Resume and Cover Letter Words That Can Trip You Up

Resume and Cover Letter Words That Can Trip You UpTricky Resume and Cover Letter WordsResume and Cover Letter Words That Can Trip You UpEnglish is a funny language. There are different words that mean the same thing, single words that have different meanings, and words that are prone to mispronunciation, such as nook-you-ler when its really nook-lee-er, and Feb-you-erry instead of Feb-roo-erry.Then there are the homonyms words that sound alike, are often (mistakenly) used interchangeably, but dont mean the same thing. And when you use the wrong one on your resume or cover letter, you look foolish. To really make things difficult, your spell-checker cant bail you out because it wont recognize the mistakes.Here are five confusing word pairs, their meanings, and how to use them properly on your resume and cover lettersAffect vs. EffectDefinitions Affect is primarily a verb, meaning to act on or to impress the mind and feelings. Effect, on the other hand, is usually a noun that refers to a state of being effective or operative.Proper usage My actions affected department operations, leading to a 10% savings in the telecommunications budget.My actions had a positive effect on department operations, leading to a 10% savings in the telecommunications budget. One notable exception Effect can be used as a verb meaning to bring about. For example My actions effected changes in departmental operations, leading to a 10% savings in the telecommunications budget.Verses vs. Versus (Is there an echo in here?)Definitions Verses is the plural form of verse, which refers to part of a written poem or song versus (abbreviated as vs. or v.) is a Latin term meaning against or as compared to.Proper usage Increased record label revenue by composing extra verses for award-winning single hit by up-and-coming band. Led task force that weighed costs of traveling by air versus rail. Discreet vs. DiscreteDefinitions Theyre both adjectives. Discreet means understated or confidential discrete m eans individual, or detached from others. For instance, a company in the discrete manufacturing industry produces goods that are counted individually or identified by serial numbers. The goods are counted as distinct units rather than by weight or volume, such as processed foods or motor oil.Proper usage Thoroughly and discreetly investigated three sexual harassment complaints.Ten years of senior executive experience in discrete manufacturing industry. Principle vs. PrincipalDefinitions Principle is a noun referring to an accepted or professed rule or action (e.g., sticking by your principles). Principal can be an adjective or a noun, depending on how its used. The adjective means first or highest in rank, while the noun refers to a head or leader (school principal), or the original sum of a loan.Proper usage Developed set of ethical principles that all executives follow. As principal sales associate for the Northeast states, generated a 20% increase in sales in 2009.Ensured that mo rtgage applicants principals and incomes fell within banks lending standards. Incite vs. InsightDefinitions Incite is a verb that means to stir up or encourage, such as a riot. Insight is a noun that means a keen understanding, perception, or intuition.Proper usage Incited and directed lively, company-wide discussions about potential new markets.My two years in Hong Kong helped me develop new insight into how the global economy operates. One tip If youre a very perceptive individual, youre insightful. If youre inciteful, hiring managers will want to stay away from you and your resume. (Sure, I can be insightful You shoulda seen the stuff I incited when I played hockey. I spent a lot of time in the penalty box.)