9 Professional Synonyms for “Passionate” on a Resume

We all know that passion takes you far in the workplace. The more passionate you are about your job, the more an employer is going to appreciate the work you put in.

So, how do you say you are “passionate” on a resume?

Well, you have options! And this article has gathered the best alternatives to show you how to say “passionate” on a resume.

Is It Professional to Say “Passionate” on a Resume?

It is professional to say “passionate” on a resume. It’s a very common choice in a resume because it shows you’re really enthusiastic about the work you do.

Generally, you should say you are passionate on a resume. It’s a great way to let employers know that you care. It implies you’re going to be a good hire with only one word.

Check out the following example to see how it works:

I’m incredibly passionate about this job. I don’t think you’ll find anyone who can offer what I can.

Pros

  • It’s a great way to sell yourself on a resume.
  • It’s professional and shows you care about a role.

Cons

  • It’s quite generic.
  • Resume readers will have heard it before.

Generally, “passionate” is one of the best words to use in a resume. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only word. There are plenty of great alternatives out there.

Keep reading to learn another way to say “passionate” on your resume. We’ve also provided great resume and cover letter examples to help.

What to Say Instead of “Passionate” on a Resume

  • Enthusiastic
  • Devoted
  • Committed
  • Dedicated
  • Impassioned
  • Zealous
  • Spirited
  • Deeply interested
  • Motivated

1. Enthusiastic

One of the more common alternatives to “passionate” on a resume is “enthusiastic.”

You can say you’re enthusiastic when you care about your job and want to impress your employer.

It’s a great way to show why you want a job. Generally, you’d explain what makes you so enthusiastic about the job you are applying for.

That way, the recruiter will see why you care about your role. It allows them to learn more about you and what excites you. Hopefully, they’ll then consider you for an interview too.

You can also refer to these resume samples:

I’m very enthusiastic about helping others. I’ll do what I can to fit into new groups and show them how to succeed.

Being enthusiastic about my work always helps me stand out. I think that’s what makes me a good lecturer.

2. Devoted

You can also write “devoted” in your CV. It’s a formal alternative that keeps things fresh.

We guarantee the employer reading your resume wouldn’t come across “devoted” all that often. So, you’re bound to stand out compared to other candidates.

You should try to use it to show how much you love your job. It’s a great way to share your passion in a slightly more obvious way.

Most employers will be impressed to hear how devoted you are. After all, it’s a sign of a good and diligent employee. The more someone loves their work, the better they’ll do in the role.

Here are some examples to help you with it:

I’m a devoted teacher because I care about my students. You won’t find many teachers as keen to impress as I am.

I’m very devoted to my role. I have studied in this field for years, and I hope I can finally prove myself to you.

3. Committed

Commitment goes a long way in the workplace. Therefore, “committed” is another synonym for “passionate” that works well in your writing.

You should use it as a formal synonym in a job application. It shows you do your best and give your work 100%.

Naturally, this will encourage an employer to consider you for an interview. It shows you’re willing to put the work in. Most new employees won’t sound nearly as committed as you.

Perhaps these examples will also help you:

I’m quite committed to this role, and I’m happy to move forward in the company. I’d like to hear more about the promotion.

I’m a committed employee. I like to think that I’m always willing to take on new challenges and prove myself.

4. Dedicated

Dedication is highly sought after in the workplace. Employers tend to look for dedicated employees to fill the most important jobs in the company.

So, why aren’t you already using “dedicated” in your resume?

It’s effective and formal. It shows you’re willing to commit to a role and enjoy doing what you do.

Generally, being “dedicated” implies you’re passionate and enthusiastic. It’s a great way to let employers know you’re more than willing to work alongside them.

Check out these examples if you’re still unsure:

I’ve dedicated myself to technology for ten years, which shows in my work. You can refer to my portfolio to see what I do.

I’m dedicated and ready for something new. I’m sure this is the best place for me to go to move forward.

5. Impassioned

You can write “impassioned” instead of “passionate” in some cases. It’s not a common CV word, which makes it so useful.

If an employer reads “impassioned” in your cover letters, it’ll let them know you mean business. It shows you’re happy to work alongside them because of the job.

Generally, you will only be impassioned about jobs you’ve been a part of for years. After all, you won’t often stick around in a role unless it truly matters to you.

Here are some great examples to show you how it works:

You won’t find an employee as impassioned as me. I love what I do, and I’m ready to explore new avenues.

I’m an impassioned professor at my college. I really appreciate the chance to work so closely with my students.

6. Zealous

“Zealous” is another word for “passionate” in a resume. We recommend using it if you’re enthusiastic and have an end goal.

Generally, being “zealous” implies you’re willing to commit yourself to a role. It suggests you’re happy to do your best because you have a course or objective to achieve (i.e., promotion).

You should include this formal synonym to show you’re willing to work hard. Most people refuse to show they’re “zealous” when applying for new roles. So, you will at least secure an interview when using it.

You can also review these examples:

My employers have called me zealous in the past because I genuinely enjoy the work I put into my projects.

I’m zealous and keen to show off. I’d love to show you what I can do and why this field means so much to me.

7. Spirited

Here’s one that’s a little more interesting than your generic “passionate” term. For a real buzzword changer in a resume, try using “spirited.”

Being “spirited” means you’re overly enthusiastic and ready to prove yourself.

It’s a great way to share your passion with an employer. They’ll be excited to see what you mean about your “spirited” attitude, which shows that they’re willing to invest time into you.

Generally, just using the word “spirited” is enough to make you hireable and interesting to the readers. Recruiters will want to learn more, making you a prime candidate for an interview.

Here are some useful examples to help you understand it better:

I’m one of the more spirited employees you’ll meet. I’ve always been very passionate about work.

As a spirited teacher, I find it easy to connect with my students. I can’t wait to see how they develop.

8. Deeply Interested

So far, we’ve only touched on one-word alternatives. However, it’s possible to use phrases in your CV as long as they make sense.

For example, “deeply interested” is a great formal synonym for “passionate.”

If you’re deeply interested in something, you’re invested and want to learn more about a field.

We recommend using it when you love the job you do. It shows employers that you’re willing to challenge yourself and work hard to show them you’re worthy of hire.

Feel free to check out the following examples too:

I’m deeply interested in all of the roles I have. There’s a reason I applied for this job above all others.

I’m deeply interested in this field. I’ve always been keen on the topic and look for ways to broaden my understanding.

9. Motivated

“Motivated” is a formal synonym for “passionate.” Most people use “motivated” to demonstrate their positive work ethic.

In this case, “motivated” suggests you enjoy what you do. It allows you to stay on top of your workload because you enjoy everything (even the slightly more boring administrative parts of the job).

Saying you’re “motivated” allows recruiters to see a positive side of you. Try it, and you’ll see that they’re a lot more interested in you than other applicants.

Of course, these examples will help you understand it better:

I’m a motivated individual who’s looking for a chance to prove themselves. I’m hoping you’ll give me that chance.

As a motivated teacher, it’s easy for me to get through to my class. All my students engage with what I’m saying.