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300+ Powerful Resume Action Verbs (with Examples)

Paul Drury

Achievement

Communication, project management, people management, customer service, problem solving, organization.

Every schoolchild knows that a verb is a "doing" word. Hopefully your career has been all about "doing" things, so your resume action verbs need to be particularly carefully chosen. They will frame your accomplishments.

What was the situation and what was the nature of the action that you took? 

Now, be careful…. choose your resume words wisely as you risk sounding the same as other candidates. Worse still, you might use the same word over and over again. Trust me, hiring managers will notice if you substitute powerful resume action verbs with bland cliched language.

So, to offer some assistance, we have come up with a list of the most impactful resume action verbs, collated into fifteen categories, with bullet-pointed examples that might fit into a resume or cover letter. 

We cover the following:

  • 3 benefits of resume action verbs in a job search
  • 300+ resume action verbs in 15 categories with examples
  • Expert tips about where and how to use action verbs for impact

I bet you thought verbs and resume words could never be so exciting? Well, you should be excited, because choosing the right words is the first step to your new job.

These very resume action verbs could make the difference between you securing an interview over another candidate who is less discerning. When every word on your resume is obviously chosen with care, it says a lot about you as a person. Let’s explore why they are so important in highlighting accomplishments :

3 benefits of action verbs in a job search

There are many advantages of using action-oriented vibrant language in your applications, but the three main benefits of resume action verbs for a job search are:

  • Resume action verbs elevate your existing accomplishments, showing how you can contribute in similar way to a new employer
  • Action verbs help you avoid cliched or passive language in a resume
  • They demonstrate you’ve actually paid attention to the job description, which makes a favorable impression on recruiters.

Thinking through the most suitable action verbs for your job search is not only useful for your resume. 

Whether your vibrant verbs and lively language are choices for resume words or cover letter words, it's about making both documents as efficient as possible. Every bit of communication, whether written or oral will be optimized if you choose your resume words carefully. Your cover letter will obviously benefit alongside your resume. You might be asked to give a potted history of your career over the phone with a recruiter , and you don’t want to be searching for the right word amidst the pressure of an interview. Use the action verbs in your resume when you meet the hiring manager in person - they will be doubly resonant.

These three benefits of action verbs outline how to boost your job search and why you should bookmark this blog for repeated viewing: 

Elevate your existing accomplishments with action verbs

Many of us think that our career achievements seem a little too “normal” for us to get that dream job. While that may or may not be the case, there is a way of elevating the accomplishments so that they stand out from the crowd: with carefully selected action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.

If you are starting your bullet pointed achievements with impactful action verbs that embellish your actions (whilst not changing the accomplishment itself), you are taking your candidature to another level. The action verb itself will already allow the hiring manager to imagine you doing something impactful.

Most people will write: “Managed a team of five analysts.” You will write: “Coached and mobilized a team of five insightful analysts.” Oooh, mobilized. I wonder why they had to be mobilized. Surely there is a story behind that word? Action verbs make a hiring manager curious. Curiosity leads to an interview invite.

Obviously, there is much more to writing an impactful accomplishment than the first word, but, for the purposes of this article, that crucial first verb (or two) is all that matters.

Avoid overused descriptions by using action words instead

Are you a detail-oriented team player, who thinks outside the box to achieve results? I can tell you that this sentence will impress a grand total of zero hiring managers. It would also confuse a five-year-old, which is a great test of simple but effective writing. 

I can tell you that you can convey the same ideas by using the right action words at the start of your accomplishments (while, at the same time, actually telling the hiring manager about something worthwhile rather than irrelevant fluff). Sidestep bland and boring language by utilizing action verbs in your resume.

Here’s how you can substitute overused cliches with powerful resume action verbs:

  • “Detail-oriented” – use an action verb from the “researched” category.
  • “Team player” – use an action word from the “ teamwork ” section.
  • “Thinks outside the box” (uurgh) – use an action verb from the “creativity” category.
  • “Achieve results” – use a power verb from the “achievement” section.

Every word counts in your resume and cover letter. Don’t waste words if you don’t need to.

Equally, don't use an impressive verb if your accomplishment doesn't back it up.

Show you’ve read the job description by using action verbs

Your third priority should be this: utilize action verbs to show you are attentive and detail-sensitive. Show that you actually put in some effort when analyzing your future job. Every hiring manager wants to get a sense that you are a fit for the role. While there should hopefully be a good amount of synergy between the job description and your resume, the job description is more about responsibilities and the resume is more about achievement.

You can breach that gap by choosing the right action verbs to match.

In addition, the ATS (applicant tracking system) software is getting increasingly sophisticated at selecting the most suitable applicants, so using the most relevant action verbs will help your application to move to the top of the virtual pile. It might even give more advanced language a slight bump up the ratings.

Active vs. passive voice

In any job search, you need to be clear about what you personally accomplished and where you participated in the accomplishments of a wider team. If you are not careful, your language can create the wrong impression:

Active voice: “Completed the project in two months” (clear that you did it yourself)

Passive voice: “Project was completed in two months” (not at all clear who actually did it)

This is basic English grammar, but you would be surprised how many people get it wrong.

Hopefully you now agree that action verbs are pretty important. Let’s get amongst them:

Quantify your value when using action verbs

You can take your careful resume word choice a step further by adding some numbers into the mix. In fact, it works just as well for cover letters and interviews, too. This is a top shortcut to quantify your professional contributions with the use of numbers. Pick action verbs that you can match with statistics and numbers that illuminate your results. 

Perhaps you want to include an example about cutting costs from your department. Pick a strong action verb that's appropriate to use in this context and works with the statistic you can match it with. For instance, "Reduced department costs" could quickly turn into "Streamlined production workflow which led to surpassing team output goals by 25%".

The results of many people's jobs are not easily measured. For instance, if you work in compliance then your job is to avoid undesirable consequences. No results in an audit in your case means a job well done. Not only does that mean that your action verbs could focus on "diminishing" or "reducing", but the numbers you use to quantify your success should relate to situations you have successfully avoided.

300+ resume action verbs in 15 work situations

While the English language can be wonderfully rich, the same 20-25 action verbs dominate 95% of job search applications. I won’t list them here. You know the usual suspects. They won't impress anybody.

So, here we offer fifteen common categories of resume actions and achievements that job seekers write about, with 20 words and an example per category. We hope they are useful.

For ease of navigation, here are the 15 category links:

  • “Leadership” action verbs
  • “Achievement” words for resume
  • “Teamwork” action words
  • “Communication” action verbs
  • “Project management” verbs for resume
  • “People management” action verbs
  • “Customer service” action words
  • “Problem solving” power words
  • “Improved” synonyms
  • “Researched” action verbs
  • “Organization” resume words
  • “Creativity” action verbs
  • “Worked on” power words
  • “Increased” synonyms
  • “Reduced” action verbs

Consider yourself a leader? Have you changed the lives of your people and put some rocket fuel under the bottom line? Would those around you see you as someone to follow until the bitter end?

Okay, well, let your accomplishments do the talking then. Have you done anything that could be prefaced with any of these leadership-oriented resume action verbs?

  • Enlightened
  • Orchestrated
  • Recommended
  • Spearheaded
  • Strengthened

“Chaired a project team through a change process, trimming 5% of our cost base.”

Put yourself in the hiring manager’s position. What sort of achievement action words will make them sit up and take notice of your resume ? Make sure that the verb matches the nature of the accomplishment.

Think about what would work for your industry sector and your job function.

  • Accelerated
  • Accomplished
  • Outperformed

“Outperformed sales team in quarterly new business attraction by 67%.”

Use unique action words in the work experience section

The work experience section of your resume is the first place that a hiring manager would expect to read about accomplishments. Whether there are bullet points or full sentences, using thoughtful action words will add a different dimension to how your achievements come across. They don’t all have to be world-beaters, as that might seem a little false, but make sure that you sprinkle in enough to stand out from the crowd.

We all reckon we are good at working with others, but the true measure of a team is the results they achieve together. Which team accomplishments are you most proud of? Don't overexaggerate your role, though.

Demonstrate your qualities with the teamwork-oriented resume action verbs below:

  • Contributed
  • Established
  • Participated
  • Reorganized
  • Volunteered

“Moderated a merger between two areas, with bottom line synergies of $500k.”

There are so many ways of communicating with others. Some appropriate, some maybe less so. Again, pick the action verbs that work best for your industry and occupation to empower your resume communication skill list .

Conveying your message to achieve the desired outcome is a rare skill indeed.

  • Articulated
  • Corresponded
  • Interpreted
  • Transmitted

“Briefed my team on the details of the $1.2m business continuity plan.”

Include impactful action verbs in your summary .

The first 5-6 lines at the top of a resume have the power to make or break a candidate. Our guide on how to craft an impactful summary gives me detail, but it goes without saying that you should save your most impactful and relevant couple of action verbs for this area. The hiring manager might only glance at your resume for a few seconds. What verbs really and truly sum up what you are all about? Give it some serious thought. It really matters.

When you outline a project in your resume or cover letter, it is important to button down the exact nature of your role. 

A descriptive action verb will highlight your project management abilities, check out the list here:

  • Brainstormed
  • Consolidated

“Executed the software rollout to twelve departments within two months.”

The resume words that you choose when describing how you achieved things with others are hugely revealing. What is your impact on those around you? What was the exact nature of the action to make your difference?

Illustrate your “people skills” with one of the evocative action verbs from this list:

  • Facilitated

“Mentored four colleagues, two of whom were promoted within three years.”

Deploy emotive action words in your cover letter.

A cover letter is different from a resume. It gives a candidate far more opportunity to showcase their personality and demonstrate their culture fit, so ensure that your cover letter action words are more oriented towards provoking an emotional response in the hiring manager. If they are too formal, you risk coming across as boring (etc). Words are all you have, so make sure that they make the reader of your cover letter feel something positive about you.

I serve customers. Really? Is that all you have got? How you describe your customer service sheds a light on how you make your customers feel and whether they walk away happy.

Here’s 20 action verbs you can use in your resume to showcase your customer service experience:

  • Incorporated

“Resolved a company-record 150 customer complaints a week.”

Why use six words to give more detail about a problem when one action verb will suffice. The details of the problem can come later at interview - just give a hint at the complexity involved.

Matching problem-solving action verbs with the job description is particularly important.

  • Centralized
  • Experimented
  • Synthesized
  • Troubleshot

“Rectified a list of outstanding issues that had been dormant for more than a year.”

Don’t overuse the action verbs, much as you might want to.

Having shared a blog with 300+ action verbs, it pains me to say that you should not over use them. Balance is important in job search communication, so don’t let your action verbs dominate while you are maybe not including enough numbers or industry keywords . One is enough at the start of an accomplishment, with two in a sentence at most (on rare occasions).

There are a hundred shades of improvement and each one says something slightly different about how you made the situation better. What did you change and why was your input important?

How did you really make your difference felt? Help the hiring manager understand your qualities by using accurate and vibrant action verbs from this list:

  • Constructed
  • Differentiated
  • Restructured
  • Transformed

“Ignited a fire under the management team to deliver an extra $950k sales.”

For the detail-oriented among us, we all have to research information at some point. The research-based resume action verb that you chose to describe this will show just how detail-obsessed you are.

  • Scrutinized

“Scrutinized the market and doubled market share by launching a new product.”

Use impressive words, but don’t stray too far from your normal speech.

Authenticity is important in any job search, so while you should write your resume and cover letter to stand out to a hiring manager, you should be careful not to use too many words that you might not use in normal life. If you use certain resume words, but it becomes clear during an interview that your resume language is somehow inauthentic, it can cast a shadow over your application. Be yourself and try to find that happy medium.

If you are anything like me, organized is definitely not my middle name, but a couple of suitably chosen action words could make you seem like a zen master of efficiency.

It is one thing to use the "organized" action word, but make sure that the example backs it up

  • Administered
  • Implemented

“Implemented a new software solution that shrunk build time by 34%”

Your accomplishments are the only thing that can shine a light on your creativity. “I am a creative person” is possibly the most vomit-inducing line in any job application. Ever.  

Put a bit of effort into an alternative description - use a creativity-related action verb from this table:

  • Architected
  • Conceptualized
  • Illustrated
  • Storyboarded

“Drafted a contract that ensured a 45% gain in compliance.”

How can I optimize my use of action verbs in my job search?

  • Be thoughtful in which verbs you use
  • Pick action verbs that reflect your role
  • Replace overused phrases such as “team player”
  • Transfer your written language to an interview
  • Overuse action verbs
  • Be tempted to exaggerate
  • Never describe yourself as a “creative person”
  • Struggle to find the right words at interview

We all understand that we go to work to get paid, but what was the nature of your work? What exactly did you do? Is it a fit for what you will be expected to do in your next role?

  • Collaborated
  • Coordinated
  • Investigated

“Initiated a recruitment drive that hired fifteen people within three months.”

For me, this category of action verbs is the most impactful in most job applications. Your future employer wants you to make a difference to their business. But in what way?

  • Capitalized
  • Intensified
  • Revitalized

“Revamped our social marketing strategy, delivering +25% uplift in sales.”

Equally valid is the point that some roles may require you to decrease certain things. Which words best fit your brand of elimination? Streamline your resume with great action verbs.

  • Streamlined

“Minimized surgery wait times by 15 mins, increasing patient satisfaction by 25%”

Key Takeaways

Just one word can change the entire outlook on an achievement.

  • Pick the right action verbs in conjunction with your accomplishments
  • Mix complicated action verbs with normal ones (don't be too flashy)
  • Use at the start of a bullet point for the maximum effect
  • Make sure that you use them in your interview

We are sure that you can think up hundreds of different examples for your career. The big question is which ones to use? Good luck making those tough decisions. Have a look at our resume accomplishments blog for more inspiration or read here how you create a job-winning resume . 

20+ Best Online Resume Builders 2024

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185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

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Most resume bullet points start with the same tired old words hiring managers have read over and over (think: tasked with, responsible for, experience in) to the point where they’ve lost a lot of their meaning. They also don’t do much to show off your accomplishments , and instead tend to just communicate your job duties. Let’s get a little more creative, shall we?

Next time you update your resume , switch up a few of those common words and phrases with strong, compelling action verbs that will catch hiring managers’ eyes.

What is an action verb and how to use it on your resume?

Action verbs convey doing —for example, “She walked to the door,” or, “The dog chased the ball.” On your resume, action verbs show readers you accomplished something at your past jobs, you weren’t just “responsible for” it. Instead you “streamlined” or “coordinated” or “executed” it. You got the job done and you achieved something in the process.

But be careful: Not all action verbs are as strong as others. For example, words like “led” or “handled” may have their place on a resume (sparingly), but don’t give the reader any details about how you did it. Did you lead by assigning work to a team; by creating a road map for a project; by organizing resources, people, and deadlines; or by doing some combination of the three?

Impress hiring managers with these action verbs and secure your next interview! Find the perfect fit by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

No matter what duty or accomplishment you’re trying to show off, we’ve got just the resume action verb for you. Check out the list below, and get ready to make your resume way more exciting.

Action verbs for when you led a project

If you were in charge of a project or initiative from start to finish, skip “led” and instead try:

  • Administered
  • Coordinated
  • Orchestrated
  • Spearheaded

Actions for when you envisioned and brought a project to life

And if you actually developed, created, or introduced that project into your company? Try:

  • Established
  • Implemented
  • Incorporated

Action verbs list for when you increased efficiency, productivity, profit, sales, revenue, or customer satisfaction (or reduced costs or time spent)

If you can show that your work boosted the company’s numbers in some way, you’re bound to impress. In these cases, consider:

  • Accelerated
  • Capitalized
  • Consolidated

Action verbs for when you changed or improved something

Did you bring your department’s invoicing system out of the Stone Age and into the 21st century? Talk about the amazing changes you made at your office with these words:

  • Centralized
  • Rehabilitated
  • Reorganized
  • Restructured
  • Revitalized
  • Standardized
  • Streamlined
  • Strengthened
  • Transformed

Action verbs for when you managed a team

While “managed” may have a place on your resume (especially if it’s a keyword ), phrases like “Managed a team…” or “Managed employees…” are just reciting your job duties. Instead, you can show what an inspirational leader you were with terms like:

  • Facilitated

Action verbs for when you brought in partners, funding, resources, or clients

Were you “responsible for” a great new partner, sponsor, source of funding, or client? Try:

Action verbs for when you supported customers

Because monitoring the phones, answering questions, or providing customer service really means you’re advising customers and meeting their needs, use:

  • Recommended

Action verbs for when you did research or analysis

Did your job include research, analysis, or fact-finding? Mix up your verbiage with these words:

  • Interpreted
  • Interviewed
  • Investigated

Action verbs for when you communicated

Was writing, speaking, lobbying, or otherwise communicating part of your gig? You can explain just how compelling you were with words like:

  • Corresponded
  • Illustrated

Action verb examples for when you oversaw or regulated

Whether you enforced protocol or managed your department’s requests, describe what you really did, better, with these words:

  • Adjudicated
  • Scrutinized

Action verbs for when you achieved something

Did you hit your goals? Win a coveted department award ? Don’t forget to include that on your resume, with words like:

  • Demonstrated
  • Outperformed

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

action verbs for resume customer service

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240+ Resume Action Verbs with Examples [2024]

  • December 18, 2023
  • In Resumes & Cover Letters

Resume Action Verbs That Will Boost Your Interview Chances

Resume action verbs demonstrate your strengths and communicate your expertise in a powerful manner. The correct use of action verbs can transform your resume from bland to impactful. In fact, action verbs can put you way ahead in your job search and make you stand out. Most importantly, resume action verbs clearly communicate why you are the perfect fit for the position.

Table of contents

What are resume action verbs, why are action verbs important in a resume.

  • How to Use Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out

1. Choose relevant action verbs

2. be specific and concise, 3. quantify your achievements, 4. use a variety of action verbs, 5. tailor your action verbs to different sections, 6. highlight accomplishments, 7. focus on industry-specific action verbs.

  • How to Use Action Verbs for Resume Achievements

List of resume action verbs

How To Effectively Use Action Verbs In Your Resume

Action verbs describe the responsibilities and acquired skills on your resume. Unlike passive, overused verbs, action verbs are dynamic and powerful. Using them in bullet points will communicate your expertise in a concise yet persuasive manner. Additionally, a hiring manager is more likely to read through your resume if you use strong, active verbs. Altogether, action verbs are a powerful way to describe your capabilities and set you apart from other applicants.

Action verbs make sentences more concise, easy to understand, persuasive, and have strong impact. They allow you to save space on position descriptions yet still highlight your experience. Because dynamic action verbs describe the exact actions you carried out, they create a more specific and detailed image of your responsibilities. Also, they are not as overused and cliché, which will make your resume stand out.

But, possibly the most crucial reason to use resume action verbs is that they improve scannability and readability. Using action verbs from the job listing will help you pass through the ATS (applicant tracking system) . Also, it will make it easier for the hiring manager to find essential skills and experience on your resume. Generally, powerful resume action verbs leave a more significant impact on the reader. They will make your resume memorable and unique and increase your chances of landing the job.

How to use action verbs to make your resume stand out

Using action verbs in your resume is an effective way to make your accomplishments and skills stand out to potential employers. Action verbs help convey a sense of action, achievement, and impact, rather than simply listing your job duties. Here are some tips on how to use action verbs effectively in your resume:

Select action verbs that are relevant to the specific job or industry you are applying for. Consider the skills and qualifications that the employer is seeking and use action verbs that align with those requirements.

Use action verbs that accurately describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. Be specific about what you achieved and how you contributed to the success of your previous roles. Avoid using generic or vague action verbs that do not provide clear information.

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using numbers, percentages, or other measurable metrics. This helps demonstrate the impact of your actions and provides concrete evidence of your abilities.

Avoid repeating the same action verbs throughout your resume. Instead, use a variety of action verbs to showcase your versatility and range of skills.

Use different action verbs for different sections of your resume. For example, use action verbs related to leadership and management for your experience section, and action verbs related to problem-solving and communication for your skills section.

Rather than just listing your everyday tasks and responsibilities, use action verbs to illustrate specific successes. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, you can concisely provide context for your achievements and highlight the impact you had in previous positions.

Here is an example of how to utilize the STAR method:

  • Situation: Describe the situation at hand.
  • Task: Describe the assigned task.
  • Action: Describe the action you took to fulfill the task.
  • Result: Describe the positive outcome of your actions.

For example, using the STAR method, you can describe an accomplishment as follows: “Implemented a new sales software focusing on repeat customers, increasing annual sales volume by 19%.”

Your industry most likely has its own language and jargon that is used every day. So, when writing your resume, use action verbs specific to your industry or job function. This proves your expertise and familiarity within the industry, enabling your resume to stand out among other applicants.

How to use action verbs for resume achievements

To effectively use action verbs for resume achievements, follow these tips:

  • Identify your achievements. Make a list of your accomplishments in previous roles, such as projects completed, goals achieved, and challenges overcome.
  • Choose relevant action verbs.  Select action verbs that accurately describe your achievements. For example, if you increased sales, you could use verbs like “boosted,” “maximized,” or “accelerated.”
  • Tailor the verbs to the specific achievement.  Use action verbs that align with the specific accomplishment you want to highlight. For instance, if you led a successful team project, you could use verbs like “orchestrated,” “guided,” or “coordinated.”
  • Quantify your achievements.  Whenever possible, include quantifiable results to showcase the impact of your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “improved customer satisfaction,” you could say “increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”
  • Incorporate the action verbs in your resume.  Integrate the action verbs into your bullet points under each relevant job experience. Start each bullet point with an action verb and provide a concise description of the achievement.

Here’s an example of how to use action verbs for resume achievements:

Previous Role: Sales Manager

  • Achievement: Increased sales revenue by 35% within six months.
  • Action Verb: “Boosted”

Examples of strong action verbs for resumes

These action verbs can help convey a sense of accomplishment and demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential employers.

Customer service action verbs for your resume

When crafting a customer service resume, it’s important to use action verbs that highlight your skills and accomplishments in this field. Here are some action verbs specifically tailored for customer service resumes:

  • Assisted: Provided support and assistance to customers in resolving their inquiries or issues.
  • Resolved: Successfully addressed and resolved customer complaints or concerns.
  • Communicated: Effectively communicated with customers to understand their needs and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Collaborated: Worked collaboratively with team members and other departments to ensure excellent customer service.
  • Listened: Actively listened to customers to understand their requirements and provide personalized assistance.
  • Advised: Offered guidance and advice to customers on product selection or problem-solving.
  • Negotiated: Engaged in negotiations with customers to reach mutually beneficial resolutions.
  • Empathized: Demonstrated empathy and understanding towards customers’ concerns or frustrations.
  • Managed: Effectively managed customer accounts, ensuring accurate and timely information.
  • Followed up: Followed up with customers to ensure their satisfaction and address any additional needs.
  • Upsold: Identified opportunities to upsell or cross-sell products or services to customers.

Creative Skills

ActedCreatedIllustratedPersonalized
AdvertisedDesignedImagedRedesigned
AnimatedDisplayedInitiatedRenewed
ArchitectedDraftedInnovatedShaped
CapturedEnhancedIntroducedShowcased
ComposedExhibitedMarketedVisualized

Communication Skills

AdvocatedConsulted      Explained         Presented            
AdvisedDebatedExpressedPublished
AlertedDefinedHighlightedReported
ArticulatedDetailedInteractedShared
ClarifiedDraftedListenedTalked
CommunicatedEditedModeratedTranslated
CompiledEmailedNegotiatedVerbalized

Leadership Skills

Advocated    EnabledInfluenced    Owned              
AssembledEnergizedInspiredPersuaded
CampaignedEncouragedLedRallied
ChallengedEngagedMentoredSpearheaded
CoachedEnthusedModeledStimulated
DroveGeneratedMotivatedTransformed

Management Skills

Accounted      ChargedEstimated       Outsourced         
ActedCoordinatedExecutedPlanned
AchievedControlledForecastedPrioritized
AdministeredDelegatedHiredImplemented
BenchmarkedDirectedManagedRevised
BudgetedElevatedMeasuredSupervised

Helping Skills

Accepted          ConductedFacilitated         Performed             
AidedHandledFamiliarizedQuestioned
AssistedHelpedResolvedSupported
BuiltDemonstratedFacilitatedTrained
ClarifiedEducatedMotivatedVolunteered
CoachedEffectedParticipatedWorked

Research Skills

Analyzed      Detected Extracted       Located            
Assessed Determined Formulated Organized
Clarified Diagnosed IdentifiedRecognized
CollectedDocumented Inspected Researched
Compiled Examined Invented Solved
Compared Explored Linked Surveyed

Financial Skills

Administered Budgeted     Forecasted Predicted         
Adjusted Calculated InvestedReconciled
Analyzed Corrected Measured Reduced
Appraised Decreased Netted Researched
Audited Detailed Planned Retrieved
Balanced Determined Programmed Solved

Efficiency Skills

Accelerated EnhancedMergedReduced
Allocated ExpandedOptimizedRevised
BoostedExpeditedOutlinedSimplified
CentralizedHeightenedOutsourcedSynthesized
DownsizedLeveragedPreventedSystematized
EliminatedMaximizedReorganizedUpgraded

Technical Skills

Aggregated   Conducted   OverhauledRestored          
AssembledDesignedOperatedRevised
AnalyzedDevisedProgrammedSecured
Built EngineeredReengineeredSolved
CalculatedInstalledRestoredTested
ComputedMaintainedRepairedVerified

Teaching Skills

Achieved         Compared      Enhanced        Lectured             
AdvisedCorrespondedFocusedMeasured
AidedCritiquedGradedOrganized
AssistedDemonstratedHighlightedPrepared
BoostedDiagnosedIdentifiedPresented
CollaboratedEducatedImprovedScheduled

Resume Action Verbs

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Maximize Your Impact: 205 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

Daniel Doan

Updated: July 23, 2024

Published: August 02, 2023

So you’re working on your resume. Maybe you haven’t submitted your updated resume anywhere yet, or maybe you have, and it doesn’t seem to get anyone’s attention. Either way, you might be missing one of the most important elements of any resume: Action verbs.

marketer brainstorms action verbs on a resume

If you’re unfamiliar with action verbs, you might wonder how they’re different from those on your resume. If that’s the case, this article has some critical information you don’t want to miss.

