resume action words for assisted

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

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”

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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240+ Resume Action Verbs with Examples [2024]

• December 18, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

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

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

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Management Skills

Helping Skills

Research Skills

Financial Skills

Efficiency Skills

Technical Skills

Teaching Skills

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Are you looking for impactful resume action words and power verbs?

Correctly using relevant action words and power verbs can put you light years ahead in your job search.

If you write your experiences in the resume like the following, you need to read this guide:

• 'I am an excellent team player...'
• 'I was responsible for managing...'

Instead of these generic words, you must use resume power verbs to make your resume all the more compelling.

Resume power verbs are words that help grab the reader's attention by clearly communicating your skills and experience. It also improves the wattage of your bullet points and improves readability.

Our 2023 Guide to Resume Words, focusing on Action Verbs Examples, will provide a detailed roadmap to shift your resume from 'oh well' to 'wow.'

You will get clarity on the following FAQs related to resume action words and power verbs:

• What are power verbs or resume action words?
• Why action verbs are important for a resume?
• How to use action verbs on a resume?
• What are some resume power adjectives?
• 250+ example of power verbs in resume

What are Power Verbs or Resume Action Words?

Power verbs are action-based verbs with strong meaning in the English language compared to other verbs. If you use action words in a sentence, you become strong and confident.

In contrast, most resume bullet points start with the same words:

• "Responsible"
• "Managed"
• "Held," etc.

These words are used so much that it has lost their meaning for the recruiters. So, to grab the recruiter's attention, it's important to use resume power verbs in the bullet points.

Also Read: How many bullet points should you add to your resume in 2023?

Why are Action Verbs Important for a Resume?

Action verbs are important because they help you communicate your strengths and experiences to the recruiter in a strong voice.

Let's see two examples:

Which one do you think is the most effective?

Both the bullet points mean the same thing, but the first one is more impactful to the recruiters,

Given below are two examples of how to use action words on a resume:

Also Read: How to create a compelling work experience section in your resume?

How to Use Action Verbs on a Resume?

A good resume is much more than a list of jobs with corresponding dates – it's a marketing document to show off your strengths and get you the job.

One of the most important elements of your resume is the action verbs (words that describe actions) you use. Action verbs make up your experience description; each should be relevant, concise, and targeted to a specific job.

1. Which Power Words Should You Use?

When using power verbs in your resume, it is important to choose measurable and relevant words for the job. This way, you can pair the power verb with a tangible achievement, for example, enhanced marketing ROI by 35%.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Read the job description carefully, and identify the key responsibilities for the job
• Determine which skills of yours match the job description
• Look at power verbs to highlight these achievements in the resume

Also Read: What are some good resume synonyms for the word "teach"?

2. How Often Should You Use Power Words?

If you overdo the action verbs, then they will lose their value. The hiring manager might also think that you're trying too hard.

A general rule of thumb is to not use the same power verb in one "Work Experience" section twice.

3. Avoid Generic Resume Words

Generic action verbs are common on resumes. They don't make much of an impact. Instead, choose resume words representing a quantifiable achievement that is powerful, and dynamic, and show the employer how much of an impact you had on your previous company.

Also Read: How to say "innovative" in different ways on your professional documents?

4. Use Fresh Resume Action Verbs

Resumes are boring. You're not going to hook an employer with your vanilla resume and piles of text. That's why it's important to include the right words in your resume to make yourself stand out from the pack.

36 Fresh Resume Action Verbs Example

5. Avoid Passive Voice in Resume

We often unconsciously use the passive voice in resume writing, which can be difficult to detect. One simple way to tell the difference is to look at your verbs in the active voice. For example: If the verb in your sentence comprises two words ("was developed") or contains "to be" verbs such as "is," "are," and "were" (e.g., "were developed"), then you know the passive voice is at work.

By changing the passive voices to active voices, you will improve the readability of your resume.

Also Read: What skills should you include in your resume in 2023?

Kickass Resume Action Verbs to Replace Commonly Used Words

Strong resume words for 'planning' or 'strategic planning.'.

Additionally, check out this great resource for more action verbs around 'Strategic Planning'

Also Read: 10+ Strategic synonyms that will elevate your reusme

Good Resume Words for 'Managing.'

