Using Awarded on a Resume
"Using 'Awarded' On Your Resume"
The term 'Awarded' is a powerful word that carries a sense of accomplishment and recognition. Essentially, it signifies that an individual or a team has been recognized for their exceptional performance, skills, or contribution in a particular field or project. It's a word that implies excellence, achievement, and distinction.
In the context of a resume, 'Awarded' is often used to highlight one's achievements and accolades. It's a term that recruiters often look for as it indicates that the candidate has been recognized for their work, skills, or contribution. It communicates that you have been acknowledged for your exceptional performance or contribution in the past, and have successfully stood out amongst your peers or competitors.
However, while 'Awarded' is a strong term, it isn't always the most effective language to use on your resume. The word is so commonly used that it can sometimes become a cliché, losing its impact. Furthermore, it may not fully capture the breadth and depth of your skills and experiences. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider using other synonyms or more descriptive terms that can better articulate your abilities and achievements. By doing so, you can make your resume stand out, and give potential employers a more comprehensive understanding of your capabilities.
For instance, instead of simply stating that you were 'Awarded Employee of the Month', you could say 'Recognized as Employee of the Month for exceeding sales targets by 20%'. This not only highlights your achievement, but also provides context and quantifies your success, thereby making a stronger impact.
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Start MatchingStrong vs Weak Uses of Awarded
Examples of Using Awarded on a Resume
Strong
Awarded the 'Employee of the Year' title twice for exceptional performance and dedication in the field of digital marketing. Leveraged innovative strategies to increase brand visibility, resulting in a 30% increase in organic traffic and a 20% boost in conversion rates.
Weak
I was awarded a certificate for good attendance at my previous job. I was also awarded the 'Best Team Player' title once. I have experience in digital marketing and have worked on increasing brand visibility.
Strong
Weak
How Awarded Is Commonly Misused
Awarded for being the best employee
This statement is too broad and does not provide any specific information about the award or why it was given. Instead, it is better to provide details about the award, such as "Awarded Employee of the Year for consistently exceeding sales targets by 30%."Awarded multiple times
While this statement may seem impressive, it lacks specifics and does not provide any context about the awards. It would be more impactful to mention the specific awards and why they were given, such as "Awarded the Innovation Award for developing a process that improved efficiency by 25%."Awarded for hard work
This statement is vague and does not provide any specific information about the award or why it was given. It is better to provide details about the award and what it was for, such as "Awarded the Dedication Award for consistently working overtime to ensure project deadlines were met."Awarded for my role in the project
This statement does not provide any specific information about the award or why it was given. Instead, it is better to provide details about the award and your specific contributions to the project, such as "Awarded the Project Excellence Award for leading a team that successfully completed a complex project 2 weeks ahead of schedule."Awarded by the company
This statement is too general and does not provide any specific information about the award or why it was given. Instead, it is better to provide details about the award, such as "Awarded the Customer Service Excellence Award for maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating over a 12-month period."When to Replace Awarded with Another Synonym
Receiving a scholarship:
Instead of using "Awarded," job seekers can use synonyms like "Granted," "Endowed," or "Bestowed." These alternatives highlight the honor and prestige associated with receiving a scholarship, emphasizing the competitive nature of the selection process and the candidate's outstanding qualities.Winning a competition:
When describing achievements in competitions, job seekers can opt for synonyms such as "Won," "Secured," or "Claimed." These terms emphasize their success in a competitive environment, showcasing their ability to excel, outperform others, and achieve their goals.Earning a certification:
In the context of professional certifications, job seekers can replace "Awarded" with "Earned," "Achieved," or "Obtained." These synonyms highlight the effort and dedication required to gain these qualifications, underscoring the candidate's commitment to professional development and mastery of specific skills.Best Resume Synonyms for Awarded
Recognized
Acknowledged or gave credit to achievements, efforts, or excellence.
Presented
Displayed, demonstrated, or showcased information, ideas, or results to an audience.
Granted
Awarded or bestowed upon, often in context of permissions or privileges.
Honored
Received recognition or award for outstanding performance or achievement.
How to Replace Awarded with a Stronger, More Relevant Synonym
Delving further into resume enhancement, it's crucial to understand that while 'awarded' signifies recognition or achievement, its usage should be precise and authentic. Not every recognition or achievement-driven task equates to being "awarded".
Sometimes, the significance, prestige, or nature of your recognition might be better communicated with a different term.
When considering how to refine the language on your resume, reflect on the context and impact of your award. Did you earn a distinction? Attain a notable achievement? Secure a competitive grant? Each of these scenarios might call for a different, more specific term.
As you seek ways to improve the wording on your resume, here are a few examples to help you replace 'awarded' in a way that is both honest and compelling.
Replacing Awarded in Your Resume Summary
Using Awarded
Detail-oriented software engineer with 8 years of experience, awarded the 'Employee of the Year' for exceptional performance and dedication to the team
Using a Strong Synonym
Detail-oriented software engineer with 8 years of experience, recognized as 'Employee of the Year' for demonstrating exceptional performance and unwavering dedication to the team.
Replacing Awarded in Your Work Experience
Using Awarded
- Awarded Employee of the Month for consistently exceeding sales targets.
Using a Strong Synonym
- Recognized as Employee of the Month for consistently surpassing sales targets and driving revenue growth.