The best part? Even if your resume is 100% complete right now, adding action verbs is as simple as replacing existing verbs with them. Keep reading to learn more about the best action verbs for your resume and how much you might miss out on without them.

Table of Contents

How Action Verbs Help Your Resume

The benefits of action verbs, action verbs at work, resume action verbs.

So what are action verbs? Well, they’re words that express and describe things that someone or something does. In the case of your resume, action verbs can help you illustrate all the hard work you’ve put into your career.

Wait, isn’t that what every word on your resume should do? To an extent, yes, but action verbs do more than describe your achievements.

They explain everything you’ve done and how you’ve done them. Actions speak louder than words — and action verbs speak louder than everyday words.

Now before we look at some of the most powerful action verbs and how to use them, let’s dig a little deeper into how action verbs can make your resume catch the eyes of your next interviewer.

If we wanted to detail every benefit of action verbs, we’d be here all day. To save you some time (time you can spend crafting the perfect resume), here are four of the best reasons to use action verbs.

If even one of these benefits could add something to your resume, it might be time to revise it with some powerful action verbs.

Action verbs show what you do (not just who you are).

Let’s think about the phrase “action verbs.” Verbs are straightforward enough: They’re words that describe doing or being something. Action verbs are more specific. They describe doing something, not any state of being.

This might not sound like a huge difference, but let’s look at an example of a regular verb you might see in a resume:

  • “I was the general manager at a fine dining establishment.”

Let’s swap that boring “was” out for some exciting action verbs:

  • “I supervised and managed the operation of a fine dining establishment.”

It’s a small change, but that should give you an idea of how more impactful action verbs can be compared to verbs that describe your state of being.

Action verbs make your resume more eye-catching.

Have you ever sifted through a stack of resumes? If you have, you might know how tedious and sleep-inducing that process can be. If not, imagine reading a book full of passive verbs — you know, the opposite of action verbs.

“I had many responsibilities… I was a department head…”

You get the picture.

While these might be great accomplishments, anyone reading that resume will probably move on to the next one in no time.

The language itself won’t win any awards, but the real issue is its overuse. You’re not just competing against subpar language. You’re competing against every resume that uses the same language.

Action verbs help your chances with tracking systems.

Like so many things these days, applying for a job might involve artificial intelligence. Depending on your stance, that might be a good or bad thing. One thing is for sure, though: You should write your resume with that in mind.

See, applicant tracking systems (ATS) streamline the application process for employers. These systems use AI to scan resumes for certain words and phrases. Some of these words and phrases include — believe it or not — action verbs.

While you may not need to include any specific words to pass through ATS, you should focus on using action verbs.

Action verbs make your resume easier to scan and read.

How long do you spend on a website before leaving? Is your mind made up after the headline?

Do you scroll through the page and look at the headers? Or do you scan the page in an instant, looking for one specific thing to tell you whether the page is worth your time or not?

Chances are you do one or all of those things — but did you know the same applies to your resume? That’s right. You can expect every employer reading your resume to scan through your resume like you would a website.

That’s where action verbs come in. Imagine someone scanning through dozens of resumes a day. What do you think would get their attention? Yep, action verbs — and the more specific to your industry, the better.

If you can get their attention with the right action verbs, you’re one step closer to having your resume read.

action verbs word cloud

action verbs relating to achievements

Accelerated

Decreased

Won

Pioneered

Accomplished

Delivered

Founded

Produced

Achieved

Demonstrated

Generated

Raised

Advanced

Drove

Grew

Reached

Amplified

Earned

Improved

Saved

Attained

Enacted

Lifted

Sharpened

Boosted

Endeavored

Managed

Showcased

Capitalized

Enhanced

Maximized

Sparked

Completed

Established

Outpaced

Spearheaded

Consolidated

Exceeded

Outperformed

Steered

Converted

Expanded

Overcame

Stimulated

Created

Expedited

Overhauled

Streamlined

Targeted

Surpassed

Succeeded

Strengthened

Best for: Demonstrating your most exceptional accomplishments, placing you far ahead of the pack of applicants.

Responsibilities

Do you wear many hats at work? Good, leverage that in your resume. Some positions require quick thinking and flexibility; action verbs can demonstrate that on your resume.

These action verbs should give a potential employer a good idea of what you can handle.

Action verbs relating to responsibilities

Forged

Coordinated

Handled

Organized

Accomplished

Created

Headed

Partnered

Achieved

Delivered

Implemented

Performed

Acquired

Developed

Improved

Prepared

Acted as

Executed

Increased

Produced

Analyzed

Expanded

Initiated

Reached

Assembled

Facilitated

Instituted

Secured

Built

Finalized

Made

Simplified

Charted

Finished

Navigated

Succeeded in

Completed

Accelerated

Negotiated

Undertook

Constructed

Guided

Operated

Volunteered

What we like: Focusing on responsibilities with action verbs can posture you as the perfect candidate for leadership and more specialized positions.

Communication

You’ve heard it many times before: Communication is key. That’s because it’s true — in personal life and business.

So what could be better than some action verbs that communicate how well you communicate?

action verbs relating to communication

Addressed

Consulted

Explained

Performed

Advocated

Conveyed

Fielded

Persuaded

Apprised

Convinced

Formulated

Presented

Arbitrated

Corresponded

Illustrated

Promoted

Arranged

Counseled

Influenced

Proposed

Attested

Critiqued

Informed

Publicized

Authored

Defined

Instructed

Queried

Briefed

Developed

Interpreted

Reconciled

Campaigned

Directed

Lectured

Recruited

Clarified

Documented

Lobbied

Reported

Co-authored

Drafted

Marketed

Reviewed

Collaborated

Edited

Mediated

Spoke

Communicated

Enlisted

Moderated

Summarized

Composed

Enlivened

Negotiated

Trained

Translated

Wrote

   

Best for: These action verbs have the potential to show what a great team player you are, so they’re great when applying for anything like a managerial role.

Not much can overshadow experience. It’s undeniable proof of your career until now, and you should use that to your advantage.

After all, your experience might be the one thing that gets you hired instead of a comparable candidate.

Action verbs relating to experience

Adapted

Coordinated

Guided

Recommended

Administered

Critiqued

Individualized

Reorganized

Advised

Delegated

Informed

Reviewed

Analyzed

Developed

Installed

Scheduled

Assigned

Directed

Instructed

Simulated

Chaired

Enabled

Motivated

Stimulated

Clarified

Encouraged

Organized

Supervised

Coached

Evaluated

Oversaw

Taught

Communicated

Executed

Persuaded

Tested

Conducted

Explained

Planned

Trained

Consolidated

Facilitated

Prioritized

Transmitted

Contracted

Focused

Produced

Tutored

What we like: Experience-oriented action verbs can position you as an all-around great candidate with a proven track record.

There’s No Better Time for Action

Whether your communication skills are unmatched, your management style is cutting-edge, or you’ve just been in the game for longer than your competition, action verbs can tell employers what you’ve done and what you do.

There are countless strong action verbs for your resume as well, so you have many choices regardless of what you do or want to do. So which action verbs will go in your resume? Are you a creative genius, a rocksteady leader, or a communications expert?

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214 Unique Action Verbs to Power Up Your Resume

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In This Guide:

What are resume action verbs, тop 20 action words used by enhancv customers, why do action verbs matter.

How to use action verbs in a resume

How to include action verbs in the resume sections

Action verbs for the top 25 jobs in the US

Action verbs for top organizations and sectors

Action verbs for specific skills

10 action verbs to avoid on a resume and why, power verbs vs power adjectives.

Cover letter action verbs

Key takeaways

Resume image 1

Action verbs on a resume are words that describe what someone does or did in their role or within a company. Also known as power verbs, they're different from neutral words because they convey a sense of initiative and impact. You use them to amplify your accomplishments and skills. For example, "worked on a team project" can be replaced with "spearheaded a team project," which sounds more dynamic and demonstrates leadership.

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Let’s be honest—you probably didn’t think much about your resume wording when writing it . The idea of adding action verbs might have just slipped your mind, and that’s totally normal.

A lot of job seekers don't realize how much impact these power words can have. But think about it: hiring managers go through countless resumes, and buzzwords like “detail-oriented” or “team player” pop up everywhere, making them dull and forgettable. Action verbs, however, can really make your resume stand out by highlighting your initiative and achievements. So, why not enrich your resume vocabulary with these powerful words?

In this guide, we’ll go through:

  • What action verbs are, why they matter, and when to use them.
  • Which action verbs can boost your resume and catch a recruiter’s eye.
  • Choosing power words for your resume grouped by top job titles, industries, and organizations.
  • Describing skills with active verbs.
  • Hundreds of examples to choose from for your own resume, CV, cover letter, letter of interest, and interview.

Often referred to as action or power words, you can use action verbs throughout your resume to describe and strengthen your skills, achievements, and experience.

Recent neuroscience findings show  that action verbs can actually activate the parts of our brain involved in those actions. For example, reading the word "kick" might light up the brain areas related to kicking.

This fascinating connection suggests that inserting strong action verbs into your resume can vividly highlight your skills and achievements, making them more impressive to hiring managers. Just as these words stimulate your brain, they can also make your resume stand out and resonate more with potential employers.

So, let's dive into why action verbs are a game-changer for your resume and how to use them to your advantage.

To help you craft a resume that stands out , here are 20 powerful action verbs tested by Enhancv customers who managed to land their dream jobs just two months after starting to use our resume-building app .

  • Collaborated
  • Established
  • Implemented
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined

If you’re not sure how to properly insert these power words into your resume, worry not. Our resume builder gives you bulleted suggestions that can instantly make your resume content more actionable.

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Hiring managers sift through a mountain of resumes when deciding who to bring on board, spending an average of just 7.4 seconds on each one . This makes it crucial to grab their attention quickly. To stand out, you need to use the most impactful language you’re capable of.

Action verbs can make your resume shine, immediately increasing your chances of getting an interview call by underscoring your skills and qualifications. They enhance the impression you leave on hiring managers. While your GPA  and basic credentials matter, employers are more interested in the results  you've achieved. By incorporating unique action verbs, you can easily introduce your quantified successes. For example:

Spearheaded  a team of 10 engineers to develop an innovative software feature, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement  within three months.

Whether you're a high school student or a seasoned professional, the right power words can support your application. However, it's important to be honest about your achievements . Knowing which action verbs to use can make the difference between looking impressive and appearing mediocre or dishonest.

How to use action verbs in a resume: 5 simple rules

Ready to create a job-winning resume? Here are some key tips to use action verbs strategically and amplify your application:

  • Study the job description : Tailor your resume  to the specific position you're applying for by studying the job description carefully. What keywords do they use to list the skills and responsibilities required? Now, try to match the same keywords  from the job posting on your resume (no lying, of course). This shows the hiring manager you have the relevant experience and can meet their needs.
  • Be specific about your achievements : Don’t just tell recruiters you did something—show them! Use numbers and specific results  to highlight your successes. For example, instead of saying “Increased monthly blog visits,” say “Magnified monthly blog visits from 100,000 to 2 million in a year.” This not only sounds impressive but also provides concrete evidence of your impact. Here’s another hint — opt for action verbs that can be easily measured.
  • Avoid overused action verbs : You don’t want your resume to look and sound like everyone else’s. Generic words like “managed,” “led,” “worked on,” and “participated” are so common they’ve become white noise to recruiters. Instead, opt for more specific and dynamic verbs that will grab attention and stand out.
  • Use active voice : Active voice makes your accomplishments clearer and more impactful, implying agency and proactivity. Start each bullet point in your experience section with a power verb to ensure you’re underlining your result-driven approach. For example, say “Developed a new training program that boosted employee productivity by 20%,” instead of “A new training program was developed.”
  • Consider high-register synonyms : To elevate your resume game, replace common action verbs with their French/Latin/Greek-origin synonyms. (Instead of saying " Analyzed  data," you could say " Scrutinized  data"). They convey a higher level of sophistication and expertise. Sometimes, opening the thesaurus to find the right substitutes for common action verbs can add a touch of sophistication to your resume.

How to include action verbs in your resume sections [examples & tips]

Dynamic words can transform your resume into a compelling story of your career path. Let’s explore how you can sprinkle action verbs across various sections of your resume  to make every sentence pop and every bullet point shine.

Resume summary

The resume summary  sits prominently at the top of your resume, right below the header. It provides a concise overview of your career, highlighting your key skills and accomplishments. To avoid turning it into a monotonous list, start every sentence with an action verb. This approach makes your personal statements  more dynamic and impactful.

Here’s a good example from a CTO resume :

Work experience

The work experience section  is where power verbs truly shine. Each bullet point under your job titles should begin with an action verb to clearly and concisely convey your responsibilities and accomplishments. For example:

  • Managed  a team of 10 developers to deliver projects on time.
  • Implemented  a new software solution that increased efficiency by 20%.
  • Partnered  with 15 people from cross-functional teams to drive product innovation.

The same tips can be applied to a projects section  if you decide to create one. Just remember to list verbs in the past tense for previous roles and the present tense if the job is ongoing.

Here’s an example of action verbs in an experience section:

  • • Lead ad hoc analyses of financial and IT data to assist other areas of the audit function, improving audit efficiency by 30%.
  • • Develop repeatable methods to build an internal knowledge base, increasing team productivity by 20%.
  • • Design and execute audit programs and system implementations, enhancing compliance rates by 25%.
  • • Identify and resolve discrepancies leading to a 15% reduction in annual financial reporting errors.
  • • Conducted detailed audits of financial and IT systems, recommending improvements that reduced risk exposure by 18%.
  • • Provided IT control expertise, boosting system efficiency by 22%.
  • • Managed multiple projects and teams, ensuring timely and accurate completion of audit tasks, resulting in a 95% on-time project delivery rate.
  • • Developed and implemented process improvements, enhancing the efficiency of audit processes, which led to a 20% reduction in audit time.

Skills section

Action verbs are excellent for describing your skills. While technical proficiency  is often listed in a separate skill section  for easy skimming by recruiters, it's not advisable to present soft skills  in a bulleted list. Instead, support them with concrete examples of how you've applied these skills to make them credible. It's best to integrate them throughout different parts of your resume.

For example:

  • Designed  user-friendly interfaces  (creativity)
  • Analyzed  data to inform strategic decisions  (critical thinking)
  • Engineered  marketing strategies that increased brand awareness  (communication and collaboration)

By using power verbs to describe your skills, you provide context, making it easier for hiring managers to understand your strengths.

Enhancv’s staple sections

Enhancv offers unique sections like “My Time,” “Strengths,” and “Most Proud Of” to help your resume stand out. In these distinctive sections, action verbs can add depth and clarity. For example:

  • In “My time,” explain how you balanced  multiple responsibilities.
  • In “Strengths,” describe how you honed  analytical skills through coursework.
  • In “Most proud of,” highlight a significant and job-relevant milestone you achieved .

Using action verbs in these custom sections provides a more comprehensive view of your capabilities and personality.

Action verbs for the 25 most in-demand jobs in the US

In early 2024, U.S. News  evaluated jobs across various industries based on median salary, predicted growth, unemployment rate, work-life balance, and stress level to rank the top ones of the year.

Let's examine these jobs individually and list the action verbs that job-seekers in each occupation can use on their resumes.

Actuary resume action verbs

If financial risk assessment or data analysis is your specialty, here's how to highlight your expertise on your resume with powerful action verbs.

  • Recommended
  • Risk-assessed
  • Synthesized

Data scientist resume action verbs

Here are some examples of power verbs that will make your data skills  shine.

  • Architected
  • Constructed
  • Illustrated
  • Orchestrated
  • Scrutinized

Dental hygienist resume action verbs

Below are the most suitable words for a dental hygienist resume .

  • Administered

Financial manager resume action verbs

If you thrive in money matters, your financial manager resume needs these words:

  • Consolidated
  • Diversified
  • Strategized

Genetic counselor resume action verbs

As the healthcare industry grows, genetic counselors are in high demand. They dig into family history and genetic issues to guide treatment decisions.

To highlight your skills as a genetic counselor on your resume, use these action verbs:

  • Coordinated
  • Facilitated
  • Interpreted
  • Investigated

Industrial psychologist resume action verbs

For those wanting to amplify their interpersonal and problem-solving skills on their resume, here’s a list that will get you started:

Information security analyst action verbs

Here are some suitable and non-cliched action verbs for a cyber security analyst's resume :

  • Safeguarded

IT manager resume action verbs

If you're aiming to highlight your expertise as an IT Manager , here are some powerful action verbs to showcase your skills and achievements on your resume:

  • Transformed

Lawyer resume action verbs

Below are some impactful action verbs to use on your lawyer resume  to emphasize your legal expertise and accomplishments.

  • Represented

Management analyst resume action verbs

Management analysts, or consultants , help organizations operate more efficiently through careful planning and studies. Integrate these words into your resume to describe the results of your decision-making:

  • Benchmarking

Marketing manager resume action verbs

Marketing managers can find inspiration in the following list of power verbs:

  • Conceptualized

Mechanical engineer resume action verbs

If mechanical engineers  are ever at a loss for words, here’s a list that will help them communicate their strengths on a resume:

  • Troubleshot

Healthcare operations manager resume action verbs

If you’re in healthcare and medical services , the words below can boost your resume:

  • Prioritized

Nurse anesthetist resume action verbs

The expected job growth for this position is 8.9%. Get ready to optimize your resume with strategic word choices.

Nurse practitioner resume action verbs

There will be over 100,000 job openings for nurses by 2032 . Be ready to stand out from the competition with a well-written resume.

  • Rehabilitated
  • Resuscitated

Occupational therapist resume action verbs

If you want your showcase your therapeutic skills  on your resume, get inspiration from the list of suggestions below:

Operations research analyst resume action verbs

If analytics, mathematics, and computer science are part of your daily responsibilities, here are some suggestions to help you build an effective operations analyst resume .

Orthotist and prosthetist  resume action verbs

Advances in medical and manufacturing technology have improved the accessibility of orthotic and prosthetic devices, leading to increased adoption and demand for these services. To build your prosthetist resume, choose the right verbs to introduce your responsibilities and accomplishments at work.

  • Manufactured

Physician assistant resume action verbs

Physician assistants are appreciated for their clinical and diagnostic skills. These can be highlighted with the help of strong action verbs on your resume.

Sales manager resume action verbs

Sales managers are valued for their leadership and strategic abilities. Emphasize these skills on your resume by using impactful action verbs.

  • Accelerated

Software developer resume action verbs

In competitive fields like IT, you need to stand out. Use this list of action verbs to create a tech resume  that’s both ATS- and recruiter-friendly.

Speech pathologist resume action verbs

For these professionals, precise communication skills are key. Use this list of action verbs to effectively showcase your expertise and catch the attention of employers.

  • Communicated
  • Individualized

Statistician resume action verbs

Here’s a list of power verbs that can enrich a statistician’s resume .

Veterinarian resume action verbs

Vets can make their resumes more engaging  and easier to read by using dynamic and varied verbs like those from the list below.

Web developer resume action verbs

Web developers need good action verbs for their resumes to effectively convey their technical skills, project achievements, and contributions to potential employers.

Now that we’ve covered some of the most popular jobs in the US, let’s explore the power words for industry-specific resumes.

Action verbs for top organizations and sectors

You're probably wondering what the best action words for a resume are. The answer depends on the context in which you use them. In this section, we’ll provide a list of impactful action verbs tailored to enhance resumes for top companies and universities. Many of these organizations periodically release their own lists of key action verbs. If you want recruiters from these organizations to notice you, pay attention to the words they emphasize in their recommendations. Make sure these same keywords are included in your application documents.

Google resume action verbs

For a Google resume , which typically emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and technical expertise, you can use the following words to highlight your skills and achievements:

Tesla resume action verbs

For those of you looking for a job at Tesla, we’ve created a list of action verbs that highlight innovation, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment.

Fortune 500 resume action verbs

For resumes targeting Fortune 500 companies, it’s important to use action verbs that highlight your leadership, innovation, and ability to drive results. Here are some impactful action verbs suitable for such resumes:

Big 4 resume power verbs

If you’re looking for a job in any of the Big 4 accounting  and consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), it's important to use action verbs that demonstrate your analytical skills, client service, and project management abilities. Here are some suggestions:

Harvard resume action verbs

Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School  have made their action verbs lists publicly available, but here’s a summary that will help you prove your leadership, strategic thinking, and academic excellence.

Action verb list for the University of California

For resumes and cover letters targeting the University of California system, including various campuses like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, it's important to use action verbs that demonstrate your academic excellence, research capabilities, leadership, and community involvement. Here are some examples:

  • Experimented

Strong action verbs for construction resumes

Struggling to highlight your construction skills effectively? Use these powerful verbs to make your resume stand out:

  • Blueprinted

Resume action verbs for the education sector

If you need to showcase your teaching or academic expertise, these action verbs will help you effectively communicate your strengths:

  • Differentiated
  • Enlightened

Action verbs to describe financial services

Highlight your analytical and strategic planning skills with these action verbs to make your resume impressive and detailed.

Healthcare action verbs for a resume

Enhance your healthcare resume by emphasizing your problem-solving and patient-care skills with these action verbs:

  • Revitalized
  • Specialized

Information technology action verbs

Need to show off your IT skills with flair? These action verbs will help you set yourself apart in the tech industry:

The best action verbs for the manufacturing industry

Demonstrate your precision and efficiency skills with these action verbs:

  • Standardized

Retail sector power verbs

Introduce your customer service and sales skills into your resume with these action verbs to make a great first impression:

  • Merchandised

Transportation and logistics action verbs

Your organizational and logistical planning skills can be even described with some of these power verbs:

Utilities and energy action verbs

Recruiters expect to see some of these verbs in an engineering-related resume:

When you're crafting your resume, it's essential to use language that accurately reflects your skills and accomplishments. Also known as skill verbs, these are specifically chosen to highlight your expertise and abilities in various areas. However, the problem here is that they don't sit well when merely listed. They need to be illustrated or quantified to show their real impact.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when doing that:

  • Be specific : Choose verbs that precisely describe what you did. For instance, instead of saying "Worked on a project," say "Designed a prototype." Specific verbs make your achievements more tangible and impressive.
  • Match verbs to your skills : For example, if you want to underline your leadership, use verbs like "Directed" or "Orchestrated" instead of just “Led”. The synonyms are in the same semantic field, which will not only enrich the content but will also help you optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems and increase its visibility in search results.
  • Show impact : Use verbs that demonstrate the impact of your work. Words like "Improved," "Optimized," or "Enhanced" can show how you made a difference in your previous roles.
  • Vary your verbs : Avoid repeating the same verbs. Mix it up with different words that convey similar actions to keep your resume interesting and dynamic.
  • Match the job description : Always tailor your verbs to match the job you're applying for. If the job description emphasizes certain skills or tasks, use similar verbs to underscore your relevant experience.

Now, let’s dive into the various ways you can underline your skills on a resume.

Action words to emphasize analytical thinking

Analytical thinking  is one of the most common skills listed on resumes, but to make it truly stand out, it's crucial to provide concrete evidence. Choose any of the verbs below when talking about your data-driven mindset.

Action verbs for partner acquisition and partnership development

These action verbs are essential for roles in business  development, sales, and partnership management, as they highlight your ability to acquire clients, secure funding, and develop strategic partnerships.

Best resume power words for research skills

The following group is crucial for roles in academia, scientific research, and data analysis, as it emphasizes your ability to conduct thorough investigations and contribute valuable insights to your field.