Also Read: 10+ Synthesize synonyms

Strong Resume Words for 'Organizing.'

Also Read: Synonyms for the word "build" that you can use in resumes and cover letters

Good Resume Words for 'Supervising' or 'Leadership.'

Also Read: 10 unique ways to say "teamwork" on a resume

Strong Resume Words for 'Executing' or 'Worked on' or 'Handled.'

Also Read: "Contribute" synonyms

Good Resume Words for 'Communication.'

Also Read: 10+ Synonyms for "motivate"

Strong Resume Words for 'Helping.'

Good resume words for 'creativity' or 'problem solving.', strong resume words for 'responsible for' or 'getting results', good resume words for 'team player'.

Also Read: Which keywords should you use in your resume in 2023?

Resume Buzzwords: 2023 List of Resume Verbs to Include and Avoid

Also Read: How to write a stellar resume in 2023?

What are Some Resume Power Adjectives?

Power adjectives are a more sophisticated way of listing your achievements and skills when compared with power verbs because, unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

This section will show you how to use power adjectives effectively in different resume sections.

Use Power Adjectives in Resume Summary

A resume summary is the first paragraph the recruiter sees in your resume. It’s used to grab the recruiter’s attention to read the whole resume.

And power adjectives can help you do that if you effectively add them to the resume summary.

• Certified Cybersecurity professional with 4+ years of extensive experience adept at providing meticulous leadership and network infrastructure support by ensuring all systems and databases are up-to-date.
• Certified Cybersecurity professional with 4+ years of experience adept at providing network infrastructure support by ensuring all systems and databases are up-to-date.

Power Adjective in Professional Experience Section

The professional experience section is the heart of the resume. And using power adjectives in a resume can help you hold the recruiter’s attention.

Also Read: What are some great examples of resume summaries for various job profiles?

Best Power Adjective for Resume

Given below are some power verbs which are categorized based on different soft skills:

Power Adjective for Creativity

Power adjective for productivity, power adjective for dedication, power adjective for hard work, power adjective for organization skills.

Also Read: How to use resume buzzwords the right way?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 resume power words.

What are Some Resume Buzz Words 2023 to Leave Off Your Resume?

You need to ensure that you’re not using popular Resume Buzz Words 2023 on your resume.

The resume already has limited space. So choose your words carefully to maximize the impact on recruiters.

Here are some Buzz Words 2023 to Leave Off Your Resume:

• Hard-working
• Responsible
• Team Player
• Result-driven
• Specialized
• Problem-solving

Why Do We Need to Add Power Verbs in a Resume?

When applying for a job, a candidate needs to appear confident and competent, so using power verbs helps you communicate your message more powerfully, confidently, and convincingly.

How to choose power verbs? Choose a power verb that describes your work most accurately. The aim is to convey what you’ve done in your previous jobs that led to measurable results.

Also Read: What are some of the best jobs for retired people?

Key Takeaways

To recap everything that we discussed till now:

• Action verbs for resume are different from resume keywords. The latter pertains to professional job skills which the recruiter is looking for. The former helps to realign your resume from responsibility-based to achievement-based.
• Simply stuffing your resume with action verbs will do you no good. It's always better to validate everything you say with quantifiable instances and achievements.
• If everyone's special, no one's special. Resume buzzwords come and go with each passing season, and it's critical to be aware of the trend. Our section on the 2023 Guide to Resume Keywords will give you an idea of which ones to use and which ones to avoid.
• Use our extensive compendium of action verbs for resume grouped by resume skills to revamp your resume!

Go to Hiration's ChatGPT-powered career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at support{@}hiration{dot}com.

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Action Verbs for Resume: 300+ Resume Action Words

Here are 300+ power verbs for your resume to take your skills to the next level. Easily find the best list of action words for your resume by category.

The average job opening will attract 250 applicants.

You are one of them.

So, does that mean you only have 1/250 of a chance of getting the job?

It doesn’t have to mean that, because you have tools at your disposal to make your resume more visible and impressive.

After reading this article, you will be equipped with the information you need to use the best action words to make your resume stand out above the others.

Let’s talk about these action words, a.k.a. resume verbs…

What Is an Action Verb?

When writing your resume, word choice matters… a lot!

You do not want to come across as boring, repetitive, or sounding just like the 249 other applicants.

