeks pass. Silence. You start doubting yourself, your experience, your skills, even your choices. That’s exactly where Mark was. A finance professional with ten years of experience, smart and hardworking, yet his CV went unnoticed.
That’s when he came to us. Ruth, one of our CV experts, sat down with him and carefully went through his CV line by line. She pointed out where generic phrases and unclear achievements were hiding his real value. She explained exactly why employers were overlooking him and what needed to change.
Employers need to see why you matter not just what you did. And just like that, the process to boost his CV began.
Here’s how to use action words effectively;
Tailor Your Words to the Job
Imagine walking into a finance interview. You wouldn’t start talking about farming projects when the role is about financial management. Your words have to fit the situation.
For Mark, that meant carefully reading each job description. When a role emphasized problem-solving or analytical skills, Ruth helped him show real examples of how he applied those skills in past positions.
Generic phrases were replaced with achievements that directly matched what Kenyan employers were looking for. The result? A CV that spoke the same language as the hiring managers.
Highlight Your Unique Achievements
Next, Ruth focused on showing what made Mark stand out. She had one simple rule: don’t just list duties. Employers want results.
Instead of saying he “managed a team,” his CV now showed how he led a team to complete a major financial project ahead of schedule and implemented new processes that improved efficiency across departments. Each sentence painted a clear picture of his impact. It wasn’t about proving he worked hard; it was about proving he made a difference.
Use Measurable Words
Numbers make achievements real. Ruth encouraged Mark to quantify his contributions wherever possible. Saying he “improved efficiency” became reduced processing errors by 30% in six months. This kind of measurable proof turns a CV from a vague list into concrete evidence of value.
In Kenya, where recruiters scan dozens of applications daily, numbers grab attention quickly. They show that you’re not just experienced you’re effective.
Effective action words include:
- Creativity: built, crafted, devised, implemented, pioneered, initiated, established
- Efficiency: enhanced, advanced, capitalized, maximized, leveraged, improved
- Leadership: headed, coordinated, executed, managed, operated, organized
- Improvements: refined, remodeled, strengthened, upgraded, transformed
- Management: guided, fostered, motivated, recruited, enabled, united
- Contributions: reduced, decreased, consolidated, saved, yielded, increased
- Achievements: awarded, exceeded, outperformed, surpassed, earned, granted
Conclusion
Ruth guided Mark every step of the way, helping him choose strong, action-packed words like implemented, enhanced, headed, and transformed. His CV no longer just described his experience it showcased initiative, leadership, and tangible results.
Three weeks after sending out the revised CV, Mark had two interviews lined up. The difference wasn’t his experience. It was the story his CV told.
If you’ve been sending out CVs and getting nowhere, Ruth and our team can help you boost your CV and turn your work history into a story that Kenyan employers actually notice.
Ready for a CV that works for you? Contact our CV writing services today and take the first step toward landing your next role.
The post Boost Your CV in Minutes: 3 Action Word Tips That Get You Noticed appeared first on Corporate Staffing Services.