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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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How To Say You’re a Quick Learner on Your Resume

The ability to pick things up quickly in a new job can be a valuable asset. Here’s how to communicate it effectively on your resume.

3 years ago   •   9 min read

“ No experience , but I learn things really quickly, I promise!”

It doesn’t exactly sound professional, does it? But if you can’t come right out and say it, how can you let hiring managers know that you’re a quick learner?

Let's start by taking a look at what these examples should look like — and where you should put them.

How to show you’re a quick learner

You can highlight being a quick learner on your resume by:

• Including relevant bullet points. A line like " Optimized financial reporting process by upgrading accounting system; doubled process efficiency and reduced errors by 25% within one year of joining the company " tells people you not only learn quickly but also make an impact fast.
• Showing experience in different departments or a wide range of tasks. One thing hiring managers love to see is a broad range of responsibility — perhaps you managed a team that involved everything from design and coding to operations and marketing. This shows you are able to learn new skills, even if they're outside your subject matter expertise .
• Tailoring your skills section . Instead of focusing on a narrow range of skills, choose two or three different but related skill sets to highlight — for example, maybe you have coding skills AND software fluency AND operations expertise, or a public speaking background AND speak multiple languages.
• Highlighting your education. Showing knowledge of actively learning new skills is another good way to show you're a quick learner. Don't just stop at formal degrees — including one or two more recent certifications or short courses is a good way to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning.
• Using synonyms to talk about it. It can actually be okay to say you're a quick learner in your cover letter or resume summary — as long as you're not too obvious about it.

Now, let's explore some examples of what all that should look like on your resume.

Write resume bullet points that show your ability to learn quickly

Like any soft skills, you should demonstrate that you’re a fast learner through your bullet point accomplishments. Choose examples that demonstrate your ability to learn quickly, like cross-training in other departments or an early promotion.

Let's take a look at a few examples of actual bullet points you can use on your resume:

• Designed online customer support center comprising of a self-service knowledge base and interactive chat; reduced customer support calls by 45% within the first 8 months

The keyword "first 8 months" is an effective way to show your ability to make immediate impact at organizations you work in. Ultimately, that's what recruiters look for — saying you're a fast learner isn't enough, you need to show that you can actually implement what you learned.

• Cut projected time for data analysis by one week by developing reusable ETL components using Pentaho Kettle

Nothing says “fast learner” like getting things done ahead of schedule. Include accomplishments where you expedited a process or fast-tracked results.

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact (one year ahead of schedule)

Similarly, an early promotion is always a good thing to include on your resume. In this case, it underscores that your ability to learn quickly was noticed by others and resulted in business gains. Here's how these bullet points could fit on a resume:

The structure of your bullet points should largely remain the same:

• Start your bullet point with a relevant action verb , like Accelerated, Mastered, or Expedited.
• To emphasize being a fast learner, you can also varying up your action verbs and use ones like "Researched", "Analyzed", "Learned" or "Optimized" which all show you're someone who can learn new technical skills.
• Remember to follow this up with exactly what you did and what it achieved for the company — numbers and metrics are your friends.

When you’re done, use Score My Resume to find out how you score and give you tips on how to quickly improve your resume.

Find out if your bullet points show you're a quick learner

One of the easiest ways to let hiring managers know you’re a quick learner is to use your resume to highlight accomplishments that show your ability to learn quickly and make impact. Upload your resume to the tool below - it’ll let you know if you have highlighted the right accomplishments and other soft skills.

Include varying responsibilities and involvement in various departments

One thing hiring managers love to see is a broad range of responsibility — perhaps you managed a team that involved everything from design, coding, operations and marketing.

This is extremely positive from a hiring manager's perspective, as that shows you were able to quickly get up to speed when using new skills in a professional setting.

So, when you're writing your bullet points, make sure to stress different skills — you can do that by varying up your use of action verbs and highlighting across different departments. Let's look at an example:

• Led evaluation and selection of new CRM system; spearheaded a cross-functional team (Technology, Business Development, Management) to implement the system; successful adoption accelerated revenue growth by 25% in 1 year
• Devised a pricing and branding strategy with the Strategy team to launch a new three-tier pricing model; achieved a 27% increase in profit

Say you're a quick learner in your resume summary or cover letter

Another place that you can highlight you're a fast learner is in your resume summary. A sentence like "Self-taught Python developer" in your resume summary is effective at doing this.

Here's a summary example you might find useful:

Your cover letter, if you have one, give you a chance to expand a little on how being a quick learner is relevant to the position you’re applying for. That means you should:

• Focus on how it relates to the job. You want the hiring manager to understand how your ability to learn quickly will benefit them.
• Use concrete examples, similar to how you should list accomplishments in your experience section.
• Use synonyms so you aren’t just saying “quick learner” over and over. Try “adept,” “capable,” “receptive,” “retain information,” and “able to quickly grasp new concepts.”

In your cover letter , you can use sentences like the following to show you're a fast learner:

• "I'm someone who hits the ground running — at [Role], I implemented a new process to reduce customer complaints by 20% in my first 3 months."
• "Although I hadn't formally learned or programmed in Python, I was able to quickly learn and use my existing programming knowledge to start fixing bugs in just the first two months after joining"
• "At my last role, I quickly got up to speed with [new system or process that you have not used before]..."

You can also discuss how you joined a new role that was very different to my last role — increased and varied responsibility is always effective at showing you're a quick learner.

Show you're a fast learner through the application process

It’s not just a cliche — actions really do speak louder than words. If you say that you’re a quick learner on your resume, hiring managers will be looking for evidence of that in how you act throughout the hiring process. That means you’ll need to:

• Take initiative. Seek out answers for yourself rather than asking the recruiter basic questions.
• If you land an interview, prepare some answers for behavioral questions that show your ability to learn quickly; for example, a time you picked up a new skill at work or were able to work independently at a higher than expected level.
• Be prepared to hit the ground running when you start the new job! If you’ve sold yourself as a quick learner, you may need to forgo some basic hand-holding.

Why is being a quick learner an advantage?

What hiring managers are looking for.

Being a quick learner can be a valuable skill to include on your resume, but it has very little meaning on its own. Hiring managers don’t necessarily care that you’re a fast learner, but they do care what you can do with it. That means emphasizing related skills like:

• Active listening
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Learning new skills and processes
• Tech fluency
• Research skills
• Multitasking
• Adaptability
• Resourcefulness
• Working independently
• Ability to hit the ground running
• Acting on feedback

Being a quick learner isn’t about being smart or academic performance, so don’t focus on things like GPA (unless you’re a very recent graduate) or test scores.

Instead, focus on job-specific skills, like the ability to quickly absorb new information and hit the ground running in a new position, or requiring minimal supervision to get the job done. But don’t list those as skills or buzzwords — remember that being a fast learner is a soft skill, which means you need to demonstrate it through your accomplishments .

Also worth keeping in mind is that while the ability to learn quickly can be an advantage if you’re new to the workforce or changing careers, it doesn’t replace actual experience. Someone with relevant skills, education, and work experience on their resume is almost always going to be more appealing to a hiring manager than someone they’ll have to train, however briefly.

When being a quick learner actually matters

Being a quick learner can be an advantage in just about any role, but it can be particularly important if:

• You're applying for job in a particularly fast-paced environment or one where you'll be required to wear multiple 'hats'
• You need to be able to hit the ground running and get up to speed quickly
• You'll be working with minimal supervision (including remote work or hybrid positions)
• You're in a role where learning itself is a focus — for example, education, training, research, or academia
• You're changing careers or pivoting to a new role
• You don't have a lot of work experience

More examples

Ready to get started? Here are some other examples of how to say you're a quick learner in your:

• Work experience bullet points
• Education section
• Skills or Additional Information section

Feel free to copy these examples directly or tailor them to reflect your own experience.

Work experience examples

Created a performance reporting template, achieving an 80% reduction in the preparation time of standard client materials.

Being a quick learner is an advantage for your employer when it saves the company time. If your ability to learn quickly significantly improved your performance or output, make sure to highlight that part.

Extracted pieces of DNA and protein from formaldehyde-embedded tissue in 150+ biological samples within 11 weeks on the job.

Anything that you achieved in your first few months can be used as evidence of being a fast learner. As a bonus, it also emphasizes that you'll be quick to bring value to the company.

Researched double cell lithium content and developed new methods that safely transported them, which saved the company $40K per year.

The key to a truly impressive resume bullet point is demonstrating the benefit your actions had. An accomplishment like the one above shows what you learned quickly and why it was important.

Education examples

RESUME WORDED UNIVERSITY Master of Science in Management with Honors ; Major in Management Expected May 2022 Awards: Bill & Melinda Gates Fellow (only 5 awarded to class), Director’s List (top 10%) CFA INSTITUTE CFA Level 2 August 2019

One of the best ways to demonstrate that you’re a quick learner is through a commitment to ongoing learning. In addition to any prestigious awards, make sure to include any relevant mid-career qualifications in your Education section .

Skills section examples

Technical Skills: Advanced in Java, PHP, Javascript, HTML/CSS; Proficient in MATLAB Languages: Fluent in French (native), English; Conversational Proficiency in Chinese

Including skills you’ve picked up — including technical skills and foreign languages — is a great way of showing your ability to quickly grasp and retain information.

You can show you’re a quick learner by including any technical skills, hard skills and foreign language skills you’ve picked up (search for the right skills using the tool below!).

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

10 Other Ways to Say “Quick Learner” on A Resume (With Examples)

When putting together your resume, you want to highlight skills and qualities that will grab a hiring manager’s attention. One key trait that employers look for is the ability to quickly pick up new concepts, processes, and systems. How can you emphasize that you’re a quick learner without actually using that overused phrase?

In this blog post, I’ll discuss 10 alternative ways to convey that you’re adept at rapidly acquiring skills and knowledge on your resume . I’ll provide specific examples you can use to demonstrate your quick learning capabilities freshly.

Companies want people who can hit the ground running with minimal training. Being a fast learner shows you can do that , so it’s an important point to get across. But you don’t want to sound formulaic or boring.

By using more unique and descriptive synonyms for “quick learner,” you’ll make your resume more compelling and memorable. Read on to find language you can use on your resume, cover letters, and in interviews to highlight this sought-after ability.

Is It Professional to Say “Quick Learner”?

