CliftonStrengths in Résumé
Knowing your strengths can not only help you talk about your skills and competencies, but they are also useful in crafting a strong résumé. In your bulleted statements you should highlight your skills and accomplishments but using your strengths can help you to better talk about how you do that work as well as what you did. Take a look at some examples below from each of the 34 CliftonStrengths Themes to get you thinking.
First though, review your reports (Top 5, For Students and any personalized reports the coaches have pulled for you). Do the following:
- Circle the adjectives in your theme that resonate as descriptors for how you work
- Underline the words or phrases used to describe what you do that highlight your competencies.
- Box in verbs (or nouns/adjectives) that could be used to show the actions you do, these can be used as action verbs.
Sample Descriptors:
Driven, diligent, intense, self-motivated, independent, productive, stamina, hard-worker, dedicated, ambitious, assertive, ambitious, enterprising
Competency Examples
Productive, hard-working and dedicated to the completion of any task assigned. Effective and unpressured with time-sensitive tasks.
Action Verbs:
Accomplished, chaired, completed, delivered, developed, expanded, facilitated, improved, increased, lowered, produced, raised, reduced
Example Bullet Statements:
- Increased/raised sales by 20% in first two months of employment
- Regularly completed daily assignments ahead of schedule and began further tasks
Sample Descriptors:
Early adopter, accommodator/ing, Creative, innovative, data-driven, flexible, multi-tasker, ever-changing environment, planner
Competency Examples
Flexible team-player who easily adapts to an ever-changing environment. Innovative planner who develops… in response to shifts in expectations.
Action Verbs:
anticipated, assisted, created, designed, developed, devised, diversified, educated, established, facilitated, helped, implemented
Example Bullet Statements:
- Designed/created innovative procedures to address shifts in customer needs by utilizing/using data-based decision-making processes
- Anticipated potential contingencies in customer service and devised appropriate responses
Sample Descriptors:
Orchestrator, coordinator, enlister, multi-thinker, organized, flexible, productive, identifies relationships, arrange for maximum productivity, strategic, attentive
Competency Examples
Organized and efficient, with a strong eye for improving current systems
Action Verbs:
conducted, connected, controlled, coordinated, determined, devised, established, facilitated, implemented, organized, reviewed, streamlined
Example Bullet Statements:
- Streamlined communications process between departments in a more effective manner
- Redesigned stock unit to maximize space usage and ease of locating items
Sample Descriptors:
Leader, decision-maker, work well under pressure, assertive, motivational, visionary, assertive, extraverted
Competency Examples
Assertive leader who can effectively oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously. Motivational visionary who can set a course and gain buy-in from others to come along.
Action Verbs:
advised, chaired, conducted, consulted, coordinated, counseled, defined, delegated, determined, directed, enforced, established, guided, implemented, influenced, initiated, launched, led, lowered, managed, motivated, outlined, oversaw, planned, presided, prioritized, supervised
Example Bullet Statements:
- Prioritized preparation tasks for on-site inspections. Received passing scores for all inspections
- Managed a staff of 5 individuals, overseeing their scheduling and delegating assignments on a weekly basis
Sample Descriptors:
Driven, dedicated, persistent, goal-oriented, assertive, aspire, assertive, ambitious, enterprising
Competency Examples
Driven and persistent go-getter who sees goals through to completion. Team player who shares energy, encouragement and aspiration to his colleagues.
Action Verbs:
achieved, completed, controlled, coordinated, improved, increased, lowered, raised, reduced, strove
Example Bullet Statements:
- Achieved highest office sales in region four months in a row during tenure
- Lowered/reduced customer complaints by 25% in first three months
Sample Descriptors:
Equality, equity, fair, standards, people-focused, balanced, attentive, conscientious, dependable, diplomatic, systematizer
Competency Examples
People-focused team-player with a passion for creating and maintaining equity. Fair-minded and impartial supervisor who applies consistent expectations throughout his/her staff.
Action Verbs:
adhered, applied, arbitrated, clarified, developed, enabled, maintained, managed, mediated, organized, reinforced, reorganized, resolved, reviewed
Example Bullet Statements:
- Clarified procedures personal time off requests by developing universal guide sheet for entire department
- Arbitrated staff disputes with non-partisan decision-making tactics
Sample Descriptors:
Detail-oriented, data-driven decision maker, conscientious, attentive, conscientious, planner, risk-assessor
Competency Examples
Conscientious critical-thinker who considers multiple factors in the decision-making process.
