When it comes to your resume, referring to your previous boss can provide valuable insights into your professional experience and work style. Whether you’re planning to mention your previous boss in a formal or informal manner, it’s important to strike the right balance between honesty and professionalism. In this guide, we will explore different ways to discuss your previous boss and offer tips and examples to help you optimize your resume.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Previous Boss
If you prefer a more formal tone on your resume, you can use the following phrases to describe your previous boss:
- Supervisor: This is a commonly used term that clearly conveys the hierarchical relationship you had with your boss. It showcases your ability to work under supervision while maintaining professionalism.
- Manager: If your previous boss held a managerial position, using this term can emphasize their authority and your ability to work within a structured environment.
- Director: This term suggests a higher level of responsibility and shows that your work was overseen by a senior figure within the organization.
- Team Leader: If your previous boss was responsible for leading a team, using this term can highlight your experience in working collaboratively and following a leader’s direction.
- Department Head: If your previous boss had a senior role within a specific department, mentioning them as the department head emphasizes their expertise and your affiliation with a specific area of work.
Informal Ways to Say Previous Boss
If you prefer a more casual tone on your resume, consider using the following phrases to discuss your previous boss:
- Boss: This term is widely recognized and commonly used in a professional setting. It’s less formal than other options but still maintains a level of respect and acknowledgment for your previous supervisor.
- Manager: Using this term in an informal context can create a friendly tone and highlight the close working relationship you may have had with your boss.
- Team Lead: Referring to your previous boss as a team lead can communicate a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, showcasing your ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Head honcho: While this term is more playful, it can be used in an informal resume, particularly for creative or startup positions. However, ensure it is appropriate for the specific job application.
- Skipper: This informal term can be used to describe a boss who provided guidance and support, particularly in a dynamic or entrepreneurial work environment.
Examples:
Here are a few examples that demonstrate different ways to describe your previous boss on a resume:
Managed by a dedicated supervisor who provided strategic guidance and support throughout projects.
Worked closely with a knowledgeable manager who fostered a collaborative and goal-oriented work environment.
Reported directly to an experienced director, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Remember, regardless of whether you choose a formal or informal approach, it’s crucial to maintain a respectful and professional tone while accurately reflecting your previous work experience. By choosing the right words to describe your previous boss, you can effectively communicate your skills and the impact of your work.
Additional Tips:
In addition to the ways you describe your previous boss, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Focus on relevant details: Highlight specific projects or achievements that showcase how your previous boss contributed to your professional growth and success.
- Avoid unnecessary criticism: While it’s important to be honest, avoid negative or derogatory comments about your previous boss, as this can reflect poorly on your professionalism.
- Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, provide quantitative evidence of your accomplishments under your previous boss’s leadership, such as meeting targets or receiving performance awards.
Remember, tailoring your resume to each job application is essential. While it’s important to describe your previous boss, always prioritize the skills and experiences that directly relate to the position you’re applying for.
By thoughtfully choosing your words and emphasizing your professional growth under your previous boss’s guidance, you can present yourself as a qualified candidate who is capable of thriving in a professional work environment.