No , it is not very professional to simply say “quick learner” on a resume or in a professional context. Though the intent is good, directly stating you are a quick learner comes across as unsubstantial and even slightly naive.

Instead, it is better to demonstrate that you are adept at rapidly acquiring new skills by using concrete examples and more nuanced language. Some more professional alternatives include: efficiently mastering new software after only a few hours of training, being comfortable learning complex processes independently, and successfully applying new methodologies after reviewing documentation.

The key is to show rather than tell that you are a quick study who can swiftly expand your knowledge base and proficiencies.

By providing specific instances when you rapidly picked up unfamiliar domains or systems, you will come across as more polished and persuasive than simply asserting you are a “quick learner.”

Here is an example cover letter using “quick learner”:

Dear Hiring Manager, I was excited to come across the open Project Coordinator role at ABC Company. With my background in successfully managing complex technical projects and rapidly learning new systems, I believe I would be a great fit for this position. In my current role as Project Coordinator at XYZ Corp, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to be a quick learner. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing the position and my qualifications further. Sincerely, Grace

• Provides a specific example of quickly learning a new system
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for learning new proprietary processes
• Overused cliché phrase that may lack impact
• Doesn’t offer metrics/details to back up the quick learner claim

What To Say Instead of “Quick Learner”

Here are 10 other ways to convey being a quick learner on a resume:

• Eager to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge
• Able to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them
• Fast to pick up new processes, systems, and technologies
• Skilled at rapidly mastering new software, methods, and procedures
• Quick to absorb instruction and implement learning
• Rapidly integrates new information and skills
• Excels at swiftly developing proficiency
• Proven ability to promptly learn and apply new material
• Talent for promptly acquiring competencies as needed
• Known capacity to swiftly achieve mastery of unfamiliar domains

1. Eager to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge

Being eager to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge implies a proactive attitude towards learning and development.

This trait is especially valuable in fast-paced environments where the ability to adapt and grow is crucial.

It suggests not just a willingness but an enthusiasm for taking on new challenges and expanding one’s skill set.

This quality is beneficial in roles that require continuous learning, such as technology or healthcare, where advancements happen frequently.

For instance:

In a cover letter, one might say, “I am particularly eager to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge , which drove me to independently learn advanced data analysis techniques, significantly enhancing my contributions to project outcomes.”

2. Able to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them

Being able to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them indicates a high level of cognitive flexibility and practical application of knowledge.

This ability is essential in roles that demand problem-solving and innovation, as it shows that the individual can not only understand new information but also use it effectively in real-world situations.

For example:

In a performance review, you might highlight, “Alex has consistently demonstrated the ability to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them , streamlining our workflow by integrating the latest project management software.”

3. Fast to pick up new processes, systems, and technologies

Being fast to pick up new processes, systems, and technologies is a testament to an individual’s adaptability and technical acumen.

This trait is particularly valuable in industries that are constantly evolving, such as IT or digital marketing.

 It suggests that the person can seamlessly transition between different tools and methodologies, keeping pace with industry changes.

In a recommendation letter , one could write, “Jamie is remarkably fast to pick up new processes, systems, and technologies , making her instrumental in our transition to cloud-based solutions.”

4. Skilled at rapidly mastering new software, methods, and procedures

Being skilled at rapidly mastering new software, methods, and procedures demonstrates a combination of technical proficiency and learning agility.

This competency is crucial in roles that require the use of specialized software or adherence to specific methodologies.

It indicates that the individual is not only adept at learning but can also achieve a high level of proficiency in a short period.

An example of this in use could be, “Within weeks, Sam was skilled at rapidly mastering new software, methods, and procedures , which allowed us to exceed our project deliverables ahead of schedule.”

5. Quick to absorb instruction and implement learning

Being quick to absorb instruction and implement learning shows an exceptional ability to take guidance and immediately put it into action.

This quality is highly valued in training-intensive roles or when onboarding new projects, as it minimizes the ramp-up time and enhances productivity.

During a job interview, one might assert, “I am quick to absorb instruction and implement learning , which was evident when I led a newly formed team to meet critical deadlines by swiftly assimilating and applying complex project guidelines.”

6. Rapidly integrates new information and skills

The ability to rapidly integrate new information and skills into one’s repertoire suggests a seamless blending of new knowledge with existing expertise.

This trait is particularly beneficial in roles that require continuous learning and the application of diverse skill sets to solve complex problems.

It indicates that the individual not only learns quickly but can also synthesize and apply this new knowledge in a way that enhances their overall performance.

in a project report, one might note, “Linda’s capacity to rapidly integrate new information and skills was pivotal in adapting our strategy to the emerging market trends, leading to a 20% increase in efficiency.”

7. Excels at swiftly developing proficiency

To excel at swiftly developing proficiency means more than just learning quickly; it implies achieving a high level of skill in a short timeframe.

This attribute is invaluable in high-stakes environments where new roles or projects demand immediate expertise.

It speaks to an individual’s dedication and capability to not only understand new concepts but to master them to a degree that contributes significantly to their role or team.

An illustration of this could be in a performance appraisal, stating, “Mark excels at swiftly developing proficiency in new technologies, which he demonstrated by leading the integration of an advanced analytics platform within a month of its release.”

8. Proven ability to promptly learn and apply new material

Having a proven ability to promptly learn and apply new material indicates a track record of successful learning and application in real-world scenarios.

This trait reassures employers of an individual’s capability to adapt to new challenges and contribute effectively without extensive training periods.

It is especially relevant for roles that entail a variety of tasks or frequent changes in project scope.

In a resume, one might highlight, “My proven ability to promptly learn and apply new material enabled me to transition seamlessly between diverse roles in the company, from project management to client relations, enhancing team versatility.”

9. Talent for promptly acquiring competencies as needed

A talent for promptly acquiring competencies as needed showcases an individual’s innate ability to identify the skills required for a task and quickly master them.

This trait is crucial in dynamic roles where the ability to self-educate and adapt can significantly impact project outcomes or innovation. It reflects a proactive approach to professional development and problem-solving.

An example:

A professional resume might read, “With a talent for promptly acquiring competencies as needed , I spearheaded the adoption of AI technologies in our design process, significantly reducing turnaround times.”

10. Known capacity to swiftly achieve mastery of unfamiliar domains

Having a known capacity to swiftly achieve mastery of unfamiliar domains speaks to an individual’s reputation for quickly becoming an expert in new areas.

This ability is highly valued in industries that are subject to rapid change or in roles that require leading-edge expertise.

It suggests not only a quick learner but also someone who can become a go-to resource in new and challenging areas.

For Example:

In a letter of intent for a leadership position, one could assert, “My known capacity to swiftly achieve mastery of unfamiliar domains is evidenced by my successful leadership of projects in emerging markets, where I navigated and capitalized on unique challenges to drive growth.”

Related Posts:

Don’t Say You’re a Quick Learner on Your Resume

By Biron Clark

Published: March 1, 2024

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

When I worked as a recruiter , two of the most common phrases that I saw on resumes were “quick learner” and “fast learner.”

Yet these terms mean very little to hiring managers. Every job seeker can (and often does) claim this without evidence.

Coming up, I’ll share examples of what to say instead of “quick learner” on your resume so you can win more interviews.

Why Writing “Quick Learner” on Your Resume is Ineffective

The first thing an employer is thinking as they read your resume is: D oes this person have the skills and experience needed to step into this job and be effective?

Hiring managers want to see specific evidence that you can be successful in the job you applied for.

Saying “quick learner” on your resume doesn’t help convince them of this.

So if you’re a job seeker wanting to show that you can learn a job quickly, what should you do?

The best way to show hiring managers that you’re a quick learner is to provide examples and proof.

Talk about what skills you learned in your previous jobs, and how.

Other Words for “Quick Learner” on Your Resume

You can demonstrate that you’re a quick learner by including resume bullets like the following examples:

• Became proficient in internal customer support ticket system in one week and went on to handle 228 customer requests in first month of work.
• Obtained project management certification (PMP) within six months of starting position.
• Got up to speed on internal project management software within two weeks, allowing me to become a full project team member one week ahead of schedule.
• Became proficient in using internal order tracking system within two weeks to be able to respond to customer requests in my second week of work, one week earlier than scheduled.

When I worked as a recruiter, the first place I looked on a resume was the work experience section, and in particular, the bullets.

So if you want to show hiring managers that you’re a fast learner, show this skill in your recent work experience.

Types of Learning that Job Seekers Can Discuss on Their Resume

• Learning new tools and technologies (like Excel)
• Learning a new industry and its terminology
• Learning new processes (like a new workflow for onboarding clients)
• Learning a new role or responsibility in a company (such as leading meetings)
• Learning soft skills such as public speaking and other communication skills
• Taking a course to learn any new skills
• Completing a certification or continuing education in your industry
• Completing an advanced degree

If you have an example of being a fast learner that needs a bit more space than a resume bullet provides you with, then you can explain more in your cover letter.

A cover letter is a great place to explain how you’d learn a new role and why you would do well in this job even if your previous work was a bit different.

It’s also the right place to talk about what makes you unique , or anything you bring to the company  that the employer might not see on your resume.

You don’t always need to send a cover letter, but when you’re applying to a new type of job or don’t have all of the experience an employer wants, then a cover letter is useful.

Real-World Example of Showing an Employer You’re a Quick Learner

I used the approach discussed above when applying for a job as a tech recruiter…

I had previously only worked as a recruiter in the pharma industry.

I had some relevant skills, but not everything the employer wanted.

(The company would have preferred to hire someone who had worked as a tech recruiter.)

To succeed in this new job, I’d have to learn new concepts, industry terms, and more.

This means it was a bit risky to hire me!

So I explained that although I’d never recruited in tech, I had also never worked as a recruiter in pharma before taking my last job.

And I learned that industry successfully and became one of the top two recruiters in our company.

I discussed my ability to learn industry trends, industry vocabulary, top companies in the space, and more. This SHOWED the hiring manager that I’m a fast learner.

This is how to say you’re a quick learner on your resume and cover letter; not by simply writing “fast learner” or another similar phrase under your list of soft skills.

Show Relevant Hard Skills in Addition to Saying You’re a Quick Learner

Ideally, on your resume, you want to show fast-learning skills and relevant experience for a job.