Action Verbs:
analyzed, anticipated, compared, considered, contemplated, critiqued, defined, detected, determined, edited, established, examined, researched
Example Bullet Statements:
- Compared results to expected outcomes and adjusted approaches accordingly
- Examined and used customer feedback to inform updates in store practices
Sample Descriptors:
Organized, consistent, structured, steadfast, time management, work independently, assertive, attentive, conscientious, dependable, planner, reliable, systematic
Competency Examples
Steadfast and reliable self-starter who is equally productive when working independently or on a team. Excellent time-management skills that enable me to establish and consistently meet deadlines.
Action Verbs:
categorized, clarified, consolidated, controlled, defined, determined, enforced, established, maintained, organized, prioritized, reported, reviewed
Example Bullet Statements:
- Clarified standards and practices by editing handbook to include up-to-date language and address current job-related scenarios
- Prioritized job assignments in order of importance and time sensitivity for self and colleagues
Sample Descriptors:
Director, critical thinking, follow-through, dedicated, committed, efficient, goal-oriented, attentive, enterprising
Competency Examples
Goal-oriented visionary who cultivates colleagues’ investment toward common ends. Critical thinker who plans and prioritizes the most effective and efficient path towards success
Action Verbs:
adjusted, coordinated, corrected, defined, determined, established, evaluated, navigated, outlined, planned, prioritized, re-directed
Example Bullet Statements:
- Defined strategic plans to pursue both short-term and long-term departmental goals
- Sought teammates’ input in both creating and setting frequency of benchmarks for success
Sample Descriptors:
Strive for consensus, collaborative, emotional intelligence, negotiator, team player, resolve conflict, coordinate discussion, mediator, diplomatic, sensitive
Competency Examples
Engaging team player who synthesizes individuals’ ideas into a common plan or direction. Mediator whose emotional intelligence helps facilitate conflict resolution with both understanding and impartiality.
Action Verbs:
assured, collaborated, communicated, cooperated, coordinated, deescalated, enabled, engaged, enlisted, facilitated, hosted, identified, involved, listened, mediated, moderated, resolved, solved
Example Bullet Statements:
- Collaborated with major stakeholders in developing and implementing new strategies or techniques
- Resolved interpersonal conflicts between team members by facilitating consensus, therefore increasing productivity
Sample Descriptors:
barrier-buster, create an atmosphere of inclusion, empathetic, collaborative, extraverted, sensitive
Competency Examples
Empathetic activator with a passion for influencing change towards equity. Inclusive event planner who values and considers multiple perspectives.
Action Verbs:
coached, collaborated, communicated, cooperated, coordinated, delegated, empathized, enabled, encouraged, engaged, enlisted, expanded, gathered, hosted, included, inspired, involved, related, supported, valued
Example Bullet Statements:
- Moderated staff meetings, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for ideas and thoughts to be shared
- Coordinated inter-departmental events and parties with regard to personal scheduling to assure maximum inclusion
Sample Descriptors:
Life-long learner, attentive, resourceful
Competency Examples
Critical-thinker with excellent recall and ability to identify pertinent archived data. Collector of information or resources relevant to topics that are important.
Action Verbs:
archived, categorized, collaborated, collected, collected, compiled, consulted, designed, gathered, generated, graphed, maintained, obtained, organized, organized, researched, researched, solved, studied
Example Bullet Statements:
- Maintained records and compiled tables/graphs for review by supervisor
- Organized and redesigned neglected filing system and materials for easy access
Sample Descriptors:
Life-long learner, self-improvement, adaptable, attentive
Competency Examples
Life-long learner who seeks opportunities for continuous professional development
Action Verbs:
acquired, explored, familiarized, identified, informed, instructed, mastered, researched, researched, solved, studied
Example Bullet Statements:
- Gathered and studied relevant data to assist supervisor in planning processes
- Familiarized self with wide array of internal processes and policies, in turn serving as a resource for new employees on these topics
Sample Descriptors:
Enthusiastic, motivator, energetic/izer, encourager, synergistic, optimistic, performer
Competency Examples
Enthusiastic motivator who instills energy and . . . . among peers.
