Using Received on a Resume
"Using 'Received' On Your Resume"
The term 'Received' is a simple yet impactful word that carries a sense of accomplishment and recognition. Essentially, it suggests the act of being given or awarded something, often in response to one's efforts or achievements. It's a word that implies acknowledgment, validation, and the successful completion of tasks or projects.
In the context of a resume, 'Received' is often used to highlight awards, accolades, or recognition that one has earned in their professional journey. It's a term that recruiters often notice as it indicates that the candidate's work has been acknowledged and appreciated. It communicates that you have not only performed tasks but have done so to a degree that warranted recognition. This can be particularly effective when detailing specific achievements or milestones in your career.
However, while 'Received' is a potent term, it isn't always the most strategic language to use on your resume. The word, while indicating recognition, doesn't necessarily convey your role or effort in achieving that recognition. It may not fully encapsulate the hard work, skills, or initiative you took to earn that award or acknowledgment. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider using other synonyms or more descriptive terms that can better articulate your role in earning those accolades. By doing so, you can make your resume more dynamic, and give potential employers a more comprehensive understanding of your capabilities and achievements.
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Start MatchingStrong vs Weak Uses of Received
Examples of Using Received on a Resume
Strong
A seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Received the 'Marketer of the Year' award for two consecutive years due to exceptional performance and innovative strategies. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and improving brand visibility.
Weak
Worked in marketing for over 10 years. Received paychecks regularly and received instructions from my boss. Received a certificate for completing a marketing course.
Strong
Weak
How Received Is Commonly Misused
Received Employee of the Month award
While this statement does highlight an achievement, it doesn't provide any context or details about why the award was received. A more effective way to phrase this could be "Received Employee of the Month award for consistently exceeding sales targets by 15%."Received training in customer service
This statement is too passive and doesn't showcase any active learning or application of the training. Instead, consider saying something like "Applied customer service training to improve customer satisfaction rates by 25%."Received feedback from clients
This statement is vague and doesn't indicate whether the feedback was positive or negative, or how it was used. A better way to phrase this could be "Utilized client feedback to implement process improvements, resulting in a 10% increase in efficiency."Received a promotion
While this does indicate career progression, it doesn't provide any information about the new responsibilities or achievements that came with the promotion. A more impactful statement could be "Received a promotion to team leader, where I successfully managed a team of 10 and increased productivity by 30%."Received a degree in Business Administration
This statement is factual but doesn't highlight any specific skills or knowledge gained during the course of study. Instead, consider saying something like "Earned a degree in Business Administration, with a focus on strategic planning and financial management."When to Replace Received with Another Synonym
Achieving recognition:
Instead of saying "Received an award," job seekers could use phrases like "Honored with," "Recognized with," or "Awarded." These alternatives emphasize the prestige and significance of the recognition, highlighting the individual's exceptional performance or contribution.Acquiring skills:
In place of "Received training," alternatives such as "Underwent training," "Completed training," or "Gained expertise in" can be used. These synonyms stress the active participation and commitment to learning and developing new skills, which can be more appealing to potential employers.Securing funding or resources:
Rather than "Received funding," job seekers could use "Secured funding," "Obtained funding," or "Garnered support." These terms underscore the individual's ability to successfully persuade, negotiate, or compete for resources, which can be particularly relevant for roles in sales, fundraising, or grant writing.Best Resume Synonyms for Received
Acquired
Gained possession of something, often a skill or asset, through effort or means.
Collected
Gathered, assembled, or accumulated information or resources.
Obtained
Engage in discussions to reach mutual agreements or beneficial outcomes.
Procured
Acquired or obtained goods, services, or resources through strategic methods.
Secured
Successfully ensured protection, safety, or acquisition of assets or data.
How to Replace Received with a Stronger, More Relevant Synonym
When it comes to refining your resume, it's important to understand that while 'received' suggests an acceptance or attainment, its use should be discerning and precise. Not every acceptance or attainment-driven task equates to "receiving".
Sometimes, the nature, significance, or context of your acceptance or attainment might be better articulated with a different term.
When considering how to enhance the language on your resume, ponder over the specifics of what you 'received'. Was it an award? A promotion? Feedback? Each of these scenarios might call for a different, more descriptive term.
For instance, if you 'received' an award, you might have 'earned' or 'achieved' it. If you 'received' a promotion, you might have 'secured' or 'attained' it. If you 'received' feedback, you might have 'gathered' or 'collected' it.
As you seek to improve the wording on your resume, here are a few examples to help you replace 'received' in a way that is both honest and compelling.
Replacing Received in Your Resume Summary
Using Received
Motivated sales professional with over 10 years of experience in the retail industry. Received numerous accolades for surpassing sales targets and consistently delivering excellent customer service
Using a Strong Synonym
Motivated sales professional with over 10 years of experience in the retail industry.
Replacing Received in Your Work Experience
Using Received
- Received Employee of the Month award for exceptional customer service.
Using a Strong Synonym
- Earned the prestigious Employee of the Month award for delivering unparalleled customer service.
