10 Good Synonyms for “Ability” on a Resume

Resumes are designed to help you sell yourself. Usually, to do this, you need to talk about your abilities in the workplace.

The more impressive your ability, the more hireable you become.

But is “ability” the only word you can use? This article will explore that question for you.

• Capacity
• Capability
• Skill set
• Potential
• Aptitude
• Prowess
• Expertise
• Proficiency
• Preparedness
• Talent

Keep reading to learn what to use instead of “ability” on your resume. There are some great examples available to help you mix things up.

1. Capacity

One of the best ways to showcase your ability in a job application is “capacity.”

It shows you have specific abilities relating to what you can achieve in the workplace.

We recommend including it to show you’re happy to take on challenges. It also implies you work well under pressure or have the capacity to apply yourself to new roles.

So, this is a great place to start if you’re trying to impress an employer. It doesn’t get much better than this to say you’re diligent and resourceful.

You can also review the following resume samples:

• I have a strong capacity for working under pressure. I work well when I know there’s a challenge for me to get something done.
• My capacity to work independently trumps most other candidates. I’m very proud of what I’m able to achieve.

2. Capability

Of course, you could always say “capability” instead of “ability.” Granted, the words aren’t too dissimilar. But they’re different enough to help you mix things up.

Try using “capability” to discuss your strong ability or passion to do something. It’s a great way to show you’re happy to apply yourself and see what you can achieve.

Employers look to hire those with strong capabilities. The more an employer believes in what you do, the more hireable you become in their view.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it better:

• I have the capability to work under pressure. Feel free to set me as many tasks as possible to prove this.
• My capability to multitask helps me to be more efficient in the workplace. I’m very proud of what I can achieve.

3. Skill Set

“Skill set” is another way to say “ability” on your resume. It’s a great phrase if you’re looking to be a bit more direct and clear.

Generally, you can’t go wrong with “skill set.” After all, everyone knows what you mean when you say you have a specific skill set.

It typically refers to skills you picked up from experience. This is great to include in applications because it explains what you’ve learned from your work history.

Also, check out these examples if you’re still unsure:

• I have a strong skill set relating to this field. Therefore, I think I’m the perfect hire for this role if you’ll take me.
• My skill set allows me to shine above most others. Feel free to review my portfolio to see what I can do for you.

4. Potential

It’s easy to see potential in people who put the work in. Therefore, why not include “potential” to show you’re already a stand-out candidate?

The word is formal and effective. It’s useful in a resume because it shows you’ve got what it takes to advance.

Employers don’t just look for new employees to take on. They often look for people with the potential to climb as they go through their business.

So, using “potential” in this way is a great way to guarantee an interview.

You can also review the following examples:

• I have a high potential to meet deadlines. I’ll always ensure my work follows the guidelines and gets done to the best of my ability.
• My potential allows me to pay close attention to detail. I’m very proud of what I can do under pressure.

5. Aptitude

You may also use “aptitude” instead of “ability.” It’s an interesting choice that remains professional in your CV.

Feel free to include it to impress a recruiter. It allows them to explore your talents and skills.

Of course, you’ll want to relate your aptitude to the role. It’s best to talk about things related to the position because it helps an employer understand why you’re discussing your aptitude.

Here are some great examples to help you understand it:

• I have an aptitude to meet deadlines. I’m very proud of my ability to work to a target and complete it in time.
• My aptitude to work with others shines through in my work. I’m a great team player and can’t wait to demonstrate that.

6. Prowess

Another word for “ability” on your resume is “prowess.” It’s a formal and exciting choice, making it an unusual pick to include.

While it might seem unusual, it’s bound to turn a few heads. Using uncommon words like “prowess” will help your CV to stand out above other candidates.

Also, it’s a good choice to demonstrate your skills. You can’t go wrong with it if you’re looking for a more engaging way to talk about what you can do.

Here are a few cover letter samples to show you how to use it:

• My prowess to work independently and as part of a team helps me to get through projects much easier.
• I have a prowess for completing work to a high standard. My attention to detail is one of my best assets.

7. Expertise

You can include “expertise” to help you mix things up as well. It’s a great formal choice demonstrating what you’ve learned through the years.

Generally, “expertise” is a strong claim. If you say you’re an expert in something, you’ll need some kind of proof to back it up.

Of course, it’s still worth using it in a cover letter. After all, you’re sure to impress the recruiter who reads that you’re an expert in something.

Perhaps these CV examples will also help you:

• My expertise in this field helps me to get through most projects. I’m very glad about the progress I have made.
• My expertise in research helps me to pull ahead of my peers. Generally, I’m the one people go to when they need an extra set of eyes.

8. Proficiency

It’s always good to talk about proficiency when possible. The more proficient you are at something, the better you’ll fair in the workplace.

Therefore, “proficiency” is a good one to include. It shows you have a strong ability for something.

Often, “proficiency” comes from practice. So, we recommend using it when you’ve taken the time to learn something and now consider it one of your better strengths.

It’s great as a formal alternative. You can’t go wrong when including something like this on a CV.

You can also review these examples:

• I have a lot of proficiency related to this role. Therefore, I think I’ll be a great fit to fill in this opportunity.
• It helps to have strong proficiency in this field. That’s why I’m so good at what I do and how I know I’ll perform well.

9. Preparedness

If you’re prepared for something, it means you’ve practiced it or learned about it before. That’s why “preparedness” is a good formal synonym for “ability.”

You should discuss your preparedness to show your abilities. It’s a good way to show what you’re confident about, which could help sway an application in your favor.

Check out these examples if you’re still stuck:

• My preparedness has helped me understand the demands of this field. I’m more than ready to start taking on more important duties.
• I have a good preparedness for working under pressure. Therefore, I’m certain I’ll be one of your best candidates.

10. Talent

We also want to touch on “talent.” It’s a great alternative to “ability” that’ll help to keep things more interesting for the reader.

You can use “talent” to refer to a strong ability. It often means you’re born with great qualities and carry them with you throughout your working life.

This is a great way to show an employer you’re willing to take on challenges. However, it also suggests that those challenges should only come based on your talent.

Also, these examples will help you understand it:

• I have a talent for making things happen in the workplace. I’m reliable and willing to help you understand more about efficiency.
• My talent for working independently sets me apart. I don’t need to rely on teammates to help me understand something.