Action verbs may also be referred to as power words, power verbs, or action words . When you choose the best verbs to use on your resume, they sell your skills better than generic words, enabling your job application to stand out.

Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager.

Imagine that you have to sift through 250 documents to choose the best person for a job and all you see is…

• Made X…did Y…led Z.
• Team player…perfectionist…outside the box.
• Blah…blah…blah…

These statements don’t evoke an image of an individual. Everything looks like one big lump of neutral verbs and generic buzzwords.

Using strong action verbs on your resume can easily make you stand out.

Instead of “made,” you can say “created.”

Instead of “did,” you can say “completed.”

Keep reading for exact advice on how to implement this resume verbs list into your resume.

(Not sure how to start writing your resume? Read The 5 Best Resume Formats in 2024 [Tips & Samples] .)

300+ Action Verbs for Resumes

There are a lot of ways to say the same thing.

You can state, “I washed the dishes.”

You can also say, “I oversaw a process within which kitchen utensils and crockery were exposed to liquid and heat for a time to achieve a final outcome after which they had regained the status that they had prior to use.”

If you listed this on your resume, neither of the above options are very powerful.

You can try this instead: “Promoted cleanliness in the kitchen.”

To add an impactful accomplishment to your resume:

• Use a power verb to say what you did.
• Back it up with a number if relevant.
• Keep it simple, but keep it strong.

Instead of “was part of a team that did a good job,” you can say “contributing member of a team that drove sales by 15%.”

You can use the resume verb lists below as a guide when creating your unique resume.

You can also print off this 130 Resume Power Verbs cheat sheet to use while writing your resume or preparing for an interview. Click the image below to download your cheat sheet.

Now, let’s discuss the right verbs for resumes, depending on the unique achievements you have accomplished.

When you take time to choose the best verbs to use on resumes, your application will have a better chance of standing out from the rest.

You Achieved Something

You do not want a resume with countless rows of tasks beginning with the term “responsible for” or “achieved” when describing your achievements.

While it might be true, it sounds repetitive.

And repetitive content is boring.

Mix things up! State your responsibilities in a varied way using powerful resume verbs.

Describing similar things in varied ways also gives different angles on your responsibilities, making your skills look more versatile.

Instead of stating “responsible for” on your resume, try these resume action verbs:

Naturally, some of these examples will work better, depending on your particular accomplishments and how you hope to convey them in your resume.

You Analyzed

Perhaps analytical skills are very important for the job to which you are applying. Even so, you don’t want to just slap the word “analyzed” on your resume ad nauseam.

If you find you are repeating yourself, use different powerful words with a similar meaning.

Also, ensure that the information you include actually adds value to your resume.

You can definitely improve your resume by demonstrating your analytical abilities.

Here are a few examples of great resume verbs to use to help you stand out :

By using these action verbs on your resume, you can demonstrate your analytical ability without using the same word again and again.

A hiring manager analyzing your resume will greatly appreciate the diversity.

You Communicated

Are you a good communicator?

If so, how can you convey this in the best way?

Show it instead of say it, of course!

If you simply say, “I communicated …”, chances are that the hiring manager will assume you aren’t the greatest communicator.

Instead, show that you are a good communicator by outlining what you have achieved due to your communication skills.

Use a variety of powerful synonyms like the ones in this next resume verbs list to describe how great of a communicator you are:

Now, a lot of people make the mistake of assuming one word can simply replace another, similar one.

But even synonyms do not have the exact same meaning. Every word is unique, and has its own denotation and connotation.

So, while using the best action verbs for your resume, make sure that you choose the correct word.

For example, “moderating a discussion” has a distinct meaning as opposed to “negotiating a deal.”

When trying to convey that you are a good communicator, it is essential that you find the right word to describe each task on your resume.

You Created

Imagine if a creative person had to tell you that they are creative?

If a 7-foot tall man walked up to you, he wouldn’t have to say, “Hi, I am tall.”

In other words, if you have to say that you are creative, your resume may not be up to scratch yet.

Use resume action words like the following to demonstrate your creativity:

When you describe the creative projects you spearheaded, this will put you in a far better position than if you fail to supply evidence in your resume.

And when you combine those descriptions with some of the action verbs for a resume recommended above, you will be in a very good place.