You should never ignore that second piece: relevant experience.

A hiring manager will appreciate that you’re a fast learner who can pick up new concepts, but they’ll be even more excited to hire you if you’ve already done work that’s similar to what they need.

Employers don’t expect you to have every piece of experience they list in the job description, but show as much as you can.

When writing your resume, emphasize any overlaps between your job history and the job requirements.

I’ll share more about this process next…

Always Customize Your Resume for the Job Description

Before writing your resume and cover letter to show that you’re a quick learner, carefully read the job description of the position.

You want to show that you’ll be able to learn the exact technical skills needed in this job.

Think about which skills the employer seems to want most, and point to whatever you’ve done that’s most similar in a previous job. Highlight this information in your employment history, bullets, skills section, etc.

This is known as tailoring your resume .

Then, you can explain how you’ll fill any gaps in your experience with your quick-learning skills.

But the hiring manager will always be drawn to the relevant technical skills that you do have, more than any claims that you can learn quickly.

Never forget to highlight the skills you already have.

It’s a mistake to highlight how you’ll learn new skills without also discussing how your current skills are relevant to the job you want.

More Ways to Say You’re a Fast Learner on Your Resume

On your resume, you can also show that you’re motivated and passionate about learning in general.

For example, you can discuss any online courses you’ve taken, any certifications you’ve completed, and the skills you learned during that process.

I recommend Skillshare for most online learning.

You can mention courses taken and certifications obtained in your resume skills section , your education section, or both.

Further reading: Guide to resume sections and titles.

When hiring managers look at your resume and see you are learning new skills and taking courses, they’ll think that you’re more likely to be a quick learner in their job, too.

Write about actions you’ve taken instead of simply describing yourself as a “quick learner,” and you’ll have a much more powerful resume.

You can also drop a hint about your commitment to learning in your resume summary section .

For example, you could write:

Digital marketing specialist and lifelong learner with advanced experience in digital advertising, copywriting, and social media management.

More Resume Buzzwords to Avoid

“Quick learner” isn’t the only soft skill that hiring managers tend to ignore on a resume (if you don’t provide more detail and proof).

Be careful about including other resume buzzwords like the following (without also giving proof/examples):

• Proactive self-starter
• Detail-oriented
• Team player
• Strategic thinker
• Creative thinker

A prospective employer is going to respond much better to specific examples of you utilizing these skills.

For example, instead of just writing “creative thinker” in your list of skills, write a bullet about how you used creative thinking to come up with new ideas or solve a problem in a recent job.

Instead of describing yourself as a team player, talk about what teamwork you’ve done and what results you achieved on those teams.

These types of details on your resume will get you invited to more job interviews versus just saying, “Team player.”

Quick Summary: How to Say on Your Resume that You’re a Fast Learner

Employers appreciate job seekers who can learn new skills quickly, but almost every job seeker claims to be a fast learner, so you need to prove it.

Hiring managers are only going to trust that you’re a fast learner if you show evidence of how you’ve quickly learned a new skill in the past.

On your resume, and then in the job interview, discuss how you learned new skills and new concepts in previous jobs.

And focus on showing experience that overlaps with the required skills in the job description.

The job description will give you clues as to what professional experience an employer wants.

You’ll know you’ve spotted an important skill on a job description if it’s mentioned multiple times or if it’s mentioned high up on their list of requirements/job duties.

It’s okay if you don’t have every piece of previous work experience that the company wants… the job posting is merely their wish list!

Just show as much overlap as you can between your skills and the company’s needs.

Showing relevant experience while also showing proof of your ability to learn quickly will help you get more interviews and job offers from potential employers.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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How to Say Fast Learner on Resume – Without Saying It

Learning how to say fast learner on your resume or finding an appropriate synonym to emphasize that you learn quickly is essential in making a job change or starting a new career. Candidates often ask us, “What is another word for fast learner that I can use on my resume?” so we asked leading career counselors, resume writers, HR professionals, CEOs, and career coaches for their advice.

The overwhelming response was that ‘quick learner’ or ‘fast learner,’ among the essential  soft skills , doesn’t belong anywhere on your resume and that the approaches below are much better options. In fact, these tips can also help you improve your use of other common skill keywords on your resume, such as hard worker, team player, good listener, communication skills, great leader, proactive self-starter, strategic thinker, strong work ethic, and good time management.

8 Ways to Emphasize Being a Fast Learner on Resume

When it comes to impressing potential employers, highlighting your ability to adapt and learn new skills quickly is crucial. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, being a fast learner is a valuable trait that employers look for in candidates.

Below, we will share eight effective ways to emphasize your fast-learning abilities on your resume, which can help you stand out in a competitive job market. By incorporating these tips into your resume, you can quickly showcase your ability to adapt and excel in any role.

1. Use Quick Learner Synonyms

Adam Rossi, CEO of TotalShield , suggests to MatchBuilt that “quick learner” doesn’t even belong anywhere on a resume and that you should consider another word.

Quick learner synonyms can include the following:

• able to quickly grasp new concepts

This is because it is way too subjective – what defines “quick,” anyway? A more effective adjective to describe yourself would be “flexible” or “adaptable,” as they speak more readily to being able to think on your feet and learn as you go.

Further, Christen Costa, CEO of Gadget Review , believes you should emphasize challenges that you’ve overcome instead of saying you’re a fast learner.

Instead of writing “quick learner” on your resume, show certain obstacles and challenges you’ve overcome and projects you’ve undertaken that can act as evidence that you are a quick learner. You can prove you learn quickly without saying so explicitly. The interview process or a cover letter will allow you to prove you are a fast learner by explaining the various skills you’ve adopted throughout your career.

2. Show, Don’t Tell That You Learn Quickly

Senior Operations Manager John Sturtevant, with Let’s Eat, Grandma , an award-winning professional resume writing service that has produced thousands of resumes that stand out for professionals at every career stage, states that it’s best to show how you achieved results quickly.

Here’s the key: show, don’t tell. I can say I’m a quick learner like everybody else does, but if I show examples of when I took on a challenge, adapted, learned quickly , and achieved results, it is much more compelling because it gives proof. For example, say you include a specific bullet point like this: “Doubled process efficiency and saved $125K within one year of joining the company by optimizing financial reporting and fine-tuning accounting system.” Rather than telling the recruiter that you’re a quick learner, this causes the recruiter to think, “Wow, this person’s a quick learner!

Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D., the CEO of Boyer Consulting , shares the same sentiment.

Poorly written resumes will say, “I am a quick learner,” indicating the writer can’t describe what they do in their job and can only get information across in subjective language. The best resume will “Show, not tell” that they are a quick learner. Using objective language and dates, the resume owner can document how they moved up through positions or tasks assigned , with job dates and/or detailed descriptions of their tasking. For instance: Instead of ’saying’ “I am a quick learner,” showcase how you were quickly promoted to a new position because you were a quick learner inside your backward chronology of job history. 09/04 – 12/10, Manager, Company, City, ST 05/03 – 09/04, Supervisor, Company, City, ST 03/03 – 05/03, Entry Level Clerk, Company, City, ST Then if you can’t control yourself and still need to brag about your quick promotional history, do it in the cover letter , middle (2nd of 3) paragraphs.

3. Use Specific, Relevant Examples on Your Resume

Andrew Makhovskyi, the CEO of Effy.ai , a software company that facilitates the HR process recommends using specific, relevant examples to show how quickly you learn.

One of the most critical things in a good resume is examples. There’s no space to describe everything in detail, but you can show how a specific role requires you to learn things quickly . For instance, if you advanced to a new position or had to step up and take on more responsibilities, you should mention that. Every experienced recruiter will understand what’s written between the lines. Also, if you had to change your role or a whole industry completely, make sure that you explain how well you managed this transition. This is another way of saying you are very adaptable and a quick learner. These are just a few examples you can use. Basically, the idea is to use concrete situations and show your ability to learn quickly without having to say it directly.

4. Tailor Your Fast Learning Capabilities to Your Audience

Shel Horowitz, a leading resume and LinkedIn writer with Accurate Writing , suggested to MatchBuilt that you should tailor the verbiage on your resume to your audience.

If I use a summary–not every resume calls for one–I might include a variation on phrases like “able to learn new skills rapidly and well” or “thrive on new challenges”; the phrase I use will depend on the client’s personality and what kind of audience they are addressing. Whether or not I use a summary, I might highlight specific quick-learning achievements like “managed transition to the new accounting system and trained 20 co-workers to use it effectively.” My resumes are always individually tailored to highlight that particular client’s strengths for the kinds of jobs they’re applying to. Also, because I work while you wait (over Zoom or in-person), I can probe deeply and uncover and spotlight the actual accomplishments that the client might not have expressed or even realized.

5. Polish the Education Section of Your Resume

Chris Lewandowski, the President of Princess Dental Staffing , suggests updating the education section of a resume to demonstrate that you learn fast.

Revise your education section ( add Dean’s List if applicable) to demonstrate that you are a committed learner . In addition to the degrees, add details of the courses, training, and certifications you are pursuing. Accordingly, use the soft skills section to exhibit your quick learning abilities. Use the terms such as active listener, attentive learner, resourceful, and receptive to training. Then, incorporate your ability to quickly learn in the work experience section, which is the key selling point of your application. Include solid examples of how your quick learning abilities helped you thrive in your previous workplace. Here’s an idea to help you get started: “I got a promotion from the role of a junior app developer to senior app developer within ten months of joining the team. I made this possible by exceeding client expectations and mastering new tools and applications to help me deliver my duties more effectively.”

6. Maximize the Placement of Quick Learner Synonyms

Sharon Dylan, the Co-Founder and Career Coach at Management Help , remarks that “quick learner” or its synonyms should be grouped in particular sections of your resume.

Put it under your experiences. Most of the time, “quick learner” or its synonym is placed under the skills part of a resume. However, this is not an easily quantifiable skill. Hence, I would suggest that you place it under experiences but make sure to put a project you successfully led and highlight that it was not something of your expertise. This will clearly show that you did well and learned fast to lead the project successfully . This also does not undermine the skill as it is not grouped with your other skillsets but instead highlights it as it is shown together with your experiences. With that said, the “quick learner” skill is enhanced more.

Bryan Carter, the Founder & CEO, ResumeBuilderPro , who has been hiring people and helping them get hired, agrees.

