If you just googled “proficient synonym resume” or “another word for proficient”, here is how you write your resume without the word ‘proficient’ and why you should.
Of course, the easy solution is a synonym; accomplished, adept, capable, competent, conversant, efficient, experienced, gifted, qualified, skilful, talented, trained, versed, practical, expert, pro, savvy
However, when you write your resume, you want to make sure you are not just providing a list of your skills.
You don’t want a list of vague claims like “proficient at customer service”, “skilled in problem-solving”, or “expert in Microsoft Office”. Instead, you want to demonstrate your skills with actual examples or other compelling evidence.
For example, instead of claiming to be “proficient at customer service”, you should give an example (or examples) of situations where you have delivered exceptional customer service. Alternatively, you can provide other concrete evidence of your customer service skills.
If you are doing this well, there is no need to list that you are proficient at anything. The evidence will speak for its self!
Here are examples of compelling evidence of customer service proficiency:
Resolved customer billing error, remaining composed despite customer hostility, and ultimately set the company standard for complaint handling with the call used as best practice example in team training
Achieved an average 4.5 out of 5 rating for customer service on guest feedback questionnaires, well above team average of 3.7
Awarded 2018 Customer Service Representative of the Year 2018 from a team of 30 across two stores
More Words That Undersell on Your Resume
Alongside ‘proficient’, there are several other words that undersell and should be avoided.
Similar to proficient is ‘skills’. You don’t need to use the word ‘skills’ nearly as often as you might think. Again, aim to demonstrate your skills with specific examples instead.
Other words that undersell on your resume are ‘responsibilities’ and ‘duties’. A powerful resume doesn’t list responsibilities; it demonstrates what you have achieved.!
These Words Do Not Belong on Your Resume
‘Objective Statement’
Alongside religion, marital status, and your date of birth, you should also leave off your objective statement.
Objective statements, usually in prime position on your resume, are very easy to get wrong.
Too frequently, objective statements are vague and focus only on what the candidate wants from the organisation rather than what the candidate can do for the organisation.
For instance, “A full-time position in an environment that offers a greater challenge and the opportunity to help the company advance efficiently and productively”
Leave it off!
Here are some more words to keep off your resume:
workaholic
skills