You Dealt With Numbers

Do you have experience in finance and accounting?

You might be the person everyone goes to for advice when it comes to tax time, but you really don’t know how to express this in strong resume verbs.

Here’s a tip: Don’t include random obscure facts on your resume.

Be specific about your accomplishments and use power verbs like these:

See how the action verbs above open up the opportunity for you to include specific details?

While using these verbs in your job application is hugely important, remember to back them up with detailed statistics and numbers.

You Improved Something

Imagine if someone told you this: “I made things better at my last job.”

Would you be impressed?

Probably not, but imagine if they told you what they made better and how they did it.

Now we’re talking.

Use a strong action verb (like the ones on this next resume verbs list), back it up with evidence, and you show clearly that you added value with your contribution.

Here are some resume verbs to show how you improved something:

Wouldn’t it be awfully ironic if you stated that you improved things, but your verbs of choice needed improvement?

Avoid this by utilizing these terrific choices for strong resume verbs.

You Led or Managed a Team

There is a fine line between saying that you led a team and that you dictated a team.

Really…suggesting that you get a little drunk on power is not good.

At the same time, saying that you are a leader but having no proof is also not good.

It is important that you describe yourself as an effective but fair leader , willing to listen and adapt.

Show yourself as a responsible and successful leader by using apt power verbs for resumes like the ones below:

The most effective action verbs demonstrate authority without conveying that you are a bad leader.

You Organized

Organizing, arranging, logistics…

These are all extremely important skills to put in a job application.

Yes, you definitely want to show that you check the boxes in these skills. However, there are ways that you can make this boring, and ways to make it engaging.

Use action verbs and be specific about what you organized.

Did you organize a charity fundraiser that raised over $3,000?

Say that in a better way than, “Prepped an event for charity that raised money.”

Instead, try, “Arranged a fundraiser in support of [charity] and raised $3000.”

See power verbs below that help demonstrate your organizational abilities:

See the difference between saying that you “pulled something together” and that you “prepared” something?

They both have the same emphasis, but they are very different.

You Researched

When preparing your resume, you want to highlight exactly what makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

So what are you applying for?

You definitely do not want to come across as vague or unimaginative when highlighting the reasons that you are a perfect candidate.

If you completed a practical project, don’t say that you “did” it.

Try these good action-packed synonyms for research on your resume:

You can professionally demonstrate your academic and research aptitude by honestly and accurately representing yourself.

When it comes to word choice, using power verbs helps your resume stand out.

You Sold Something

Even more than with other vocations, you definitely want to back up whatever claims you make in the realm of sales with specific numbers.

Otherwise, you may as well be saying, “I sold stuff and may or may not have reached my targets.”

Instead, use clear and specific descriptions to tout your achievements. (This is not the place for humility!)

Instead of the above example, make a statement like, “Generated a 20% increase in sales for .”

Here is a full table of strong resume power words that work for sales:

It begs repeating that these effective verbs are great, but you need to back them up.

When you say “converted,” you want to complete the statement with details and numbers.

You Solved Problems

If you went to a comedy club and said that you were funny, the owner wouldn’t immediately throw you on stage and give you fifty bucks at the end of the night.

They’d want to know that you really are funny.

Same idea with problem solving.

You can say that you are a problem solver all you want, but if you don’t actually show how you are a problem solver, the hiring manager will have no reason to believe you.

It may just look like you threw a buzzword into a sentence to make it more appealing.

Evidence is key.

Check out these problem-solving action words:

By utilizing the above terms effectively, you can contextualize your problem-solving skills.

You Supported Others

Being able to lend a hand where needed is a skill employers value a lot.

If you are asked to assist with something, you don’t want to respond with, “Nah, I completed my duties assigned on Monday, so I’m going to stick with that.”

Accomplishing work behind the scenes is a large contributing factor to the overall success of a project.

Use your resume to show that you can willing and effectively help out where needed with these useful resume verbs:

The above verbs emphasize your resume skills at helping and providing supportive services.

You Taught Others

Another key element of effective action verbs on your resume is in demonstrating the positive effect you have had on others.

Results are extremely important. Highlight them and back them up.

If you have experience in teaching, remember to emphasize the positive effect you have on your students.

That, mixed with positive results, will only reflect well on you.

