Resume Action Verbs and Power Words

Action verbs and power words are dynamic and impactful words that are used in resumes to highlight skills, experiences, and achievements as they convey a sense of strength, action, and capability. Therefore, using these words in your resume increases your chances of being selected for your job as it helps to create a good picture of your professional experience. This article is your go-to guide to resume action words and power words as it goes through why to use these words and how to use them along with some word suggestions.

Resume Action Verbs and Power Words

Why use Action Verbs and Power Words?

You must be wondering why use action verbs and power words. Well, a sentence written in the resume of a full-stack developer can be like the one mentioned below.

“Built and maintained websites for clients in various domain.”

It is correct but it may sound very normal and generic. Whereas when you write the same information as it is written below may have a significant impact.

“Spearheaded the development of highly responsive and scalable web applications for clients across diverse industries, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement and a 30% reduction in development time.”

It quickly highlights your work and the results of it. That’s why, adding action words does make a difference and helps you stand out. Below, we have added a few more insights on its importance. You can read about them here.

• Captures Attention: Employers and recruiters often go through several resumes, and using action verbs would grab their attention, making your resume more engaging and memorable like the one.

• Conveys Achievements: Action verbs help you to showcase your achievements more effectively. Instead of just listing duties, they highlight how you have actively contributed to your previous roles.

• Demonstrates Initiative: Using powerful language in your resume suggests that you are a proactive individual who takes initiative and conveys a sense of leadership.

• Showcases Skills: Action verbs allow you to showcase and emphasize your specific skills such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication.

• Tailors to Job Descriptions: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes. Action verbs that align with the job description can improve your chances of passing through these systems.

• Creates a Strong Impression: Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you. Well-chosen action verbs contribute to a positive and strong overall impression.

• Adds Variety: Using a variety of action verbs keeps your resume interesting and prevents it from sounding monotonous by adding a dynamic quality to it.

How should you use Action Verbs and Power Words?

1. Identify Key Skills and Accomplishments:

Before writing your resume, identify the key skills and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for. For this consider the job description and requirements to tailor your resume to the specific needs of the employer.

2. Select Appropriate Action Verbs:

Choose action verbs that accurately reflect your role and achievements.

For example, if you led a team, use words like “led,” “orchestrated,” or “guided.”

3. Start Bullet Points with Action Verbs:

Begin each bullet point under your work experience with a strong action verb to draw attention to your achievements.

Instead of saying “Responsible for managing a team,”

say, “Led a team to accomplish project goals.”

4. Quantify Achievements:

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements by using numbers and percentages to provide concrete evidence of your impact.

Instead of saying, “Improved sales,”

say, “Scaled sales by 20% within six months.”

5. Use Variety and Be Specific:

Avoid repetition by using a variety of action verbs to keep your resume interesting and showcasing a diverse skill set and be specific about your accomplishments.

Instead of saying, “Contributed to project success,”

say “Created and conducted a streamlined project management system resulting in a 15% rise in efficiency.”

6. Tailor to the Job Description:

Align your action verbs with the language used in the job description to not only show that you understand the requirements but also help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

For example, if the job description focuses on “innovation,”

use words like “innovated,” “pioneered,” or “introduced.”

7. Highlight Leadership and Initiative:

Use action verbs to highlight instances where you took initiative, led projects, or played a key role in achieving goals.

Instead of saying, “Participated in team projects,”

say, “Initiated cross-functional team projects resulting in enhanced efficiency.“

8. Proofread for Consistency:

Ensure that you use consistent language and verb tense throughout your resume to create a polished and professional presentation.

For example, if you start a bullet point with “Developed,” make sure the subsequent points also use the past tense.

Resume Action Verbs and Power Words Suggestions

Leadership and Management:

Leadership is the ability to inspire and guide others, while management is the process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals.

Orchestrated
Mobilized
Fostered
Galvanized
Spearheaded
Instituted
Engineered
Facilitated
Directed
Championed

Communication:

Communication is the exchange of information between two or more individuals, involving both verbal and nonverbal cues.

Articulated
Conveyed
Persuaded
Advocated
Negotiated
Synthesized
Clarified
Illustrated
Corresponded
Presented

Teamwork and Collaboration:

Teamwork and collaboration are the processes of working together to achieve a common goal. Teamwork involves a group of people working together to achieve a shared objective, while collaboration involves individuals working together to create something new or solve a problem.

Collaborated
Coordinated
Unified
Teamed
Synchronized
Partnered
Harmonized
Facilitated
Integrated
Engaged

Problem Solving:

Problem-solving is the process of identifying a problem, analyzing its root cause, and developing and implementing an effective solution.

