1. Words to Win When Interviewing

During an interview, it’s always good to demonstrate that you’re responsible—you want to show interviewers that if you’re set to a task, you’ll not only accomplish it, you’ll do it on time and to the standards laid out. Here are some words and phrases that convey responsibility:

  • Accomplish
  • Coordinate
  • Detail-oriented
  • Effective
  • Efficient
  • Maintained
  • Met the deadline
  • On time
  • Organize
  • Practical
  • Prepare
  • Provide
  • Reorganize
  • Responsible
  • Results; Results-oriented
  • Satisfied the client’s requests
  • Solution
  • Support
  • Team player

2. Words Reflecting Company Values

Want to show a company you’re a good fit? Mirror the words the company uses to describe itself. Very likely, these same catchphrases are used frequently in internal communications and company-wide meetings.

Even if interviewers don’t consciously realize that you’re reflecting their own words back, it’ll make a subtle, positive impression. Examine the language on the company’s “about me” page on their website, on social media pages, and within the job advertisement.

You can also choose synonyms to avoid sounding too much like you’ve memorized the company’s own copy. This will help interviewers know that you understand what they’re looking for.

3. Passion

One of the things interviewers try to uncover is if you’re just going to show up and do the job, or if you genuinely care about your work. Will you go above and beyond your job description?

People who are passionate and interested can further a company in unexpected, positive ways. They’re good for morale, and also for a company’s bottom line. Using these words and phrases shows that you aren’t a clock-watcher and that you’re highly engaged with your work:

  • Energized
  • Enthusiastic
  • Interested
  • Love
  • Motivated
  • Priority
  • Win

4. Leadership

Are you interviewing for a leadership role? If so, it’s particularly important to use strong, active verbs. Show how you’ve led teams and projects, and take ownership of results and accomplishments.

  • Accelerate
  • Accomplish
  • Build
  • Coordinate
  • Deliver
  • Develop
  • I handled that by…
  • Initiative
  • Innovative
  • Negotiated
  • Plan
  • Resolve
  • Supervise

5. Industry Buzzwords and Jargon

Each industry comes with its own buzzwords. When you’re outside of the field, this jargon can be off-putting—like a secret code keeping you from following the conversation. Once you’re in the know, and the jargon is familiar, using it during conversations is a bit like a secret handshake—it lets interviewers know you’re familiar with the lingo of that particular industry or role.

To use jargon, of course, you’ll have to understand it, so if you’re new to it, read up, get familiar. Follow people in the industry on Twitter, connect with them on LinkedIn, and seek out relevant blogs and videos.

How to Use Powerful Words During Job Interviews

This isn’t the SATs—no need to memorize this long list of words! Instead, as you practice your responses to common interview questions, keep an ear out for your verb choices. Do “help” and “assist” keep coming up? Opt for more powerful verbs instead. Choose strong descriptive words and phrases, too. A project can be a success or it can be “award winning”; it can perform well or “result in 25% jump in sales.”

The best words to use in your answer depend on what kind of role you’re after. If you’re applying for a job as an assistant, for instance, you’ll want to incorporate lots of words that show you’re responsible and get results (and focus less on words that emphasize your leadership abilities).

Keep in mind that it’s not only during interviews that word choice matters — opt for powerful action words in your resume as well.