Here are 21 of the best verbs to use on resumes for teaching positions:

Students are not numbers. Be sure to highlight how you brought the best out of them.

Additionally, if you are going to discuss good results, emphasize areas that you “improved” situations for your students.

It is not simply an accomplishment of yours. Results matter for students!

You Worked on Something

Saying that you “worked on” something is overused.

A bodybuilder may say that he’s “working on” getting a tan.

Steve next door may say that he’s “working on” having more fruit in his diet.

Your friend Kayla may say that she’s “working on” doing more work from home.

You can see that the term is extremely broad…and extremely overused.

Do you think the hiring manager wants to read that your responsibilities consisted entirely of “working on” different projects?

Mix it up and make your resume an enticing read with the following action verbs:

See how there are so many ways to say that you’re working on something, without actually explicitly saying it?

Now you don’t need to say “working on” again.

You Worked With Others

One of the key elements behind success at work is teamwork.

You want to show that you can and have worked successfully with others not just once, but numerous times.

Chalking several of your accomplishments up to collaboration will demonstrate that you continue to be a good team player.

Put these powerful action words on your resume to show teamwork:

Emphasis needs to be kept away from you being the best (or only) player on the team.

Instead, concentrate on what was done, as demonstrated above.

In every category above, backing up your statements and accomplishments with evidence will make your claim stronger.

Words That Should Never Be Used on a Resume

Some words are even worse than using bland or overused words.

For instance, saying that you are a “perfectionist people person” will probably result in your resume getting placed to the side.

Or, imagine saying that you are an “epic pro analyzer.” The sheer redundancy will make the hiring manager shudder, and your resume might actually end up being shredded and used as bedding for hamsters.

In all seriousness, here is a list of phrases you should avoid on your resume at all costs:

These unsubstantiated and overused phrases don’t go over well.

When you talk yourself up with the above descriptions, you do not actually convey what you can do for the employer.

In fact, you do the opposite.

By using words like this, it strongly suggests that you are not taking your resume very seriously.

(Now that you have this advice, combine it with information from our article on the best Hard & Soft Skills for Your Resume .)

Why Are Action Verbs Important on a Resume?

So, you’re applying for a job…along with roughly 250 other applicants.

On your resume, you’ve conveyed your most relevant skills and accomplishments.

Additionally, you’ve worked to give an accurate account of your aptitude and accomplishments.

You carefully tailored your resume to show that you have the exact skills this employer is looking for.

You spent hours crafting the document to ensure that you check all the boxes.

But then it gets discarded almost immediately by the hiring manager.

What went wrong?

How Neutral Words Can Be a Turnoff

The last thing you want is for the hiring manager to place your resume to the side after reading it for just a matter of seconds because you blended in.

Using neutral resume words does exactly this.

Do you want to improve your chances of being seen as a serious candidate?

Stand out and be different!

There’s a reason the hiring manager doesn’t just go out onto the street and hire the first person they see.

They list the job so that the right people apply.

You might have the skills that they are looking for, but using overused or bland words will make your job application come across as generic.

How to Include Action Verbs on a Resume

First and foremost, you must consider that these resume verbs are used to describe what you have accomplished, rather than describe you as an individual.

The hiring manager is going to be significantly more interested in your contributions and your ability to effectively contribute to a team.

Wondering how to include power verbs on your resume?

It is really quite basic.

Whether in your professional summary, your responsibilities, or when outlining achievements at work – anywhere where you can put a verb, you can put an action verb.

Transform “talked” to “presented.”

Change “thought of” to “spearheaded.”

Revise “made” into “developed.”

See how simple including these resume action words can be?

Your resume naturally requires you to include verbs, so simply consider what verbs will actually get the job done.

A word of caution: It is not simply a matter of clicking on the “synonym” function on a Word Doc. Definitions may be similar, but they are never exactly the same.

Additionally, the words around it sometimes need to change too.

Instead of “Drew up the specifications …” you would not say, “Illustrated up the specifications …”

It would just be “Illustrated the specifications…”

Always check that sentences make sense with a better word inserted. If they don’t, adjust the rest of the sentence as needed.

One last thing:

If you insert as many power verbs as possible into your resume, it will just look like you are trying too hard.

Be reasonable. A general rule can be a maximum of two verbs per sentence.