Action Verbs:
celebrated, coached, communicated, complimented, enabled, encouraged, encouraged, energized, facilitated, increased, inspired, involved, motivated, motivated, praised, strengthened
Example Bullet Statements:
- Implemented “Praise Points” box for peers to submit compliments for their colleagues to be read publicly once a month
Sample Descriptors:
work ethic, committed, self-starter, disciplined, consistent, structured, value-oriented, work independently, reliable, efficient, timeliness, punctuality, attentive, conscientious, dependable, honest, loyal, reliable, servant-minded volunteer
Competency Examples
Committed self-starter with a demonstrated history of strong work ethic and reliable task completion. Excellent timeliness and punctuality who continually completes assignments well before the deadline.
Action Verbs:
completed, decreased, delegated, delivered, delivered, demonstrated, entrusted, helped, improved, increased, lowered, maintained, raised, reduced
Example Bullet Statements:
- Completed multiple complicated projects efficiently, effectively, and within defined timelines
- Entrusted with ever-increasing responsibilities and decision-making due to strong work ethic and exceptional performance
Sample Descriptors:
Manager, decision-maker, confident, entrepreneur, leader, value-driven, work independently, dedicated, steadfast, assertive, self-reliant, risk-management
Competency Examples
Assertive and productive self-starter who is accustomed to working independently. Value-driven entrepreneur with a history of successful business start-ups.
Action Verbs:
advised, completed, consulted, delivered, developed, entrusted, maintained, managed, navigated, planned
Example Bullet Statements:
- Developed and maintained an ever-growing client base for own lawncare practice over the course of four summers
- Entrusted to provide consultation to manager on several departmental decision-making processes
Sample Descriptors:
Innovative, creative, critical thinker, data-driven, evaluator, planner, problem-solver, conscientious, logical, perceptive
Competency Examples
Effective planner who takes goals and outlines the best path to their completion. Problem-solver who can effectively and objectively navigate solutions and put out fires.
Action Verbs:
analyzed, compared, consolidated, consulted, coordinated, counseled, critiqued, defined, designed, determined, developed, devised, dissected, diversified, established, evaluated, formulated, Identified, implemented, instituted, integrated, launched, navigated, planned
Example Bullet Statements:
- Analyzed results and adjusted approaches accordingly to better meet goals
- Defined strategic plans to meet both short-term and long-term departmental goals
- Developed/devised/designed several strategic responses/innovative approaches to meet unexpected challenges in staffing, material loss, etc.
Sample Descriptors:
Catalyst, initiator, starter, originator, influencer, action-focused, turn thoughts/discussion into action, results-oriented
Competency Examples
Action-focused team member who brings plans to reality. Results-oriented performer who defines strategies and sees them through to completion.
Action Verbs:
advocated, applied, developed, exercised, faciliated, founded, helped, implemented, improved, increased, initiated, initiated, instituted, integrated, launched, lead, lowered, outlined, planned, prioritized, pursued, raised, reduced, trained
Example Bullet Statements:
- Developed action plan for trainings on corporate updates to policies and practices
- Exceeded weekly sales challenge on 4 separate occasions
Sample Descriptors:
Measurer, fact-finder/user, logician, observer, identify cause-and-effect, explore multiple facets, data-driven, objective, critical thinker, attentive, conscientious, logical, perceptive
Competency Examples
Objective analyst who is an excellent resource for impartial consultations. Exceptional critical thinking skills that help identify causes as well as formulate solutions.
Action Verbs:
classified, compiled, consulted, designed, determined, devised, dissected, edited, educated, evaluated, examined, formulated, generated, identified, identified, informed, revised
Example Bullet Statements:
- Crafted 2 data-driven decision-making processes to explore trends and changes in customer behavior
- Evaluated and edited/revised communications for brevity without sacrificing important detail
Sample Descriptors:
Altruist, missionary, purpose-driven, value-oriented, driven, vision, ethical, consistent, inspirational, dependable, leader, trustworthy, faith-centered, steadfast, honest
Competency Examples
Team player who inspires colleagues and leads by example. Dependable, consistent and driven by a strong code of ethics.
Action Verbs:
guided, influenced, inspired, instilled, maintained, modeled, motivated, persuaded, recruited, upheld
Example Bullet Statements:
- Upheld commonly ignored company policies and practices, including . . .
- Modeled integrity and instilled an appreciation for accuracy in new employees
Sample Descriptors:
Presenter, convert ideas to words, relater, effective, engager, motivational, trainer, visionary, extraverted, storyteller, writer
Competency Examples
Effective communicator who conveys important information in an engaging and personable manner. Trainer with experience presenting to very diverse populations in a variety of settings.