  • Accumulated
  • Extrapolated

Resume action words for problem-solving

From management and C-level positions to customer service and consulting, problem-solving is a great asset for an impressive range of resumes. Find some inspiration for which action verbs to use here:

  • Anticipated

Resume action verbs for teamwork and communication

Here are 20+ action verbs to effectively showcase teamwork  and communication skills  on your resume and avoid sounding too vague or generic.

  • Articulated

Power verbs for project and product management skills

Using powerful action verbs on your resume can significantly enhance the presentation of your project and product management skills. They can help you quantify your accomplishments, providing concrete evidence of your contributions. Look at the examples below:

Resume power words to use when describing results and achievements

The suggested words below matter because potential employers want to know about the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Use them generously, regardless of your occupation or level of experience.

  • Capitalized
  • Outperformed

Resume action verbs to describe tasks and responsibilities

Action verbs can help convey your accountability and the extent of your duties. Here’s what you can say when you mean “responsible for”:

As if crafting a resume isn’t challenging enough, choosing the right action verbs can make it even more frustrating. However, there’s a general agreement among recruiters that some verbs are so overused that they’ve lost their impact. They make you sound vague and forgettable, which is the opposite of what you want to be when looking for a job.

To help you navigate word choice, here are 10 common action verbs to avoid and what to use instead:

  • was responsible for   →  managed, directed, oversaw
  • worked on   →  developed, executed, designed
  • helped   →  assisted, facilitated, supported
  • led   → chaired, guided, directed
  • used   → utilized, applied, leveraged
  • participated in   → contributed to, engaged in, joined
  • supported   → bolstered, enhanced, strengthened
  • made   → created, crafted, produced
  • handled   → managed, administered, operated
  • put together   → constructed, compiled, assembled

Power adjectives and power verbs are two equally important tools in your resume-writing arsenal. While power verbs clearly articulate your actions and accomplishments, power adjectives add depth and detail, making those actions even more impressive.

For instance, instead of just saying "Led a team," you can say "Led a dynamic, high-performing team," which gives a richer, more vivid picture of your role. Using strong adjectives alongside verbs not only highlights your skills but also makes your contributions stand out more effectively to recruiters. This strategic use of language makes your resume highly engaging and memorable.

For more tips on how to master this, be sure to read our detailed article on integrating power adjectives into your resume .

Should I use action verbs in cover letters and interviews? 

Action verbs aren’t just for your resume (or CV). They’re equally impactful in cover letters , letters of interest , and interviews.

Including strong action verbs in these contexts helps you convey a proactive, results-driven professional persona. For example, in a cover letter, you might say, "I spearheaded a project that increased sales by 20%," which immediately grabs attention. In an interview, describing how you "orchestrated a successful team initiative" makes your experiences sound more dynamic and engaging.

This varied language not only enhances the storytelling aspect of your professional journey but also creates a holistic view of your capabilities. Research shows  that varied and vivid language increases engagement and retention, making your story more memorable to hiring managers. By consistently using action verbs across all professional communications, you reinforce your competencies and leave a lasting impression.

If you feel like you're ready to get the gist of how to make your resume truly shine, here are the main insights:

  • Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and engaging : They help to articulate your skills, achievements, and responsibilities clearly.
  • Choosing the right action verbs can significantly impact how your resume is perceived : By avoiding generic terms and using specific, impactful words, you stand out to hiring managers.
  • Use action verbs to illustrate and quantify your achievements : This makes your contributions more tangible and impressive.
  • Tailor your action verbs to match the job description : This shows that you have the relevant experience and can meet the employer's needs.
  • Incorporate action verbs across various sections of your resume : From the resume summary to work experience and skills, power verbs can enhance every part of your resume.
  • Avoid overused action verbs : Common words like "managed," "led," and "worked on" can become white noise to recruiters.
  • Enhance your language with high-register synonyms : This adds a touch of sophistication and can help optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems.
  • Use action verbs in cover letters and interviews : They help convey a proactive, results-driven professional persona and enhance your storytelling.

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10 Customer Service Representative Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

10 Customer Service Representative Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Jacob Meade

Customer Service Representative Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular customer service representative resumes.

  • Call Center Customer Service Representative
  • Bank Customer Service Representative
  • Bilingual Customer Service Representative
  • Claims Customer Service Representative
  • Call Center Representative
  • Customer Service Supervisor
  • Retail Customer Service Representative
  • Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Customer Service Representative Resume

  • Entry-Level
  • Senior-Level

10 Customer Service Representative Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Call Center Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Call Center Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Bank Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Bank Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Bilingual Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Bilingual Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Claims Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Claims Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Call Center Representative Resume Example

Call Center Representative Resume Example

Customer Service Supervisor Resume Example

Customer Service Supervisor Resume Example

Retail Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Retail Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Customer Service Representative Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Call Center Customer Service Rep
  • Bank Customer Service Rep
  • Bilingual Customer Service Rep
  • Claims Customer Service Rep
  • Retail Customer Service Rep

Raymond Ortiz (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn 123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345

A customer service representative with three years of experience specializing in sales, communication, and client relations. Adept at delivering quality service to diverse customers and managing high call volumes efficiently to ensure satisfaction.

  • Call center operations
  • Communication and client relations
  • Customer service
  • De-escalation and conflict resolution

Professional Experience

Customer Service Representative, West Light Florists, San Francisco, CA October 2021 – present

  • Field in-person and telephone inquiries from more than 100 customers daily and identify solutions to resolve conflicts and ensure a high-quality customer experience
  • Perform regular assessments regarding customer complaints and provide suggestions to improve customer satisfaction and retention by 15%
  • Meet or exceed customer satisfaction goals month over month

Store Associate, Kohl’s Department Store, San Francisco, CA September 2020 – October 2021

  • Supported 20 to 40 customers daily, assisted in locating products, and finalized sales transactions
  • Delivered support for regular and monthly inventory processes and reconciled stock levels to ensure accurate counts
  • Managed customer returns and complaints with patience and understanding

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA September 2017 – May 2021

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn 123 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 12345

A customer service representative with six years of experience supporting sales teams and turning cancellations into satisfied customers. Recognized for exceptional communication and interpersonal skills while interfacing with diverse clientele. Proven ability to deliver high customer satisfaction ratings.

Customer Service Representative, TUV Firm, Nashville, TN August 2019 – present

  • Manage and resolve over 50 escalated customer complaints per day, processing returns, exchanges, and changes to service levels
  • Train new employees on CRM software to deliver high-quality customer service
  • Achieve average customer service ratings of 87%, 13% higher than the company’s average

Customer Service Representative, Dolan Call Center, Nashville, TN May 2017 – August 2019

  • Provided quality customer service in a high-volume call center, processing transactions, resolving issues, and assisting with service sign-ups
  • Resolved an average of nearly 500 inquiries weekly while meeting all performance milestones for speed and accuracy
  • Achieved a 92% to 95% customer satisfaction rating month over month
  • Client relations
  • Communication

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Tennessee, Nashville, TN September 2013 – May 2017

Aliya Jackson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY 12345

A senior customer service professional with over 10 years of experience specializing in continuous improvement, client relations, and cross-functional leadership. A proven track record of building strong client relationships and identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience and improve satisfaction ratings.

Customer Service Manager, Roland Financial, New York, NY August 2017 – present

  • Interface effectively with a diverse customer base, utilize de-escalation techniques, communicate with patience and understanding, and propose ideal solutions for customer issues, resulting in a 20% reduction in cancellation rates
  • Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience, deliver training to new hires on service standards, and achieve customer satisfaction scores of 91% to 98%
  • Serve as the escalation point for five to 10 major customer issues per week

Customer Service Representative, Alliance Insurance, New York, NY May 2013 – August 2017

  • Managed inquiries, calls, and complaints from up to 50 customers per day and achieved a top 10% customer service ranking out of over 400 representatives
  • Trained over 15 call center employees on conflict resolution, active listening, de-escalation, and consultative sales techniques
  • Customer success
  • Process improvement
  • Team leadership

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Syracuse, New York, NY September 2009 – May 2013

Raymond Ortiz (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn Miami, FL 12345

Customer service team lead with consistent success managing teams, handling escalated customer complaints, and developing staff training programs.

Customer Service Team Lead, Amazon, Miami, FL | January 2020 to present

  • Manage and motivate 15 representatives to consistently meet goals and deliver high-quality service
  • Created a new hire training program that expedited onboarding by 20% and increased first-call resolution rates
  • Analyzed call data to pinpoint trends and improvement areas, increasing overall customer satisfaction by 15%

Senior Customer Service Representative, Walmart, Bentonville, AR | June 2018 to December 2019

  • Quickly handled and resolved customer complaints, maintaining a 94% satisfaction rate
  • Mentored and guided junior representatives on company policies and customer service techniques
  • Co-developed a new reporting system that made call data analysis more efficient and accurate

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ

Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, Houston Community College, Houston, TX

Professional Development

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP), International Customer Service Association (ICSA)

Certified Call Center Manager (CCCM), Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)

Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA)

Tip: Always check that your resume has strong verbs. In this example, see how Raymond starts his bullet points with “Created,” “Quickly handled,” and other verb phrases that help show him as someone actively engaged.

Amar Singh (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn New York, NY 12345

Bank customer service representative with a strong background in finance and accounting. Skilled at solving complex service issues, training junior representatives, and developing service policies, resulting in key gains in customer satisfaction and team performance.

  • Conflict resolution
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Risk management
  • Transaction processing

Senior Customer Service Representative, Deloitte, New York, NY | June 2017 to present

  • Charged with addressing and resolving complex customer service issues
  • Train and mentor a team of 10 junior representatives

Highlights:

  • Motivated team to raise efficiency by 30%
  • Drove a 20% reduction in escalated customer complaints
  • Co-developed new service policies that increased customer satisfaction by 15%

Customer Service Representative, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Berkeley, CA | June 2016 to May 2017

  • Provided excellent service to bank clients, increasing customer satisfaction by 20% and retention by 10%
  • Applied broad knowledge of bank products and services, growing cross-sales by 25%

Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Insurance, University of Texas, Austin, TX

Bachelor of Science in Finance, University of California, Berkeley, CA

Certified Bank Customer Service Representative (CBCSR), American Bankers Association (ABA)

Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA), The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

Tip: When possible, enhance your job descriptions with relevant performance data. In this resume example, see how Amar’s steady use of percentages makes a more distinctive and eye-catching experience section.

Sarah Johnson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn Philadelphia, PA 12345

Customer service representative with a strong retail background. Demonstrated success in providing customer support, translating and interpreting information, and demonstrating cultural sensitivity in all interactions. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) with a record of resolving customer complaints, improving shopping experiences, and increasing sales. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Customer Service Representative, LMN Incorporated, Philadelphia, PA | June 2018 to present

  • Provide high-quality support in English and Spanish to a diverse customer base, resolving issues and answering inquiries about products and services
  • Translate and interpret information between English and Spanish, facilitating staff members’ communication with customers
  • Maintain cultural sensitivity in all interactions, adjusting communication style to respect different social norms and customs

Retail Associate, The Home Depot, Austin, TX | January 2018 to May 2018

  • Assisted customers in both English and Spanish, improving the shopping experience for a diverse customer base
  • Quickly resolved customer complaints, decreasing escalated service cases by 20%
  • Explained product features and benefits, helping grow department sales by 15%

Bachelor of Arts in International Business, University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Associate of Arts in Spanish, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

Fluency in Spanish

Tip: Use the profile summary to position yourself for your desired career move. In this resume example, Sarah wants to work in retail again. See how she signals this in her profile by citing her retail background, which can give her an edge over candidates with no retail experience.

Selena Ramirez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn San Diego, CA 12345

Dedicated customer service representative with a strong background in insurance claims processing. Recognized for managing high-volume insurance claims, improving efficiency, and reducing litigation costs.

  • Claims processing software
  • Data entry and management
  • Reporting and documentation
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Team collaboration

Claims Specialist, The Home Depot, San Diego, CA | January 2018 to present

  • Manage a caseload of around 100 insurance claims per month
  • Liaise with insurance adjusters and claimants to negotiate settlements
  • Maintained a 95% resolution rate
  • Established a new claims tracking system that raised efficiency by 30%
  • Decreased litigation costs by 20%

Customer Service Representative, Amazon, Seattle, WA | June 2015 to December 2017

  • Handled around 60 customer inquiries and complaints per day
  • Provided detailed product information and order status updates
  • Maintained a customer satisfaction rate of 98%
  • Co-developed a new customer feedback system that improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%
  • Won “Employee of the Month” award three times for high dedication and service quality

Bachelor of Insurance and Risk Management, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley, CA

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research

Associate in Claims (AIC), The Institutes

Certified Professional in Insurance (CPI), Professional Insurance Agents Association

Tip: When writing bullet points on any past job, think about what you created or improved for your team. In this resume sample, notice how much more impressive Selena’s first job description is with details on the tracking system she introduced.

Cameron Malfara (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 12345

A Customer Service Supervisor with eight years of professional experience, specializing in customer care, operations management, and team building. A strong history of leading diverse teams to enhance operational performance and improve the customer experience.

Customer Service Supervisor, Nashville International Airport, Nashville, TN October 2017 – Present

  • Oversee daily frontline operations for a major airport, manage a team of 30+ frontline staff, coordinate daily workflows and scheduling, and provide a high-quality customer experience, including identifying resolutions to escalated issues
  • Provide coaching and training to team members to build a collaborative work culture centered on safety and customer service, resulting in a 93% rating on customer surveys
  • Conduct operational audits and root cause investigations to ensure the safety of team members and passengers during boarding and flights

Customer Service Supervisor, Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN May 2015– October 2017

  • Led a team of 25+ frontline team members and coordinated cross-functionally with flight attendants to deliver an exceptional customer experience, which included managing daily operations in compliance with corporate policies and service standards
  • Exceeded annual customer service goals by 10% YOY by optimizing workflows, improving operational performance, and adjusting resources in accordance with customer volume

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN September 2011 – May 2015

  • Customer Care
  • Operations Management
  • Team Building
  • Process Improvement
  • Quality Assurance

Cameron Malfara (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY, 12345

A Retail Customer Service Representative with four years of experience, specializing in customer support, client relations, sales management, and communication. A strong history of interfacing with a broad range of customers to identify appropriate solutions and ensure satisfaction.

Retail Customer Service Associate, BestBuy, New York, NY October 2019 – Present

  • Provide support to 25-35 customers per day, educate customers on electronics, payment plans, and rewards programs, and exceed monthly sales goals by 30%-40%
  • Identify solutions to customer issues, including defective products, refunds, store credit, and achieve customer satisfaction ratings of 91%-94% YOY
  • Coordinate with a team of 20+ retail sales and customer service associates to reduce customer wait times, identify appropriate solutions, and enhance daily operations

Retail Customer Service Associate, Target, New York, NY June 2018 – October 2019

  • Responded to phone calls and in-store inquiries from retail customers, guided shoppers in locating products and merchandise, and communicated with empathy and understanding
  • Communicated with other local stores and departments to aid customers, resulting in a 91% customer service ranking over 12 consecutive months

High School Diploma Central Park East High School, New York, NY September 2014 – June 2018

  • Retail Customer Service

To craft an impactful resume for customer service representative positions, highlight the strongest accomplishments of your professional career. Hiring managers value candidates who can communicate effectively with a range of people. It’s important to feature your communication skills prominently throughout the document. Showcasing quality metrics, such as customer satisfaction scores, will differentiate you from the competition during your job search.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your customer service representative qualifications

Before crafting your summary, analyze the descriptions of the jobs you’re interested in applying for. You’ll likely notice repetitive key terms and qualifications when evaluating the postings. Your first sentence should include your title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that align with the job description. This information will show hiring managers that you’re a highly qualified candidate immediately upon opening your document.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Entry-level profile example.

A customer service representative with four years of experience specializing in sales, communication, and client relations. Adept at delivering quality service to diverse customers and managing high call volumes efficiently to ensure satisfaction.

2. Add your customer service representative experience with compelling examples

Your professional experience section should focus primarily on your career achievements rather than simply mentioning generic job responsibilities. Hiring managers want candidates with a history of contributing to their teams and organizations. As you write your bullet points, think about your positive impact on average customer satisfaction metrics. Did you make a process more efficient or help improve the performance of your team members through training? These details make all the difference in whether or not your application makes it to the next phase of the hiring process.

Example 1 - Senior-Level

Example 2 - entry-level, 3. include customer service representative-related education and certifications.

Although your hands-on customer service experience will always be the focal point of your resume, acquiring additional certifications online can help strengthen your job application. These additional credentials show hiring managers you’re committed to improving your ability to deliver outstanding customer service, which may help set you apart from other candidates during the job search.

Certifications

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
  • Help Desk Certification, HubSpot, 2018
  • Customer Service Certification, Service Strategies, 2017
  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing
  • Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2012 – June 2016

4. List key skills and proficiencies for customer service representatives

When applying for a position, the right combination of keywords is critical for getting past any applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS may only highlight a resume with enough keywords and the right action verbs, so a hiring manager may never see a resume that lacks the necessary phrases.

An ATS crawls through your resume, looking for specific keywords and phrases. Your resume goes to the bottom of the pile if it doesn’t find them. If it does have a good selection of keywords, it goes right to the hiring manager for consideration. Because your resume must pass both automated systems and excite the person behind the firewall, designing a resume that naturally includes these phrases is important. The more keywords you work into your resume text, the more likely you will land an interview.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Account management Call center operations
Client relations Communication
Conflict resolution Consultative sales
Continuous improvement Cross-functional collaboration
Customer relations Customer relationship management (CRM)
Customer service Customer solutions
Customer success De-escalation techniques
Microsoft Office Suite Process improvement
Relationship building Retail sales
Sales Team management

How To Pick the Best Customer Service Representative Resume Template

When selecting a resume template, prioritize organization and readability over style.

Although many modern templates may be tempting, colors and graphics can often distract hiring managers from your work experience and professional achievements. In most instances, it’s better to choose a straightforward template, as the strength of your content will always be the determining factor in whether or not you receive an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions: Customer Service Representative Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for customer service representative resumes -.

Getting stuck on what action verbs to use during the resume-building process is easy. Sometimes only certain verbs convey your professional experience accurately. Using the same words repeatedly might cause your content to appear stale or monotonous to the reader. We’ve compiled a list to aid you in differentiating your usage of action verbs throughout your bullet points:

Action Verbs
Achieved Analyzed
Built Collaborated
Communicated Conducted
Coordinated Delivered
Drove Ensured
Executed Identified
Implemented Improved
Led Managed
Oversaw Performed
Planned Provided
Resolved Supported

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

Customer service positions may be more competitive over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts these jobs will shrink by 4% over the next 10 years. Automation technology plays a significant role in the expected change. More companies are allowing customers to handle frequent tasks like returns or exchanges through a bot or web portal. With less need for human oversight on standard procedures, companies may be adding fewer customer service jobs.

Carefully tailor your resume to the job description to differentiate yourself from the applicant pool. In addition to including appropriate keywords, show hiring managers examples of you using these specific skill sets throughout your career. Instead of simply saying you’re familiar with de-escalation techniques, consider using an example that showed you employing this skill to retain an at-risk account. These insights will make a much more lasting impression on the reader and increase your chances of landing the interview.

What is the best customer service representative resume format? -

Use a reverse chronological format when crafting your customer service representative resume. This format will feature your most recent achievements at the top of your document. It’s best to avoid using a functional resume format in most instances, as this approach emphasizes skill sets without providing context or specific accomplishments for the hiring manager.

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While not every company will require a cover letter, keeping one on hand for those that do is good. The most significant benefit of submitting a cover letter is that it allows you to mention something about the company you’re applying to and why their reputation excites you for the role. Show hiring managers that you’ve researched beforehand, demonstrating that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Read our customer service and call center representative cover letter guides for more insights.

Jacob Meade

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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Action Verbs for Resumes

Resume action words are creative and powerful verbs that you should use on your resume to make it stand out. Most bullet points on resumes start with the same words, to the point that they lose their efficacy. By using a compelling action verb, you can catch the recruiter's eye and paint a vivid picture of how you are the best candidate.

Why Should You Use Resume Action Verbs?

Using resume action verbs will make your resume stronger by replacing those common, over-used words and phrases that recruiters see all the time with dynamic and compelling words that will catch the recruiter's eye. By starting your bullet points with action verbs, you can keep descriptions of your skills and work experiences short and powerful.

Best Action Verbs for Resumes:

Action Verb

Skills Illustrated

achieved

Work ethic and accomplishments.

improved

Organizational skills and how you made a positive difference in your previous position.

mentored

Leadership and management skills.

created

Creativity skills.

resolved

Problem-solving, management, and teamwork skills.

volunteered

Teamwork skills and work ethic.

influenced

Leadership and customer service skills.

increased/decreased

Drive.

developed

Creativity and innovation.

launched

Leadership and project management skills.

won

Ability to achieve results.

Action Verbs for Different Activities:

Candidates tend to use various tired phrases when describing their work activities that can lead to a boring, repetitive resume. Spice things up with some action verbs and synonyms for these over-repeated phrases:

  • " Responsible for ."
  • " Developed," "created," or "introduced ."
  • " Changed" or "improved ."
  • " Managed" or "oversaw ."
  • " Researched ."
  • " Utilized ."

We have also gathered lists of action verbs that are great for specific positions, such as:

  • Sales positions .
  • Financial positions .
  • Technical positions .
  • Teaching positions .

Creativity and Problem-Solving Action Verbs:

aided

alleviated

altered

ameliorated

augmented

built

corrected

counseled

crafted

customized

debugged

designed

determined

devised

drafted

eased

elevated

enhanced

enlarged

established

extended

extracted

fashioned

finalized

fixed

founded

formed

formalized

fulfilled

generated

identified

implemented

initiated

interceded

invented

launched

lightened

overhauled

patched

piloted

pioneered

polished

procured

rebuilt

reconciled

rectified

reduced

refined

reformed

rehabilitated

reinforced

rejuvenated

relieved

remedied

remodeled

repaired

resolved

restored

retrieved

revitalized

revived

settled

solicited

solved

spearheaded

streamlined

strengthened

supplemented

transformed

The Importance of Creative Action Verbs:

Creativity often goes hand in hand with problem-solving as coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to solve a problem requires a creative mind. Using these action verbs will show recruiters how you are creative, more than simply stating "I am creative," which doesn't actually prove that you are.

Overhauled our operating systems which increased production output by 35%.

Teamwork Action Verbs:

acknowledged

assessed

assimilated

assisted

blended

clarified

coached

coalesced

collaborated

contributed

cooperated

counseled

demonstrated

diagnosed

diversified

educated

embraced

encouraged

energized

facilitated

familiarized

gathered

guided

harmonized

ignited

inspired

joined

mediated

melded

merged

motivated

participated

partnered

provided

referred

reinforced

represented

supported

taught

trained

united

verified

volunteered

The Importance of Teamwork Action Verbs:

Using teamwork active verbs will display your achievements during times when you worked with others and got great results.

Built and motivated an international team to adjust our product for international markets that increased our sales by 60%.

Communication Action Verbs:

addressed

advocated

apprised

arbitrated

arranged

attested

authored

briefed

campaigned

clarified

co-authored

collaborated

communicated

composed

consulted

conveyed

convinced

corresponded

counseled

critiqued

defined

developed

directed

documented

drafted

edited

enlisted

enlivened

explained

fielded

formulated

illustrated

influenced

informed

instructed

interpreted

lectured

lobbied

marketed

mediated

moderated

negotiated

performed

persuaded

presented

promoted

proposed

publicized

queried

reconciled

recruited

reported

reviewed

spoke

summarized

trained

translated

wrote

The Importance of Communication Action Verbs:

A resume with powerful action verbs is a great way to demonstrate your communication skills. You can emphasize them even more with targeted communication action verbs.

Authored the bimonthly company newsletter that was directly responsible for enlisting at least 5 new subscribers each month.

Leadership Action Verbs:

administered

advised

allocated

allowed

analyzed

appointed

approved

arranged

assigned

augmented

authorized

centralized

chaired

championed

coached

consolidated

contracted

controlled

coordinated

cultivated

delegated

designated

developed

differentiated

directed

educated

elicited

employed

empowered

enabled

encouraged

endorsed

enforced

enhanced

ensured

evaluated

executed

facilitated

fostered

founded

guided

headed

hired

hosted

identified

influenced

inspired

instructed

integrated

interviewed

judged

led

leveraged

mentored

mobilized

moderated

monitored

motivated

officiated

operated

optimized

orchestrated

organized

oversaw

planned

predicted

prioritized

produced

programmed

recommended

reconciled

recruited

reduced

renovated

reorganized

replaced

resolved

reviewed

sanctioned

spearheaded

supervised

trained

The Importance of Leadership Action Verbs:

Demonstrate your leadership skills with these action verbs and show the recruiters what makes you a great leader.

Spearheaded a project to increase foot traffic to our retail store which was successful in driving sales up by 15%.

