# Careers Service
**Source**: https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/applicationsinterviews/cv/activelanguage/
**Parent**: https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/welcome/internationalprearrival/prearrivalapplications/
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# Careers Service
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- [For graduates](https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/graduates/)
- [For recruiters](https://www.employers.manchester.ac.uk/)
- [About Us](https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/)
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## Using active language
When writing CVs and applications be specific: Avoid using too many general descriptive words e.g. various, some, many, lots, several. Instead quantify your achievements: if you met a target give the numbers; if you delivered presentations say how many; if you raised money say how much.
#### How to use active language
For most impact use words carefully and in context. Quantify your examples too. For example:
- Resourceful geography graduate with 6 months’ work experience in transport consultancy.
- Led a team of five students in a design project for which we were awarded a first class mark.
- Successfully negotiated a discount with the venue for the Summer Ball, saving £400.
- Advised customers on relevant products for their needs utilising detailed technical knowledge.
- Volunteered to redraft a leaflet for the charity, which was then chosen for a regional campaign.
#### 10 words to show… Your personal qualities
Enterprising; Adaptable; Resourceful; Proactive; Experienced; Practical; Versatile; Driven; Hard-working; Dependable
#### How you work with others
Volunteered; Collaborated; Supported; Facilitated; Participated; Assisted; Mentored; Motivated; Encouraged
#### You taking charge of others
Administered; Delegated; Supervised; Directed; Co-ordinated; Motivated; Led; Managed; Presided; Represented
#### How you made something better (don’t forget to quantify!)
Improved; Increased; Streamlined; Saved; Delivered; Resolved; Transformed; Doubled; Edited; Refined
#### Your information/data handling skills
Analysed; Assessed; Evaluated; Reviewed; Researched; Interpreted; Discovered; Identified; Interviewed; Investigated
#### How you share information with others
Advised; Coached; Guided; Mentored; Organised; Demonstrated; Trained; Presented; Instructed; Recommended
#### How you take the initiative
Established; Initiated; Created; Designed; Developed; Devised; Introduced; Volunteered; Launched; Suggested
#### Your organisation and planning skills
Arranged; Co-ordinated; Organised; Planned; Maintained; Prepared; Scheduled; Revised; Processed; Produced
#### Your effectiveness in persuading others
Negotiated; Mediated; Persuaded; Presented; Liaised; Encouraged; Promoted; Guided; Influenced; Interviewed
#### Your achievements and going the extra mile
Volunteered; Suggested; Recommended; Mastered; Nominated; Achieved; Awarded; Selected; Won; Attained
#### Contact us
- [Getting in touch](https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/)
- .
#### Find us
[Careers Service, The University of Manchester](https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus)
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- Royal charter number: RC000797