Action Verbs:
advocated, connected, conversed, educated, encouraged, engaged, explained, hosted, inspired, involved, Presented, reported, represented, responded, trained, wrote
Example Bullet Statements:
- Advocated successfully for changes to union provisions
- Related to and encouraged troubled youth, meeting them where they were and providing a safe and caring environment within which to share
Sample Descriptors:
Create connections between key players, synergistic, build rapport, considerate, caring, accepting, equality, equity, faith-centered, Integrator, humanitarian, social advocated, appreciation/passion for diversity/inclusion, synthesizer, people-focused, facilitator, team-player, extraverted, insightful
Competency Examples
People-focused engager with a passion for creating equitable opportunities for marginalized individuals. Considerate team-player with an ability to find commonalities and develop synergistic collaborations between individuals of varying backgrounds.
Action Verbs:
built, cared, collaborated, cooperated, coordinated, delegated, engaged, enlisted, facilitated, for, Identified, involved, selected, synthesized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Planned 4 departmental professional development events by identifying common interests among the staff
- Collaborated with other staff to implement equity measures to create a stronger envrionment of inclusion
Sample Descriptors:
Data-driven decision maker, learner, reflective, studious
Competency Examples
Studious learner who allows historical context influence decision making. Exemplary leader who aligns major decisions with the organization’s mission and values.
Action Verbs:
analyze, apply, consulted, counseled, defined, determined, dissected, established, examined, explain, reestablished, researched, revisited
Example Bullet Statements:
- Defined historical context and outcomes to better plan for resolution to current challenges
- Delivered presentations to help staff understand the ‘why’ behind new changes and directions
Sample Descriptors:
People-focused, coach, promote individual growth, supportive, leader, trainer, professional growth, constructive, insightful
Competency Examples
People-focused leader who recognizes and uses opportunities to coach staff and peers. Supportive trainer who helps others identify opportunities for professional growth.
Action Verbs:
acknowledged, advised, assessed, celebrated, coached, communicated, cultivated, delegated, encouraged, guided, helped, hosted, influenced, inspired, listened, mentored, motivated, praised, recognized, strengthened, supported, trained
Example Bullet Statements:
- Cultivated a space of confidence and respect through public acknowledgement of individual’s accomplishments
- Mentored new employees regarding job details and office climate/culture in an informal, peer-friendly way
- Delegated veteran employees with new responsibilities and tasks to broaden their experience base
Sample Descriptors:
People-focused, analyzer, relatable, safe, welcoming, client-focused, rapport, communicator, mediator, emotional intelligence, insightful, perceptive, sensitive
Competency Examples
Excellent communicator who helps others articulate their thoughts and intentions clearly and with impact. Exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to deescalate confrontational interactions.
Action Verbs:
advised, advocated, analyzed, assisted, coached, collaborated, communicated, connected, cooperated, counseled, deescalated, enabled, encouraged, engaged, envisioned, guided, helped, hosted, inspired, listened, mediated, supported
Example Bullet Statements:
- Coached patients with basic life functions while maintaining an atmosphere of dignity and respect
- Developed supportive and empathetic rapport with individuals seeking help in extreme circumstances
Sample Descriptors:
Energetic, forecaster, visionary, synergetic, strategic
Competency Examples
Energetic/strategic visionary who develops goals and sees them through.
Action Verbs:
Defined, determined, developed, energized, engaged, identified, inspired, motivated, outlined, planned, reflected, synergized, visualized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Defined 3 strategic plans to meet both short-term and long-term departmental goals
Sample Descriptors:
designer, inventor, artist, innovator, synthesizer, creative, innovative, imaginative
Competency Examples
Creative designer with an eye for opportunities to improve efficiency and effectivity.
Action Verbs:
conceived, created, designed, developed, drafted, engineered, formulated, generated, Identified, increased, initiated, inspired, instituted, integrated, introduced, lowered, proposed, raised, reduced, synthesized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Developed and introduced several new tools to the department to help expedite processes
- Identified alternative solutions/options to replace ineffective means for satisfying customers/guests
Sample Descriptors:
Identify strengths, cultivate an atmosphere of cooperation, leader, collaborative, synergistic, builds rapport
Competency Examples
Leader with an eye for identifying and utilizing team members’ strengths. Excellent teacher whose classroom techniques accommodate for the various learning styles of the students.