I suggest that you include it in your skills area. Your talents area is another opportunity to emphasize your accelerated learning rate . You can link this quality to the majority of your skills. Create a list with bulleted points , or use a combination of bullets and a narrative to add context. Use keywords to guarantee that your resume passes keyword scanners if potential employers utilize them.

7. Relax, Just Say, Quick Learner

Irene McConnel, MD of Arielle Executive , a branding manager for c-level executives and senior managers, loves how concise and straightforward the phrase ‘quick learner’ is.

The first thing we need to establish is that there’s nothing wrong with using the exact phrase, ‘quick learner.’ It’s a concise and direct way to tell recruiters of your capabilities. You can add this quality to the skills section of the resume, where you talk about your personal attributes. A great way to tell recruiters you’re a quick learner is to use words or phrases synonymous with it . You can use words like adept or some phrases such as “I grasp new concepts and ideas quickly.” Another excellent method is to show it through your achievements. For example, talking about an accomplishment or promotion that happened way ahead of schedule.

8. Share Your Commitment to Continuous Learning

Alan Edwards, a writer and coach at the Undercover Recruiter , has worked as an agency recruiter (beginning in the mid-1990s), coached MBA students in career services, supported practice leads in hiring talent as a VP in a national technology firm, and built and led a team as a CEO. He recommends sharing your commitment to continuous learning.

It’s true that ‘quick learner’ is an overused self-description. My go-to way of saying the same thing is ‘committed to continuous learning and embracing new challenges.’ The best place to put this is in the ‘Summary’ or ‘Profile’ at the top of a resume , mentioned in the brief description of who you are and what you bring to the table. (You can also include a similar statement in a cover letter if you’re sending one.) More importantly, however, is having experiences that support what you’re saying. If I see that phrase in a resume, I want to see evidence in the work history that validates it – a track record of taking on new responsibilities frequently and quickly throughout your career . I’d also ask some questions in an interview to understand why you see yourself as a quick learner and how you’ve demonstrated that in your work. In other words, if you’re going to say it, be prepared to back it up.

Ricardo Luís Von Groll, the Content Manager at Talentify , agrees and suggests you mention your passion for learning.

“Quick Learner” is indeed a great soft or human skill recruiters look for when assessing a candidate. That fact is that putting it in your description in the resume may seem a little ‘cold’ to some professionals. In my case, I prefer ‘warmer’ descriptions, and that reminds me of ‘passion.’ So I would suggest that instead of simply writing ‘quick learner,’ try something like ‘passionate for learning’ instead. At last, there is one more reason I don’t recommend ‘quick learner’ in resumes, and that is the idea of ‘quick’ that differs from one another. What is quick for me to learn might not be quick for you and vice-versa.

What’s Another Word Fast Learner on Resume? Summary

Learning how to say fast learner, similar to saying that you trained someone on your resume , and finding an appropriate synonym to emphasize that you learn quickly is critical to applying to a new job or starting a new career. The overwhelming response from the experts that MatchBuilt asked was that ‘quick learner’ or ‘fast learner’ doesn’t belong on your resume and that the approaches above are much better options.

Perhaps these tips can help you improve other common skill keywords on your resume, such as hard worker, team player, good listener, communication skills, great leader, proactive self-starter, strategic thinker, strong work ethic, and good time management.

A prospective employer or hiring manager will appreciate these specific skills, but sharing them with specific examples from your professional experience or direct synonyms with active statements was highly recommended. In addition, the job description on the job posting might be the right place to find new ideas to achieve this as well.

Hopefully, understanding that there are other words for fast learner and different places you can emphasize them on your resume, especially on an entry-level resume , will help you become an even more desirable candidate and get that job interview (learn how to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview here) you’ve been hoping for.

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About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

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How To Write A Killer Cover Letter + Example + Free Template

We all know how important is it to have a top-class resume to deliver to your prospective employer or company recruitment officer, but many job seekers tend to forget how crucial it is to back up your resume with a solid cover letter .

A killer cover letter will also help you stand out from the crowd when employers are sorting through their list of prospectives. Many people also make the huge mistake of keeping a generic cover letter on file and sending it to multiple employers without a second thought. Big mistake!

It would come as no surprise to find most people have sent out the same cover letter to prospective employers at one point or another. This is especially true if you have been looking for work or trying to change career for some time. We all tend to get a bit weary of the constant application process over time.

Harsh as it may sound, the reality is that neglecting your cover letter can lose you that job , no matter how good your resume is. Many people think that your resume showing your skills, qualifications and work experience should be enough. Sadly this isn’t true.

Make sure you have an exceptional cover letter to back up your resume and you will be sure to stand out from all the other candidates. Employers have to wade through hundreds of applications to sort out their shortlist. Take your chance to show how perfect you are for the role and make it impossible for them to ignore you.

Watch our short video guide explaining how to write a cover letter that gets results

How to make writing your cover letter easier

If you are not a natural born writer, or even if you are, crafting a killer cover letter can seem hellishly difficult to achieve. Many people make the job more complicated than it actually is, so let’s take a look at how to simplify your cover letter writing.

Basically, a good cover letter needs to get across three important things:

• You have the necessary skills to fit the job at hand
• You have strong communication skills
• You will seamlessly fit in with their team

So how exactly do you convey these three points in your one page cover letter?

Start out strong and to the point. You need to grab the readers attention, so anything wishy-washy or too vague will be very boring to read and will see your letter consigned to the bin in the first 15 seconds of reading. The first sentences of your letter are the most valuable . Don’t beat around the bush here – launch straight into why you are perfect for the job.

Here is an example of an attention grabbing introduction:

“You are looking for a person who can communicate extremely well on all levels, someone who is self-assured and confident, and can be trusted to work independently or cooperatively within a team. I believe I am the person you need.”

Once you have your reader hooked, you can then move on to convincing them that your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the role.

Put the above advice into practice by using our free cover letter generator – a quick tool for creating an attractive cover letter in PDF.

Mirror the language of the job description

Most businesses will have their own company language and this is usually reflected in the chosen wording of their job advertisements. You can use this to your advantage by mirroring the language used in the advertisement as much as possible to show how your skills match perfectly with with their needs. For example, if you previously worked as a ‘content writer’ for a company, but this firm calls it ‘copywriting’, then you should also call it copywriting. You are more likely to get noticed if you already speak the same language as the company does!

Remember to inject some personality

Your killer cover letter serves the purpose of demonstrating why you are a good fit for the job in hand, but you don’t want to come across as some sort of unfeeling robot. Employers hire people on a combination of both their skills and their personality. They like to hire people that they can get along with and be able to work well with others. By making your letter conversational in tone and not overly formal, you can demonstrate that you are friendly and approachable. This will add a good feeling to your cover letter that will make it shine.

Never use a generic “To Whom it May Concern” salutation. If you know the hiring manager’s name, you may use Mr or Ms first and last name. If you are unsure, you can address it to the department hiring manager or the job title hiring manager.

Debi Douma-Herren HR Consultant & Career Strategist LinkedIn

The key to a killer cover letter is making the employer want to meet you. Steer-clear of those classically overused catchphrases that recruiters see over again in generic cover letters and you should easily stand out from the crowd. Try to avoid phrases like: “I am passionate about…”, “I am a team-player”, and “I am a fast learner.” Believe me, these phrases litter most cover letters and are so overused that employers can go cold at the sight of them.

If you see a job that is worth applying for, always thoughtfully tailor your cover letter to suit the language being used. Avoid boring the reader to death, and inject a bit of your personality to get yourself noticed in a sea of cover letter mediocrity.  You can do it!

Why do we need a cover letter?

While you think that adding a cover letter to your resume is an extra time-consuming task, you may wonder if you can get away with just sending your resume without one. However, in most cases, especially when you are applying for a job in a competitive industry, a good cover letter will greatly help to boost your chances of getting through to the interview stage.

Done correctly, your cover letter will help to highlight your most valuable skills and experience for the job in hand, and can make all the difference between making it to the ‘yes’ pile for short-listing for interview, or being rejected.

Your cover letter is a great opportunity to deliver key information to the employer without them having to search your resume for it.

What should I include?

What you should make sure to include in your cover letter is your previous experience that directly relates to the job that you are applying for. This instantly shows the employer that they have a candidate that can hit the ground running.

Remember to keep your cover letter short and sweet. You don’t want to overload the employer with too much information, especially if it repeats what they will find in your resume. Three to five paragraphs is sufficient, but make sure each paragraph is targeted to a different aspect of your application.

Go through the job description and search for key words and phrases. This is what the employer is looking for in a candidate, so you should make your cover letter answer their requests. If they want a candidate with sales experience, tell them in your cover letter that you have sales experience.

What to avoid with your cover letter

A well written cover letter can have a very positive influence on an employer – but don’t forget that the opposite is also true! A poorly constructed cover letter isn’t going to win you any friends, so keep it on point and relevant.

Avoid making your cover letter too long. An employer can be very put off when they see a very lengthy cover letter with huge blocks of text for them to wade through.

Cut any unnecessary waffle. Your cover letter is not the place to tell an employer that you are the president of the narrow-gage model railway society, or captain of you basketball team. Keep everything you include in your letter relevant for the job on offer.

An Example of a Cover Letter

Here we have prepared an example of a cover to give you an idea about how to write your letter. You can use this example to guide your writing, or you could choose to use the free cover letter template that is all ready for you to edit with your own information ( see below ).

Cover letter applying for the post of a Magazine Subscriptions Manager.

Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I am applying for the role of Magazine Subscriptions Manager as advertised by your company. My resume is attached for your review. With my previous related experience as a Subscriptions Administrator for XYZ Magazine, and my exemplary work ethic, I would appreciate your consideration for this management role. My skills are an ideal match for this position.

My related experience:

Responsible for managing the subscriptions database, solving customer payment and delivery issues, dealing with customer queries directly via telephone and email, following customer care procedures in accordance with departmental and company policies. Assisting with hiring, training, and management of junior staff and interns. Coordinating and collating statistics and sales reports. Experience in the supervision of staff as an active line manager.

I also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work well as part of a team.

I appreciate your taking the time to review my resume and experience. Thank you for your consideration.

Your Signature

Cover Letter Template

To save you a lot of time with your cover letter preparation, we have created a well-balanced Cover Letter Template for you to use. This template has been created in MS Word and is completely customizable. Simply download and edit our professionally designed Cover Letter Template with your own personal information.

