Curriculum Vitae Equivalents
Sustain
Utilising Sustain on a CV
'Sustain' is a term that, fundamentally, signifies the act of keeping something in an existing state or preserving from failure or decline. It's about ensuring consistency, stability, and continuity. When you use the word 'sustain' on your CV, you're communicating your ability to uphold standards, keep systems running smoothly, or preserve certain conditions over time. In the context of a CV, 'sustain' is often used to describe responsibilities that involve managing, overseeing, or preserving certain aspects of a job. It can refer to anything from sustaining a high level of customer service, to sustaining machinery in a factory, or sustaining a database of information. It's a term that conveys a sense of reliability and diligence, suggesting that you're someone who can be trusted to keep things running smoothly. However, while 'sustain' is a useful term, it's not always the most impactful word to use on your CV. It can sometimes come across as passive or routine, and doesn't necessarily convey a sense of growth, achievement, or proactive action. To make your CV stand out, it can be beneficial to use synonyms for 'sustain' that suggest a more dynamic or active role. By choosing words that convey your ability to not just sustain, but to improve, optimise, or enhance, you can present yourself as a more proactive and ambitious candidate.
Tailor Your Resume Content to the Job Description
Strong vs Weak Applications of Sustain
Examples of Using Sustain on a Curriculum Vitae
How 'Maintain' Is Commonly Misused
"Maintained office supplies"
This statement is rather generic and does not offer any specific details regarding the scope or impact of maintaining office supplies. It would be better to provide concrete details or illustrations to showcase your organisational skills or cost-saving measures. For instance, "Managed inventory of office supplies, implementing a new tracking system that reduced expenditures by 15%."
"Maintained customer relationships"
Whilst this may appear a positive declaration, it lacks substance and does not accentuate any particular accomplishments or actions taken to preserve customer relationships. Instead, it would be preferable to mention specific strategies or outcomes, such as "Developed and executed a customer retention programme, resulting in a 20% rise in customer satisfaction scores and a 10% decrease in customer churn rate."
"Maintained cleanliness of work area"
This statement is overly basic and does not provide any concrete information about the level of cleanliness or any efforts made to sustain it. It would be better to furnish specific examples or initiatives undertaken to showcase your attention to detail or commitment to cleanliness. For example, "Implemented a daily cleaning checklist and trained team members on proper sanitation protocols, resulting in a 30% decrease in workplace accidents and improved overall hygiene standards."
When to Substitute Maintain with Another Synonym
Servicing Equipment
Rather than utilising "Maintained," job seekers can employ synonyms such as "Inspected," "Serviced," or "Managed" to convey their role in ensuring the proper functioning and upkeep of equipment. These alternatives highlight their ability to perform regular checks, troubleshoot issues, and implement maintenance plans to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime.
Updating Records
When describing record-keeping responsibilities, job seekers can opt for synonyms such as "Updated," "Managed," or "Maintained." These terms emphasise their skills in accurately documenting information, organising data, and ensuring the integrity and accessibility of records. Utilising more precise language can showcase their attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
Sustaining Client Relationships
Instead of using "Maintained," job seekers can employ synonyms like "Nurtured," "Cultivated," or "Managed" to convey their role in building and managing relationships with clients. These alternatives highlight their ability to provide exceptional customer service, understand client needs, and proactively address concerns. Utilising more dynamic language can demonstrate their commitment to client satisfaction and their skills in fostering long-term partnerships.
How to Replace Maintain with a Stronger, More Relevant Synonym
When it comes to refining your CV, it is important to understand that whilst 'maintain' implies consistency and reliability, its use should be deliberate and accurate. Not every task or role that involves upkeep or preservation equates to "maintaining". Sometimes, the level of responsibility, the complexity, or the nature of your maintenance tasks might be better communicated with a different term. As you explore ways to enhance the language on your CV, consider the depth and impact of your maintenance role. Did you preserve a system? Sustain a project? Uphold a standard? Each of these situations might call for a different, more descriptive term. Here are a few examples to help you replace 'maintain' in a way that is both truthful and compelling, leading into the next section of our resume synonym guide.
Replacing Maintain in Your CV Summary
Replacing Maintain in Your CV Summary
Impactful Maintain Synonyms for Different Job Categories
Excellent Maintain Synonyms for Marketing Resumes
Superb Maintain Synonyms for Customer Service Resumes
Find the Right Synonyms for Any Job