Action Verbs:
Appreciated, built, coached, communicated, cooperated, coordinated, delegated, enabled, encouraged, engaged, enlisted, facilitated, hosted, identified, inspired, involved, maximized, recruited, selected, synergized, utilized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Enabled team-level productivity by combining individuals’ complementary strengths for synergistic outcomes
- Designed calendar highlighting project and professional deadlines as well as team members’ birthdays, work anniversaries, and other important dates
Sample Descriptors:
Introspective, reflective, analytical, creative, logical, writer
Competency Examples
Introspective critical-thinker who enjoys exploring and discussing new ideas and concepts.
Action Verbs:
analyzed, compared, conceived, consulted, counseled, critiqued, determined, developed, discussed, dissected, educated, evaluated, explained, explored, focused, generated, identified, informed, instructed, researched, solved, studied, synthesized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Compared theory to results and used this data to revise overall approach
- Consulted on multiple committees for process improvement
Sample Descriptors:
coach, leader, mentor, teacher, increase efficiency and effectiveness, developer, quality controller
Competency Examples
Efficient and effective developer who can take an idea or practice and find new ways to improve upon it.
Action Verbs:
collaborated, consulted, encouraged, expanded, expedited, helped, identified, improved, improved, increased, inspired, modified, motivated, streamlined, synthesized, updated, utilized
Example Bullet Statements:
- Consulted on various development initiatives throughout department
- Updated promotional materials to reflect current trends and relate better to the intended audience
Sample Descriptors:
Caretaker, team player, cooperative, rapport, people-centered, sensitive
Competency Examples
People-centered leader who invests in and acknowledges individual growth in each team member . . . who contributes to the strength of his/her team and supports teammates’ initiatives.
Action Verbs:
coached, collaborated, communicated, connected, cooperated, engaged, helped, hosted, inspired, involved, listened, participated, represented, supported
Example Bullet Statements:
- Built personal rapport with residents/patients so they would feel recognized and cared for as unique individuals
- Engaged with employees through weekly check-ins to discuss work-related issues as well as personal life and interests
Sample Descriptors:
Problem-solver, resolve conflict, solution-focused, critical thinker, efficient, logical, resourceful, troubleshooter, investigative/or
Competency Examples
Problem-solver who identifies points of opportunity to increase effectivity and efficiency. Solution-focused critical-thinker who defines objectives and sees them through to completion.
Action Verbs:
applied, consolidated, corrected, counseled, critiqued, decreased, designed, detected, determined, devised, edited, eliminated, evaluated, expedited, identified, improved, increased, lowered, modified, overhauled, raised, reduced, repaired, resolved, revised, streamlined, streamlined, upgraded
Example Bullet Statements:
- Compared actual results with those expected and adjusted approaches accordingly
- (Detected/determined/defined) inefficiencies in departmental processes and (developed/designed/devised) improved systems for replacement
- Increased/improved/raised customer satisfaction ratings by 10% within 5 months
Sample Descriptors:
altruistic, work independently, self-starter, driven, influential, impactful
Competency Examples
Driven self-starter with a proven track record of increasing sales and meeting departmental goals. Impactful and influential advocate for social justice within the community.
Action Verbs:
achieved, completed, earned, focused, impacted, improved, increased, influenced, lowered, presided, raised, received, reduced, streamlined
Example Bullet Statements:
- Increased/raised sales by 20% in first two months of employment
- Recipient of employee-of-the-month multiple times in various roles
Sample Descriptors:
charismatic, create new connections, engager, synergistic, networking/er, influential, initiator, extraverted, outgoing, socializing/er
Competency Examples
Natural networker who excels at building professional connections. Charismatic and influential professional with ability to represent clients’ needs across diverse business segments.
Action Verbs:
coached, collaborated, communicated, connected, coordinated, developed, engaged, enlisted, hosted, influenced, inspired, involved, motivated, partnered, persuaded, recruited, related, strengthened
Example Bullet Statements:
- Developed relationships with community partners to strengthen organization’s resource base
- Strengthened investment by key stakeholders in new policies and procedures by involving them in the decision-making process
Sources: 155 Key Words For Resume and Cover Letter Construction | Just English, How to Write Soft Skills on Your Resume (115+ examples) (livecareer.com), & Indiana University (site isn’t working?)