The key English phrases your CV cannot do without are the ones that describe your profile, your responsibilities and your achievements in clear, professional, results-oriented language. If you are wondering which English phrases your CV really needs, start with action verbs such as led, implemented or achieved and avoid the literal translations that make your CV sound unnatural. Read on… When you prepare a CV in English for international recruitment or for companies where English is essential, many people get stuck: translating your Spanish CV word for word is not enough. You need to express your achievements and competencies with natural, professional phrasing. In this article you will find key phrases that work in an English CV, along with practical examples you can apply straight away.
Why choosing the right phrases matters in an English CV
A well-written CV in English does more than translate words: it communicates your professional value clearly, concretely and in line with what English-speaking recruiters look for. Vague phrasing or literal translations can make your profile sound flat or unconvincing. That is why, before running through lists of phrases, it helps to understand how to structure your professional communication in English.
Phrases for defining your professional profile
An English CV usually opens with a short Professional Summary . To make it compelling, you can use phrases such as:
- Experienced professional with over X years in [industry].
- Results‑oriented specialist in [field].
- Skilled in [skill], with proven success in [achievement].
These constructions help the recruiter grasp your focus and your experience from the very first line.
Phrases for describing responsibilities
When you list your duties, use action verbs that convey responsibility and initiative. For example:
- Led a team of X in [task/project].
- Implemented [strategy/tool] to…
- Oversaw operations in [area] with a focus on…
Phrases like these are preferable to literal translations from Spanish and make your experience sound natural in English.
Phrases for highlighting achievements and results
A common mistake in English CVs is sticking to tasks. Include results instead:
- Achieved a 20 % increase in [metric] by…
- Successfully implemented [initiative], resulting in…
- Consistently exceeded targets in…
For example:
Achieved a 15 % reduction in processing time through workflow optimization.
This way the recruiter understands not only what you did but the tangible impact of your work. Reviewing and fine-tuning these phrases until they sound natural in English takes several working sessions. An ergonomic lumbar cushion for your chair is a basic way to stay focused through those hours without ending up with a sore back.
Connecting your CV with other English skills
The way you use key phrases on your CV is also linked to how you communicate in other professional settings in English. If you are preparing for interviews in English — where talking about your experience clearly and confidently is essential — you may find practical resources very useful, such as the guide on how to stand out in an interview in English: key phrases and strategies from ALOS Idiomas, which covers expressions and techniques for communicating better in that context.
Tailoring your professional English to your role or sector
Depending on your field, some expressions work better than others. For example, for customer-facing or sales roles you can draw on useful phrases from customer service in English — introductions, handling objections, closing a conversation — which also appear in other ALOS Idiomas posts on professional English.
Common mistakes that damage your CV in English
Even with good phrasing, avoiding these pitfalls can make the difference:
- Literal translations with no context: translating word for word can sound artificial or imprecise.
- Passive voice with no clear subject: English prefers the active voice (for example, “I led…” instead of “Was responsible for…”).
- Overusing generic phrases: terms such as “hard‑working” or “excellent communicator” add little value without concrete evidence.
Knowing and avoiding these mistakes improves not only your CV but your professional English in general.
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Frequently asked questions
How many key phrases should I include in an English CV?
What matters is that each section — summary, responsibilities and achievements — contains at least one phrase written naturally in English that clearly conveys professional value.
Should I translate my CV literally from Spanish into English?
No. Literal translation usually produces unnatural phrasing. It is better to think about how to communicate your responsibilities and achievements professionally in English.
Can I use colloquial expressions on my CV in English?
Avoid colloquialisms and slang; choose clear, professional constructions used in international workplaces. A well-written CV in English with carefully chosen phrases makes you more competitive in global processes and shows recruiters that you do not just speak English — you know how to use it professionally. If you want expert support with your CV or want to develop your professional communication skills in English, get in touch with ALOS for personal advice, specialised training or language services tailored to your goals.