Key Takeaways

Consider yourself fully informed about how to include action verbs on your resume.

It is a fairly basic step to ensure that the verbs on your resume aren’t bland and you don’t blend into the pile of resumes, but it makes a huge difference.

Need a little help adding powerful verbs to your resume?

Find My Profession provides an elite resume writing service that will ensure your resume stands out from the crowd.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

Nursing action verbs and power verbs to use on your resume.

We've compiled the best action verbs you can use to showcase your Nursing experience.

You probably know that you need to start your resume's bullet points with action verbs. Why? Writing your bullet points this way tells recruiters exactly what you did and what actions you took on your job. In addition to technical skills and medical know-how, nurses need a lot of transferable skills — think qualities like leadership, communication, empathy, and resilience. The best way to show that you have these qualities is through your choice of action verbs. If you’re applying for an entry-level nursing assistant role, you might want to emphasize your ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team, so choose verbs like Assisted or Prepared. If you’re looking for a more senior role, highlight your leadership potential with verbs like Implemented or Oversaw.

Action Verbs To Show Your Nursing Experience:

• Collaborated
• Administered

For more resume advice from recruiters in this field, read the complete Nursing Resume Guide .

We've compiled a lot more action verbs by job titles below.

Nursing Action Verbs By Job

Choose the job title that's most relevant to you to get targeted action verbs.

• How to use action verbs
• Verbs for Respiratory Therapist Resumes      (e.g. Conducted, Developed, Performed, Rehabilitated & more)
• Verbs for Care Coordinator Resumes      (e.g. Managed, Collaborated, Assisted, Improved & more)
• Verbs for Occupational Therapist Resumes      (e.g. Instructed, Examined, Provided, Assessed & more)

Get a free resume review

• Sample resume examples

How To Use Action Verbs On Your Resume

To show you how to use these action verbs in your resume, see this infographic for reference. You'll note that each bullet point uses strong action verbs, with a specific description of the task that was accomplished.

Action Verbs For Respiratory Therapist Roles

Here are some strong Respiratory Therapist action verbs you can use to impress hiring managers:

• Rehabilitated
• Communicated

Relevant Examples Using Action Verbs

• Worked 1:1 with 43 clients to develop language, academic, social, and self-help skills through the implementation of individualized instruction and behaviour plans. .

• Provided PT services to 80+ patients with diverse therapeutic needs, including, coronary artery disease, stroke, and general reconditioning. .

Action Verbs For Care Coordinator Roles

A care coordinator needs to be a good manager/leader and good healthcare professional. Highlight both functions using strong action verbs. For example, using verbs like ‘led’ ‘coordinated’ and ‘trained’ are all strong action verbs that point to your leadership capabilities. 

Here is a list of action verbs to help you highlight the dualistic functions of your job. Using action verbs like these will show recruiters your balanced skill set and previous experience.

• Facilitated
• Coordinated
• Spearheaded
• Conceptualized

• Managed an average of 400 clinic referrals per month,providing case and disease management services to high-risk families such as children and adolescents diagnosed with autism and bipolar disorder..

• Facilitated the recovery of 10+ infants per shift, including those endangered by premature birth, defects; neurologic/renal/cardiac concerns; requiring advanced ventilation, & extracorporeal membrane oxygenation..

Action Verbs For Occupational Therapist Roles

Action verbs help effectively frame your accomplishments. They allow recruiters to skim through your resume and get an idea of your experience and capabilities. They are therefore an important part of your resume that you should pay particular attention to. As an occupational therapist, you should use action verbs that indicate your experience effectively performing the tasks required of you.

Here are some action verbs that are especially effective for your position. Use them to elevate your resume and catch recruiters’ attention.

• Improved quality of member care by 30% and lowered spending costs by 25% through proactively assessing root problems and initiating solutions using the best nursing practices within the health care team. .

• Worked the night shift as part of a rotating schedule, quickly adapting to different duties and responsibilities and acquiring a 95% satisfaction rate for efficiency, promptness, & care. .

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

To figure out if you're using the right verbs on your resume, you should upload it to the tool below. It'll analyze at each of your resume's bullet points and verbs, as well as 20+ key criteria hiring managers look for, and tell you if you have any big mistakes that need fixing.

Related Resume Examples

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Planning Engineer

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