Work Ethic Action Verbs:

accelerated

achieved

attained

awarded

capitalized

completed

conceived

convinced

deciphered

demonstrated

discerned

discovered

drove

doubled

earned

effective

eliminated

enacted

endeavored

established

exceeded

expanded

expediated

founded

improved

increased

initiated

innovated

introduced

invented

launched

mastered

originated

outperformed

overcome

overhauled

pioneered

reached

reduced

resolved

revitalized

sharpened

shattered

showcased

sparked

spearheaded

steered

stimulated

strengthened

succeeded

supervised

surpassed

targeted

transformed

upgraded

The Importance of Work Ethic Action Verbs:

Your work ethic can be shown through your accomplishments on behalf of your previous jobs.

Improved the arrangements in the kitchen which allowed staff to move more freely and so improved efficiency.

Organization Action Verbs:

approved

arranged

assembled

boosted

budgeted

calculated

catalogued

centralized

charted

clarified

classified

collected

compiled

consolidated

converted

correlated

customized

dispatched

executed

filed

generated

grew

implemented

indexed

influenced

inspected

integrated

lifted

linked

merged

modified

monitored

operated

orchestrated

ordered

organized

oriented

overhauled

planned

prepared

processed

purchased

raised

recorded

redesigned

refined

refocused

regulated

rehabilitated

remodeled

reorganized

replaced

restructured

retrieved

revamped

revitalized

saved

scheduled

screened

simplified

slashed

specified

standardized

streamlined

strengthened

systematized

tabulated

transformed

updated

upgraded

The Importance of Organization Action Verbs:

Show off your organizational skills by letting the recruiter know how you improved things at your previous job.

Scheduled morning meetings to discuss the day's activities and ensure all team members knew their duties.

Time Management Action Verbs:

accelerated

achieved

advanced

amplified

boosted

capitalized

conserved

consolidated

decreased

deducted

delivered

diagnosed

enhanced

expanded

expediated

furthered

gained

generated

improved

lessened

lifted

maximized

outpaced

reconciled

reduced

stimulated

sustained

yielded

The Importance of Time Management Action Verbs:

Recruiters look for candidates who can show great time management skills. Using these action verbs can demonstrate how you saved your company time or money.

Consolidated the Software Development Roadmap to ensure all critical projects were completed on time.

Flexibility Action Verbs:

accommodated

adapted

adjusted

altered

amended

balanced

converted

grew

improvised

tailored

The Importance of Flexibility Action Verbs:

Show how you adapt to changes by using these great action verbs.

Adjusted my tasks to cover for a coworker who unexpectedly had to take an extended sick leave.

Customer Service Action Verbs:

advanced

advised

advocated

aided

arbitrated

boosted

coached

consulted

cooperated

counciled

educated

endorsed

facilitated

fielded

helped

informed

maintained

promoted

reinforced

resolved

supported

The Importance of Customer Service Action Verbs:

There are a variety of words that can be used to describe how you assisted customers. Use one of these action verbs to grab the recruiter's attention.

Promoted the company's products and maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 85%.

"Responsible For" Action Verbs:

accelerated

accomplished

achieved

acquired

acted as

analyzed

assembled

built

completed

constructed

created

delivered

developed

executed

expanded

finalized

finished

forged

founded

guided

handled

headed

improved

increased

initiated

implemented

instituted

made

navigated

negotiated

operated

partnered

performed

prepared

produced

reached

secured

simplified

suceeded in

undertook

volunteered

The Importance of "Responsible For" Action Verbs:

Instead of simply stating what you were responsible for, try saying how you improved your tasks.

Succeeded in improving table turn over times by delivering consistent service.

"Created" Action Verbs:

acted

administered

arranged

authored

brainstormed

briefed

built

chartered

communicated

conceptualized

constructed

created

customized

derived

designed

developed

devised

diagramed

directed

drafted

edited

engaged in

engineered

envisioned

established

fabricated

fashioned

forged

formalized

formed

formulated

illustrated

imagined

implemented

incorporated

influenced

initiated

instituted

integrated

intensified

introduced

launched

made

made progress on

modeled

operated

organized

perfected

performed

pioneered

planned

produced

proofread

proved

published

pursued

put together

researched

revised

revitalized

set up

shaped

spearheaded

storyboarded

strategized

streamlined

structured

tabulated

translated

validated

visualized

undertook

The Importance of "Created" Action Verbs:

If in your previous job you worked on any projects or created, developed, or introduced a project, use one of our action verbs to help the recruiter visualize your creativity.

Engaged in updating our job board articles to provide readers with the most up-to-date information.

"Improved" Action Verbs:

accelerated

accomplished

achieved

acquired

advanced

bolstered

boosted

built

centralized

clarified

converted

coordinated

created

customized

dedicated

demonstrated

enriched

established

expanded

expediated

grew

implemented

improved

increased

influenced

initiated

innovated

inspired

integrated

introduced

launched

lifted

merged

minimized

mobilized

modernized

modified

multiplied

overhauled

pioneered

raised

redesigned

refined

refocused

rehabilitated

remodeled

reorganized

restructured

revamped

revised

revitalized

saved

simplified

slashed

spearheaded

standardized

stimulated

streamlined

strengthened

suggested

transformed

updated

upgraded

The Importance of "Improved" Action Verbs:

Instead of simply repeating "improved...", show the amazing changes you made with these action verbs.

Suggested a new layout in the beverage supply closet which improved the servers' efficiency by 15%.

"Managed" Action Verbs:

advised

aligned

arranged

augmented

authorized

blocked

centralized

championed

cultivated

delegated

differentiated

directed

dispatched

empowered

enabled

endorsed

enforced

ensured

facilitated

forcasted

fostered

guided

hired

identified

inspected

inspired

integrated

itemized

leveraged

mentored

mobilized

monitored

motivated

orchestrated

optimized

predicted

reconciled

recruited

reduced

regulated

renovated

replaced

resolved

screened

scrutinized

shaped

supervised

taught

trained

unified

united

verified

The Importance of "Managed" Action Verbs:

Those candidates who were in management positions in previous jobs can demonstrate their leadership skills by discussing their duties with these action verbs.

Authorized signatories on banking documents and maintained 100% financial security.

"Researched" Action Verbs:

analyzed

ascertained

assembled

assessed

audited

calculated

checked

clarified

collected

compared

computed

conceptualized

concluded

confirmed

critiqued

deciphered

deliberated

determined

devised

diagnosed

discovered

estimated

evaluated

examined

explored

extracted

forecasted

formulated

identified

inspected

inspired

integrated

interpreted

interviewed

investigated

justified

mapped

measured

negotiated

organized

prescribed

prioritized

probed

projected

proved

qualified

quantified

questioned

rated

recommended

researched

reviewed

scrutinized

studied

substantiated

summarized

surveyed

synthesized

systemized

tested

tracked

validated

verified

The Importance of "Researched" Action Verbs:

When the job description calls for research skills, use our list of action verbs to discuss your research, analysis, and fact-finding duties in your work history.

Extracted sales performance metrics from data analyses that improved sales by 15%.

"Utilized" Action Verbs:

applied

adopted

deployed

employed

exerted

handled

mobilized

operated

promoted

put to use

restored

revived

specialized in

The Importance of "Utilized" Action Verbs:

"Utilized" is a common word applied to resumes when describing previous work experience. Spice things up with these action verbs.

Specialized in Microsoft SPSS statistical software for data analysis.

Action Verbs for Sales Positions:

captured

conserved

converted

earned

generated

maximized

negotiated

won

Successfully negotiated and won 3 new accounts on average each month.

Action Verbs for Financial Positions:

administered

allocated

analyzed

appraised

audited

balanced

budgeted

calculated

classified

collected

computed

developed

dispensed

equalized

halted

investigated

lowered

maintained

managed

minimized

planned

projected

recognized

researched

secured

Audited companies in various industry sectors for financial discrepancies and maintained a 95% accuracy rate.

Action Verbs for Technical Positions:

advanced

architected

assembled

automated

built

calculated

coded

computed

deployed

designed

detected

devised

diagnosed

discovered

engineered

fabricated

formulated

installed

launched

maintained

networked

operated

pinpointed

planned

programmed

refined

remodeled

repaired

rewrote

solved

tested

troubleshoot

upgraded

Remodeled booking software systems that reduced bugs by 20%.

Action Verbs for Teaching Positions:

adapted

advised

clarified

coached

communicated

conducted

coordinated

developed

enabled

encouraged

evaluated

explained

facilitated

guided

informed

instructed

lectured

persuaded

set goals

stimulated

taught

trained

Evaluated students on the use of verbs in writing resumes.

The 12 Best Cover Letter Tips for 2024

What are good action verbs for a resume?

There are a wide variety of resume action words that you should use on your resume to make it stand out. Using resume action verbs will make your resume stronger by replacing those common, over-used words and phrases that recruiters see all the time with strong, dynamic, and compelling action verbs that will catch the recruiter's eye.

How do you use action verbs in a resume?

You should use action verbs at the start of your bullet points when describing your responsibilities at your previous work experience or the skills you have achieved. By starting your bullet points with action verbs, you can keep descriptions of your skills and work experiences short and powerful.

What are some examples of action verbs?

  • Instead of "problem-solving skills," try starting with "overhauled."
  • Instead of "team working skills," try starting with "cooperated."
  • Instead of "communication skills," try starting with "lobbied."
  • Instead of "leadership skills," try starting with "founded."
  • Instead of "strong work ethic," try using "exceeded" to describe how you have his skill.
  • Instead of "organizational skills," try describing your skills with "modified."
  • Instead of "time management skills," try using "expediated."
  • Instead of "flexibility," try using "adapted" to demonstrate.
  • Instead of "customer service skills," try using "promoted" to explain.

What are action verb lists?

Action verb lists are categorized lists that you can use to replace commonly-used phrases or words in your resume to make your sentences more powerful and concise.

What are power words in a resume?

Power words are action verbs that are used in a resume to help recruiters better visualize your skills and qualifications. They are generally used to make your resume stand out.

What can I say instead of "responsible for"?

  • Accelerated.
  • Volunteered.

What words do employers look for in a resume?

In a resume, employers tend to look for skills, so they will look for words that describe the skills they want, such as problem-solving skills , leadership skills , communication skills , team working skills , and work ethic .

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500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Add these vibrant action verbs to your resume to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting more job interviews.

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Customers Interviewed by:

amazon

Want to make your resume stand out? Use action verbs. They make your resume easier to read, more exciting, and more memorable.

In fact, one study showed that using strong action verbs on your resume can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%.

To help you write your resume , we’ve compiled a list of 500 action verbs. They’re organized into categories to make it easy to find the perfect words to showcase your unique strengths.

What are action verbs?

Action verbs convey doing , and include words like achieved , designed , and implemented . The best place to use these words is at the beginning of bullet points on your resume.

Your “resume is typically written in an implied first person without pronouns,” says professional resume write Clair Levy . “This means you avoid using ‘I’ and instead start bullet points with action verbs (e.g., ‘Developed marketing strategies’ instead of ‘I developed marketing strategies”).”

If you’re unsure which action verbs to use, our list below offers plenty of options to choose from.

Match report example.

Action verbs for when you managed a project

When you need to highlight your ability to manage , these action verbs will help you convey your leadership and organizational skills effectively.

  • Coordinated
  • Disseminated
  • Established
  • Facilitated
  • Orchestrated
  • Prioritized
  • Recommended
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revitalized
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Strengthened

Action verbs for when you were creative

When you want to showcase your creativity, these action verbs will help you bring your innovative ideas to the forefront.

  • Conceptualized
  • Constructed
  • Corresponded
  • Demonstrated
  • Illustrated
  • Interpreted
  • Interviewed
  • Photographed
  • Storyboarded

Action words for when you did office work

When it’s time to highlight your office skills, these action verbs will help you show just how efficient and organized you are.

  • Administered
  • Contributed
  • Distributed
  • Followed up
  • Implemented

Action words for when you researched

When you want to showcase your research skills, these action verbs will help you emphasize your analytical and investigative abilities.

  • Articulated
  • Concentrated
  • Experimented
  • Investigated
  • Systematized

Action verbs for when you helped with a project

When you need to highlight your ability to assist , these action verbs will help you show how you made a difference.

  • Co-authored
  • Collaborated
  • Participated
  • Rehabilitated

Action verbs for when you used technical skills

When it comes to showing off your technical expertise, these action verbs will help you highlight your skills with precision.

  • Communicated
  • Reconstructed
  • Supplemented

Action words for when you used numbers

When you want to showcase your number-crunching skills, these action verbs will help you highlight your analytical abilities.

Action words for when you were the teacher

When you need to highlight your teaching or mentoring experience , these action verbs will help you show how you guided and inspired others.

  • Individualized

How to use action verbs on your resume

Power verbs are one of the most important elements of a strong resume, but they can sometimes be tricky to use. Here are five tips for using action verbs on your resume effectively:

1. Avoid commonly used action verbs

While some action verbs pack a punch, others are so familiar to recruiters that their eyes may skim right over them. The top 10 most overused action verbs are: 

Use Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to help you replace generic, overused words with more relevant, targeted keywords.

Example of Jobscan's "skill alias" feature.

2. Use numbers to be specific

Action verbs are a prelude to words that describe your accomplishments . You analyzed what ? You researched what ?

When describing the what of an accomplishment, always try to use numbers. Don’t just list your job duties. Numbers are a great way to be specific. They paint a clear picture of how well you did something. Here are three examples:

  • Increased sales revenue by 30% through strategic marketing campaigns.
  • Reduced customer wait time by 50% by implementing a new customer service queuing system.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in overhead costs.

Wondering if your resume has enough relevant numbers? Jobscan’s resume optimization tool checks and helps you measure your achievements, making sure you stand out to employers.

Example of Jobscan's "measurable results" feature.

3. Be active, not passive

Always try to use active voice on your resume. For example, “The batter hit the ball.” Avoid writing in passive voice . For example, “The ball was hit by the batter.”

One simple way to tell if you are using active voice or passive voice on your resume is to see if your verbs contain one word or two. For example, the verb “was grown” comprises two words, meaning that it is in the passive voice. If it were in the active voice, it would have only one word, “grew.”

You can also easily check to see if your resume is using the passive voice with a free online tool called HemingwayApp . Just paste your resume into the app and it will highlight where you used passive voice. 

4. Try to use industry-specific verbs

It’s important to use language that is specific to your areas of expertise . For example, if you’re applying for a job in the financial industry, using power verbs like “invested,” “audited,” or “calculated” will impress hiring managers and show that you have the relevant skills , experience, and knowledge they are looking for.

5. Tailor your resume to get more job interviews

You must tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to if you want to get interviews. That’s because most companies today used computer software to help them in the hiring process.

This software is called an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System . It’s a database that contains all the resumes a company receives. Hiring managers search through the database by typing in keywords. These keywords are usually hard and soft skills .

Just like websites need to be optimized for Google, your resume needs to be optimized for the ATS.

The way you optimize your resume is by adding specific job-related keywords to it. Where do you find these resume keywords ? In the description of the job you’re applying to.

To speed up the process use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Paste your resume and the job description into the scanner. You’ll then receive a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher the score the more likely you are to get an interview.

Here’s an example of a match report:

A section of Jobscan's match report showing the resume score and missing hard skills.

In the above example, the keyword “answering phones” is an important requirement for the job but is missing from the applicant’s resume. By adding this keyword, the match score will increase.

Try Jobscan’s resume scanner for free below…

Action verbs describe doing . Examples of action verbs include “run,” “jump,” “think,” and “read.” A variety of action verbs can really spice up your resume and make it more interesting to read. The best place to use action verbs when you build your resume is in your work experience section . Start off your resume bullet points with action verbs. You can also use action verbs on your resume summary . Try not to use the same action verb twice on your resume. Check out our library of resume examples to see the best way to use action verbs.

Action verbs grab and hold the reader’s attention. They paint a clear and convincing picture of your accomplishments. They also convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy. Studies show that using action words on your resume increases the chance of getting an interview by 140%.

A list of action verbs for students includes organized, coordinated, led, collaborated, contributed, participated, volunteered, initiated, assisted, conducted, presented, created, designed, developed, implemented, researched, analyzed, evaluated, communicated, adapted, demonstrated, managed, facilitated, supported, mentored.

Here are 50 popular action verbs: achieved, adapted, analyzed, assisted, built, collaborated, communicated, completed, conducted, created, designed, developed, directed, earned, established, executed, facilitated, generated, implemented, improved, innovated, led, maintained, managed, mentored, negotiated, organized, oversaw, participated, performed, presented, prioritized, produced, promoted, provided, resolved, reviewed, solved, streamlined, supported, supervised, taught, trained, updated, utilized, verified, volunteered, wrote, adapted, served.

Avoid overused action verbs like managed, led, created, implemented, improved, achieved, developed, resolved, planned, and assisted on your resume and cover letter .

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Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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Resume Worded

Resume action verbs for 2024, curated by hiring managers at top companies, these action words will ensure your resume's bullet points stand out..

When you're applying for jobs, it's not the amount of experience on your resume that counts; it's how you write about your accomplishments that makes the difference. A well-written, impactful resume can catch a recruiter's eye and help give you an edge over other job applicants. Bullet points highlighting your achievements are an excellent way to pack a lot of information into bite-sized chunks that are easy for a hiring manager to skim through.

Your resume's bullet points should start with strong action verbs. Action verbs, like "Created" or "Implemented" , immediately tell a recruiter your involvement in your accomplishments. Strong, unique action verbs show hiring managers that you have held different roles and skill sets, and makes your resume more impactful.

To help your resume pack the most punch, choose precise action verbs to describe the role you played in each achievement. The strongest verbs are unique and specific -- not vague or cliche. Overused expressions such as "responsible for" will make a recruiter's eyes glaze over, and worse, they don’t provide much information about what you actually accomplished. Verbs like "Pioneered" or "Launched" are more clear and vivid, and help you sound more confident.

Choose a category to see relevant action verbs

We've worked with 20+ hiring managers to curate 200+ effective action verbs. Just choose a category that best matches the kind of experience you're trying to convey, we'll show you the verbs you should use.

Strong Accomplishment-driven Action Verbs

Use accomplishment-driven verbs to talk about all types of professional achievements. These verbs are unique and clear, but they’re not exclusive to any particular industry; they can be applied to a wide range of experiences and people.

  • Accelerated
  • Revitalized
  • Spearheaded
  • Strengthened
  • Transformed

Examples in action

These examples lead with strong verbs to highlight specific, measurable accomplishments.

Action verbs to demonstrate communication skills

When you want to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas or work on a team, consider leading with communication-centric verbs. Although communication is a “soft” skill, it can still achieve tangible results -- focus on those in your bullet points, especially if you’re targeting a job where you’ll be working with people a lot.

  • Co-authored
  • Co-ordinated
  • Communicated
  • Corresponded
  • Demonstrated
  • Facilitated
  • Interpreted
  • Interviewed
  • Recommended

Examples like these show the type of communication skill that you used as well as the outcome that each one had.

Action verbs to describe your entrepreneurial experiences

If you want to bring your entrepreneurial skills to the forefront, start out with strong verbs that show your initiative and ingenuity. These verbs can be helpful when talking about business ideas you’ve launched or projects you’ve conceived.

  • Established
  • Implemented

These types of accomplishments aren’t ones you’d see on a typical resume -- so if you’ve got this type of experience, don’t hide it! It’ll help you stand out from the crowd.

Action verbs to highlight Management and Executive skills

Being a manager or executive requires a specialized skill set and plenty of experience. To show that you’re the right one for the job, choose verbs that showcase abilities such as planning, evaluation, and delegation.

  • Administered
  • Consolidated
  • Prioritized
  • Reorganized

Management and executive roles are often competitive -- having concrete examples to show what you’ve achieved in similar roles could be crucial to getting the job.

Action verbs and words for leadership and mentorship experiences

If you have experience in leading and mentoring, opt for collaborative verbs that show how you inspire and bring out the best in others. Your ability to nurture others and encourage their growth is a great strength to possess, and will likely make a strong impression on a hiring manager.

  • Illustrated
  • Familiarized
  • Rehabilitated
  • Represented
  • Coordinated

Verbs such as “coached” and “taught” show how you led others to achieve the concrete results that you discuss in the bullet points.

Action verbs to demonstrate your research skills

For more research-based and analytical experiences, pick verbs that demonstrate how you gather, assess, and interpret information. While research and analysis often happen “behind the scenes”, they can still have a significant impact on a business.

  • Investigated

With these examples, potential employers will see not only how you gathered information, but also how you used it to make a difference.

Action verbs that show how you solved problems

Problem solving skills are essential, but can be hard to quantify. To highlight your abilities in this area, choose verbs that describe what specific action you took to find a solution to a problem.

  • Streamlined

Wherever possible, specific examples are always better than vague generalities. Simply saying you have “strong problem solving skills” sounds nice, but provides little information.

Action verbs which demonstrate how you improved existing processes

Although closely related to problem solving abilities, process improvement skills are a bit more specific. When talking about your work on business processes, use verbs that show how you’ve enhanced those processes to make them more efficient or effective.

  • Reorganised
  • Restructured

These examples demonstrate how you took action to improve an existing process, what the outcome was, and how it positively impacted the business.

Action verbs that are effective for financial or numeric-heavy roles

When you want to highlight your financial or accounting experience, industry-specific verbs such as “budgeted” or “balanced” show that you are knowledgeable in this area. Recruiters for these types of jobs may want to see that you have developed skills such as balancing books or making financial projections.

Because finance is a niche industry requiring specific skills and training, it’s best to stick with verbs (and accomplishments) that are specific to this field.

Action verbs for design and creative professions

If you’re a creative professional, you’ll want to showcase your skills at developing ideas and bringing them to fruition. Choose verbs that show how you conceptualize new projects, give them structure, and eventually execute them.

  • Conceptualized

Verbs like “designed” and “created” tell recruiters that you conceived a new idea that positively impacted your company.

Action verbs for all kinds of administrative or detail-oriented roles

Administrative and clerical work comes with its own set of skills such as organizing, compiling, and recording information. Use specific verbs such as these to explain what you accomplished in past jobs.

  • Systematized

When applying to be an office assistant or clerk, examples like these show that your efforts have contributed to the success of companies you’ve worked for.

Action verbs for engineering resumes

Much like financial positions, engineering and technical jobs are highly specialized. If you’re seeking one of these positions, you are best off using specific industry-related vocabulary to describe your skills and underscore your level of experience.

  • Extrapolated
  • Standardized
  • Troubleshooted
  • Architected

When looking for work in the tech industry, it’s important to include examples like these as proof of your technical mastery.

Examples of action verbs

Let's look at some examples of the action verbs above, and how they're used in practice.

action verbs for resume customer service

How to structure your resume bullet points

Here are two frameworks to keep in mind when writing your bullet points. Notice how we start with an Action Verb, briefly describe the task and finish with the impact we had.

action verbs for resume customer service

Here's another similar framework. The difference here is we start with the impact we had - in this case, it's a reduction in customer support calls. Both frameworks are equally effective.

action verbs for resume customer service

For more sample bullet points, visit Sample Bullet Points

Finding the words to tell your story can be a challenge, especially on a resume. But taking the time to choose the perfect verbs to illustrate your skills and experience can take your resume from good to outstanding -- and that edge may be just what you need to start landing the jobs you really want.

What are weak action verbs in a resume?

Weak action verbs are those that are generic and don't effectively describe your role. Common examples of such words include 'Assisted' and 'Worked with'. Words like these are too generic and often make genuine achievements sound insignificant. After all, recruiters want to know what you actually did , and weak verbs like 'Assisted' tell recruiters you did not take an active role in the work - you just 'assisted' or 'worked with' people, without any real accomplishment. Stronger words like 'Developed' and 'Implemented' are more descriptive and effectively demonstrate your contribution in your achievements.

What are some good action verbs?

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200 + Examples For Action Verbs for Powerful Resumes

In this article we have discussed the importance of action verbs in your resume. Also, This article will guide you extensively about “ How and where to include action verbs in your resume.”

Let’s embark on a journey to Action verbs or action words .

So what are action verbs?

Action verbs are powerful words that grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. 

These are powerful resume words that enable the candidate to showcase their experiences and achievements in a compelling and engaging manner. Basically, action verbs are breath and soul of a resume. They are powerful tool that transform a simple and mundane resume document to more powerful and impactful resume . They help an individual to highlight the qualifications and skills in best way possible.  

Lending an interview in today’s competitive market where hiring managers go through the pile of resumes every day, these powerful action verbs can effectively stand out a difference between a novice resume and a professional resume. Want a more dynamic resume- include action verbs.   Want your resume to stand out from crowd – use resume action verbs Want to make your resume more engaging – use action verbs for resume . Want to display confidence in your resume  – Use action verbs and the list goes on… For Example :- Instead of passive sentences in your resume, such as “responsible for” or “involved in” , you can use action verbs like “ led “, “ managed “, “ implemented “, and “ achieved “, which convey a sense of confidence and initiatives and your proactively. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that one must include these power full verbs in you resume for maximizing the impact and effectiveness of one’s job application.