Download template (.docx)

Remember to tailor the text in your template to reflect why you should be selected for this job interview.

Need a matching resume design? Get the free Champagne & Wine resume template here .

Proofreading your Cover Letter

On a final note, take extra care to thoroughly proofread and edit your cover letter. Look for easy to miss typos and grammatical errors that can make your letter look sloppy. Wherever possible, get at least two other friends or family members to look over your cover letter for any minor mistakes that you may have missed.

If you don’t have anyone free that can look over your cover letter for you, then check out Grammarly.

Grammarly can be your second pair of eyes when you need to make sure your cover letter is absolutely perfect. It scans your text for common and complex grammatical mistakes, then offers accurate, context-specific suggestions to further help improve your text where necessary.

This post has been originally published on Oct 26, 2016 and has been extensively revised and updated on April 23, 2018.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Fast Learner Skills: Example Usage on Resumes, Skill Set & Top Keywords in 2024

Here are the top ways to show your Fast Learner skills on your resume. Find out relevant Fast Learner keywords and phrases and build your resume today.

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Drop your resume here or upload a file to find out if the skills in your resume are readable by an ATS.

In This Guide:

What are fast-learning skills, why is being a fast learner important on your resume, what skills, activities, and accomplishments help you highlight your fast-learning skills, fast-learning: key takeaways for your resume.

It’s a Monday morning, and you come to the office, only to find out that from now on you’ll be working with a new CRM. After a twenty-minute onboarding training, you are ready to rock the day. Right?

This is the dream come true of every employer. They all hunt for the good listeners, strategic thinkers, and solution-focused candidates who learn new skills in no time.

A fast learner is someone who is highly receptive to training, open to constructive feedback, and who can get things done only told once.

Every day, companies are introduced with new technologies and innovation is changing business processes. Customer preferences change, and companies merge. You can never be sure what is going to follow next.

The only sure thing is that companies must be prepared to adapt. The best way they can do that is by hiring fast-learners who are ready to react to changed rapidly.

However, simply putting “fast learner” in your list of skills would not make a big difference in convincing the HRs that you can thrive in the company’s dynamic environment.

So how can you prove that you actually are the fast-learning candidate that they are looking for?

Being a fast learner is sort of an umbrella term that combines many skills. To make a positive impression, outline what fast-learning means to you. Here are some examples that may come in handy:

• Perception & Adaptability: being adept and sensitive towards your surroundings is a good sign that you quickly perceive when things need to change and respond accordingly.
• Versatility & Flexibility: versatile employees are appreciated for their ability to do many things at the same time, prioritize their tasks, and jump from one task to another if the situation requires it.
• Attention to detail and resourcefulness: paying attention to detail communicates that you like to get to the bottom of things, while being resourceful is all about your proactivity and willingness to improve and educate yourself.

How to demonstrate that you are a fast learner on your resume

• List an example of a skill that you have learned within a given short period of time in order to perform a task.
• Mention how you used a newly gained skill to contribute to a project.
• Explain how you changed careers and became a specialist in an entirely new field.
• Provide examples of accomplishments that you were able to do in a short time.
• Include a recommendation from previous employers or teammates that highlight your fast-learning skills.

Remember that you should always back your statement that you learn quickly. If you only mention it, it won’t be enough to prove that you are suitable for the Junior position that requires 2+years of experience. When, in fact, you have been on-the-job market for only 1 year.

You can include specific examples across the different sections of your resume to add more context and plausibility.

Have a look at these resume snippets from Enhancv users as an example of how you can effectively communicate your fast-learning skills.

Example 1: Demonstrate fast-learning skills in the experience section

Job situation: Sales Associate applies for the position of a Junior Marketing Specialist

• • Learned how to work with a new sales software in one month. Got promoted after three months due to upselling with a couple of clients.
• • Helped a couple of interns get onboarded and train them how to start working with Hubspot.
• • Switched to a marketing role to fill in for a colleague on maternity leave
• • Executed my first successful marketing campaign within 2 months.

This Marketing Specialist candidate demonstrates the ability to quickly pick up by giving specific examples from their previous job.

They proved that they are good listeners and are perceptive to training, as they were able to learn how to successfully work with new software.

In addition, the example shows good teamwork skills and readiness to respond to the changing demands of your team.

Example 2: Demonstrate fast-learning skills in the resume summary section

Job situation: Business Analyst with 2 years of experience applies for the position of Investment Analyst

Your resume summary should communicate “dynamics” right away. It’s good if you use more verbs and mention that you got promoted in your old company, changed departments or became responsible for training people.

Example 3: Show your fast-learning skills in your achievements sections

Job situation - A Product Manager with 10 years of experience applies for the position of Chief of Product

If you wish to add an Achievement section to your resume, this is the right place for you to focus on more storytelling and to highlight the metrics that you have been able to achieve.

Here, similar to the example above, you can focus on different job situations in order to highlight various skills.

Example 4: Demonstrate the skill through other sections of your resume

In addition to the professional and academic achievements, you can demonstrate your fast-learning skills by listing all the relevant certifications that you have earned and the time it took to finish every course.

Extracurricular activities such as participating in various clubs and organizations will also bring more value to your application because they also indicate that you are already a team player who is able to learn from your teammates and pass on the knowledge.

Last but not least, including a recommendation for your previous employer, teammates or trainees would really leave a good impression.

• Backup with examples: explain how you have acquired a new skill in a short time during your previous work experiences.
• Break down what fast-learning means to you: whether it is the ability to be flexible, versatile, or a good listener, use these adjectives and boost their impact by including lots of verbs.

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5 Cliché Cover Letter Lines to Avoid at All Costs

Three years ago, job search expert Jenny Foss wrote one of my favorite articles on cover letters. It was called, “ Bad Pick-Up Lines: They Don’t Work in Bars, They Don’t Won’t in Cover Letters .” (Yes, I remember it even three years later.)

Even after reading that article, it took me some time—longer than I’d like to admit—to step outside of the “I am writing to apply for [position]” lead-in, because it’s what I was comfortable with. But it’s 2015, and people are still writing form letters, which leads to the spread of terrible advice like, “No one reads cover letters anyway.”

It’s not that no one reads them. The hard truth is that if your letter looks like everyone else’s, the hiring manager will read it—and promptly forget it.

So, read on for the five of the most cliché lines to strike from your cover letter immediately. (Bonus points if you have yours open in a separate screen, highlight any offending lines, and promise to change them before you submit your next application.)

1. “I Am Applying for the Role of [Title] at [Company]”

Years ago, when applications were sent through the mail and secretaries sorted through letter after letter, it was probably really important to dedicate your opening line to the job you were applying for. But nowadays, I’d guess you’re applying via some system that makes it clear what position you’re interested in—such as an online portal where you can check that box or in an email with the subject line: Application: [Name of Role] . In other words, the person reading your cover letter knows why you’re there.

Of course, I’m not suggesting you never mention the position. The very opposite is true: You should absolutely mention the position, the company, and why you’re a fit for both. What I’m saying is that if you open your cover letter with the line above, you’ll have the same opener as several other candidates. Translation: You’ll have wasted your first impression as well as valuable space.

So, start your letter by grabbing the hiring manager’s attention ( more on that here ), and then leading into why you’re a fit for the particular role and organization.

2. “I’m a Fast Learner”

Confession: Every time I’ve written this in a cover letter, it’s because I didn’t have the preferred number of years of experience . And, I’m pretty sure the person reading my application translated this line accordingly.

Saying that you learn quickly isn’t going to knock anyone’s socks off. So, what should you write instead? Include a stat or story that shows what a fast learner you are. If you have a photographic memory or taught yourself to code, mention it. If your boss asked you to learn every major client’s name in one morning and you did it, share that anecdote. It will be much more memorable than “I’m a fast learner.”

3. “I Think Outside the Box”

Let’s start with the irony of using a cliché to describe how creative you are. Seriously, though, if you are someone who thinks outside the box, why not do just that with your cover letter?

Your best bet here is to show—rather than write a sentence about—your inventiveness. Maybe you apply for your job in a creative way or provide an example of time when your ingenuity saved the day. Or, just prove it right off the bat by opening up your cover letter with a witty line that grabs people's attention.

4. “I’m the Best Person for the Job”

First things first, do you know every other applicant? Take it from someone who’s lost out to a person with a decade more experience in a given sector (twice): You can’t make this assertion.

Not only could there be someone who is in fact more qualified than you, but your prospective boss may also have additional considerations that you’re unaware of. Maybe you’re the person with a decade more experience, but the company is looking for someone greener because of budget constraints. Or perhaps you check all the right boxes—but the best person is actually in-house .

“Best” is a subjective term, so stick to statements you know to be true. This would include all of the lines about how well-matched your experience is and why you’re personally drawn to the organization. By the time someone finishes reading your cover letter, he or she should know that you’re the best person.

5. “This Is Exactly the Kind of Role I’m Looking For”

OK, this statement means well. You’re trying to show that you’re here for the right reasons, that you’re passionate about the company, that you’re invested in the role, and so forth.

But it doesn’t have the impact you’re going for. First, it can come off a little self-indulgent (i.e., that you’re more focused on what the company can do for you than on what you can do for the company). Second, it’s redundant. If you’re applying for a job, let’s hope it’s what you’re looking for!

Instead, shift your focus to discussing why you’re the candidate the company is looking for. (More on that here ).

Your cover letter is a chance to show why you’re uniquely qualified for an open position. So, don’t bury your potential in cliché cover lines—use the tips above to stand out from the pack.

Photo of cliche cover letter writer courtesy of Shutterstock .

Resume Synonyms for Quick Learner

Proud to be a 'Quick Learner'? It's a valued trait, but with a twist in phrasing, it can be even more impactful. Our guide suggests terms that highlight your adaptability and learning curve effectively.

Table of Contents

Using quick learner on a resume.

Being a 'Quick Learner' suggests adaptability and the ability to acquire new skills efficiently. On a resume, it can be a valuable trait in fast-paced or ever-evolving sectors. To bolster its credibility, provide examples of when you quickly mastered new skills or adapted to change. Incorporating complementary descriptors can further validate your learning agility.

