The header for this section is "Using 'Earned' On Your Resume". 'Earned' is a word that carries a sense of accomplishment and merit. It implies that something was not merely given or assigned, but was achieved through hard work, skill, or dedication. It's a term that suggests a level of personal investment and effort, and it often carries a positive connotation of deserved success. In the context of a resume, 'Earned' is frequently used to highlight achievements or accolades that the individual has gained through their professional journey. It's a term that can effectively communicate to recruiters that the candidate has a proven track record of achieving results or meeting goals. It indicates that you have not only been tasked with responsibilities, but you have also excelled in those roles and have tangible successes to show for it. However, while 'Earned' is a strong term, it may not always be the most impactful language to use on your resume. The word can sometimes be seen as self-promotional or boastful, and it may not fully encapsulate the breadth of your skills or experiences. Additionally, it's a term that is often overused, which can diminish its effectiveness. Therefore, it's worth considering the use of other synonyms or more descriptive terms that can better convey your achievements and capabilities. By doing so, you can make your resume more compelling, and provide potential employers with a more nuanced understanding of your professional accomplishments.
Tailor Your Resume Content to the Job Description
Earned a promotion
While this statement does show progression, it doesn't provide any context or details about the promotion. It would be more impactful to include information about the role you were promoted to, the responsibilities it entailed, and any significant achievements in that role. For example, "Earned a promotion to Team Lead, where I managed a team of 10 and increased sales by 15%."Earned a degree
This statement is too basic and doesn't provide any additional information about your educational background. Instead, include details about your degree, such as the field of study, the institution, and any honors or awards you received. For example, "Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from XYZ University, graduating with honors."Earned employee of the month
While this is a notable achievement, it doesn't provide any context or details about what led to this recognition. It would be more effective to include information about the specific actions or results that led to this award. For example, "Earned Employee of the Month for successfully leading a project that resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency."Earned a certification
This statement is too vague and doesn't provide any specifics about the certification. It would be more impactful to include details about the certification, such as the certifying body and the skills or knowledge it represents. For example, "Earned a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in project management."Earned a salary increase
While this statement does show that your work was valued, it doesn't provide any context or details about the reasons for the salary increase. It would be more effective to include information about the specific achievements or results that led to this increase. For example, "Earned a 10% salary increase due to exceptional performance and successful completion of key projects."Achieving a promotion:
Instead of saying "Earned a promotion," job seekers can use phrases like "Secured a promotion," "Attained a promotion," or "Was awarded a promotion." These alternatives highlight the individual's ability to meet and exceed expectations, demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and professional development.Acquiring a certification:
Rather than stating "Earned a certification," job seekers can say "Obtained a certification," "Received a certification," or "Achieved a certification." These synonyms emphasize the individual's dedication to continuous learning and their ability to acquire new skills and knowledge.Winning an award:
Instead of using "Earned an award," job seekers can opt for "Won an award," "Received an award," or "Was recognized with an award." These alternatives underscore the individual's exceptional performance and their ability to stand out among their peers.Find the Right Synonyms for Any Job
Frequently Asked Questions
A great replacement for 'Earned' on a resume could be 'Achieved'. This word emphasizes that you not only received something, but worked hard to get it. For example, instead of saying "Earned Employee of the Month award", you could say "Achieved Employee of the Month recognition for outstanding performance and dedication".
It's appropriate to use 'Earned' on your resume when you're discussing achievements or accolades that you've received due to your performance. For instance, you could say "Earned Employee of the Month award three times due to exceptional customer service" or "Earned certification in project management to enhance team productivity." It's a powerful word that shows you've worked hard to achieve something.
"Earned" is relevant for your resume if you're discussing achievements or accolades that you've received due to your hard work or performance. For example, you might say "Earned Employee of the Month award three times" or "Earned a promotion to senior manager within two years". This word highlights your accomplishments and the recognition you've received, making it a powerful choice for your resume.