Why Action Verbs Matter?

  • When hiring managers goes from resume to resume, those that utilized action verbs stand out from the rest and makes a stronger impact. This is because the action verbs for resume draw the reader’s attention by signaling that something significant is their in that resume.
  • It is known fact that strong action verbs can highlight skills in a better way. For Example, the action verb “ Developed ” showcase your problem-solving abilities, while action verb “ optimized ” demonstrates your analytical skills. It gives the quickest view of your skillset.
  • When action verbs are used with numbers, they can make much more stronger impact. Consider this example, saying that you “ increased the sales ” is good, but stating you “ increased the sales by 20% ” is far better. It eliminate the ambiguity by demonstrating results that can be measured. These are loved by potential employers.
  • Resume action verbs helps a candidate in creating a compelling narrative of his professional journey and his capabilities. By including these action verbs along with resume keywords you can paint a vivid picture of your qualifications , skills, and your achievements and accomplishments.
  • Not only skills. Action verbs are powerful tools that you can use in each and every section of your resume . You can highlight summary, accomplishments, achievements among others.
  • They avail you an opportunity by allowing you to showcase your contributions in the previous roles. By describing your achievements in a dynamic language , you can demonstrate how you can add value to the company and how can you make a difference to job you are applying for.

Explore this Article For List of Important Keywords To be Included in Resume.

Extensive List of Resume Action Verbs With Examples

Resume action verbs – categories wise.

Action verbs for ‘Leadership and Management’

Action Words for ‘Communication’ category

Action Words for ‘Problem Solving’

Action Words for ‘Achievements and Results’

Action Verbs for ‘Teamwork’

Action Verbs Related to ‘Initiative and Creativity’

Action Verbs Related to ‘Attention to details’

Action Verbs for ‘Organization and time Management’

Resume action words – Technical skills wise

General Technical Skills

Resume power words – For Various Jobs

Accounting & Finance 

(e.g., Financial Analyst, Tax Accountant, Accounts Payable)  

Human Resources 

(e.g., Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Business Partner, Compensation & Benefits Manager)

Operations Management 

(e.g., Supply Chain Analyst, Project Manager, Production Supervisor)

Business Administration & Support

(e.g., Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Customer Service Representative)

Sales & Business Development

(e.g., Account Executive, Business Development Manager, Sales Representative)

Engineering & Technology

(e.g., Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI/ML,  Quality Assurance)

Healthcare:

(e.g., Registered Nurse, Physician, Surgeon,  Quality Assurance, Therapist)

Creative & Design:

(e.g., Graphic Design, Marketing, UX/UI,  Web Designer, Editor)

Marketing and PR:

(e.g., SMM, Marketing, Media Buyers,  Web Designer, Advertizer)

(e.g., Legal Services, Attorneys , Compliance Officers, Legal Assistant)

Education & Training:

(e.g., Teaching,  School Counselors, Principal, Professors)

Science & Research:

(e.g., Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Professors)

(e.g., Customer Representative, Hospitality And Tourism etc. )

List of action verbs for different categories:-

Action verbs for ‘leadership and management’:.

Here are some action verbs you can use to describe your Leadership and Management skills on your resume:

General Leadership:

  • Example: Directed a team of engineers in developing a new product, ensuring all efforts aligned with project goals.
  • Example: Spearheaded a company-wide initiative to implement a new CRM system, resulting in a 15% boost in customer retention.
  • Example: Empowered junior developers by assigning challenging projects, fostering their growth and confidence.
  • Example: Motivated the sales team through coaching and recognition programs, achieving a record-breaking sales quarter.
  • Example: Mentored a new marketing associate, helping them refine their writing skills and marketing strategies.
  • Example: Delegated tasks to team members based on their expertise, ensuring efficient project completion.
  • Example: Facilitated brainstorming sessions, fostering a collaborative environment that yielded innovative solutions.
  • Example: Negotiated a favorable contract with a vendor, saving the company 10% on operational costs.
  • Example: Championed the adoption of a new sustainability program, leading to a significant reduction in the company’s environmental footprint.
  • Example: Influenced company leadership to invest in digital marketing, leading to a 20% increase in website traffic.

Team Management:

  • Example: Assembled a diverse team of experts, combining their strengths for a successful project launch.
  • Example: Regularly coached team members, boosting their communication skills and presentation confidence.
  • Example: Coordinated marketing efforts across different channels, ensuring a cohesive brand message.
  • Delegated : Assigned tasks effectively based on skills and strengths. (See example above)
  • Example: Developed the team’s technical skills by implementing training programs on new software.
  • Example: Evaluated team performance through regular meetings and performance reviews, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Facilitated : Led team meetings and encouraged collaboration. (See example above)
  • Example: Managed a team of designers and developers to deliver a new product on time and within budget.
  • Example: Mediated a conflict between team members, fostering open communication and a positive work environment.
  • Motivated : Inspired and encouraged team members to achieve goals. (See example above)

Strategic Management:

  • Example: Developed a new marketing strategy targeting a younger demographic, resulting in a 30% increase in brand awareness.
  • Example: Forecasted market trends and adjusted production plans accordingly, minimizing potential losses.
  • Example: Implemented a cost-saving strategy by streamlining production processes, leading to a 10% reduction in manufacturing costs.
  • Example: Optimized the company’s logistics network, reducing delivery times by 2 days.
  • Example: Planned the company’s expansion into new markets, identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
  • Example: Prioritized tasks based on deadlines and project dependencies, ensuring timely project completion.

Additional action words: 

  • Led a team of software developers in the design and development of a new e-commerce platform, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales. (Highlights leading a team and achieving results)
  • Managed a budget of $1 million for a marketing campaign, ensuring all expenses stayed within budget while achieving the campaign goals. (Highlights managing resources and achieving objectives)
  • Directed a team of customer service representatives in implementing new procedures, leading to a 10% reduction in customer complaints. (Highlights providing clear direction and driving improvement)

Supervised:

  • Supervised a team of interns, providing them with training and mentorship, which resulted in all interns receiving full-time job offers upon graduation. (Highlights leading, training, and developing talent)
  • Guided a cross-functional team of engineers and marketing professionals in developing a successful product launch strategy, exceeding sales targets by 15%. (Highlights guiding collaboration and achieving goals)

Coordinated:

  • Coordinated efforts between different departments to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to a new company-wide software system. (Highlights collaboration and project management)
  • Oversaw the entire production process for a new product line, ensuring timely delivery and meeting all quality standards. (Highlights managing the overall operation and achieving quality)
  • Delegated tasks effectively to team members based on their skills and strengths, which boosted overall team productivity by 20%. (Highlights effective leadership through delegation

Action Words for ‘Communication’ category: 

General Communication:

  • Example: Communicated project updates clearly and concisely to all stakeholders, ensuring everyone was informed and aligned.
  • Example: Articulated complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience, facilitating understanding and buy-in.
  • Example: Conferenced regularly with team members to brainstorm solutions and address challenges.
  • Example: Explained new product features to customers during training sessions, resulting in high customer satisfaction.
  • Example: Informed senior management of project progress through weekly status reports.
  • Example: Presented research findings to a board of directors, persuading them to approve funding for further development.

Written Communication:

  • Example: Authored a white paper on the benefits of our new technology, which generated significant interest from potential clients.
  • Example: Composed clear and concise emails to customers, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
  • Example: Drafted a marketing proposal outlining our strategy for reaching a new target audience.
  • Example: Edited technical documents for clarity and accuracy, ensuring compliance with company style guidelines.

Active Listening:

  • Example: Listened actively to customer concerns and feedback, resulting in improved customer service practices.

Miscellaneous: 

  • Presented quarterly sales reports to executive leadership, highlighting key performance metrics and strategic initiatives.
  • Developed and delivered training sessions on new software systems to enhance team productivity.
  • Presented marketing proposals to clients, resulting in a 20% increase in client acquisitions.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable pricing terms and increase cost savings.
  • Successfully negotiated project timelines with clients to meet their expectations while managing internal resources effectively.
  • Negotiated salary and benefits packages for new hires, resulting in improved retention rates and employee satisfaction.
  • Persuaded key stakeholders to adopt a new project management methodology, resulting in improved project efficiency and delivery timelines.
  • Persuaded clients to expand their scope of work, leading to a 30% increase in revenue for the company.
  • Persuaded team members to embrace change and adopt new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Conveyed company values and culture to new hires during onboarding sessions.
  • Conveyed customer feedback to product development teams, resulting in product enhancements and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Conveyed technical requirements to external vendors to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.
  • Articulated project objectives and deliverables to team members, ensuring clarity and alignment on project goals.
  • Articulated marketing strategies to senior leadership, outlining the rationale and expected outcomes.
  • Articulated performance feedback to employees in a constructive and supportive manner, fostering professional growth and development.
  • Corresponded with clients via email and phone to address inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner.
  • Corresponded with suppliers to coordinate product shipments and ensure on-time delivery.
  • Corresponded with regulatory agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals for project implementations.
  • Facilitated team meetings and brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution discussions between team members to foster collaboration and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Facilitated training workshops on communication skills and conflict resolution techniques for team members.

Resume Action Verbs for ‘Problem Solving’:

Identifying and Analyzing Problems:

  • Example: Identified a bottleneck in the production process that was causing delays, leading to a 15% increase in production efficiency after implementing a solution.
  • Example: Diagnosed a network connectivity issue that was affecting employee productivity, resulting in a swift resolution and minimized downtime.
  • Example: Analyzed customer feedback to identify recurring product issues, informing future product development efforts.

Developing and Implementing Solutions:

  • Example: Developed a new training program to address skill gaps within the team, leading to improved performance and reduced error rates.
  • Example: Implemented a new software system to streamline customer service processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in average call handling time.
  • Example: Troubleshooted a software bug that was causing application crashes, ensuring smooth system operation.

Adapting and Overcoming Challenges:

  • Example: Resolved a critical customer complaint by working collaboratively with the customer service team, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
  • Example: Overcame budget constraints by identifying cost-saving measures, ensuring project completion within budget.
  • Example: Adapted marketing strategies to target a new audience segment, leading to a significant increase in brand awareness.

Resume power words for ‘Achievements and Results’ :

General Achievement:

  • Example: Achieved a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores through implementing new customer service training programs.
  • Example: Accomplished the on-time and on-budget completion of a critical software development project.
  • Example: Completed a market research study that identified new opportunities for product expansion.
  • Example: Delivered a high-quality marketing campaign that generated a 20% increase in leads.
  • Example: Developed a new training program that resulted in a 30% reduction in employee onboarding time.
  • Example: Exceeded sales targets by 10% through effective customer relationship management.
  • Example: Grew the company’s social media following by 50% through engaging content creation.
  • Example: Improved the efficiency of the production process by 10% through process optimization.
  • Example: Increased website traffic by 25% through effective SEO implementation.
  • Example: Launched a new product line that generated $1 million in revenue within the first year.

Results-Oriented Verbs:

  • Example: Boosted employee morale by organizing team-building activities.
  • Example: Championed a new sustainability initiative that reduced the company’s carbon footprint by 20%.
  • Example: Maximized the utilization of company resources, resulting in cost savings.
  • Example: Optimized the company website for mobile devices, leading to a 15% increase in mobile conversions.
  • Example: Pioneered a new marketing strategy that resulted in a significant increase in brand awareness.
  • Example: Spearheaded a cross-functional team to develop a new product that captured 20% of the market share within a year.

Miscellaneous:

  • Example: Exceeded sales targets by 20% through effective customer relationship management and negotiation skills.
  • Example: Attained a promotion to Senior Software Engineer within two years through demonstrating strong technical skills and initiative.

Action Verbs For “Teamwork”:

General Teamwork:

  • Example: Collaborated with a team of designers and engineers to develop a user-friendly and visually appealing mobile app.
  • Example: Cooperated effectively with colleagues from different departments to ensure a smooth and efficient project launch.
  • Example: Coordinated the efforts of multiple teams to meet critical deadlines for a large-scale project.
  • Example: Integrated the work of various teams to achieve a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.
  • Example: Synergized with teammates to develop innovative solutions that exceeded client expectations.

Decision-Making:

  • Example: Brainstormed with the team to identify new marketing strategies for reaching a wider audience.
  • Example: Negotiated project timelines and deliverables with stakeholders while ensuring team goals were met.
  • Example: Resolved communication challenges within the team by facilitating open and honest discussions.

Supporting and Encouraging Others:

  • Example: Mentored junior team members, helping them develop their technical skills and knowledge.
  • Example: Motivated the team by celebrating successes and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Example: Supported colleagues by offering help with challenging tasks and offering constructive feedback.
  • Example: Engaged actively in team meetings, contributing creative ideas and fostering open communication.
  • Example: United a diverse team with different backgrounds by promoting mutual respect and understanding, leading to a more cohesive and productive unit.
  • Example: Partnered with the marketing team to develop a co-branded marketing campaign, resulting in increased brand awareness for both companies.

Resume Verbs For ‘Initiative and Creativity’:

Initiative:

  • Example: Championed a new social media strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in brand awareness.
  • Example: Initiated a process improvement project that streamlined operations and reduced production costs by 10%.
  • Example: Pioneered a new marketing campaign that utilized virtual reality technology, leading to a significant increase in customer engagement.
  • Example: Spearheaded a cross-functional team to develop a new product that captured 15% of the market share within a year.
  • Example: Volunteered to lead the team training program, resulting in improved employee skills and knowledge.

Creativity:

  • Example: Conceptualized a new product design that addressed customer needs and improved functionality.
  • Example: Brainstormed with the team to develop innovative solutions for a complex technical challenge.
  • Example: Designed a user-friendly and visually appealing website that improved user experience and increased customer retention.
  • Example: Developed a new marketing campaign concept that utilized humor and storytelling to connect with a younger audience.
  • Example: Innovated a new manufacturing process that reduced waste and improved environmental sustainability.

Miscellaneous :

  • Example: Designed a gamified training program to increase employee engagement and knowledge retention, resulting in a 20% improvement in test scores. (This example showcases initiative by creating a new training approach and creativity by using gamification)
  • Example: Discovered a new use case for a company product through customer feedback, leading to the development of a successful marketing campaign targeting a new market segment. (This example showcases initiative by actively seeking customer feedback and creativity by identifying a new application for the product)

Resume Action Verbs For ‘Attention to details’: 

General Attention to Detail:

  • Example: Accuratized financial data by meticulously reviewing spreadsheets and identifying discrepancies.
  • Example: Assured the quality of outgoing products by conducting thorough final inspections.
  • Example: Ensured all legal documents were complete and compliant with regulations before submission.
  • Example: Maintained a clean and organized work area to facilitate efficient workflow and minimize errors.
  • Example: Proofread marketing materials before publication to ensure flawless grammar and messaging.
  • Example: Verified customer information by cross-referencing data sources to prevent errors in order fulfillment.

Detailed & Meticulous Work:

  • Example: Cataloged all company assets to maintain an accurate inventory and prevent loss.
  • Example: Edited technical reports to ensure precise terminology and adherence to style guidelines.
  • Example: Inspected incoming materials for quality control purposes, preventing defective products from entering production.
  • Example: Reviewed project plans meticulously to identify potential risks and ensure successful execution.

Scrutinize:

  • Example: Scrutinized legal contracts to identify any potential risks or loopholes before signing. (Highlights meticulous review for potential issues)
  • Example: Checked all data entries for accuracy three times before finalizing the report. (Focuses on the repetition and thoroughness of the checking process)
  • Example: Detected a minor inconsistency in financial data during a routine review, which led to the identification and correction of a larger accounting error. (Shows proactive checking and the positive impact of finding the issue)

Organization and time Management: 

General Organization:

  • Example: Organized a filing system for customer contracts, improving retrieval efficiency by 50%.
  • Example: Streamlined the onboarding process for new hires, reducing onboarding time from two weeks to one.
  • Example: Prioritized tasks effectively, ensuring critical deadlines were met while maintaining high-quality work on all projects.
  • Example: Categorized customer inquiries by topic, enabling faster and more efficient resolution.
  • Example: Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all tasks were completed on time and within budget.

Time Management:

  • Example: Managed a heavy workload effectively, meeting all deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Example: Scheduled meetings strategically to minimize disruptions and maximize productivity.
  • Example: Delegated tasks effectively to team members, freeing up time to focus on higher-level priorities.
  • Example: Consistently met deadlines for all deliverables, ensuring project timelines were maintained.
  • Example: Juggled multiple client projects effectively, ensuring all clients received timely and high-quality service.
  • Example: Planned and developed a comprehensive social media marketing strategy that increased brand awareness by 30%. (Highlights planning for a specific goal and achieving results)
  • Example: Prioritized tasks effectively during a busy season, ensuring critical deadlines were met while maintaining quality customer service. (Shows organization during a demanding period)
  • Example: Arranged a company-wide training program, ensuring all employees received the necessary skills and knowledge. (Focuses on organizing a complex event)
  • Example: Structured a new customer onboarding process that improved client satisfaction and reduced churn rate by 15%. (Shows organization leading to a positive outcome)

Resume action words – For Technical Skills

General Technical Skills:

  • Example: Developed a new data analysis program that reduced processing time by 50%.
  • Example: Implemented a new cloud-based storage solution, improving data accessibility and security.
  • Example: Maintained a network of over 100 servers, ensuring uptime and performance.
  • Example: Troubleshooted software bugs and identified root causes to prevent future occurrences.
  • Example: Optimized website code for faster loading times and improved user experience.
  • Example: Automated repetitive tasks using scripting languages, increasing efficiency by 30%.
  • Example: Programmed a machine learning algorithm that improved prediction accuracy by 15%.
  • Example: Configured a web server to handle increased traffic volume during a product launch campaign.
  • Example: Debugged a memory leak in a mobile application, improving performance and user experience.
  • Example: Tested a new software release using automated and manual testing techniques to identify and fix bugs before deployment.
  • Example: Maintained a critical enterprise application, ensuring uptime and applying security patches to prevent vulnerabilities.
  • Example: Designed a secure and scalable network infrastructure to support the company’s growing remote workforce.
  • Example: Deployed a new cloud-based server infrastructure, resulting in increased agility and cost savings.
  • Example: Installed and configured new security software to protect the company network from cyberattacks.
  • Example: Integrated a new customer relationship management system with existing marketing automation tools, streamlining workflows and improving customer data management.
  • Example: Upgraded all company laptops to the latest operating system, ensuring compatibility with new security protocols.
  • Example: Customized a content management system to create a user-friendly and visually appealing company website.
  • Example: Automated data extraction and reporting processes, saving time and reducing manual errors.
  • Example: Scripted website scraping tools to collect competitor pricing data for market analysis.
  • Example: Analyzed customer purchase data to identify buying patterns and develop targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Example: Resolved data inconsistencies in customer records, improving the accuracy of marketing campaigns.
  • Example: Documented system configurations and troubleshooting steps for future reference by IT support staff.
  • Example: Reviewed code written by junior developers to identify potential errors and suggest improvements.
  • Example: Migrated company email from an on-premises server to a cloud-based solution, improving accessibility and security.
  • Example: Managed a team of network engineers to ensure the smooth operation and performance of the company network.
  • Example: Supported end-users by troubleshooting computer hardware and software issues.
  • Example: Monitored network traffic to identify potential security threats and ensure optimal performance.

BONUS : Specific Technical Skills (by area):

  • Programming : Coded, debugged, designed, integrated, tested
  • Software Development : Designed, developed, implemented, deployed, maintained
  • Database Management : Created, administered, queried, optimized
  • Networking : Configured, monitored, secured, troubleshooted
  • Web Development : Developed, designed, implemented, tested, deployed
  • Systems Administration : Installed, configured, maintained, monitored, secured
  • Data Analysis : Analyzed, interpreted, visualized, modeled

Business Operations:

Action verbs for accounting & finance .

(e.g., Financial Analyst, Tax Accountant, Accounts Payable)

Resume Power Words For Financial Analysts:

  • Example: Analyzed financial statements to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.
  • Example: Forecasted revenue growth based on market trends and historical data, informing strategic investment decisions.
  • Example: Modeled cash flow projections to evaluate the impact of various scenarios on liquidity and financial health.
  • Example: Evaluated potential acquisitions for their strategic fit and financial viability, presenting findings to senior management.
  • Example: Presented quarterly earnings reports to investors, highlighting financial achievements and future growth prospects.

Resume Power Words For Tax Accountants:

  • Example: Prepared and filed quarterly tax returns for a multinational corporation, ensuring timely compliance with tax laws.
  • Example: Reviewed tax provisions and related financial statements for accuracy and completeness, identifying discrepancies for correction.
  • Example: Advised clients on tax-saving strategies, such as tax credits and deductions, resulting in significant cost savings.
  • Example: Filed tax returns electronically using specialized software, ensuring accurate and timely submission to tax authorities.
  • Example: Communicated with the IRS to resolve a tax audit, providing documentation and explanations as needed to address discrepancies.

Resume Power Verbs For Accounts Payable Professionals:

  • Example: Processed invoices and purchase orders in an ERP system, accurately recording financial transactions and ensuring compliance with payment terms.
  • Example: Verified vendor invoices against purchase orders and contracts, resolving discrepancies and issues to prevent payment delays.
  • Example: Resolved billing discrepancies with vendors, negotiating credits and refunds for overcharges and billing errors.
  • Example: Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable payment terms and discounts, improving cash flow and profitability.
  • Example: Generated monthly accounts payable reports, summarizing outstanding invoices, aging balances, and payment trends for management review.

Action Verbs For ‘Human Resources’  :

Action Verbs For Talent Acquisition Specialists:

  • Example: Sourced passive candidates through LinkedIn and other professional networks, expanding candidate pool and enhancing talent pipeline.
  • Example: Screened candidates for technical skills and cultural fit, shortlisting top candidates for further interviews.
  • Example: Conducted behavioral interviews to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving skills and alignment with organizational values.
  • Example: Administered psychometric assessments to assess candidates’ cognitive abilities and personality traits.
  • Example: Negotiated salary and benefits with candidates, balancing organizational budget constraints and candidate expectations.

Action Verbs For HR Business Partners:

  • Example: Consulted with senior management on organizational restructuring initiatives, providing insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
  • Example: Aligned performance management processes with business goals and values, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Example: Collaborated with finance and legal teams to develop and implement compensation and benefits policies compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • Example: Resolved employee grievances and conflicts through mediation and conflict resolution techniques, maintaining positive employee relations.
  • Example: Analyzed turnover data to identify root causes of attrition and develop retention strategies to address them.

Action Verbs For Compensation & Benefits Managers:

  • Example: Designed variable pay structures and incentive programs aligned with business objectives and performance metrics.
  • Example: Evaluated salary surveys and market trends to determine appropriate salary ranges and benefits packages for different job roles.
  • Example: Administered annual merit increase and bonus programs, ensuring accurate and timely payouts to eligible employees.
  • Example: Communicated changes to employee benefits packages during open enrollment periods, providing clear instructions and answering employee questions.
  • Example: Conducted periodic audits of payroll records and employee benefits enrollments to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Resume Action Verbs for Operations Management  

Action Verbs For Supply Chain Analysts:

  • Example: Analyzed transportation costs and delivery times to optimize logistics routes and reduce shipping expenses.
  • Example: Optimized inventory replenishment strategies to reduce stockouts and excess inventory, resulting in improved cash flow.
  • Example: Forecasted sales volumes and production requirements to plan procurement and production schedules accordingly.
  • Example: Implemented vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system to streamline replenishment process and reduce stockouts.
  • Example: Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop demand forecasts and promotions calendar.

Resume Power Words For  Project Managers:

  • Example: Managed cross-functional project team to implement new ERP system, meeting project milestones and budget targets.
  • Example: Led weekly project status meetings to review progress, identify risks, and resolve issues proactively.
  • Example: Coordinated with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure timely delivery of project components.
  • Example: Resolved resource conflicts and prioritization issues to prevent project delays and ensure timely completion.
  • Example: Implemented agile project management framework to adapt to changing requirements and deliver value iteratively.

Action Verbs  For Production Supervisors:

  • Example: Scheduled production shifts and equipment maintenance to optimize production capacity and minimize downtime.
  • Example: Trained new hires on operating procedures and safety protocols, ensuring compliance with company policies.
  • Example: Monitored production line efficiency and quality metrics to identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
  • Example: Implemented 5S methodology to organize workstations and improve efficiency, resulting in reduced setup times.
  • Example: Ensured adherence to OSHA safety regulations and ISO quality standards in production activities.

 (e.g., Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Customer Service Representative)

For Executive Assistants:

  • Example: Managed CEO’s calendar, scheduling meetings and appointments, and coordinating travel arrangements.
  • Example: Prioritized incoming requests and delegated tasks to appropriate team members, ensuring timely completion of high-priority assignments.
  • Example: Coordinated quarterly board meetings, managing venue bookings, catering, and presentation materials.
  • Example: Prepared monthly financial reports and presentations for executive leadership, summarizing key performance metrics and trends.
  • Example: Facilitated communication between CEO and department heads, ensuring alignment on strategic initiatives and goals.