Tailor Your Resume Content to the Job Description

Strong vs Weak Uses of Quick Learner

Examples of using quick learner on a resume.

• As a quick learner, I was able to master the company's proprietary software within a week, leading to a 20% increase in my team's productivity.
• Recognized as a quick learner, I was entrusted with the responsibility of training new hires within their first month, significantly reducing their onboarding time.
• Being a quick learner, I adapted to the sudden shift from in-person to remote work during the pandemic, maintaining a high level of productivity and meeting all deadlines.
• I am a quick learner and was able to understand the job responsibilities.
• Being a quick learner, I was able to do the tasks assigned to me.

How Quick Learner Is Commonly Misused

Quick learner.

This term is often used improperly on resumes, leading to a lack of impact and effectiveness. Here are some examples of sub-optimal usage:

This statement is too vague and does not provide any specific information about the candidate's ability to learn quickly. It is better to provide concrete examples or evidence of quick learning, such as "Acquired proficiency in a new software system within two weeks, enabling a 30% increase in productivity."

Quick Learner with a strong work ethic

While mentioning a strong work ethic is important, combining it with the term "Quick Learner" dilutes the impact of both statements. It is better to focus on one aspect and provide specific examples or achievements related to that trait. For example, "Demonstrated exceptional ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, resulting in a 50% reduction in project completion time."

Quick Learner, able to handle multiple tasks

While multitasking skills are valuable, combining them with the term "Quick Learner" can make the statement appear generic and less impactful. It is better to focus on one aspect and provide specific examples or accomplishments related to that skill. For instance, "Rapidly acquired new product knowledge and successfully managed a high volume of customer inquiries, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction."

Quick Learner, eager to learn and grow

While expressing eagerness to learn and grow is positive, combining it with the term "Quick Learner" can make the statement sound redundant and less impactful. It is better to focus on one aspect and provide specific examples or outcomes related to that desire for growth. For example, "Proactively pursued professional development opportunities, quickly acquiring new skills and certifications that led to a promotion within six months."

When to Replace Quick Learner with Another Synonym

Adapting to new technologies:.

Instead of using "Quick Learner," job seekers can use synonyms like "Adaptive," "Tech-savvy," or "Versatile" to highlight their ability to quickly grasp and adapt to new technologies. These alternatives convey their proficiency in learning and utilizing various software, tools, and systems, showcasing their agility in keeping up with the ever-changing technological landscape.

Problem-solving:

When describing their problem-solving skills, job seekers can opt for synonyms such as "Resourceful," "Analytical," or "Solution-oriented." These terms emphasize their ability to identify and analyze complex problems, think critically, and develop effective solutions. By using these alternatives, job seekers can demonstrate their capacity to tackle challenges and contribute to the success of their future employers.

Acquiring new knowledge:

Instead of using "Quick Learner," job seekers can use synonyms like "Curious," "Inquisitive," or "Knowledge-hungry" to showcase their enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal development. These alternatives highlight their proactive approach to acquiring new knowledge, staying updated with industry trends, and seeking opportunities for growth. By using more precise language, job seekers can convey their passion for learning and their commitment to staying ahead in their field.

Best Resume Synonyms for Quick Learner

How to replace quick learner with a stronger, more relevant synonym, replacing quick learner in your resume summary.

Using Quick Learner

Using a Strong Synonym

Replacing Quick Learner in Your Work Experience

• As a quick learner, I was able to grasp the complexities of the new software system within a week, leading to an increase in my productivity.
• With my adaptable skill set, I mastered the intricacies of a new software system in just one week, significantly boosting my productivity levels.

Powerful Quick Learner Synonyms for Different Job Categories

Best quick learner synonyms for marketing resumes, best quick learner synonyms for customer service resumes, find the right synonyms for any job, frequently asked questions.

Instead of using 'Quick Learner', you might consider using 'Adaptable' or 'Adept at Mastering New Concepts'. For instance, in a sentence, you could say, "Adaptable professional with experience in various industries" or "Adept at mastering new concepts, having quickly transitioned from a background in humanities to a role in technology."

It's OK to use 'Quick Learner' on a resume when you can back it up with specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to rapidly acquire new skills or knowledge. For instance, if you've mastered a new software program in a short time or adapted to a completely new role or industry quickly. However, avoid using it as a vague or filler term; it's more impactful when linked to concrete experiences or accomplishments.

To gauge if 'Quick Learner' is relevant for your resume, consider the job you're applying for. If the role involves rapidly acquiring new skills or adapting to new technologies or environments, then 'Quick Learner' would be a valuable trait to highlight. For example, if you're applying for a tech job where you'll need to learn new programming languages, or a managerial role where you'll need to understand various business functions, showcasing your ability to learn quickly can give you an edge.

Which Job Titles use Quick Learner the Most?

Top 5 titles/functions with the most mentions of quick learner on their resume:, related resume synonyms, explore full resume examples to find other improvements.

Tools to Improve Your Resume Language for Greater Impact

How to Emphasize Being a Quick Learner on Your Resume

Being able to learn new things quickly is one of the most important skills that an employee can have. Employers want someone who they know will be capable and willing to take action.

Here are ways to emphasize being a quick learner on your resume, according to experts.

Pablo Listingart

Career Development Professional | Founder, ComIT

In the post-COVID hiring rush, recruiters are buried in resumes. Endless 8’x11′ white pages are floating across their desk. The challenge for eager candidates is to properly communicate important skill sets, like being a quick learner, without getting lost in the sea of claims that say the same.

Below are a few areas of focus to help candidates emphasize and articulate their contributions as a quick-learner on their resumes:

Candidates can use their portfolio projects to articulate their skills

Quick learning is what’s considered a ‘soft skill’ in the job market. Not to be confused as a term of debasement, soft skills are incredibly valuable to recruitment teams. They’re just harder to demonstrate.

When applying for a job, candidates can use their portfolio projects to really articulate the skills they’re claiming on the resume. If you’re a quick learner, use one of your example projects to show how.

• What new skill did that project require you to learn?
• How were you able to come up with the learning curve, and what did your ability to do so contribute to the group?

These descriptions can be brief and shouldn’t add too much time for someone who’s browsing your portfolio.

Show how a course you took or a skill you acquired translated into real-life action

While ‘description’ and ‘brevity’ seem to be contradictory terms, they’re actually two great rules for creating a standout resume. Many people have the tendency to include dozens of vague skills at the top of their resume, but fewer applicants are able to show how they acquired the skill and how they’re able to use it.

If you’re able to provide a brief example, you can show how a course you took or a skill you acquired translated into real-life action.

This communicates that you’re not only interested in course certificates and buzzwords, but you’re also actively engaged in the project of contributing to your chosen industry. Opting for fewer skills and providing more concrete information on each will help your resume rise to the top of the pile.

Spend the time to search for a word that communicates your skills more accurately

Corporate language all begins to blur together after a long afternoon of candidate screening. For applicants that want to stand out, two extra steps in your resume writing process can help.

• What does it mean that you can work quickly?
• What specific value could that offer your peers, your manager, and the company?
• You might thrive in ‘ agile team environments ,’ or you notice that you’re particularly ‘ motivated by complex problem-solving .’

Both of those items relate to your learning, but they say something very specific—and less forgettable—to the recruitment team.

May Thao-Schuck

Vice President of Career and Professional Development, St. Catherine University

The Future of Jobs Report 2020 by the World Economic Forum estimated that 85 million jobs might be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles may emerge from adapting to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms.

In Michelle Weise’s book, “ Long Life Learning ,” she also noted individuals would have about 20 career transitions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average number of jobs an individual will have in a lifetime is 12.

Therefore, it’s clear that individuals will change jobs quite a few times in their working lifetime, and their ability to learn is an essential skill for career success.

An essential part of any career transition starts with having an effective resume that can demonstrate an individual’s ability to learn quickly. Companies expect their new hires to jump into the role and immediately impact their bottom line.

With that said, below are practical tips candidates can highlight in their resumes to articulate their ability to learn quickly and stand out:

Show employers you’ve taken the time to learn about their company and how the role will impact their goals

The demonstration should be articulated in the cover letter.

In your cover letter, show the hiring committee that you’ve taken the time to study their company and communicate how your skills and background make you a good fit for the company.

Perhaps talk about a key strategy or state the company’s mission and values in your cover letter and how your background and interests align with their goals. This is an excellent way to stress your quick learner ability. However, keep the cover letter short and tight.

Related: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be

Make sure your resume matches what the employer is seeking based on the job description

Make sure your resume matches what the employer is seeking based on the qualifications in the job description the company has declared most important.

If you don’t align your resume with the job description, that shows you’re not interested, detailed, and have not studied what is most valuable to the company. In addition, this could perhaps indicate you’re not a quick learner or serious about the job to the employer.

Remember, most recruiters take less than ten seconds to look through resumes.

Within the skills section of the resume, highlight your ability to learn as a key competency

In your resume, highlight specific ways you’ve embraced and adapted to change to achieve results. Employers want to see outcomes , so use numbers, data, percentages, etc., in your resume.

• Identify the skills and approaches you’ve used for analyzing and doing research for the project or work you’ve done in the past in your resume.
• Use keywords that show how you’ve learned new technologies, processes, procedures, or adapted to achieve certain results in your current job to demonstrate you’re a quick learner.
• List relevant training, webinars, certifications, and credentials you’ve completed showing an employer that you’re a proactive learner.

Tina Crouch

Business Communication Coach | Founder, Tina Teaches English | Author, “ 8 Steps for Interview Prep “

Hiring managers care more about how easily you can be trained than showing up with 100% of the qualifications on Day 1. All it takes to emphasize your ability to learn is to take a careful look at the words you’re using and the order of the information on your resume.

Highlight a skills and certifications section

You don’t just magically gain new skills or certifications in one day — you generally need to go through a learning or training process. Make sure you have a skills section and a certifications section. List both hard and soft skills that match the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Just make sure that your skills list isn’t so large that it takes away space from your important work experience section.

Use powerful verbs and words that show transitions

If you initiated a project, emphasize that. Mention projects you noticed a need for because that says you’re observant. If you researched options and chose a new system, emphasize that. Mention projects you developed a skill in order to complete — that is a direct reference to learning on the job.

Some “power words” that can relate to learning:

• Implemented
• Learned (of course)

Add quantifiable information to your resume

Of course, everyone can use flashy power words. What you also need to do is add the quantifiable information to your resume.

