Being a quick learner is essential in any fast-paced work environment. But is this phrase suitable to include in a job application?
We’re here to discuss the suitability of this phrase. Moreover, we’ll show you how to say quick learner on your resume in 10 unique ways.
10 Synonyms for “Quick Learner” on Your Resume
Check out these 10 other ways to say that you pick up skills quickly on your CV:
- Able to quickly grasp new concepts
- Receptive to instruction
- Capable
- Adaptable
- Open to constructive criticism
- Take directions well
- Receptive to training
- Active listener
- Resourceful
- Attentive learner
1. Able to Quickly Grasp New Concepts
To avoid the generic phrase, quick learner, you can set out your point more clearly with the phrase able to quickly grasp new concepts.
This phrase sounds suitably formal and professional for your CV or a cover letter included in your application to a new role. Moreover, you can follow this phrase with some examples of how you caught on to new skills in the past.
If you are new to the working world and lack any formal experience, you can use your experiences during your studies to illustrate how you were able to learn and apply the content of your courses.
Have a look at how we’ve used this phrase in an example:
Throughout my studies, I have found that I am able to quickly grasp new concepts. Thus, I will have no trouble adjusting to the requirements of this role.
2. Receptive to Instruction
Essentially, most employers just want to know that you can comprehend their directions and carry them out quickly and efficiently.
Therefore, you can let potential employers know that you are reliable and reactive with the phrase receptive to instruction.
This phrase is a good formal synonym for quick learner. Thus, you can use it to introduce all the ways that you heeded instructions during your studies or work experience.
See the example below:
I am highly receptive to instruction. Therefore, I believe I am well-suited for a role in the service industry.
3. Capable
Capable is a great one-word alternative that you can use to talk up your skills in your resume.
Being capable essentially means that you have the capacity to carry out any specific task assigned to you. In addition, it implies that you are self-reliant enough to manage your time and tasks without constant supervision.
To see this term in action, check out the example below:
I am a highly capable sous chef, and my culinary influence is evident in my additions to the menu at my prior place of employment.
4. Adaptable
Another word for quick learner is adaptable. In short, being adaptable means that you are able to quickly adjust to changing conditions.
Therefore, a quick learner will inevitably be highly adaptable. After all, they will have to adapt their behavior according to the directions they have received at work.
Recruiters see this term as a huge positive. This is especially so in the modern era, wherein new technology is creating constantly changing needs and standards in every industry.
Thus, let’s see an example that includes this alternative:
My experience as an office manager has rendered me highly adaptable to the ever-changing needs of both customers and my staff.
5. Open to Constructive Criticism
In order to learn and constantly improve at work, it is essential to be open to constructive criticism.
Employers have no time for ego and sensitivity. Therefore, stating that you can take criticism lets potential employers know that you are robust and keen to improve at all times.
These are very important qualities in an employee. After all, nobody is perfect, but employers expect each of their team members to consistently strive for better output each day.
Have a look at the following example:
I am a very meticulous writer, but I believe that there is always room for improvement. Therefore, I am open to constructive criticism and view feedback as an opportunity to further my skills.
6. Take Directions Well
Another way to say quick learner in your resume is to say that you take directions well.
This phrase essentially means that you are able to grasp your superior’s instructions with ease. Thereafter, you can seamlessly carry out those instructions without supervision.
Any employer is pleased to hear that a prospective employee can heed their requirements and follow through without hassle.
Therefore, this is a great skill to include in your resume, whatever the nature of the role you are applying for.
For example:
I take directions well and should have no trouble responding promptly to requests and instructions from the managerial staff.
7. Receptive to Training
Another synonym for quick learner is receptive to training. This phrase is great to use if you lack experience.
If you don’t have many prior roles to refer to in your resume, it’s a good idea to let your prospective employer know that you can be trained in your role with ease.
In addition, you can use all kinds of non-work-related experiences to illustrate this ability.
For example:
Although I am a recent graduate, I practice classical ballet in my free time, which requires me to be very receptive to training.
8. Active Listener
In order to learn, it is essential to listen carefully to the instructions and guidance from your peers and superiors. Therefore, calling yourself an active listener will let recruiters know that you are perceptive and mindful.
If you require training for a new role, it is essential that you are focused and able to follow directions. In addition, listening carefully is an important customer service soft skill.
Therefore, being an active listener is a quality worth mentioning in your CV.
See the following example:
My prior experience as a call center operations manager required me to be an active listener.
9. Resourceful
Being resourceful means that you can learn, solve problems, and overcome difficulties on your own accord. This is a fantastic skill for any employee, as your superiors will often be too busy to assist you at every step of your workday.
Somewhat distinct from the phrase quick learner, which usually implies that you are easily taught, being resourceful means that you are self-reliant and able to figure out solutions without guidance.
Therefore, have a look at how we’ve used this term in an example:
Working at a large office throughout my previous role required me to be highly resourceful, as I frequently faced obstacles that required immediate and inventive solutions.
10. Attentive Learner
You can use the phrase attentive learner when you lack experience but want to show that you can still pick up on the essential requirements of the job you are pursuing.
The company you are applying for will know immediately that you don’t have much practical knowledge under your belt. However, it may suffice to know that you are trainable.
Thus, mentioning that you are an attentive learner implies that you will be proactive in learning how best to carry out your new role effectively.
Let’s see this phrase in our final example:
I have limited experience in this industry, but it is evident from my college results that I am an attentive learner and can be easily trained for this position.
Should You Put “Quick Learner” on a Resume?
The phrase quick learner is neither particularly formal nor informal. Therefore, it is a popular choice for CVs and cover letters.
However, this phrase has become vastly overused, and many recruiters have stated that they find this term generally uninteresting and unhelpful.
Being a quick learner is a valuable skill. However, rather than simply stating that you learn quickly, it is better to illustrate this by listing the skills you have picked up in prior roles.
Below, we’ve drafted two examples showing how this phrase is commonly used:
I have always been a quick learner, and I exhibited this during my time as a lifeguard, during which I mastered all of my pool rescue qualifications within a month.
A common variation of the phrase quick learner is fast learner. You can use either of these variations interchangeably, as illustrated in the example below:
My previous manager described me as a fast learner and a competent mixologist.
Finally, to avoid any future embarrassment, well look at a common grammar mistake people make when using the phrase quick learner:
Mistake: Hyphenating the phrase quick learner.
- Incorrect: I’m a quick-learner.
- Correct: I’m a quick learner.
The phrase quick learner is two separate words – an adjective and a noun. Therefore, it would not be correct to hyphenate this phrase.
Although being a quick learner is a useful skill worth mentioning in your resume, the phrase itself has become highly standardized to the point of being a cliché.
Therefore, if you want to come across as more unique and draw attention to your skills more acutely, you can use one of the terms or phrases from our list.