For Office Managers:

  • Example: Implemented electronic document management system, improving access to information and reducing paper waste.
  • Example: Supervised receptionist and mailroom staff, providing training and performance feedback to maintain high-quality service standards.
  • Example: Organized office renovation project, coordinating with contractors and vendors to minimize disruptions and ensure timely completion.
  • Example: Managed procurement process for office supplies and equipment, negotiating vendor contracts and tracking expenses to stay within budget.
  • Example: Resolved building maintenance issues and coordinated repairs with property management, ensuring a safe and comfortable work environment.

For Customer Service Representatives:

  • Example: Assisted customers with product selection and sizing, providing personalized recommendations based on their needs and preferences.
  • Example: Resolved billing discrepancies and processing errors, issuing refunds or credits as needed to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Example: Educated customers on software functionality and troubleshooting steps, empowering them to resolve common issues independently.
  • Example: Followed up with customers after product delivery to gather feedback and offer assistance with setup or installation.
  • Example: Escalated technical support tickets to Tier 2 support team for advanced troubleshooting and resolution.

Action Verbs For ‘Sales & Business Development’:

Resume Action Verbs For Account Executives:

  • Example: Managed key accounts, cultivating strong relationships and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
  • Example: Negotiated multi-year contracts with clients, balancing client needs and company objectives to achieve win-win outcomes.
  • Example: Developed account penetration strategies, targeting new markets and segments to expand client base.
  • Example: Presented customized solutions to clients, articulating value propositions and addressing their specific needs and challenges.
  • Example: Collaborated with marketing team to develop targeted campaigns and materials to support account acquisition and retention efforts.

Resume Action Verbs For Business Development Managers:

  • Example: Identified emerging market segments and customer needs, developing targeted strategies to capitalize on growth opportunities.
  • Example: Prospected new clients through industry events and conferences, initiating conversations and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Example: Pitched new software solution to prospects, demonstrating how it addresses their pain points and improves efficiency.
  • Example: Closed a six-figure deal with a major client, negotiating favorable terms and securing long-term commitment.
  • Example: Fostered strategic partnerships with technology providers, enhancing product offerings and market competitiveness.

Resume Action Verbs For Sales Representatives:

  • Example: Drove sales pipeline growth by 30% through targeted outreach and lead generation efforts.
  • Example: Educated prospects on software capabilities and ROI, demonstrating how it addresses their specific business challenges.
  • Example: Closed a high-value deal with a new client, overcoming objections and aligning solutions with client needs.
  • Example: Managed sales pipeline and forecast accuracy, providing regular updates to management and adjusting strategies as needed.
  • Example: Followed up with prospects after the initial demo, addressing questions and concerns to advance the sales process.

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Action Verbs For Engineering & Technology:

Action verbs for ‘software development’:.

 (e.g., Software Engineer, Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer)

For Software Engineers:

  • Example: Designed the architecture for a scalable web application, ensuring high performance and reliability.
  • Example: Implemented new user authentication system using OAuth 2.0, enhancing security and user experience.
  • Example: Tested API endpoints using unit tests and integration tests, ensuring functionality and reliability.
  • Example: Debugged production issues in real-time, minimizing downtime and maintaining service availability.
  • Example: Deployed new features to production using continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

For Front-End Developers:

  • Example: Developed responsive web pages and interactive features using React.js, enhancing user engagement and experience.
  • Example: Styled UI components and layouts using CSS preprocessors like Sass, maintaining a cohesive design language.
  • Example: Optimized page load times by minifying and compressing assets, reducing server requests and bandwidth usage.
  • Example: Integrated front-end client with RESTful APIs to retrieve and display dynamic content, such as user profiles and product listings.
  • Example: Collaborated with UX designers to implement wireframes and mockups, iterating on design concepts based on user feedback.

For Back-End Developers:

  • Example: Built RESTful APIs for a microservices architecture using Node.js and Express.js, enabling data retrieval and manipulation.
  • Example: Managed database migrations and schema changes using tools like Sequelize or SQLAlchemy, ensuring data consistency and integrity.
  • Example: Implemented OAuth 2.0 authentication for API endpoints, ensuring secure access control and user identity verification.
  • Example: Scaled application servers horizontally using containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes, ensuring high availability and performance.
  • Example: Monitored server health and performance using monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana, alerting on anomalies and failures.  

Action Verbs For Systems Engineering

(e.g., Network Engineer, Security Engineer, Systems Administrator)

For Network Engineers:

  • Example: Designed a scalable and redundant network infrastructure using Cisco technologies to support company growth.
  • Example: Configured firewall rules and access control lists (ACLs) to restrict unauthorized access and protect network resources.
  • Example: Troubleshooted network congestion issues using packet analysis tools like Wireshark, resolving bottlenecks and improving performance.
  • Example: Implemented site-to-site VPNs between branch offices to securely transmit sensitive data over public networks.
  • Example: Documented network topology and configuration changes in a centralized knowledge base, enabling efficient troubleshooting and onboarding of new team members.

For Security Engineers:

  • Example: Conducted penetration tests on web applications to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of data breaches.
  • Example: Implemented two-factor authentication (2FA) for remote access VPNs, enhancing user authentication and preventing unauthorized access.
  • Example: Monitored SIEM alerts and logs for indicators of compromise (IOCs), investigating and mitigating potential security incidents in real-time.
  • Example: Responding to a ransomware attack by isolating infected systems, restoring data from backups, and implementing security patches to prevent future attacks.
  • Example: Conducted security awareness training sessions for employees, covering topics such as phishing awareness and password hygiene.

For Systems Administrators:

  • Example: Deployed Windows Server instances in a VMware virtualized environment, ensuring high availability and performance.
  • Example: Managed Active Directory user accounts and group memberships, granting appropriate access permissions based on role and responsibility.
  • Example: Performed monthly patching and firmware updates on server infrastructure to address security vulnerabilities and improve stability.
  • Example: Automated server provisioning and configuration using Ansible playbooks, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency.
  • Example: Troubleshooted server performance issues using performance monitoring tools like Nagios, identifying and resolving resource bottlenecks.

Action Verbs For Data Science & Analytics

(e.g., Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer)

For Data Analysts:

  • Example: Extracted customer transaction data from a SQL database for analysis of purchasing patterns and trends.
  • Example: Cleaned and standardized customer demographic data by removing duplicates and correcting errors.
  • Example: Analyzed sales data using descriptive statistics and visualization tools to identify seasonal trends and anomalies.
  • Example: Interpreted survey data to identify customer satisfaction trends and presented findings to management.
  • Example: Automated daily sales reports generation using Python scripts and cron jobs, saving time and reducing manual effort.

For Data Scientists:

  • Example: Modelled customer churn prediction using logistic regression and random forest algorithms to identify at-risk customers.
  • Example: Evaluated classification models using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score to select the best-performing model.
  • Example: Optimized hyperparameters of a neural network using grid search and k-fold cross-validation to improve performance.
  • Example: Deployed a recommendation system model into an e-commerce website to personalize product recommendations for users.
  • Example: Collaborated with software engineers to integrate a fraud detection model into an online payment system.

For Machine Learning Engineers:

  • Example: Developed a pipeline for natural language processing (NLP) tasks, including text tokenization, vectorization, and classification.
  • Example: Implemented a recommendation system using collaborative filtering and matrix factorization techniques to improve user engagement.
  • Example: Scaled model training and inference processes using distributed computing frameworks like Apache Spark.
  • Example: Optimized model inference speed using model quantization and compression techniques, reducing latency and resource consumption.
  • Example: Monitored model accuracy and drift using monitoring tools and dashboards, triggering alerts for model retraining when necessary.

 Action Verbs For Quality Assurance & Testing

(e.g., Software Tester, Quality Assurance Analyst, Test Automation Engineer)

For Software Testers:

  • Example: Executed regression tests after software updates to verify existing functionality.
  • Example: Identified a critical bug in the payment processing module, preventing financial transactions.
  • Example: Reported a UI alignment issue with screenshots and detailed steps to reproduce.
  • Example: Validated new features against user stories and acceptance criteria before release.
  • Example: Collaborated with the development team to clarify requirements and prioritize bug fixes.

For Quality Assurance Analysts:

  • Example: Established coding standards and guidelines to maintain code quality.
  • Example: Performed code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
  • Example: Implemented automated testing frameworks to streamline regression testing.
  • Example: Evaluated code coverage metrics to measure the effectiveness of testing efforts.
  • Example: Facilitated training on testing methodologies to improve team skills and efficiency.

For Test Automation Engineers:

  • Example: Developed Selenium scripts for automated regression testing of web applications.
  • Example: Integrated automated API tests into Jenkins CI pipeline for automated regression testing.
  • Example: Maintained test scripts to accommodate UI changes and updates.
  • Example: Executed smoke tests after each build deployment to identify critical issues.
  • Example: Optimized test execution time by parallelizing test runs and optimizing test data setup.

Action Verbs For Electrical Engineering

(e.g., Electrical Engineer, Controls Engineer, Power Engineer)

For Electrical Engineers:

  • Example: Designed circuit boards for electronic devices, ensuring functionality and reliability.
  • Example: Implemented motor control systems for industrial machinery, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
  • Example: Tested voltage regulators to ensure stable power supply and protection against overloads.
  • Example: Troubleshooted malfunctioning power distribution systems, identifying faulty components and repairing or replacing them.
  • Example: Optimized lighting systems for energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and operating costs.

For Controls Engineers:

  • Example: Developed PID control algorithms for temperature regulation in industrial ovens.
  • Example: Programmed PLCs to control conveyor systems in manufacturing facilities, improving efficiency and throughput.
  • Example: Integrated motion control systems with servo motors and encoders for precise positioning in robotics applications.
  • Example: Simulated hydraulic control systems to analyze dynamic response and optimize controller parameters.
  • Example: Maintained SCADA systems by applying software updates and patches to address security vulnerabilities.

For Power Engineers:

  • Example: Designed electrical substations for power generation and distribution, ensuring reliability and safety.
  • Example: Analyzed fault currents in electrical networks to determine protective relay settings and coordination.
  • Example: Commissioned gas turbine power plants, verifying performance parameters and operational readiness.
  • Example: Evaluated the feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems for on-site power generation, considering factors such as sunlight exposure and return on investment.
  • Example: Implemented harmonic filters to reduce voltage distortion and improve power quality in industrial facilities.

Mechanical Engineering

(e. g., Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer)

For Mechanical Engineers:

  • Example: Designed HVAC systems for commercial buildings, ensuring efficient air distribution and temperature control.
  • Example: Analyzed stress and deformation in structural components using finite element analysis (FEA) software.
  • Example: Developed a prototype for a new automotive suspension system, testing performance and durability.
  • Example: Optimized gearbox design for wind turbine applications to maximize efficiency and minimize maintenance.
  • Example: Collaborated with electrical engineers to integrate mechanical and electrical components in robotics systems.

For Design Engineers:

  • Example: Conceptualized a new ergonomic chair design, focusing on user comfort and functionality.
  • Example: Drafted 2D and 3D drawings for sheet metal enclosures, providing precise dimensions and tolerances.
  • Example: Evaluated material options for a consumer product enclosure, considering factors such as cost, strength, and aesthetics.
  • Example: Reviewed injection-molded part designs for manufacturability and moldability, suggesting design modifications as needed.
  • Example: Iterated on industrial machinery design based on field testing and user feedback to improve reliability and usability.

For Manufacturing Engineers:

  • Example: Implemented lean manufacturing principles to optimize workflow and reduce waste in assembly operations.
  • Example: Standardized assembly line procedures and work instructions for automotive production.
  • Example: Optimized CNC machining parameters to reduce cycle times and improve part quality.
  • Example: Streamlined material handling processes to reduce production bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
  • Example: Resolved equipment downtime issues by implementing preventive maintenance schedules and spare parts inventory management systems.

Resume Words for ‘Healthcare Sector’:

Action verbs for nursing:.

(e.g., Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Nurse Manager)

For Registered Nurses (RNs):

  • Example: Assessed vital signs and performed physical assessments of patients upon admission to the hospital.
  • Example: Administered IV medications and fluids to patients as prescribed by the attending physician.
  • Example: Educated diabetic patients on insulin administration, diet management, and blood glucose monitoring.
  • Example: Documented wound care and dressing changes performed, as well as wound healing progression.
  • Example: Collaborated with physicians, therapists, and social workers to coordinate patient care and discharge planning.

Action Verbs For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs):

  • Example: Provided daily insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
  • Example: Monitored postoperative patients for signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection.
  • Example: Assisted elderly patients with bathing, dressing, and transferring from bed to chair.
  • Example: Updated medication administration records (MARs) with documentation of administered medications.
  • Example: Supported families of terminally ill patients by providing emotional support and connecting them with hospice services.

For Nurse Managers:

  • Example: Directed nursing staff during emergency situations, ensuring timely and effective response and patient stabilization.
  • Example: Evaluated nursing competencies and provided feedback and coaching to enhance performance and professional growth.
  • Example: Developed a new patient education program on medication safety and compliance.
  • Example: Facilitated care conferences with physicians, therapists, and case managers to coordinate patient care and discharge planning.
  • Example: Ensured nursing staff adherence to infection control protocols and patient safety guidelines.

Action Verbs For Medical

(e.g., Physician, Surgeon, Physician Assistant)

Action Verbs For Physicians:

  • Example: Diagnosed patients with hypertension and developed personalized treatment plans to manage blood pressure.
  • Example: Prescribed antibiotics for patients with bacterial infections and provided instructions on dosage and administration.
  • Example: Educated diabetic patients on dietary management, glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy.
  • Example: Consulted with cardiologists to develop treatment plans for patients with heart disease.
  • Example: Documented patient encounters in electronic medical records (EMRs), including progress notes and lab results.

Action Verbs For Surgeons:

  • Example: Performed appendectomy surgeries using laparoscopic techniques to minimize incision size and recovery time.
  • Example: Assessed a patient’s cardiovascular status before surgery to determine anesthesia suitability.
  • Example: Managed wound care and pain control for surgical patients during the postoperative period.
  • Example: Utilized robotic-assisted surgery systems for minimally invasive procedures, enhancing precision and dexterity.
  • Example: Coordinated with operating room staff to schedule surgical cases and allocate resources appropriately.

For Physician Assistants (PAs):

  • Example: Assisted in the delivery room during cesarean sections, providing surgical support and neonatal care.
  • Example: Evaluated patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and ordered diagnostic tests to rule out pneumonia.
  • Example: Managed diabetes patients by adjusting insulin dosages and monitoring glycemic control.
  • Example: Educated patients on wound care techniques and signs of infection following surgical procedures.
  • Example: Collaborated with cardiologists to manage cardiac patients and adjust treatment plans based on cardiac testing results.

Action Verbs For Allied Health Sector

(e.g., Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Medical Laboratory Technician)

For Physical Therapists:

  • Example: Assessed range of motion, muscle strength, and balance in patients with orthopedic injuries.
  • Example: Designed a rehabilitation program focusing on therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • Example: Implemented a progressive resistance training program to improve muscle strength and endurance in patients recovering from surgery.
  • Example: Monitored gait mechanics and functional mobility during therapy sessions to track improvements and adjust interventions.
  • Example: Educated patients on proper body mechanics and ergonomic principles to prevent future injuries and promote long-term wellness.

For Occupational Therapists:

  • Example: Evaluated cognitive and fine motor skills in patients with neurological conditions to determine functional limitations and treatment goals.
  • Example: Facilitated adaptive equipment training and environmental modifications to enhance safety and accessibility in patients’ homes.
  • Example: Adapted kitchen utensils and cooking techniques for patients with hand injuries to facilitate meal preparation and independence.
  • Example: Collaborated with physical therapists and speech-language pathologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with stroke.
  • Example: Advocated for workplace accommodations and assistive technology to enable return to work for injured workers.

For Medical Laboratory Technicians:

  • Example: Performed blood chemistry tests and hematological analyses to assist in the diagnosis and management of medical conditions.
  • Example: Prepared microbiological cultures and media for the identification of bacterial pathogens.
  • Example: Operated automated analyzers and centrifuges to process and analyze patient samples.
  • Example: Maintained temperature logs and calibration records to comply with regulatory standards and ensure accuracy in testing.
  • Example: Documented laboratory findings in electronic medical records (EMRs) and laboratory information systems (LISs) for clinician review and interpretation.

Action Verbs For Healthcare Administration 

(e.g., Health Information Manager, Medical Coder, Hospital Administrator)

Action Verbs For Health Information Managers:

  • Example: Managed the implementation and optimization of a new EHR system across multiple healthcare facilities.
  • Example: Developed HIPAA compliance policies and conducted staff training sessions to ensure adherence to privacy regulations.
  • Example: Coordinated the release of medical records for legal purposes, ensuring timely and accurate document retrieval.
  • Example: Conducted periodic audits of clinical documentation to identify coding errors and documentation deficiencies.
  • Example: Implemented clinical documentation improvement (CDI) programs to improve documentation accuracy and support optimal reimbursement.

Action Verbs For Medical Coders:

  • Example: Coded inpatient and outpatient encounters accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper reimbursement and data integrity.
  • Example: Reviewed physician documentation to clarify diagnoses and procedures for accurate code assignment.
  • Example: Resolved coding conflicts by consulting with physicians and coding team members to ensure accurate code assignment.
  • Example: Educated physicians on coding best practices and documentation improvement strategies to optimize revenue capture.
  • Example: Updated coding manuals and software systems to reflect annual code revisions and updates.

Action Verbs For Hospital Administrators:

  • Example: Directed the implementation of quality improvement programs to enhance patient safety and satisfaction.
  • Example: Managed the nursing department, ensuring adequate staffing levels and adherence to quality standards.
  • Example: Implemented infection control measures and safety protocols to mitigate risks and ensure a safe healthcare environment.
  • Example: Analyzed budget variances and operational metrics to optimize resource allocation and workflow efficiency.
  • Example: Collaborated with physicians and nursing leaders to develop clinical pathways and care protocols for specific patient populations.

Action Verbs For Graphic Design & User Experience (UX) Design

 (e.g., Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Web Designer)

For Graphic Designers:

  • Example: Conceptualized a new brand identity including logo design, color palette, and typography for a startup company.
  • Example: Designed a series of social media graphics for a product launch campaign, maintaining brand consistency across platforms.
  • Example: Illustrated infographic elements to visually represent complex data and statistics for an annual report.
  • Example: Collaborated with copywriters to integrate visual elements seamlessly into marketing campaigns and website content.
  • Example: Presented multiple logo design options to a client, guiding them through the rationale and creative process behind each concept.

For UX Designers:

  • Example: Researched user pain points and preferences to inform the redesign of a mobile banking app interface.
  • Example: Wireframed low-fidelity prototypes to explore different navigation structures and content hierarchies for a website redesign project.
  • Example: Designed a seamless checkout process for an e-commerce platform, reducing friction and increasing conversion rates.
  • Example: Iterated on prototype designs based on user testing sessions, making adjustments to improve navigation and functionality.
  • Example: Documented design guidelines and patterns for a design system, providing developers with clear direction for implementation.

For Web Designers:

  • Example: Developed a portfolio website showcasing design projects, incorporating animations and interactive elements for enhanced user experience.
  • Example: Optimized website assets and code to improve page load speed and search engine ranking.
  • Example: Customized a WordPress theme to match the visual identity and style guidelines of a client’s brand.
  • Example: Tested website functionality and user experience on mobile devices, identifying and fixing layout issues and navigation challenges.
  • Example: Maintained regular backups and security updates for client websites to ensure data integrity and protection against cyber threats.

Action Verbs For Content Creation & Editing

 (e.g., Copywriter, Editor, Content Marketing Specialist)

For Copywriters:

  • Example: Crafted engaging headlines and product descriptions for e-commerce websites to drive conversions and sales.
  • Example: Conceptualized a social media campaign centered around a storytelling approach to highlight brand values and mission.
  • Example: Optimized website content with relevant keywords and meta descriptions to improve organic search rankings.
  • Example: Collaborated with graphic designers to develop visual concepts and assets that complemented the written content.
  • Example: Iterated on email subject lines and call-to-action (CTA) copy based on A/B testing results to optimize open and click-through rates.

For Editors:

  • Example: Reviewed articles and blog posts for a digital publication, providing feedback and revisions to freelance writers.
  • Example: Proofread marketing collateral, including brochures and flyers, for spelling and grammar errors before printing.
  • Example: Formatted long-form content such as whitepapers and reports with clear sections and visual elements to improve comprehension.
  • Example: Fact-checked statistics and references in research reports and case studies to ensure data integrity.
  • Example: Managed a team of freelance writers and contributors, assigning topics and deadlines for content creation.

Action Verbs For Marketing & Communications

 (e.g., Marketing Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Specialist)

For Marketing Managers:

  • Example: Developed a multi-channel marketing campaign to launch a new product and increase brand awareness.
  • Example: Implemented email marketing campaigns targeting segmented customer groups to drive engagement and sales.
  • Example: Analyzed website traffic and conversion data to optimize digital marketing efforts and improve ROI.
  • Example: Managed a team of designers, copywriters, and digital marketers to launch a new brand identity and website redesign.
  • Example: Evaluated the impact of social media advertising campaigns on brand awareness and customer acquisition.

For Public Relations Specialists:

  • Example: Crafted a press release announcing a corporate partnership, resulting in coverage in industry trade publications.
  • Example: Pitched a thought leadership article to Forbes, resulting in a feature on the company’s innovation initiatives.
  • Example: Managed crisis communications during a product recall, ensuring transparency and maintaining customer trust.
  • Example: Coordinated a press conference to announce a major company milestone, securing attendance from key media outlets.
  • Example: Monitored social media channels and news outlets for mentions of the brand, responding promptly to inquiries and comments.

For Social Media Specialists:

  • Example: Created a series of Instagram Stories featuring behind-the-scenes footage of a product launch event.
  • Example: Managed the company’s LinkedIn page, increasing followers and engagement through targeted content and interactions.
  • Example: Optimized Facebook ad campaigns for improved targeting and ROI, resulting in increased click-through rates and conversions.
  • Example: Analyzed Instagram engagement data to identify top-performing content types and posting times for optimal reach.
  • Example: Collaborated with the marketing team to integrate social media campaigns with email marketing initiatives for increased synergy and impact.

For Content Marketing Specialists:

  • Example: Developed a content marketing plan outlining blog post topics, social media content, and email campaigns to support lead generation efforts.
  • Example: Curated user-generated content (UGC) from social media platforms to showcase customer testimonials and brand advocacy.
  • Example: Promoted a new eBook launch through targeted email campaigns, social media advertising, and collaboration with industry influencers.
  • Example: Analyzed website traffic, engagement metrics, and conversion rates to optimize content distribution and user experience.
  • Example: Reported on monthly content marketing metrics including traffic, engagement, and lead generation numbers in executive presentations.

Advertising & Public Relations 

(e.g. Account Executive, Public Relations Specialist, Media Buyer)

For Account Executives:

  • Example: Managed a portfolio of key accounts, ensuring client satisfaction and retention through strategic account management.
  • Example: Developed tailored marketing strategies and campaign proposals to meet client goals and drive business results.
  • Example: Negotiated advertising agreements and media buys with clients and vendors to optimize campaign performance and ROI.
  • Example: Collaborated with the creative team to develop compelling ad creative and messaging that resonated with target audiences.
  • Example: Reported on campaign metrics such as impressions, clicks, and conversions, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
  • Example: Pitched a feature story about a client’s community outreach program to local news stations, resulting in TV coverage.
  • Example: Drafted a press release announcing a new product launch, highlighting key features and customer benefits.
  • Example: Managed media requests and facilitated interviews with company spokespeople, ensuring positive media interactions.
  • Example: Monitored social media platforms and news outlets for mentions of the brand, competitors, and relevant topics.
  • Example: Responded to negative press coverage by issuing a statement and coordinating media interviews to address concerns and mitigate reputational damage.

For Media Buyers:

  • Example: Researched media consumption habits and advertising preferences of target audiences to identify the most effective channels.
  • Example: Evaluated advertising opportunities and negotiated ad placements with publishers and media vendors to maximize reach and ROI.
  • Example: Planned a multi-channel advertising campaign to promote a product launch, coordinating media placements and scheduling.
  • Example: Optimized digital ad campaigns by adjusting targeting parameters and ad creative based on real-time performance metrics.
  • Example: Reported on campaign reach, frequency, and engagement metrics, providing actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.

Action Verbs For Legal:

Action verbs for legal services.