• If you discovered problems — how many?
• If you saved the company money — how much?
• If you trained new team members — how many?
• If you implemented a new process — how long did it take? Did you do it faster than expected?

Get your resume sections and experiences in order

Make sure you have the most relevant sections toward the top of your resume. Take another look at the job description of the job you’re applying for — put the experiences that use the most relevant skills at the top.

Only brand new graduates should have their educational information at the top.

Emphasize how you increased your responsibilities, skills, and value throughout your career

If you were promoted within the company at a previous job, make sure that it is clear in your resume.

Use those power words to tell the story of how you increased your responsibilities, skills, and value throughout your career. When you take a step back, your resume should feel like a cohesive story about your professional journey so far.

Related: How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Sean McPheat

CEO, The MTD Training Group

“I’m a quick learner and can turn this knowledge into business results quicker than my counterparts”

Saying that you’re a fast learner is all well and good, but for me, learning without applying that learning is mere knowledge. It means nothing.

The CVs that stand out for me is when the candidate can take the “quick learner” phrase and turn it into “quick results.” That’s what I am after. I am after results as quickly as possible, so the CV should focus on this.

It tells me that by recruiting you, I will get a quicker return on investment than by employing someone else.

Here’s a quick example:

“I am a quick learner and can turn this knowledge into business results quicker than my counterparts. This has included:

• XYZ Company: The average time of the first sale for new recruits was 5 weeks. I achieved this within 6 days.
• ABC Company: I added my own leads onto our CRM system within the first week. This is normally achieved in week 4 of training.
• XYZ Company: I was able to write tenders after 9 weeks. The average time is normally 22 weeks.”

Do you see the difference?

The application of knowledge and learning is the most important thing that I look for. All things being equally on the CV and maybe in the interview, then I will be looking for candidates to answer this question:

“When will you become effective in the role?”

You become effective by being a quick learner who can take that learning and generate results faster than others.

Andrew Lokenauth

CPA | Finance Professional | Director of Finance & Accounting, Cover Genius

Show results by sharing specific examples and quantifying those examples

The best way to emphasize being a quick learner on a resume is to show it by sharing specific examples and quantifying those examples. For example, “ Promoted from Analyst/Associate to Senior Analyst/Associate within the first eighteen months of employment.”

This demonstrates the ability to quickly learn a role to be promoted to a position with more responsibility.

Show multiple promotions:

Another way to demonstrate being a quick learner on your resume is to show multiple promotions, as it shows you were able to learn a job quickly enough to move on to a role with additional responsibilities.

Use your resume, cover letter, and interview questions as opportunities to share professional examples of times you learned something quickly, and try to quantify how long it took you to accomplish the goal, task, project, or deliverable.

The most important thing is to show results using examples.

• “I was able to learn the basics of Microsoft Excel within a month by utilizing various resources such as Google, Youtube, and prior colleagues.”
• “I was hired to work at a local Starbucks/ Bar, and my first day working required me to make a drink that I had never prepared before. The person training me was very busy that day, but by reading the instructions and asking another coworker if they would watch me prepare the order and notify me if I was making any mistakes, allowed me to learn quickly. By the end of the day, I was completing orders as quickly as those who have been working for months. My manager told me that they had never seen anyone learning to prepare orders as quickly as I did.”
• Another example can be a time where you figured out how to solve a task quickly, which lead to a positive outcome. Think of examples from your career, and have them ready to either use on your cover letter or as an answer to one of the many commonly asked interview questions.

Ron Auerbach, MBA

Human Resources Expert | Author, “ Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success ”

Say that you’re a fast learner in your skills section and provide an example in the qualifications listing

Being a quick learner is something employers, and recruiters will look for in applicants and new hires. So the ability to learn quickly on the job is a very good thing!

Now, as far as your resume goes, there are different ways to show this. One is with a bulleted statement that goes with your overall listing of qualifications that says you’re a quick or fast learner. Another way to go is to provide one or more examples of your being a quick learner.

Here are some examples to illustrate these two strategies:

You can also have this listed with your various other skills. So being a fast learner is considered a skill.

Here are three examples to illustrate how a job seeker might list it:

One question you might have is whether you can use both of these on your resume. And the answer here is yes!

There is nothing wrong with repeating something in different places either for emphasis or to capture readers’ attention wherever they might happen to be looking.

If you want, you could say that you’re a fast learner in your skills section and provide an example in the qualifications listing. These would complement each other rather than merely repeat things.

Patti Naiser

Senior Placement Specialist | CEO, Senior Home Transitions

“Excellent ability to retain and integrate new ideas efficiently”

Resumes are an integral resource when vetting future employees. It helps us effectively identify who is fit for the role and who is not. Resumes also provide vital information on the personality of the person applying to determine if they can mesh well with the existing atmosphere of the workplace.

Wording is key:

The wording you use to showcase your skills on your resume is key to bagging your dream job. For example, instead of writing “quick learner,” you can write “excellent ability to retain and integrate new ideas efficiently.”

Evidence is necessary:

Remember to back up each skill you obtained or learned with an example of where and how you acquired it.

This opens up a conversation during the interview where you can provide more information about the task at hand and how you tackled it. Being a fast learner is an important skill to mention as it showcases that you will be quick to keep up with the demands of the new workplace.

Senior Employment Advisor, MintResume

List down a particular situation where you exhibited your initiative to learn

One of the things employers look for in applicants is their ability to learn tasks with minimal supervision. Here are some tips to highlight this particular quality in a resume:

• You can list down the seminars , trainings , projects , etc., that you enrolled in to familiarize yourself with the new role. For instance, you are an IT graduate transitioning to HR work. You need to list down the relevant HR trainings you have attended.
• For instance, you were tasked to create a highly technical report. You can share the articles or websites you used as a reference to create the report.
• e.g., reading books and news on trade and finance if you are applying for a business-related position

Paul Sherman

Chief Marketing Officer, Olive

It’s always better to show rather than tell

Rather than simply stating that you’re a quick learner, make your resume more engaging by telling an interesting anecdote which reflects the statement you’re looking to make.

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Think of a time in which your quick learning skills led to a better outcome:

• What was the task at hand?
• What did you have to do, and how did you do things differently to achieve your goals?

Talk about what you took away from the experience, and how you might apply that knowledge to your next role within the company you’re applying for.

This is also a great way to spark a meaningful conversation between yourself and the hiring manager, giving you plenty of things to talk about rather than simply addressing their questions one by one. It’s much more creative and helps you stand out far above other applicants.

Chintan Shah, MBA

President and Managing Partner, KNB Communications

Be sure to include the element of time as well as metrics that relay your mastery

Being a quick learner is an important skill for any employee, but the phrase itself “quick learner” is so prevalent that it has become cliché . The way to emphasize this skill without using a trite colloquialism is to focus on actions you took that produced measurable results.

Be sure to include the element of time as well as metrics that relay your mastery. For example, write:

• “Achieved HubSpot email certification in one week and applied the knowledge to conduct an outbound email campaign, reaching 5,000 contacts with a 25% open rate and a 3.5% click-through rate.”

This shows me you not only learned a concept but were also able to apply it successfully in a valuable context.

Magda Klimkiewicz

HR Business Partner, Zety

Show potential employers you’re quick on the uptake by including a certification section on your resume

One of the best ways to show employers you’re quick on the uptake is to include a certification section on your resume. While it’s considered an optional section, it’ll help show employers that you’re a person who actively learns new skills and strives to improve.

Importantly, in this section, you could list not only certifications but also licenses or training you’ve completed or currently pursuing as long as they are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

To list them correctly on your resume and thus prove you’re a quick learner, you’ll want to add the following:

• Certification/license name
• Body that issued the certification/license
• Dates of obtainment
• Location (only if applicable)
• Expiration (if applicable)

William Taylor

Senior Recruitment Advisor, VelvetJobs

“I am highly trainable and can easily conform to new methods”

In terms of resumes, employers have already seen it all. They’ve come across hundreds of resumes with “quick learner” as a skill. So, how do you emphasize being a quick learner without simply saying it?

Here are some other ways you can say it:

• “I can efficiently grasp and apply new skills.”
• “I have an excellent comprehension of new ideas and concepts.”
• “I am highly trainable and can easily conform to new methods.”

You can say you’re a quick learner with a better choice of words. It makes you, being a fast learner, sound more meaningful and sophisticated.

Chelsey Opare-Addo

Chief Resume Writer, Not Your Mother’s Resume

You need to tell a story of how you learned a new methodology/technology in a short amount of time

“Quick learner” is a common resumé phrase that is often used without anything to back it up. The phrase falls into the same category as:

• “communication skills”
• “detail-oriented”
• “team player”

Simply putting the phrase “quick learner” on your resumé won’t mean much to a recruiter who has seen that phrase on thousands of other resumes. To emphasize your ability to learn quickly, you need to succinctly tell a story of a time you learned a new methodology or technology in a short amount of time.

For example:

• “Learnt new features of the latest software update in 1 day (average training time is 1 week), and assisted customers with complex questions.”
• “Mastered use of pivot tables through self-teaching methods and trained team on the improved process, saving 4 hours/week.”

Chris Worrell

Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Bee

“Within 3 months, promoted from a customer service representative to a team manager”

Being a quick learner and actually showing and emphasizing it in your resume are two different challenges. To ensure that you succeed in both, here is my advice:

Make sure you demonstrate it in your experience section

The most crucial part of your resume is your work experience section. This is where you can write and demonstrate what did you do and accomplished in your previous jobs. Here, you can briefly put in examples of tasks that showed how you quickly caught up, succeed in new roles, and learned rapidly.

For example: “Within 3 months, promoted from a customer service representative to a team manager.”

List your education section showing how active are you in learning new things

Some may think that the resume’s education section is just a simple list of degrees you have written.

Only a few know that you can actually utilize your education section to demonstrate that you are constantly learning new things. You can write the online courses you take, pieces of training you’ve completed, and topics you are currently learning.

Important note: Do not write irrelevant topics you’re taking on.

For example, “SMM MasterClass, 2020-present.”

Co-Founder, eBusiness Institute

Use phrases like “eager to take on new projects”

Being a quick learner in a time where there are countless resources and educational tools available on the internet can be both a detriment and a blessing to an individual’s resume.