Diagnosed
Formulated
Resolved
Innovated
Identified
Devised
Optimized
Spearheaded
Overcame
Navigated

Analytical Skills:

Analytical skills are the ability to gather information, analyze it, and draw conclusions. It involves using logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions.

Analyzed
Investigated
Evaluated
Examined
Scrutinized
Dissected
Interpreted
Synthesized
Diagnosed
Deciphered

Initiative and Innovation:

Initiative is the ability to take action without being told, while innovation is the ability to introduce new ideas or methods.

Pioneered
Initiated
Instituted
Spearheaded
Innovated
Revitalized
Formulated
Introduced
Piloted
Transformed

Time Management:

Time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time you spend on specific activities to increase your effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

Prioritized
Expedited
Scheduled
Streamlined
Accelerated
Managed
Organized
Delegated
Coordinated
Optimized

Creative Roles:

Creative roles are those that involve using imagination and innovation to produce original and engaging content or ideas.

Conceptualized
Illustrated
Designed
Composed
Crafted
Imagined
Innovated
Visualized
Curated
Envisioned

Technical Skills:

Technical skills are specialized knowledge and expertise required to perform specific tasks and use specific tools and programs in real-world situations.

Engineered
Programmed
Debugged
Developed
Implemented
Configured
Automated
Integrated
Optimized
Upgraded

Sales and Marketing:

Sales and marketing are two interconnected business functions that work together to generate leads, nurture customer relationships, and drive revenue growth.

Generated
Captivated
Marketed
Penetrated
Strategized
Amplified
Showcased
Established
Captured
Leveraged

Customer Service:

Customer service is the assistance and advice provided by a company to those people who buy or use its products or services to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Anticipated
Solved
Nurtured
Advocated
Exceeded
Resolved
Facilitated
Listened
Responded
Engaged

Research and Development:

Research and development (R&D) is the systematic process of developing new services and products or improving existing ones based on scientific or technological knowledge.

Explored
Investigated
Conducted
Discovered
Piloted
Tested
Validated
Formulated
Established
Advanced

Finance and Accounting:

Finance deals with the management of money and other assets while accounting records and reports financial transactions and performance.

Audited
Analyzed
Balanced
Forecasted
Budgeted
Executed
Monitored
Leveraged
Reconciled
Optimized

Human Resources:

Human Resources (HR) is the department within an organization responsible for managing the workforce, including recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation.

Recruited
Onboarded
Mentored
Nurtured
Mediated
Streamlined
Evaluated
Cultivated
Empowered
Retained

Health and Wellness:

This is a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but rather a dynamic process of achieving optimal health.

Educated
Counseled
Promoted
Advocated
Implemented
Coached
Enhanced
Rehabilitated
Inspired
Established

Education and Training:

Education and training are the lifelong processes of acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare individuals for personal, social, and economic success.

Instructed
Developed
Facilitated
Mentored
Guided
Inspired
Implemented
Advised
Enhanced
Fostered

Administration and Operations:

Administration and Operations (A&O) is the process of managing and overseeing the day-to-day activities of an organization to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

Streamlined
Executed
Orchestrated
Administered
Implemented
Optimized
Facilitated
Monitored
Standardized
Delegated

Public Relations:

Public relations is generally a strategic communication process that focuses on building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their audiences.

Cultivated
Managed
Promoted
Executed
Advocated
Orchestrated
Amplified
Coordinated
Engaged
Publicized

Legal and Compliance:

Legal and compliance ensure that an organization’s activities align with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. It encompasses legal research, risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and regulatory reporting.

Advised
Ensured
Complied
Investigated
Drafted
Remediated
Facilitated
Litigated
Negotiated
Executed

Project Management:

Project management is the process of planning, organizing, and overseeing the development, execution, and completion of a project within defined timeframes and resource constraints to meet project objectives.

Oversaw
Coordinated
Executed
Tracked
Facilitated
Streamlined
Implemented
Directed
Controlled
Guided

Conclusion

In summary, action verbs, and power words are crucial elements in a resume. They bring your professional experiences to life by showcasing your skills and achievements. Using these impactful words is essential because they grab attention, convey achievements, demonstrate initiative, and create a strong impression. To use them effectively, identify key skills, choose appropriate verbs, start bullet points with impactful language, quantify achievements, and tailor your words to the job description. Your resume is a powerful tool, and using action verbs and power words strategically can significantly enhance its impact and increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers. So, use them now and see the difference and results.