 (e.g., Attorney, Paralegal, Legal Assistant)

For Attorneys:

  • Example: Represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases, negotiating settlements and advocating for clients’ rights in court.
  • Example: Advised corporate clients on compliance with employment laws and regulations, drafting policies and providing risk management guidance.
  • Example: Drafted a contract for the sale of real estate property, ensuring compliance with state laws and client requirements.
  • Example: Conducted research on precedent cases and relevant statutes to prepare for trial and develop case strategies.
  • Example: Negotiated a settlement agreement in a commercial litigation matter, achieving a favorable outcome for the client.

For Paralegals:

  • Example: Assisted in the preparation of discovery requests and responses in civil litigation matters.
  • Example: Managed the filing system for client documents and correspondence, ensuring easy access and retrieval.
  • Example: Reviewed lease agreements and rental contracts for residential real estate transactions.
  • Example: Prepared deposition summaries and exhibits for use in trial preparation and settlement negotiations.
  • Example: Communicated with insurance adjusters to obtain medical records and negotiate settlements in personal injury cases.

For Legal Assistants:

  • Example: Provided administrative support to partners in a law firm, managing their calendars and scheduling client meetings.
  • Example: Filed pleadings, motions, and other court documents electronically and in person, adhering to filing deadlines.
  • Example: Conducted client intake interviews, collecting information about the nature of the legal matter and client objectives.
  • Example: Assisted in the preparation of trial binders and exhibit lists for use in evidentiary hearings and trials.
  • Example: Managed the law firm’s online legal research databases, providing access and training to attorneys and staff.

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

 (e.g., Compliance Officer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Risk Management Specialist)

For Compliance Officers:

  • Example: Developed a comprehensive compliance manual outlining company policies and procedures in line with industry regulations.
  • Example: Conducted a risk assessment of third-party vendors to assess compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations.
  • Example: Educated sales team members on anti-bribery and corruption policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks.
  • Example: Monitored changes to data privacy regulations and implemented necessary updates to company policies and procedures.
  • Example: Reported findings of compliance audits and investigations to the board of directors and regulatory agencies.

For Regulatory Affairs Specialists:

  • Example: Prepared a 510(k) submission for FDA approval of a medical device, including documentation and supporting data.
  • Example: Reviewed marketing materials for a pharmaceutical product to ensure accuracy and compliance with FDA regulations.
  • Example: Collaborated with R&D engineers to gather data and prepare technical documents for regulatory submissions.
  • Example: Interpreted EU medical device regulations and provided guidance to manufacturing partners on compliance requirements.
  • Example: Responded to FDA inquiries regarding product safety and efficacy, providing data and supporting documentation for review.

For Risk Management Specialists:

  • Example: Identified cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities in IT systems and networks, conducting risk assessments and gap analyses.
  • Example: Implemented fraud prevention controls and procedures to mitigate financial risks and protect against fraudulent activities.
  • Example: Analyzed operational risk incidents and losses to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
  • Example: Developed a risk register and matrix to categorize and prioritize risks based on likelihood and impact.
  • Example: Reported on enterprise-wide risk exposures and mitigation strategies to the board of directors and audit committee.

Resume Action Verbs For Education & Training:

Teaching & instruction.

 (e.g., Teacher, Professor, Instructional Designer)

For Teachers:

  • Example: Designed interactive lesson plans incorporating multimedia resources to engage students in learning activities.
  • Example: Facilitated small group discussions and peer-to-peer learning activities to reinforce course concepts.
  • Example: Assessed student understanding of math concepts through quizzes, tests, and performance tasks.
  • Example: Differentiated assignments and activities based on student readiness, interests, and learning styles.
  • Example: Adapted lesson plans to address student misconceptions and provide additional support as needed.

For Professors:

  • Example: Conducted research seminars on current trends in the field, encouraging students to analyze and debate scholarly perspectives.
  • Example: Published a peer-reviewed article on educational psychology in a leading academic journal.
  • Example: Supervised graduate research projects and provided guidance on research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
  • Example: Evaluated student research proposals and provided feedback on research design and methodology.
  • Example: Contributed to the development of a new undergraduate course curriculum, including course objectives and learning outcomes.

For Instructional Designers:

  • Example: Analyzed training needs assessment data to identify knowledge gaps and performance improvement opportunities.
  • Example: Developed an online course on project management skills, incorporating videos, quizzes, and simulations.
  • Example: Implemented a flipped classroom model, where students reviewed course materials online before class discussions.
  • Example: Evaluated the impact of a new training program on employee performance and job satisfaction through surveys and assessments.
  • Example: Collaborated with faculty members to redesign courses for online delivery, aligning content with learning objectives and assessment criteria.

Educational Administration 

(e.g., Principal, School Counselor, Educational Program Manager)

For Principals:

  • Example: Led the implementation of a school-wide literacy program, resulting in improved reading proficiency among students.
  • Example: Managed the school budget, allocating resources strategically to support academic programs and extracurricular activities.
  • Example: Collaborated with parents and community organizations to organize school events and volunteer programs.
  • Example: Evaluated the impact of instructional strategies on student learning outcomes through classroom observations and data analysis.
  • Example: Advocated for increased funding for special education programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

For School Counselors:

  • Example: Counseled students experiencing academic challenges to develop study skills and set academic goals.
  • Example: Assessed students’ career interests and aptitudes using career assessments and interest inventories.
  • Example: Coordinated a college application workshop for seniors, providing guidance on the college admissions process.
  • Example: Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Example: Provided grief counseling and support groups for students coping with loss or trauma.

For Educational Program Managers:

  • Example: Developed a STEM enrichment program for elementary students, incorporating hands-on activities and project-based learning.
  • Example: Evaluated the impact of a literacy intervention program on reading proficiency levels among at-risk students.
  • Example: Managed a grant-funded program, tracking expenditures and reporting on program outcomes to funding agencies.
  • Example: Facilitated a workshop on differentiated instruction for teachers, providing strategies for meeting diverse student needs.
  • Example: Collaborated with local businesses to develop work-based learning opportunities for high school students.

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Action Verbs For Science & Research:

Life sciences  .

(e.g., Research Scientist, Lab Technician, Biotechnologist)

For Research Scientists:

  • Example: Designed experiments to study the effects of genetic mutations on protein function in cellular models.
  • Example: Performed RNA sequencing data analysis to identify gene expression patterns associated with disease progression.
  • Example: Published a research article on cancer immunotherapy in a leading scientific journal.
  • Example: Collaborated with bioinformatics experts to analyze genomic data and identify potential therapeutic targets.
  • Example: Presented a poster on stem cell research at the International Stem Cell Conference.

For Lab Technicians:

  • Example: Performed PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA samples in a molecular biology lab.
  • Example: Prepared cell culture media and buffers for tissue culture experiments in a cell biology lab.
  • Example: Maintained and calibrated spectrophotometers and microscopes in a microbiology lab.
  • Example: Documented experimental protocols and results in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
  • Example: Assisted in the isolation and purification of proteins for biochemical assays in a biochemistry lab.

For Biotechnologists:

  • Example: Developed a fermentation process for the production of recombinant proteins in microbial hosts.
  • Example: Characterized the purity and identity of monoclonal antibodies using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
  • Example: Validated ELISA assays for the detection of viral antigens in vaccine production.
  • Example: Optimized fermentation conditions for the production of biofuels from microalgae.
  • Example: Managed a cGMP-compliant biomanufacturing facility for the production of cell-based therapies.

Physical Science s 

(e.g., Physicist, Chemist, Geologist)

For Physicists:

  • Example: Conducted experiments to study quantum entanglement and its applications in quantum computing.
  • Example: Modeled the behavior of celestial bodies in a galaxy using numerical simulations.
  • Example: Published a paper on particle physics in a top-tier physics journal.
  • Example: Collaborated with engineers to develop new materials for energy storage applications.
  • Example: Presented a poster on gravitational wave detection at a physics conference.

For Chemists:

  • Example: Synthesized organic molecules for drug discovery and development.
  • Example: Characterized the crystal structure of a novel material using X-ray diffraction.
  • Example: Analyzed spectroscopic data to determine the composition of an unknown compound.
  • Example: Developed a novel method for the detection of environmental pollutants in water samples.
  • Example: Investigated the mechanism of enzyme-catalyzed reactions using kinetic studies.

For Geologists:

  • Example: Mapped outcrop patterns and sedimentary layers in a geological field study.
  • Example: Interpreted fossil assemblages to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and paleoenvironments.
  • Example: Conducted geological surveys and sample collection in remote regions for mineral exploration.
  • Example: Modeled the formation of volcanic eruptions using numerical simulations.
  • Example: Presented a poster on tectonic plate movements at a geological conference.

Social Sciences & Research 

(e.g., Economist, Sociologist, Market Researcher)

For Economists:

  • Example: Conducted a study on the effects of minimum wage increases on employment levels in the retail sector.
  • Example: Modeled the impact of trade tariffs on inflation rates using econometric models.
  • Example: Published an article on fiscal policy and economic growth in a leading economics journal.
  • Example: Advised a government task force on strategies to promote regional economic development and job creation.
  • Example: Presented a research paper on income inequality at an economic conference.

For Sociologists:

  • Example: Studied the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships among adolescents.
  • Example: Analyzed survey data on voting behavior to understand demographic trends and political preferences.
  • Example: Published a book chapter on urbanization and social inequality in a sociology textbook.
  • Example: Consulted with a local government on strategies to address homelessness and housing insecurity.
  • Example: Presented a research paper on gender identity and social norms at a sociology symposium.

For Market Researchers:

  • Example: Designed a customer satisfaction survey to measure brand loyalty and identify areas for improvement.
  • Example: Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of a new product launch.
  • Example: Reported on market segmentation analysis and target audience profiles to inform product development strategies.
  • Example: Conducted in-depth interviews with target customers to understand their purchasing motivations and decision-making processes.
  • Example: Presented a market research report on emerging trends in the cosmetics industry to senior management.

Click here for Resume Templates.

Action Verbs For Other:

Action verbs for customer service & support .

(e.g., Customer Service Representative, Technical Support Specialist, Call Center Agent)

  • Example: Assisted customers in troubleshooting product issues and providing solutions in a timely manner.
  • Example: Resolved billing discrepancies and processed refunds for dissatisfied customers to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Example: Responded to customer emails and messages within 24 hours, ensuring timely and accurate assistance.
  • Example: Educated customers on how to use self-service options and online resources for account management.
  • Example: Followed up with customers after resolving issues to ensure their needs were met and to prevent recurrence of problems.

For Technical Support Specialists:

  • Example: Diagnosed network connectivity issues and provided remote troubleshooting support to resolve them.
  • Example: Installed software updates and patches on customer devices to improve performance and security.
  • Example: Guided customers through the setup process for new devices and software installations.
  • Example: Documented troubleshooting steps and resolutions in a knowledge base for use by other support team members.
  • Example: Collaborated with software developers to identify and resolve software bugs reported by customers.

For Call Center Agents:

  • Example: Answered calls from customers inquiring about product features, pricing, and availability.
  • Example: Processed orders from customers, ensuring accurate product selection, pricing, and shipping information.
  • Example: Updated customer contact information and preferences in the CRM system to ensure accurate record-keeping.
  • Example: Escalated customer complaints regarding product defects to the quality assurance team for investigation.
  • Example: Adhered to call center metrics and targets for average handling time, first-call resolution, and customer satisfaction.

Hospitality & Tourism

 (e.g., Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager, Travel Agent)

For Hotel Managers:

  • Example: Managed a team of 50+ staff members across multiple departments to ensure smooth hotel operations.
  • Example: Ensured prompt resolution of guest complaints and requests to maintain high levels of guest satisfaction.
  • Example: Implemented energy-saving measures and waste reduction programs to reduce operational costs.
  • Example: Developed a training program for front desk staff to improve check-in efficiency and customer service skills.
  • Example: Collaborated with the marketing team to launch targeted advertising campaigns and special promotions.

For Restaurant Managers:

  • Example: Supervised a team of servers, cooks, and bartenders to ensure smooth restaurant operations during peak hours.
  • Example: Ensured kitchen staff followed proper food handling procedures and maintained a clean and hygienic work environment.
  • Example: Implemented a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients to attract new customers and increase revenue.
  • Example: Evaluated server performance through mystery shopper evaluations and implemented refresher training on upselling techniques.
  • Example: Managed food and labor costs to achieve a target food cost percentage and maximize profit margins.

For Travel Agents:

  • Example: Assisted corporate clients with arranging group travel bookings for business conferences and events.
  • Example: Researched travel advisories and entry requirements for international destinations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Example: Coordinated a multi-destination tour package for honeymooners, including flights, accommodations, and activities.
  • Example: Negotiated discounted group rates for a destination wedding package, including accommodations and excursions.
  • Example: Communicated with clients to gather feedback on their travel experiences and preferences for future bookings.

Non-Profit & Social Services 

(e.g., Social Worker, Program Manager, Fundraiser)

For Social Workers:

  • Example: Assessed the mental health needs of clients through intake interviews and psychosocial assessments.
  • Example: Counseled at-risk youth on coping skills and conflict resolution strategies to improve their social functioning.
  • Example: Advocated for affordable housing options for homeless individuals by partnering with local housing authorities and nonprofits.
  • Example: Coordinated with healthcare providers and social service agencies to arrange medical appointments and supportive services for clients.
  • Example: Evaluated the impact of a parenting skills program on family functioning and child well-being through pre- and post-program assessments.

For Program Managers:

  • Example: Developed a youth mentoring program focused on academic achievement and career readiness.
  • Example: Managed a grant-funded program budget of $500,000, allocating resources strategically to meet program goals.
  • Example: Facilitated a community needs assessment workshop to gather input from stakeholders and prioritize program initiatives.
  • Example: Evaluated the effectiveness of a workforce development program by tracking participant outcomes and employment placements.
  • Example: Collaborated with local schools and employers to develop internship opportunities for program participants.

For Fundraisers:

  • Example: Solicited major gifts from high-net-worth donors to fund capital projects and program expansions.
  • Example: Developed an annual giving campaign targeting alumni and community members to support scholarship funds.
  • Example: Organized a charity auction event featuring donated items and experiences to raise funds for a local nonprofit organization.
  • Example: Acknowledged donor generosity by sending handwritten thank-you notes and hosting donor appreciation receptions.
  • Example: Reported on year-end fundraising totals and donor retention rates at board meetings and staff retreats.

Resume Action Verbs For  Construction & Trades

 (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter)

For Electricians:

  • Example: Installed electrical wiring for new construction projects, ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards.
  • Example: Troubleshooted circuit breakers and outlets to diagnose electrical faults and prevent electrical hazards.
  • Example: Upgraded lighting fixtures to LED technology to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs.
  • Example: Inspected electrical panels and wiring for signs of wear, damage, or code violations during routine maintenance checks.
  • Example: Collaborated with HVAC contractors to coordinate wiring for heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings.

For Plumbers:

  • Example: Installed new plumbing fixtures and piping for kitchen and bathroom renovations.
  • Example: Diagnosed a clogged drain using a sewer camera inspection and cleared the blockage with a hydro-jetting machine.
  • Example: Repaired a burst water pipe in a residential home by cutting out the damaged section and soldering in a new pipe.
  • Example: Maintained commercial water heaters by flushing sediment buildup and inspecting for corrosion and leaks.
  • Example: Collaborated with kitchen remodelers to relocate plumbing fixtures and reroute water lines for a new layout.

For Carpenters:

  • Example: Constructed custom-built cabinets and shelving units for residential kitchen remodels.
  • Example: Assembled roof trusses and wall frames on-site for new home construction.
  • Example: Installed crown molding and baseboards throughout a residential home to enhance architectural detail.
  • Example: Repaired a broken stair railing by replacing damaged balusters and refinishing the wood surface.
  • Example: Measured and cut hardwood flooring to fit irregular-shaped rooms during a flooring installation project.

Tips for Using Action Verbs Effectively

Managed a team of technicians to ensure timely completion of projects, fostering a collaborative work environment and achieving departmental goals.

Spearheaded cross-functional projects, collaborating closely with team members to deliver innovative solutions and exceed project objectives.

Assisted customers with inquiries and resolved issues promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Responsible for managing a team of junior technicians and ensuring completion of given tasks in stipulated time frame.

Worked on various projects and collaborated with team members.

Helped with customer inquiries and resolved Customer related issues in stipulated time .

Premium Tip :- Avoid clichés and use varied vocabulary to maintain reader interest. 

Conclusion:

  • Action verbs are vital components of a compelling resume, serving to captivate recruiters and showcase your abilities effectively.
  • They breathe life into your accomplishments, making your resume more engaging and impactful.
  • By choosing the right action verbs, you can communicate your skills, achievements, and potential contributions clearly and concisely.
  • Active language not only grabs attention but also demonstrates your initiative and drive.
  • Varied vocabulary helps avoid monotony and keeps your resume interesting and memorable.
  • Honesty is paramount; select action verbs that accurately represent your experiences and achievements.
  • Consistency in using action verbs throughout your resume ensures coherence and reinforces your professional narrative.
  • In essence, action verbs elevate your resume, making it stand out in a competitive job market and increasing your chances of landing interviews and securing employment opportunities.

We Promise continued support an d  resources for career development  and resume refinement.

Additional Resources:

  • Resume templates  
  • Resume skills
  • Resume summary
  • Resume Keywords
  • Suggestions for further reading and exploration of related topics in resume building.

340+ Resume Action Verbs & Power Words [For 2024]

Background Image

Language matters in a resume.

Imagine this:

You’re a busy HR manager, and you read hundreds, even thousands, of resumes every day.

And every single one of them sounds the same.

“Responsible for”

“Critical Thinker”

“Team Player”

You’re bound to see these words on just about every single resume.

And guess what? They’re boring.

That’s where power words come in. They make your responsibilities and achievements really pop!

So, do you want your resume to really stand out? Use some of these 340+ action words:

  • Why Power Words Matter

How to use Resume Action Words [+Examples & Tips]

340+ resume action verbs and power words [w/ examples].

  • Resume Power Adjectives
  • Resume Buzzwords to Avoid

Why Power Words Matter 

Power words help show off your top achievements in the best way possible.

Don’t believe us? Let’s compare an example with and without power words.

  • Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.
  • Responsible for content marketing at company X.

See the difference?

Both of these examples say exactly the same thing .

The main difference is that the second wording makes you seem a LOT more competent.

Something to keep in mind - power words, action words, action verbs, and so on are synonyms. So, don’t be surprised to see that we use them interchangeably in this article!

Other than allowing you to stand out, action words can also be used to say one thing in different ways. We’ve seen way too many resumes that have “Responsible for” all over the place!

So, instead of:

  • Responsible for managing company X’s Instagram account.
  • Responsible for connecting with influencers in the niche.

You could say:

  • Managed company X’s Instagram account.
  • Connected with popular influencers in the niche.

In this article, we have conveniently grouped 340+ action words to help you upgrade your resume descriptions:

  • Resume Power Words for Team Work and Communication
  • Resume Action Words Management and Leadership Achievements
  • Resume Power Words to Showcase your Creativity

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

Resume action verbs for research, analysis, and planning.

  • Resume Power Verbs for “Support”
  • Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Improved”
  • Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible For”

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

  • Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use”

job search masterclass novoresume

Action words can really spice up your resume if done right.

Now, we’re going to explain all the do's and don’t of using power verbs...

Which power words should you use? 

The type of power words you use will depend on the position you are applying for. 

Do a detailed scan of the job posting and single out the key responsibilities and requirements. 

Determine which of your abilities and experiences apply to those job requirements. 

Then, look for power words in our list that describe those achievements. 

Pretty straightforward, right?

Although the power words will be specific to the position you are applying for, there are some general rules to follow: 

  • Choose resume power words that can be measured . This way you can follow the power word with a tangible achievement, for example: “ enhanced customer base by 35%.”
  • Don’t use subjective words . “I’m amazing at” , “I’m incredible at” aren’t as pleasing to hear as you might think. These statements make you appear self-involved, which recruiters find appalling. Don’t tell them you’re amazing, show them with a measurable power word!

How often should you use power words? 

Sadly, just like with anything good in life, action words will lose their value if you overdo it. Instead of power words, they’ll just look like sprinkled mambo-jumbo that doesn’t mean anything.

Also, your resume is swamped with power words, your hiring manager might get turned off and think you’re trying too hard. 

A good rule to follow is to not add more than one or two action verbs in a sentence.  

Use them appropriately and moderately. 

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

If your job was to give guidance or communicate information to a team, you:

  • 2. Advocated
  • 3. Clarified
  • 4. Corresponded
  • 6. Gathered
  • 8. Informed
  • 9. Interpreted
  • 10. Persuaded
  • 11. Publicized
  • Gathered external data for the project-planning personnel and advised on the implementation of capital projects. 

When you were part of a team:

  • 13. Enabled
  • 14. Encouraged
  • 15. Facilitated
  • 16. Fostered
  • 17. Inspired
  • 18. Supported
  • 19. Collaborated
  • Made a $6M merger through collaboration with an international team.

When you supervised a team: 

  • 21. Evaluated
  • 22. Instructed
  • 23. Mentored
  • 24. Motivated
  • 25. Regulated
  • Mentored 5 startup founders in the last 2 years. 

Resume Action Words for Management and Leadership Achievements

When you reach a goal:

  • 27. Achieved
  • 28. Attained
  • 29. Strengthened
  • 30. Initiated
  • 31. Coordinated
  • 32. Developed
  • 33. Managed
  • 34. Orchestrated
  • Coordinated data integrity within the company’s applicant tracking system. 
  • Strengthened the sales and service culture through coaching and guidance. 

When you gave a different approach to solving a problem:

  • 35. Implemented
  • 36. Recommended
  • 37. Overhauled
  • 38. Improved
  • 39. Streamlined 
  • 40. Prioritized
  • Improved and tuned networking equipment and overall computer network. 

When you worked with other people:

  • 41. Motivated
  • 42. Supervised
  • 43. Delegated
  • 44. Chaired
  • Supervised and motivated a team of 5+ sales associates. 

Resume Action Words to Showcase your Creativity 

When you helped the company innovate or launch something new:

  • 45. Conceptualized
  • 46. Designed
  • 47. Devised
  • 48. Determined
  • 49. Drafted
  • 50. Formulated
  • 51. Introduced
  • 52. Initiated
  • 53. Launched
  • 54. Originated
  • 55. Spearheaded
  • Designed a new feature on a mobile equation solving app. 

When you worked on an established idea:

  • 56. Adapted
  • 57. Applied
  • 59. Condensed
  • 60. Customized
  • 61. Fashioned
  • 62. Integrated
  • 63. Modified
  • 64. Patched
  • 65. Piloted
  • 67. Revitalized
  • Built the company sales processes ground-up.

When you introduced a finished project:

  • 68. Displayed
  • 69. Modeled
  • 70. Launched
  • 71. Performed
  • 72. Pioneered
  • Launched an e-commerce website to take the company business online. 

When you worked with data, statistics or numbers: 

  • 73. Audited
  • 74. Budgeted 
  • 75. Calculated
  • 76. Converted
  • 77. Crafted
  • 78. Documented
  • 79. Estimated
  • 80. Inventoried
  • 81. Programmed 
  • 82. Projected 
  • 83. Recorded
  • 84. Verified
  • Calculated monthly and quarterly investment forecasts.

When you corrected mistakes and errors:

  • 85. Debugged
  • 86. Diagnosed
  • 87. Established
  • 89. Rectified
  • 90. Lessened
  • 91. Reconciled
  • 92. Remodeled
  • 93. Rebuilt
  • 94. Upgraded
  • 95. Corrected
  • Debugged internal operating system issues, reducing company cost by 15%

When you kept company processes flowing seamlessly: 

  • 96. Conserved
  • 97. Maintained
  • 98. Operated
  • 99. Regulated
  • 100. Refined
  • 101. Simplified
  • 102. Standardized
  • Maintained design production under an extremely tight budget. 

When you prepared or helped prepare an event:

  • 103. Assembled
  • 104. Conducted
  • 105. Organized
  • Organized meetings and handled all correspondence for the Scranton branch.

When you analyzed a new idea:

  • 106. Experimented
  • 107. Detected
  • 108. Discovered
  • 109. Measured
  • 110. Mapped
  • 111. Probed
  • 112. Searched
  • 113. Surveyed
  • 114. Studied
  • Surveyed and documented weekly performance reports on a new marketing strategy.

When you analyzed existing practices and ideas:

  • 115. Analyzed
  • 116. Assessed
  • 117. Clarified
  • 118. Checked
  • 119. Examined
  • 120. Explored
  • 121.Evaluated
  • 122. Investigated
  • 123. Quantified
  • 124. Reviewed
  • 125. Tested
  • 126. Tracked
  • 127. Convert
  • Converted data into actionable insight, boosting revenue by 5%

When you contributed to solving a problem:

  • 128. Critiqued
  • 129. Diagnosed
  • 130. Identified
  • 131. Invented
  • 132. Proved
  • 133. Solved
  • Provided an extraordinary customer service experience, solved customer issues and upsold other products or services. 

