6 Good Synonyms for a "Quick Learner" on Your Resume

Saying that you’re a “quick learner” is probably one of the most common things to write on a resume. Therefore, you should look for some alternatives to sound original.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered!

Here are some other words for “quick learner” that you can use on your resume:

Adept
Polymath
Retentive
Genius
Talented
Virtuoso

So, let’s go over these words in better detail. If you want to write an impressive word on your resume that’s going to hit harder than “quick learner,” you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to see how to examples of how to implement the alternatives in practice.

1. Adept

“Adept” is a word that means we’re able to pick up on something that requires skill very quickly. It means we require little tuition and we’re therefore a very fast learner.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “adept” is “having a natural ability to do something that needs skill.” Being able to do something without much input is the very idea behind calling someone a “quick learner.”

This meaning is all implied by using the word “adept.” We don’t need to explain any more than that, either. We can simply write that we are adept at a select subject or skill, and our future employer will know that we mean business.

I am very adept at handling money and anything to do with accounting.
I am adept at most sports, and my fitness levels are far beyond the natural peak.
I am adept at typing and have some of the fastest output times from my previous job.

Since it’s much less common to write “adept” on a resume than “quick learner,” you’ll already be setting yourself apart from the crowd if you manage to use it.

One of the most important things to remember when writing a resume is to keep it personal and engage the reader.

Your employer is just like any other person who might not always have the best attention span. For that reason, including a word like “adept” might just keep them engaged rather than reading the same words over and over again!

In summary, this is a great example of how to say you are a quick learner on your resume and it will make you stand out from the crowd.

2. Polymath

“Polymath” is another close contender to “adept.” It means that someone is able to learn quickly but usually relies on their previous knowledge, which is why it’s not quite as effective as “adept.”

“Polymath” means that somebody knows a lot about many subjects already. This means that when it comes to teaching them new things, they’ll apply their already existing knowledge to help them learn more quickly.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “polymath” is “a person who knows a lot about many different subjects.”

A polymath might not have the knowledge required for a particular role right away, but it’s definitely not going to take them long to figure it out. Usually, the most intelligent people in the world are capable of learning new information much more quickly than anyone else.

My former employer refers to me as a polymath who is easy to teach.
I’m a polymath, and I have specialties in math, English, science, and foreign culture.
I’ve been called a polymath before, and I think it really sums me up as a person.

For the most part, a polymath is going to be an incredibly intelligent person.

Moreover, it’s a great word to use in your resume for a few reasons. The most important ones are that it shows your dedication to learning and that you’re willing to broaden your horizons and explore new ideas.

Hence, if you’re about to put “quick learner” on your resume, try this one-word synonym instead!

3. Retentive

Another word for “quick learner” is “retentive.” This is a great one to use when you’re directly talking about your ability to memorize things.

“Retentive” means that we’re capable of retaining information provided to us. That means that when someone teaches us new things, we’ll remember most (if not all) of the details they’ve provided and make use of them the next time they’re needed.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “retentive” is “you can remember things easily.”

A retentive person makes for a quick learner because they’re able to hold a lot of information in their brain. Being able to remember the information and call upon it when needed is the perfect way for you to demonstrate that you are a fast learner.

I’m a retentive person who’s always looking to expand my knowledge.
I’m incredibly retentive. Everything that I’ve ever been told stays in my mind.
I’m retentive and willing to prove it.

Also, a retentive person has an advantage when it comes to being a new hire. If the boss wants to set you a task, it’ll be much easier for you to remember than it would be for most other employees. This makes you look diligent and committed from the very first task.

Therefore, this is a great synonym for “quick learner” that you can include on your CV to stand out from the crowd.

4. Genius

The next word we want to cover is “genius.” While this isn’t a direct synonym for calling someone a “quick learner,” it still works well in the right contexts.

“Genius” means that someone is above average when it comes to natural skill and ability. They favor more scientific or mathematical approaches to things.

Typically, if you refer to yourself as a “genius,” you can be seen as cocky, but it works well in a resume with the correct wording.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “genius” is “very great and rare natural ability or skill, especially in a particular area such as science or art, or a person who has this.”

Obviously, if someone has above-average capabilities with skills and learning, it’s going to make them a “quick learner” in all aspects of life.

“Genius” is a powerful term to describe yourself as. It sets you apart from other candidates when applying for a job because it stands out on a page. An employer won’t simply brush over your resume if you use the word “genius.”

I’m a genius when it comes to things related to database entry.
My former colleagues referred to me as “the genius.” Take from that what you will.
I like to think of myself as a genius when it comes to learning new things.

Generally, you’ll want to avoid writing “genius” about yourself if you don’t know how to do it humbly. However, some employers like to see their potential employees show off, so being arrogant by using “genius” might sometimes be what they’re after.

5. Talented

“Talented” doesn’t strictly apply to calling someone a “quick learner,” but it can be used this way if you’re writing it in a resume to impress a future boss.

“Talented” means that we have the talent and ability to learn and adapt to new things. A talented person will never shy away from a challenge to take on new information.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “talented” is “with talent; able or skillful.”

While “talented” can refer to any number of things (like playing an instrument or a sport), in the case of writing it in your resume, you can use it to refer to your ability to learn.

I’m talented when it comes to learning about new things.
I’m known as talented among my friends, and they always ask me to learn for them if they need help with a subject.
I’m talented and able-bodied. If you need someone who will never back away from a challenge, I’m the one for you.

A “talented” person will have a much easier time learning the ins and outs of a new job. It won’t take you long before you’ve picked up all the new information from your employer if you’re talented enough to understand it.

Therefore, this is a very important skill to have and a good synonym to use to show your ability to learn quickly.

6. Virtuoso

Finally, let’s look at the word “virtuoso.” This is a very specific synonym, but it still works well as another way to say “quick learner.”

“Virtuoso” means that someone excels at something and has a vast amount of skill.

It’s very similar to using “talented” as an adjective because it refers to a great number of things and doesn’t always mean you’re a quick learner.

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “virtuoso” is “a person who is extremely skilled at something, especially at playing an instrument or performing.”

Generally, a virtuoso is capable of learning new things by applying their skills and abilities. While the word usually refers to playing instruments, it can be extended to show that you’re able to learn new things.

I’m a virtuoso in every way I can imagine.
They call me a virtuoso, and I’d like the chance to prove it.
I’m a violin virtuoso, and I use that knowledge and ability to apply myself better to all aspects of my career.

Just because musicians are mostly referred to as “virtuosos” doesn’t mean everyone can’t be. Learning and playing an instrument provides valuable life skills that translate to being a quick learner in the workplace.

If you can find a way to work this strength into your resume, you’ll dazzle your employer.