Do you want to prove that you are ambitious and happy to work on yourself?
Perhaps you’re thinking of using “self-starter” in your resume, but you’re worried it’s not the most appropriate phrase.
Well, you’ve come to the right place for more information.
This article will teach you how to say “self-starter” on a resume to mix things up.
Is It Professional to Say “Self-Starter”?
It is professional to say “self-starter.” It’s a good phrase to use in a resume because it shows you’re ambitious and willing to work hard to get what you want.
For the most part, recruiters will look for phrases like this. After all, it’s a great way to show them what you’re made of and that you’re happy to bring something new to the workplace.
Check out this resume sample to learn a bit more about it:
I’m quite a self-starter. Therefore, I’m more than willing to apply myself to new challenges to show people what I can do.
Pros
- It’s professional and direct.
- It’s a sincere way to show you’re ambitious and ready to apply yourself.
Cons
- It’s quite overused, so it might not help you to stand out much.
- It might require more of an explanation if the reader doesn’t understand it.
Clearly, “self-starter” is a great phrase to use in your resume. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only valid option! It’s time to explore some alternatives to see what else might work.
So, keep reading to learn how to describe someone who is a self-starter. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best synonyms to show you what works best in your writing.
What to Say Instead of “Self-Starter”
- Initiator
- Ambitious
- Self-motivated
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Proactive individual
- Independent worker
- Autonomous achiever
- Motivated self-worker
- Driven
1. Initiator
We recommend using “initiator” as another word for “self-starter.”
This is an excellent formal synonym that shows you’re able to initiate things because you apply yourself.
Generally, self-starters are people who don’t wait for work to be given to them. Instead, they find ways to “initiate” their own workload and ensure they always stay busy.
Therefore, including a phrase like this in a resume is a great way to impress a recruiter.
After all, it suggests you’re always looking for that next job to help you apply yourself.
You can also refer to these resume samples to learn a bit more about it:
I’m an initiator, so I’m always looking for new challenges. That’s why I’m certain this role will be a good fit for me.
As an initiator, I make it my duty to look for ways to propel myself in the workplace. You can review my portfolio to learn more about this.
2. Ambitious
Feel free to simplify things by saying you are “ambitious.” This is an effective way to let recruiters know what you want to get out of your career.
The more ambitious you are, the more exciting you will appear to recruiters.
After all, it suggests that you have ideas for development and you’re applying for jobs specifically with those ideas and goals in mind.
So, if you want to spice up your resume and sell yourself, this is the way to go.
It’s impressive and direct. It also doesn’t use overly complicated wording. It keeps things simple and shows you care about what you do.
We also recommend reviewing these resume examples if you still need help:
I’m ambitious, which I believe sets me apart from most other applicants. That’s why I know I’ll be a good fit for this role.
I’m ambitious and ready to explore new opportunities. Therefore, I’d like to put my name forward for this challenge.
3. Self-Motivated
Try using “self-motivated” as another way to say “self-starter.” It’s effective because it shows you find your own work and put yourself out there to commit to new challenges.
The better you are at motivating yourself, the better you’ll look to a recruiter.
That’s why a phrase like this goes a long way in a resume. After all, it’s impressive because it’s clear and honest.
You can also refer the recruiter to your portfolio if you can prove how motivated you are. Then, they’ll be able to see what works best for you when you need to get your head in the game and work hard.
Here are some examples to show you a bit more about it:
I’m very self-motivated. I’m also very excited to join your team because I believe it’ll be a great way for me to apply myself.
Being self-motivated has helped me to get ahead in the past. Therefore, I’m sure this role will suit me well.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Try mixing things up by saying you have an “entrepreneurial spirit.” It’s a professional way to say “self-starter” that works well in most business settings.
For instance, you can use this when writing a job posting. It shows you’re looking for people who are looking to apply themselves and show off their self-starter skills.
Generally, this will encourage the right type of people to apply for your job. After all, it suggests you’re only looking for those who are ambitious and willing, which won’t be everybody.
These job posting samples will also help you to understand it better:
We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to join our ranks. Do you think that might be you?
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? If you do, and you want to show it off, then we might have the job for you.
5. Proactive Individual
You can also say you’re a “proactive individual” instead of a “self-starter.”
Now, we want to mix things up a bit with the context of this one.
Instead of just using it in a resume, you can try using this one in academic writing.
For instance, you might be able to use it when writing about your skills or traits. It’s a good thing to include in an essay if you’re trying to describe yourself.
You can also review these examples to learn a bit more about it:
I’m a proactive individual. Therefore, I know I’m going to do well in a job that requires me to stay on top of my own work.
As a proactive individual, I understand a lot about what’s required of me in the workplace, and I always look to push myself.
6. Independent Worker
Also, you can write “independent worker.” This is a simple way to show that you put yourself first and find ways to get your work done.
It generally implies you’re ambitious and hard-working. So, most employers will be happy to read something like this on a resume.
After all, it’s impressive and direct. It’ll let them know what to expect from you, making you much more hireable.
Also, these resume samples will help you to understand more:
I like being an independent worker. It allows me to focus only on my workload and not worry about anyone else.
I’m an independent worker. Therefore, I’m sure this role will help me to push myself to be the best I can be.
7. Autonomous Achiever
Another way to say “self-starter” is “autonomous achiever.” This is a great phrase that works as a formal synonym if you’re trying to spice things up.
For instance, you can use it when filling out a job application. It’s an excellent opportunity for you to show that you can take control of your own workload and achieve whatever you want to.
For those who don’t know, “autonomous” means you are self-sufficient and control your own affairs. That’s what makes this a good choice.
So, you can check out these examples to learn more:
As an autonomous achiever, I have an easy time finding work for myself. I always ensure I perfect everything I do.
I’m an autonomous achiever. That’s why I’m certain this is the right fit for me.
8. Motivated Self-Worker
Try using “motivated self-worker” to help you mix things up, too. It’s an ideal synonym that shows you’re able to manage yourself and get to work when you need to.
Generally, this looks good in a CV. You can use it because it shows you’re able to be in charge of your own workload without worrying about an employer overseeing what you do.
It also keeps things formal and to the point. Therefore, it’s an excellent way to show people you know what you’re doing.
Try reviewing these examples to learn a bit more about it:
It helps that I’m a motivated self-worker. After all, it means I can apply myself whenever I need to be proactive.
As a motivated self-worker, I ensure that I get things done on time. That’s why I know this role is perfect for me.
9. Driven
Finally, we want to touch on “driven.” It’s quite a simple alternative, but sometimes, this helps to make things clearer and more to the point.
So, you can use this when writing a job listing. It shows that you’re looking for a specific type of person who is driven and willing to put their best foot forward in the workplace.
These job posting examples will also help:
Are you driven and looking for a new challenge? We believe this job might be the best fit for you.
If you’re driven and willing to put the work in, you should apply to this role. It’s certainly going to be a good fit for you.