Resume Power Verbs to Use For “Support”

When you were supportive of others through words: 

  • 134. Advised
  • 135. Answered
  • 136. Clarified
  • 137. Motivated
  • 138. Collaborated
  • 139. Fielded
  • 140. Guided
  • 141. Intervened
  • 142. Referred
  • 143. Resolved
  • Motivated co-workers by rewarding positive behavior, encouraging optimism and stimulating teamwork.

When you were supportive of others through actions: 

  • 145. Assisted
  • 146. Contributed
  • 147. Provided
  • 148. Volunteered
  • Volunteered in 3 non-profit social organizations.

When you taught others:

  • 149. Coached
  • 150. Counseled
  • 151. Demonstrated
  • 152. Educated
  • 153. Informed 
  • Consulted 5 startups that became successful scaleups in Europe and together received investments of over €28 million.

Resume Power Words to Use as a Replacement for “Improved”

Did you leave the company you worked for better than when you came in? 

That’s cool, but if you say you “improved” something four times in a row, it loses its impact.

Use the list below to mix it up:

  • 154. Amplify
  • 155. Boosted 
  • 156. Converted
  • 157. Customized
  • 158. Elaborated
  • 160. Integrated
  • 161. Lifted
  • 162. Merged
  • 163. Overhauled
  • 164. Raised
  • 165. Redesigned
  • 166. Refined
  • 167. Remodeled
  • 168. Reorganized
  • 169. Restructured
  • 170. Revamped
  • 172. Slashed
  • 173. Streamlined
  • 174. Strengthened
  • 175. Updated
  • 176. Upgraded 
  • Boosted the AdWords click-through rates (CTR) from 25% to 37% without additional costs, which increased monthly sales by $5,000. 

Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible for”

Using “responsible for” in a resume gets old fast. Instead, use these alternative verbs that *pop*:

  • 177. Accomplished
  • 178. Acquired
  • 179. Achieved
  • 180. Acted As
  • 181. Completed
  • 182. Created
  • 183. Executed
  • 184. Finished
  • 185. Forged
  • 187. Navigated
  • 188. Negotiated
  • 189. Operated
  • 190. Partnered
  • 191. Performed
  • 192. Prepared
  • 193. Produced
  • 194. Secured
  • 195. Succeeded In
  • 196. Undertook
  • Navigated three simultaneous projects between 3 departments within the budget limit. 

Most of your job descriptions will be describing things you contributed to. This makes it tough to be original and show value.

In this case, you should try to be as specific as possible by giving details about your accomplishments. 

Here’s a list to help you replace the overused “worked on” and show value:

  • 197. Arranged
  • 198. Compiled
  • 199. Composed
  • 200. Constructed
  • 201. Created
  • 202. Developed
  • 203. Engaged In
  • 204. Fashioned
  • 205. Forged
  • 206. Formulated
  • 208. Made Progress On
  • 209. Operated
  • 210. Organized
  • 211. Perfected
  • 212. Prepared
  • 213. Pursued
  • 214. Put Together
  • 215. Set-Up
  • 216. Undertook
  • Created over 25 professional logos for companies in multiple industries, from small startups to large corporations.

Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use” 

Instead of “utilize” or “use” replace them with these power words:

  • 219. Deploy
  • 220. Employ
  • 222. Handle
  • 223. Mobilize
  • 224. Operate
  • 225. Promote
  • 226. Profit by
  • 227. Put to Use
  • 228. Restore
  • 229. Revive
  • 230. Resort to
  • 231. Specialize in
  • Handled full sales cycle for the company’s three biggest clients.

Resume Power Adjectives [w/ Examples]

Power adjectives have the same function as power verbs, but instead, they are…you guessed it: adjectives .

Unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

In this section, we'll cover how to use power adjectives in your resume summary, professional experience, and skills.

Then, we’re going to give you a complete list of the best power adjectives you can use in your resume.

Using Buzz Adjectives in the Resume Summary Section

The resume summary section is a short pitch to your prospective employer. You use it to summarize your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

When done right, adding some power adjectives can help your resume summary stand out.

Take a look at these examples:

  • Caregiver with 5+ years of extensive experience. Recognized for providing heartfelt emotional support to clients. 
  • Loving caregiver who has been working in an elderly home for 5 years. The perfect choice for delivering emotional support to clients.

The first example focuses on the candidate’s personal qualities, rather than her skills. Whereas the second example is professional and leaves a much more powerful impact. 

Want to know how to write the perfect summary for your resume?

Check out our complete guide, filled with professional examples and practical tips!

Using Power Adjectives in the Professional Experience Section

When you are describing your professional experience, power adjectives should be used sparingly. 

You already have plenty of action verbs in there, so don’t double down on the power words by adding an adjective. It’s either one or the other. 

Take a look at this example on how they can be strategically placed in a job description:

  • Developed harmonious relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in higher overall patient happiness.
  • Developed relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in overall patient happiness.

Using Power Adjectives in the Skills section

Don’t use power adjectives as a skill on their own. Don’t list “Intelligent” or “Professional” as a skill. Those are subjective personal traits.

Instead, use power adjectives only when they affirm your competency in another skill.

For example:

French and German vs Fluent in French and German 

Management skills vs Strong Management Skills 

The Best Power Adjectives [Divided by Category] 

Power adjectives for analytical thinking.

Are you constantly doing work that calls for putting your thinking hat on? 

This list is perfect for describing the detailed, calculating tasks you complete on a daily basis. 

They’re usually valuable for industries that require complicated critical thinking: IT , finance , telecommunications, engineering . 

  • 232. Astute
  • 233. Insightful
  • 234. Methodical
  • 235. Practical
  • 236. Calculating
  • 237. Intelligent
  • 238. Meticulous
  • 239. Shrewd
  • 240. Complex
  • 241. Investigative
  • 242. Objective
  • 243. Strategic
  • 244. Discerning
  • 245. Logical
  • 246. Perceptive
  • 247. Thoughtful

Power Adjectives for Creativity 

Use the adjective list below to describe creative work: 

  • 248. Cutting-edge 
  • 249. Imaginative 
  • 250. Novel 
  • 251. Sophisticated 
  • 252. Elegant 
  • 253. Ingenious 
  • 254. Progressive
  • 255. Unique 
  • 256. First-class 
  • 257. Innovative 
  • 258. Revolutionary 
  • 259. Unprecedented 
  • 260. Groundbreaking 
  • 261. Inventive 
  • 262. Robust 
  • 263. World-class

Power Adjectives for Productivity

  • 264. Accomplished 
  • 265. Economical 
  • 266. Instrumental
  • 267. Skilled 
  • 268. Adept 
  • 269. Expert 
  • 270. Productive 
  • 271. Skillful 
  • 272. Advanced 
  • 273. Fluent 
  • 274. Proficient 
  • 275. Strong 
  • 276. Competent 
  • 277. Ideal 
  • 278. Profitable 
  • 279. Superior 
  • 280. Constructive 
  • 281. Industrious 
  • 282. Significant 
  • 283. Qualified 
  • 284. Cost-effective 
  • 285. Influential 
  • 286. Smooth 
  • 287. Quality

Power Adjectives for Dedication

Recruiters love seeing genuine interest from a candidate. The words below are great for showing your dedication and high-spirits:

  • 288. Committed
  • 289. Devoted 
  • 290. Genuine
  • 291. Sincere 
  • 292. Dedicated 
  • 293. Earnest 
  • 295. Spirited 
  • 296. Determined 
  • 297. Energetic 
  • 298. Passionate 
  • 299. Wholehearted

Power Adjectives to Describe Hard Work

Are you a diligent and driven person? Are you prepared to pull up tiring all-nighters to complete important projects? 

Here are some adjectives that compliment your hard work: 

  • 300. Alert 
  • 301. Driven 
  • 302. Motivated 
  • 303. Thorough 
  • 304. Attentive
  • 305. Enterprising 
  • 306. Persistent 
  • 307. Tireless 
  • 308. Concerted 
  • 309. Focused 
  • 310. Studious 
  • 311. Vigorous

Power Adjectives to Describe You as Organized and Systematic

  • 312. Businesslike
  • 313. Detail-oriented
  • 314. Smooth
  • 315. Systematic 
  • 316. Controlled 
  • 317. Orderly 
  • 318. Step-by-step 
  • 319. Timely 
  • 320. Detailed 
  • 321. Precise 
  • 322. Structured

Power Adjectives for Communication and Teamwork 

Being friendly, understanding and sociable are key qualities for anyone working in a team setting or with customers and clients on a daily basis. 

Use these words to help describe your skills:

  • 323. Amiable
  • 324. Cheerful 
  • 325. Cooperative 
  • 326. Personable 
  • 327. Amicable 
  • 328. Clear 
  • 329. Cordial 
  • 330. Pleasant 
  • 331. Articulate 
  • 332. Coherent 
  • 333. Courteous 
  • 334. Positive 
  • 336. Cohesive 
  • 337. Diplomatic 
  • 338. Respectful 
  • 339. Charming 
  • 340. Conscientious 
  • 341. Harmonious 
  • 342. Team-minded

Resume Buzzwords to Avoid 

Buzzwords are the opposite of power verbs.

They’re boring, overused, and hated by managers world-wide .

Here are some of the most popular buzzwords you should avoid:

  • Hard worker
  • Strategic thinker
  • Outside the box
  • Responsible for
  • Specialized in
  • Results-driven
  • Team Player
  • Detail Oriented
  • In charge of 

Key Takeaways

Here’s everything we learned in this article:

  • You can use power words to spice up your resume and add variety to your language. They are mostly verbs but can also be adjectives.
  • To decide which power words to use, do a detailed scan of the job listing and identify the key responsibilities the employer is looking for. Your power words will be emphasizing how you have shown these traits. Be careful not to use more than one power word per sentence.
  • Try using power verbs more often than power adjectives. It’s all about action!

Looking for more ways to improve your resume?

Suggested readings:

  • How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+ Examples]
  • How to List Education On a Resume [13+ real-life examples]
  • What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [for 2024]

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  • Customer Service Representative Resume Example

Resume Examples

  • Common Tasks & Responsibilities
  • Top Hard & Soft Skills
  • Action Verbs & Keywords
  • Resume FAQs
  • Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Customer Service Representative Resumes:

  • Respond to customer inquiries via phone, email, and chat
  • Resolve customer complaints and issues in a timely and professional manner
  • Process orders, returns, and exchanges
  • Provide product information and recommendations to customers
  • Maintain accurate customer records and order information in CRM system
  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Identify and escalate complex issues to senior customer service representatives or managers
  • Participate in training and development programs to improve customer service skills
  • Meet or exceed performance metrics such as response time, resolution rate, and customer satisfaction scores
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and procedures to enhance the customer experience.

Speed up your writing process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to. Try it for free.

Customer Service Representative Resume Example:

  • Reduced customer complaint resolution time by 37% through developing effective customer relationship management strategies.
  • Achieved significant increase in customer satisfaction through proactive customer service methods.
  • Managed successful relationships with customers by responding swiftly to inquiries and using quality assurance to maintain efficiency.
  • Researched and implemented operational strategies that supported KPIs and significantly improved customer experience
  • Earned recognition for exemplary customer service through successfully managing product changes across organization
  • Proactively identified customer needs, successfully promoting and cross selling products to support organizational requirements
  • Designed and launched a customer feedback program that resulted in a 27% growth in customer loyalty;
  • Integrated customer service data with customer Relationship Management software, improving work efficiency by 32%;
  • Quickly addressed and solved customer inquiries, reducing response time by 45%.
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Proactive Customer Service
  • Quality Assurance
  • KPI Management
  • Data Integration
  • Customer Feedback
  • Cross-selling
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management
  • Product Knowledge
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Active Listening
  • Documentation
  • Organizational Skills
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Empathy & Compassion
  • Communication

Top Skills & Keywords for Customer Service Representative Resumes:

Hard skills.

  • Customer Service Software (e.g. Zendesk, Freshdesk)
  • Communication Skills
  • Multitasking
  • Sales Skills
  • Technical Troubleshooting
  • Typing Speed
  • Knowledge of CRM Systems

Soft Skills

  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Active Listening and Empathy
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Patience and Tolerance
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • Customer-Centric Mindset
  • Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for Customer Service Representatives:

  • Communicated
  • Collaborated
  • Prioritized
  • Followed up
  • Facilitated
  • Investigated
  • Coordinated

Build a Customer Service Representative Resume with AI

action verbs for resume customer service

Resume FAQs for Customer Service Representatives:

How long should i make my customer service representative resume, what is the best way to format a customer service representative resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a customer service representative resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a customer service representative, compare your customer service representative resume to a job description:.

  • Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Customer Service Representative job
  • Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
  • Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Customer Service Representatives:

Customer service specialist, customer service associate, customer service coordinator, customer service lead, customer service executive, customer support specialist, customer service manager, senior customer service manager.

Boost your Resume with these action words: Examples Included

Action words are dynamic phrases that can elevate your resume and capture the attention of recruiters. Using these powerful terms demonstrates your passion and commitment to the role, significantly enhancing your likelihood of landing the job. 

Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through a resume. They may overlook resumes with too many words and phrases that people often use. You can make your resume stand out by using action words instead.

We'll explain how you can use action words to add impact to your resume and make it more effective. The topics we'll cover include:

  • Difference between active voice and passive voice
  • Why use action words in your resume
  • Why avoid passive language
  • How to use action words in your resume
  • Examples of using active voice
  • Top action words for a more impactful resume

Difference between active voice and passive voice  

You can use active or passive voice to convey a particular idea. The meaning stays the same, but the structure and viewpoint are different. In the active voice, the subject in a sentence performs an action that affects the object. Here's an example of an active sentence:

I created a resume.

In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the object and how the subject acts upon it. In the passive voice, the above active sentence becomes:

The resume was created by me.

As you can see, the first example is shorter and has more impact than the second. These are the traits hiring managers look for in a resume. Most job seekers unknowingly write their resumes in the passive voice.

It's common for resumes to include passive phrases such as “was responsible for” and “was managed by”. These phrases appear on nearly every first draft but shouldn't be in your final document. They can make your resume vague, boring, and forgettable.

Why use action words in your resume  

Action words are also known as power words. Concise communication is highly valued here in our country, and using the active voice in your resume can set you apart from other candidates. They highlight your technical skills, work experience, and achievements clearly and efficiently. They can also portray you as confident and competent. Let's find out why you should use action words for resume writing.

Capture the reader's attention

Using strong action verbs for CV or resume writing can effectively capture a hiring manager's interest. These words encourage them to read on and learn more about your experiences and abilities.

Powerful resume words can also change the way your prospective employer perceives you. You may have the upper hand if another qualified job seeker applies for the same position. Your action-oriented verbs may be more engaging and convincing than a competitor's passive words.

Strengthen your resume

When you use powerful words for a job application, you show the hiring manager that you can be persuasive. That's something employers look for, especially at the executive level.

Active language changes and improves your writing, showing that you're a job seeker with strong communication skills. As you list your abilities and achievements, your action verbs can make the hiring manager feel like they know you on a deeper level. This can help you build rapport and excite them about the prospect of you joining the company. Instead of telling them directly that you're the right person for the role, you let them see it for themselves.

Share your story in a unique way

When you use action-packed words in your resume, you can describe your work experience and professional development more effectively. Backing your words with facts can help convince the hiring manager you have what it takes to perform well in the role. Your resume may be more interesting and impressive without other applicants' bland words and phrases. It also gives readers a real-world insight into your accomplishments. This can increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Why avoid passive language  

Career experts at Harvard University say that using passive language is one of the biggest resume mistakes . It dulls your resume and increases its chances of going unnoticed. 

Besides, career experts in Singapore agree that passive language dilutes the impact of your resume, making it less engaging in a vibrant job market

Here are a few reasons why you should avoid using passive words when writing your resume:

They make your resume less interesting

stressed-overwork

Most hiring managers only look at a resume briefly before deciding whether to keep reading it or move on to the next one. People overuse passive words and phrases, so employers and recruiters skip over them. Even if you're perfect for the job, they may not realise it because your resume doesn't show them. If you want to avoid your resume ending up in the rejection pile, use active rather than passive language.

They're overused and unclear

Passive words are generic and may not describe your specific accomplishments. An example of these terms includes "was managed by". Such commonplace terms don't show a hiring manager what you've achieved, what you're capable of, or what you can contribute to the company.

Note that what you regard as a success may differ from another person. Try to be more specific about your accomplishments by mentioning your results. This gives anyone who reads your resume a more accurate and descriptive picture of your successes. Action words can help you communicate your message and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

They dilute the quality of your writing

Passive language can undermine the quality of your resume. It tells the hiring manager that your communication and writing skills may not be up to par. It can also make them think you didn't make the necessary effort to create a great resume. In contrast, a resume in the active voice is more interesting and shows that you have strong communication skills.

How to use action words in your resume  

When you use action-oriented and dynamic verbs for resume writing, place them strategically throughout your resume. The best places to use these words include your list of accomplishments, professional summary, and bullet points. However, learning to use impactful resume action words correctly is the most important thing. Here's how:

Show, don't tell

A few years of work experience doesn't always matter to a hiring manager unless you have something to show. Others may have similar experience, such as managing teams, contributing to a company's profits, and climbing the ladder to reach a higher position. For this reason, it may not be a good idea to focus your resume on your job duties and shared tasks. Instead, highlight the unique strengths and accomplishments that your potential employer may find attractive.

When you list your achievements and abilities on your resume, back them up with exact numbers. This gives the hiring manager clear and convincing information on how you can add value to the company. For instance, merely stating that you're a profit-generating machine may not set you apart from other job seekers. A better way to showcase your abilities is to say that your team increased profit margins by 40% over the last six months. Providing numbers, statistics, and other facts can help make your case more convincing.

Create a list of your greatest achievements related to the role you're applying for. Back up each accomplishment with actual numbers to show your prospective employer what you can bring to the company.

Identify and replace overused phrases

Rewriting your resume in the active voice isn't as simple as changing all the passive words to action-oriented verbs. You may have to restructure or rewrite entire sentences. Remember the earlier example where we replaced “the resume was created by me” with “I created a resume”? That's how you should do it.

Review your resume line by line to look for overused phrases and passive language. Next, consider turning them into powerful words that engage and compel readers. This is an opportunity to improve your delivery and remove words and phrases that may harm your chances of landing your desired job.

To make the task easier and more efficient, print out your current resume before making any changes. Then, highlight all the passive verbs and phrases in your list of accomplishments, bullet points, and professional summary. Rewrite or restructure those phrases in the active voice.

Determine the right action verbs to use

You shouldn't only choose action verbs that will improve your resume. It's important to replace the passive language with words or phrases relevant to the position and the industry. To do this, search job descriptions to pick action words and keywords that stand out. This can give you a better idea of the type of language and terms the employer expects job applicants to use.

asian woman sitting and thinking

Take note of the positioning words. For instance, a job description may say the company seeks people who collaborate instead of compete. In this case, you may approach your resume writing from a different angle.

Once you've identified the appropriate terms and phrases, you can tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Start by creating a list of the keywords and phrases you found in the job description. Prioritise them as they relate to your work experience. Then, use the most appropriate ones to replace the passive words and phrases on your current resume. Sprinkle them naturally throughout the sections.

Use industry-specific action words

Every industry has its language and slang. When you apply for a job, your potential employer expects you to know the industry terminology. Using action words specific to your field of work is a great way to show your expertise and industry knowledge. It also helps you connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level. Examples of industry-specific action verbs include "diagnosed" and "administered" for healthcare, "invested" and "budgeted" for finance, and "programmed" and "coded" for technology.

Examples of using active voice  

The following examples can show you how to upgrade your resume by replacing overused language with bolder and more impressive phrases:

  • Current phrase: Leader of a team of nine employees. ⁠ New phrase: Guided a team of nine employees towards company goals, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.
  • Current phrase: Used data to identify underlying issues. ⁠ New phrase: Deciphered data patterns to solve underlying issues.
  • Current phrase: Helped the company adopt new technology. ⁠ New phrase: Championed the adoption of new technology at the company, leading to improved efficiency.
  • Current phrase: Strong communicator and detail-oriented. ⁠ New phrase: Facilitated internal communications and ensured high-quality work products.
  • Current phrase: Responsible for generating higher sales revenue. ⁠ New phrase: Increased sales revenue by 40% over two years.

Top action words for a more impactful resume  

Rewriting your resume using active verbs isn't about cramming in as many power words as possible or picking the ones you think sound the best. Instead, choose action words that strengthen your specific work experience and accomplishments. Also, make sure they relate to the position you're applying for. Here's a list of action-oriented words that you can use to replace verbs commonly found in resumes:

Replacing “managed”

Use these active verbs to explain how you led a department, division, or project:

  • coordinated
  • synchronised

Replacing “created”

The following words can help you describe how you made an idea or plan happen:

  • choreographed
  • implemented
  • spearheaded

Replacing “developed”

These words can explain how you contributed to the growth of a project, department, or vision:

Replacing “saved”

Use the terms below if you helped a company save time, money, or resources:

  • consolidated
  • strengthened

Replacing “increased”

Stick to these action verbs if you helped to improve sales, operations, efficiency, or customer satisfaction:

  • accelerated
  • capitalised
  • stimulated 

Replacing “changed”

The terms below are appropriate for describing improvements you made in the past:

  • streamlined
  • transformed

Replacing “acquired”

Use these words to emphasise your ability to bring new ideas, projects, technologies, or clients to an organisation:

  • collaborated

Replacing “assisted”

These verbs can describe how you helped team members, colleagues, and customers:

Replacing “examined”

The following words are effective in highlighting your research and analytical skills :

  • investigated

Replacing “communicated”

These words can describe a time when you wrote about, spoke for, or promoted a positive change:

  • illustrated

Replacing “achieved”

Use these verbs to explain how you achieved a major milestone or reached a goal:

  • demonstrated
  • outperformed
  • transcended

Conclusion  

In the fast-paced Singapore job market, using the right action words can be the key to getting your resume noticed and securing your next career opportunity. Research the company carefully, look for keywords and phrases in the job description, and choose the right action verbs to add to your resume. The extra effort may be well worth it to improve your chances of landing the desired job.

Woman in an interview with a man viewing her resume

Using dynamic action verbs in your resume has become increasingly important in recruitment. More and more Singapore companies are using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to find suitable job applicants. Resumes that contain power words and keywords that match the job description are more likely to get past the ATS. Even if the hiring manager reviews resumes manually, an action-oriented resume may have a better chance of getting noticed than one written in the passive voice. It may also help you stand out in the Singaporean job market . 

Here are some frequently asked questions about action words for resume writing:

  • What are some strong action words to use in a resume? Some examples of strong action words you can use in your resume include coordinated, guided, consolidated, amplified, implemented, strengthened, maximised, streamlined, and surpassed. ⁠
  • How do action words improve the effectiveness of a resume? Action verbs can make a resume more effective in many ways. First, they set your resume apart from those with passive and overused words from other job seekers. This can help you capture the hiring manager's attention and pass an ATS scan. A resume in active language is also more concise, confident, and engaging. It shows the hiring manager that you have good communication skills . ⁠
  • Can you provide examples of action words for specific skills? The following are some examples of action words that are appropriate for highlighting different types of skills: Communication skills persuaded critiqued documented reviewed marketed Leadership skills guided headed mentored oversaw inspired Research or analytical skills assessed forecasted investigated discovered analysed Creative skills crafted devised chartered pioneered spearheaded ⁠
  • Should I use the same action words for every job I apply to? You shouldn't use the same action words for every job application. Instead, choose action verbs that match the job description. This differs from one job listing to another. Tailoring your resume to a specific job description increases your chances of getting through the ATS. It also shows the hiring manager that you're ready to go the extra mile to secure the job. ⁠
  • Are there action words to avoid in resume writing? Not all resume action verbs are beneficial to your job application. Avoid using a power word irrelevant to your work experience, the industry, and the position you're applying for. ⁠
  • How many action words should I use? Action words can spice up your resume. However, this doesn't mean you should stuff your resume with as many action verbs as possible. Kickresume.com recommends using about 20 action words in your resume . Insert these words naturally in your list of achievements, professional summary, and bullet points. ⁠
  • Do action words make a significant difference in getting a job? Yes, they do. On average, resumes have only six seconds to impress hiring managers. Hiring managers often overlook resumes in the passive voice. This is because they contain overused and cliché terms and phrases that make them boring to read. Using action-driven language in your resume may make you more likely to catch the hiring manager's attention as it gives you a better chance of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. ⁠
  • Are there action words that are more effective in certain industries? Yes, action words are most effective when relevant to your field of work. Below are action-verb examples for several different industries: Technology programmed  coded deployed developed designed Healthcare treated diagnosed administered monitored facilitated Education taught mentored researched assessed organised Financial budgeted forecasted audited invested negotiated Retail upsold marketed replenished demonstrated priced

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