The more experience you have in the workplace, the more likely it is for an employer to hire you. So, you might be thinking of using “extensive experience” on a resume.
However, is it the best phrase to use? This article has gathered some great synonyms to explore other options.
It is professional to say “extensive experience” on your resume. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can include in a CV because it shows that you are well-trained and have practice with the job you’re applying for (or a skill related to it).
You should say it when trying to explain your skill set. It’s wise to include it when listing your skills if one or more of those skills relates to the job you are applying for.
This example will help you understand more about it:
Skills:
• Extensive experience in C#
Pros
Cons
“Extensive experience” is great to include to show that you have plenty of experience. Although, we do recommend having a few alternatives ready to keep things interesting for the employer reading your resume.
Keep reading to learn how to say you have a lot of experience. We’ve compiled a list of synonyms to help you understand more about it.
Another word for “extensive experience” is “well-versed.” Well, technically, it’s two words. Although, you should always include the hyphen to show that you have a deep understanding of a field.
We recommend using this formal synonym to show that you can bring relevant skills to a role. It’s a great way to encourage an employer to take you on.
Generally, being well-versed in something implies that you won’t need as much training as other applicants. That’s why we recommend using it to try and sell yourself.
These resume examples should also help you:
I am well-versed in most programming languages. So, I believe I’ll be a good fit for this team.
I’m well-versed in most things to do with political history. That’s why I think this role is good for me.
Another synonym you can use instead of “extensive experience” is “practiced.” It implies that you’ve spent years learning a skill and have all the required knowledge to bring to a new role.
Most of the time, words like “practiced” will impress a recruiter. After all, it shows you have relevant knowledge and experience in a field. The more relevant the field is to the job you apply for, the more likely an employer will ask you to go to an interview.
Perhaps you can apply these examples to your next job application:
I am practiced in every area relevant to this job description.
It helps to be as practiced as I am. So, I believe I’ll be one of the strongest candidates for this position.
A slightly simpler alternative to “extensive experience” is “trained.” It might not look like much, but it’s a great alternative to include to show that you have a lot of practice in a field.
We recommend using it to let an employer know that you’ve trained yourself in something related to your job. It improves your application to show that you do not need further training as you already have a good understanding of something.
Here are some cover letter examples to help you with it:
I’m very well trained in most computer protocols. If you need someone to help you understand a system, I’m the person to do that.
I’m trained in many spoken languages. Therefore, I’ll be integral to the global reach of this company.
Another way to say “extensive experience” on your resume is “knowledgeable.” It’s a great professional synonym to include when showing that you have years of experience.
It’s worth using this to show that you know a lot about a subject. Of course, you need to be mindful when using it too.
When saying you are knowledgeable about something, someone will likely test your knowledge. Therefore, you need to back up your knowledgeable claim with concrete evidence that you know what you’re talking about.
We recommend reviewing the following examples:
I’m quite knowledgeable in most of the areas you’re looking for.
I am very knowledgeable in mathematical theory. So, I believe this role is perfect for me.
Another great synonym for “extensive experience” is “fluent.” However, it’s a bit more specific than some other choices.
Generally speaking, fluency refers to speaking multiple languages. You can be fluent in a language when speaking it with natives.
Of course, speaking another language is a skill in itself. So, it’s worth including it in a resume.
However, you can also apply “fluent” to other fields. As long as you have a keen understanding of a certain field, “fluent” is a good choice.
Here are some examples to show you how it works:
I’m fluent in six languages and would make an excellent translator.
After years of study, I would say that I’m particularly fluent in this field.
So far, we’ve touched on one-word synonyms for “extensive experience.” However, when mixing things up in your resume, you can also change the adjective (extensive) to a different one.
Try “considerable experience” when it suits you.
It shows you have studied a lot and spent a lot of time learning something. We highly recommend it if you’re trying to impress a recruiter.
Like many of the other synonyms, it’s best to be able to back up this experience with proof. An employer might ask you to do so before the interview stage.
Check out these resume examples if you’re still unsure:
I have considerable experience in this field, so I believe I’m a good fit for the role.
Naturally, my considerable experience compared to other applicants will make me stand out.
Another great alternative to “extensive experience” is “comprehensive knowledge.” It shows you have studied and learned through experience in other working positions.
Generally, this works best when applying for a role related to your previous one. The role may also relate more to one of your hobbies or outside interests.
Either way, you’ll need to prove that you have the knowledge you’re describing. An employer will want to know what you have to say to back up your claim.
Also, refer to these examples to help you:
My comprehensive knowledge counts for a lot in this application. I’m certain that I’ll surprise you.
I have comprehensive knowledge of C++. I’m more than willing to demonstrate that before I sign up.
You can’t go wrong with “expert” in a resume. If you claim you’re an expert in any field, it implies you know everything there is to know. It’s a very powerful word.
The word itself is very confident. You shouldn’t go around calling yourself an expert unless you know for certain that you are one.
And, like many of the phrases in this article, a recruiter will test your claim. So, you should have evidence to prove that you are an expert in the area you are applying for before using it in a CV.
Here are some great examples to explain what we mean:
I would consider myself an expert in the field of biology.
I’m quite the expert in these fields. Naturally, I’d like to show you what I can do.
If you have hard evidence to back up your knowledge or experience, you should write about it in your resume. Something like “proven track record” is a great way to discuss this.
We recommend using this phrase to show that you have proof of your experience.
That way, the employer reading your resume won’t have to ask you for proof. Instead, you can provide it alongside your resume to show them what you can do.
It cuts out the middleman, making this an excellent phrase if you’re going for efficiency.
You may also review the following examples:
I have a proven track record that I think will impress you. Please review my application and let me know.
My proven track record in this field should be enough to go on.