It can be difficult to showcase yourself as anything but a quick learner with so many tools in access. A nifty little mnemonic that helps to showcase your capabilities as a swift and ever-eager student is A.B.L.E.

• Actively taking on new projects – stale minds never really leave the comfort zone. Using phrases like “eager to take on new projects” can show a willingness to expand one’s skill set while flexing their creative chops.
• Broadcasting strengths – this can mean highlighting past projects that; entailed a lot of research, applying key learnings from seminars or workshops, or implementing coordination or management skills. Breaking down the idea of being a ‘quick learner’ into real-life experiences can help flesh out and be more specific about an individual’s capabilities.
• Learning never stops – applicants that show they are currently upskilling and are always trying to improve existing skills (with a section on completed and currently enrolled online or in-person courses) will be able to make a stronger case about the extent and ability to learn on the job.
• Expanding on educational accomplishments – while most people say an applicant’s education section should be limited to the year they graduate, adding accolades from school verifying one’s commitment to learning can go a long way!

Daniel Carter

Financial Management Specialist | Debt Advisor, IVA Advice

Convey your fast learning skills throughout your resume

You may examine the terms and determine where it works best to highlight them on your resume once you have a selection of synonyms and talents that make up your capacity to learn quickly.

An ideal place to include them is in your resume’s skills section, but these words can also add context to your skills, education, and experiences if used carefully.

Your resume’s abilities section will differ based on the resume format you use and the requirements of your profession. Rather than a narrative, it frequently takes the shape of a section of bullet points.

The education portion of a resume is frequently formatted as a list. You might, however, utilize it as an opportunity to showcase your ability to understand topics rapidly. This is because it allows you to demonstrate that you are dedicated to learning.

Rather than merely listing your finite degree achievements, include any education you are currently pursuing that is relevant to your career.

Leadership development, project management certification, or even online seminars to acquire a new approach or way of doing things can demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner with rapid learning skills that can be applied to everyday office tasks.

Previous work experience:

As you share job history with examples of talents and accomplishments in each role, your experience section provides an opportunity to be slightly more narrative.

The facts you include in this section can demonstrate your capacity to learn quickly. Saying you booked more than $250,000 in new business in your first year in a new sales role, for example, demonstrates your ability to immediately onboard and start producing.

Katherine Brown

Founder & Marketing Director, Spyic

For many years I have been working as a website developer and owner. One of the essential qualities you need to show on your resume is being a quick learner.

To show that you are a fast learner, below are three main pointers to help you emphasize this quality in your following interview:

Take on side projects

Another way to show that you are a quick learner is by taking on side projects. Side projects can be anything, but they are different from freelance jobs in that there is no client attached to the project.

For example, I have a side project where I teach other website developers about social media marketing and how they can use it more effectively on their websites. This project shows employers that I am willing to take the initiative and create my own learning experience outside of work.

Be flexible and ready to try new things

Quality on an excellent employee is their willingness to learn new skills or try new projects. When you are eager to learn, you show the employer that you want to grow.

Most employers look for employees who can work new skills into their current position and be successful. Employers also look for employees who are open to learning from those around them at work. You show this willingness by being flexible and ready to try new things, even outside of your comfort zone.

Look for knowledge gaps and then fill them with books and other resources

Another way to show that you are willing and able to learn is by looking at the knowledge gaps you have and then finding ways to fill them. Knowledge gaps are areas where you lack enough experience with a skill or do not know something at all.

By learning more about these gaps and actively filling them in, you show that you are ready to learn new skills and grow as an employee.

Anna Berkolec

Recruiter, ResumeLab

Show that you’ve done something faster, better, more efficiently or effectively

Actions speak louder than words. It’s easy to put down on a resume that you’re flexible, resourceful, and a quick learner, but do your accomplishments verify that claim?

For example, did you take on extra coursework? Did you complete your studies in less time? Did you perhaps become a top salesperson within a year of joining your previous employer?

Such accomplishments (to name a few) truly back up your words and prove that you have what it takes to hit the ground running.

Specifically, the above strongly implies that you’re ambitious, aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, are willing to learn on the fly, and are constantly hungry for more.

This is music to the ears of any hiring manager, as the less time they have to spend training you and showing you the ropes, the earlier you can start contributing to the company.

Essentially, any time you can show that you’ve done something faster, better, more efficiently, or effectively, you’ll have a huge leg up on the competition.

So, always be sure to highlight that as it speaks volumes about your character and demonstrates many desirable qualities employers search for.

Managing Partner | Founder, BeautyTap

“I was promoted from assistant manager to associate manager in two months”

Many people don’t understand what a resume actually is. They think it’s a summary of their work and educational experience. That’s not quite right. A resume is a marketing piece where you frame your achievements to present yourself as a great hire.

Employers want someone who has initiative and won’t need a lot of hand-holding when they begin to learn the ropes. To indicate you have these qualities, give some examples:

• “I revised our telemarketing script within one month of arrival, increasing sales by 500 in the first quarter.”
• “I was promoted from assistant manager to associate manager in two months.”
• “I was chosen to lead a mentorship team of my cohort.”
• “After a month of employment, I was appointed a team leader.”

Ravi Parikh

CEO, RoverPass

Give concrete examples of how you have quickly developed new proficiencies

To spotlight yourself as a quick learner on your resume, don’t just write “fast learner” under a general skills list. Instead, give concrete examples of how you have quickly developed new proficiencies. Usually, the best place to do this is when describing your accomplishments for each of your prior positions.

If you’re not already providing summaries of ways that you added value to a company when in a position, that should be your first step. Don’t just copy and paste the job description.

Here’s an example: If you joined a company as a social media manager and later got promoted to a digital marketing director, you could provide a timeline of how you learned the skills it took to move up in the company.

Instead of saying “Promoted after a year,” you could say:

“Learned Google Analytics, Semrush, and Mailchimp in two months; started leading campaigns on these platforms four months after joining the company; promoted after a year in the original role.”

Christian Velitchkov

Co-Founder, Twiz LLC

Highlight both your hard and soft skills

When you are applying for a job, make sure you have updated your resume. Make some edits to your resume so that it is more relevant to a job.

Proving to your employer that you are a fast learner can be a difficult task, so make sure you’re mentioning these skills in your resume to show you are a fast learner.

• Highlight both your hard and soft skills . When you highlight your hard and soft skills, it gives an impression that you are a quick learner and always open to learning.
• List additional certifications . Do not forget to add all your certificates. Include all your certificates, which help you emphasize that you are resourceful.
• Give examples . Show them all your professional development skills. This will make them feel you take your career seriously.

Sai Blackbyrn

CEO, Coach Foundation

Mention any new skills or technologies you gained from each role you have held in the past

Demonstrating that you are a quick learner will be more impactful than merely just saying you are.

Under the Work Experience section, mention any new skills or technologies you gained from each role you have held in the past. Another way to prove you are a fast learner is to mention instances when you were selected to train others on a new skill or technology because you mastered it so quickly.

You should also elaborate on any instances whereby you switched industries and crushed targets within the first few months of the job, even though you were completely new to the industry.

Jacob Villa

Co-Founder and Marketing Director, School Authority

Cite a previous experience that demonstrates how much of a “quick learner” you are

You can mention your output in your first year in a previous job or highlight a specific achievement in your early days and how it helped the company you were working for. It also helps to be specific about it.

You don’t have to just say you’re a “quick learner.” Use terms like “ highly-organized ,” “ proficient ,” and “ strategic thinker ” to paint the employer a picture of what you have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any mistakes i should avoid when emphasizing my quick learning skills on my resume.

Yes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Don’t make unsupported claims:  It’s essential to back up your claims about your quick learning skills with concrete examples and evidence. If you simply claim that you’re a quick learner without backing it up, it won’t look compelling to potential employers.

Don’t be too general:  Instead of making general statements about your quick learning abilities, be specific about the skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to learn quickly. This will help you stand out to potential employers looking for applicants with specific skills and experience.

Don’t neglect your other skills:  While it’s important to emphasize your ability to learn quickly, don’t forget to highlight your other skills and experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Employers want to hire well-rounded applicants who bring a range of skills to the job.

Don’t overdo it:  While it’s important to emphasize your quick thinking, don’t overdo it. Avoid using too many buzzwords or repeating the same information on your resume. Instead, focus on providing concrete examples and evidence of your skills.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between emphasizing your ability to learn quickly and highlighting your other relevant skills and experience to the job you’re applying for.

How Can I Continue to Develop My Quick Learning Skills?

Even if you already have strong, quick learning skills, there are always ways to develop and improve them. Here are a few tips to help you develop your quick learning skills:

Keep learning: One of the best ways to improve your quick learning ability is to keep learning something new. Take classes, read books, and attend seminars to expand your knowledge and skills constantly.

Challenge yourself: Look for opportunities to take on new challenges and learn new things. This may mean volunteering for a new project at work or taking up a new hobby outside of work.

Practice good habits: Getting into good study habits, such as taking notes and reviewing information regularly, will help you learn more efficiently and retain information better.

Get feedback:  Ask your peers or supervisors for feedback to help you identify areas for improvement and get new ideas on how to develop your skills.

Be patient:  Developing quick learning skills takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and be willing to put in the effort to continue learning and improving your skills.

In the end, the key to developing your quick learning skills is to stay curious, be open to new possibilities, and push yourself to keep learning and growing.

How Can I Improve My Quick Learning Skills in a New Work Environment?

Improving your quick learning skills in a new work environment can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to accelerate the learning process:

Learn from your colleagues:  One of the best ways to learn quickly in a new work environment is to seek guidance from your colleagues. They can give you insights into the work and help you navigate the work culture.

Focus on what’s important:  When you start a new job, it can be overwhelming to want to learn everything at once. Instead, focus on the essential tasks and responsibilities critical to your job performance. Once you’ve mastered those, you can begin to expand your knowledge.

Use technology:  Many tools and resources can help you learn more efficiently. For example, you can use online tutorials or training videos to learn new software programs or tools.

Take breaks:  Learning quickly can be mentally taxing, so it’s important to recharge and refresh your mind. Short walks or deep breathing exercises can help relieve stress and improve concentration.

Stay organized:  A tidy workspace can help reduce distractions and improve focus. Use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to keep track of your tasks and responsibilities.

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