So, you want to show that you go above and beyond in a resume.
Well, that’s a great way to sell yourself. However, you’re also a little worried it’s too informal or unprofessional, right?
This article will explore some alternatives to help. Then, you’ll see how to say above and beyond professionally when you need it.
6 Alternative Ways to Say “Above and Beyond”
You can refer to these synonyms to learn how to describe someone who goes above and beyond:
- Exceed expectations
- Go the extra mile
- Surpass performance standards
- Outperform
- Demonstrate exceptional commitment
- Deliver outstanding results
1. Exceed Expectations
When you want to go above and beyond, you tend to exceed expectations. It shows you put more effort into a task than others, and you always surprise those around you.
So, it’s good to write exceed expectations as another synonym for above and beyond.
Generally, this is a great way to show you put a lot of effort into your work. It also shows that you’re capable of impressing previous employers.
It’s likely that you’ll have good references because of this quality. Feel free to include them on your CV to let potential employers know who to contact to find out more.
Also, check out these examples to learn more about it:
I always exceed expectations in the workplace. Therefore, I know I’m going to be a great fit for this role.
I tend to exceed expectations with the things I do. You can refer to my project history to learn more about my capability.
2. Go The Extra Mile
We also recommend writing go the extra mile when trying to sell yourself as a diligent and effective employee.
This is a great way to show that you mean business. It also shows that you’re happy putting yourself out there and completing your work to the best of your abilities.
Generally, employers will be happy to hear this. It shows you’re hard-working and resourceful. Those traits are excellent to have on a team, so employers will at least want to interview you.
Feel free to review these resume examples:
I go the extra mile when possible. Generally, I go to great lengths to ensure my work is of the highest standard.
I like to go the extra mile whenever I can. It’s a great way for me to prove myself and show people that I’m a diligent employee.
3. Surpass Performance Standards
Feel free to write surpass performance standards instead of above and beyond.
This is a great way to show you do the best with your tasks. It implies that you put a lot of work in compared to your peers, and you always impress employers with what you achieve.
So, we recommend reviewing this CV sample:
I enjoy surpassing performance standards. I’m certain that you’ll be impressed with the work I can put in.
However, it doesn’t just work for CVs or cover letters. You can also include it in a recommendation letter.
This could be a great way to help an employee find a new job. It shows that they always go above and beyond, and you’re really impressed with the work they put in when they worked for you.
Here’s a recommendation letter sample to show you more as well:
He always surpasses performance standards. Set him a task, and you’ll see him work his magic.
4. Outperform
If you want one word for going above and beyond, look no further than outperform. It’s an excellent formal synonym that shows you’re capable of working hard.
Generally, this one suggests you outwork every other candidate. It’s a great choice for immediately setting yourself above the rest of the applicants.
Check out this resume sample to learn more:
I tend to outperform my peers because I do the most work. It’s a great way for me to prove myself and climb the ranks.
Again, it’s another great one to include when writing a recommendation letter for a student. It’s highly effective when you’re trying to promote an impressive student.
Most of the time, this will ensure they can move up in the world. The better they sound on their recommendation letter, the happier they’ll be with you, too.
Also, here’s how you can use it in a recommendation letter:
She always outperforms those around her. I’m always surprised to watch her work and see what she can do.
5. Demonstrate Exceptional Commitment
It’s also good to use demonstrate exceptional commitment as a synonym in your CVs.
This formal synonym is a great option that shows you put a lot of effort into your work.
Mentioning things like commitment in a resume is also a great way to capture the reader’s attention. It’s somewhat of a buzzword that shows you’re willing to work hard for a new role.
Here are some CV samples to show you how to use it:
I tend to demonstrate exceptional commitment in my work. You can refer to my previous projects to learn more about me.
My ability to demonstrate exceptional commitment comes up a lot. That’s why I know I’m a good fit here.
6. Deliver Outstanding Results
Finally, you can write deliver outstanding results when you’re confident with your own performance.
Of course, you’ll need to back this up with evidence. It’s best to include a few projects or assignments that you’ve completed that you believe are outstanding.
We recommend this because it shows you back yourself more than other candidates. This is always going to be an effective way to encourage someone to hire you.
You can also review these resume examples:
I deliver outstanding results that always impress my employers. You can ask for a reference to learn more about what I can do.
I’m good at delivering outstanding results. It’s what makes me such a good candidate for this position.
Is It Correct to Say “Above and Beyond”?
Above and beyond is correct to use in a resume or formal setting.
It is a good phrase to use in a resume when trying to sell yourself to an employer. It shows you’ll put in a lot of effort when starting a new role.
You can refer to this resume sample to learn more about how it works:
I go above and beyond in the workplace. You can refer to my portfolio to learn more about what I’ve achieved.
It’s also a great choice when writing a letter of recommendation. It suggests that someone puts their whole effort into a job.
Here’s a recommendation letter sample to show you more about it:
To Whom It May Concern,
He always goes above and beyond at work.
I’ll be sad to see him go, but he’ll be an absolutely wonderful addition to your team.
Best,
Maurice Pinkard
However, you should avoid making simple mistakes like including unnecessary hyphens in the phrase. This will only take away from the impact of the phrase.
Mistake: Including hyphens
- Correct: I go above and beyond.
- Incorrect: I go above-and-beyond.
