The words you choose to explain your responsibilities on a resume may seem like an afterthought, but recruiters only spend 6 seconds scanning resumes, meaning every word carries weight. Many resume bullet points begin with the same overused words: led, created, managed, improved...the list goes on. Anyone can say they’re “creative” or “experienced,” but what does that really mean in action? Your resume will inevitably show years of work experience and creative endeavors, so how do you actively detail your unique expertise and achievements?
The answer—action words. Action words describe the responsibilities, achievements, and skills on your resume in a bold, concise manner by removing linking verbs and the passive voice. Overused and generic words like “led” or “improved” are still action words, but they aren’t going to do you any favors when you’re attempting to stand out in a sea of applicants.
An example:
Passive: I was responsible for writing a list of action verbs for job seekers to use when rewriting their resume.
Active: I assembled a list of 225 action verbs for job seekers to use when tweaking their resume.
See the difference? Now, it’s your turn—here are 200 strong action verbs for your resume.
Read more: The 6-Second Scan: What Recruiters Look for First on Your Resume
When detailing a project or assignment you led, use:
-
Chaired
-
Controlled
-
Coordinated
-
Conceptualized
-
Executed
-
Headed
-
Operated
-
Orchestrated
-
Oversaw
-
Planned
-
Produced
-
Programmed
-
Administered
-
Built
-
Charted
-
Designed
-
Developed
-
Devised
-
Founded
-
Engineered
-
Established
-
Formalized
-
Formulated
-
Adapted
-
Applied
-
Condensed
-
Customized
-
Fashioned
-
Modified
-
Patched
-
Piloted
-
Revitalized
-
Incorporated
-
Initiated
-
Instituted
-
Introduced
-
Spearheaded
-
Displayed
-
Modeled
-
Launched
-
Performed
-
Pioneered
Read more: How to List Work History on Your Resume
When highlighting your problem-solving skills, use:
-
Conserved
-
Consolidated
-
Coded
-
Decreased
-
Deducted
-
Diagnosed
-
Mechanized
-
Lessened
-
Reconciled
-
Reduced
-
Yielded
-
Accelerated
-
Achieved
-
Sequenced
-
Advanced
-
Amplified
-
Boosted
-
Capitalized
-
Delivered
-
Enhanced
-
Expanded
-
Digitized
-
Expedited
-
Toggled
-
Furthered
-
Gained
-
Generated
-
Improved
-
Lifted
-
Maximized
-
Outpaced
-
Stimulated
-
Sustained
-
Budgeted
-
Calculated
-
Converted
-
Crafted
-
Hosted
-
Migrated
-
Estimated
-
Duplicated
-
Inventoried
-
Projected
-
Recorded
-
Verified
-
Debugged
-
Troubleshooted
-
Fixed
-
Rectified
-
Remodeled
-
Rebuilt
-
Corrected
-
Critiqued
-
Identified
-
Prototyped
-
Invented
-
Proved
-
Refined
-
Reorganized
-
Restructured
-
Validated
-
Virtualized
-
Saved
Read more: How to Make the Business Case for the Work You Do
When discussing how you improved a process within the company, use:
-
Centralized
-
Clarified
-
Influenced
-
Merged
-
Overhauled
-
Redesigned
-
Refocused
-
Rehabilitated
-
Replaced
-
Revamped
-
Simplified
-
Standardized
-
Streamlined
-
Transformed
-
Implemented
-
Recommended
-
Prioritized
-
Elaborated
-
Grew
-
Integrated
-
Raised
-
Slashed
-
Strengthened
-
Updated
-
Upgraded
When emphasizing your experience managing a team, use:
-
Aligned
-
Cultivated
-
Directed
-
Enabled
-
Fostered
-
Guided
-
Hired
-
Mentored
-
Mobilized
-
Motivated
-
Recruited
-
Shaped
-
Supervised
-
Taught
-
Trained
-
Unified
-
United
-
Aided
-
Encouraged
-
Facilitated
-
Inspired
-
Supported
-
Collaborated
-
Evaluated
-
Instructed
-
Regulated
Read more: How to Be a Good Manager, According to Experienced Managers
When expressing your customer service abilities, use:
-
Advised
-
Advocated
-
Arbitrated
-
Coached
-
Consulted
-
Educated
-
Fielded
-
Informed
-
Resolved
When discussing your research capabilities, use:
-
Analyzed
-
Assembled
-
Assessed
-
Audited
-
Discovered
-
Examined
-
Explored
-
Forecasted
-
Interpreted
-
Investigated
-
Mapped
-
Measured
-
Qualified
-
Quantified
-
Surveyed
-
Tested
-
Tracked
-
Experimented
-
Detected
-
Probed
-
Searched
-
Surveyed
-
Studied
When showing your writing or content creation skills, use:
-
Authored
-
Briefed
-
Campaigned
-
Co-authored
-
Composed
-
Conveyed
-
Convinced
-
Corresponded
-
Counseled
-
Defined
-
Documented
-
Edited
-
Illustrated
-
Lobbied
-
Persuaded
-
Promoted
-
Publicized
-
Reviewed
-
Composed
-
Constructed
-
Organized
-
Perfected
-
Prepared
-
Pursued
-
Undertook
When explaining how you reached a goal, use:
-
Attained
-
Awarded
-
Completed
-
Demonstrated
-
Earned
-
Exceeded
-
Outperformed
-
Reached
-
Showcased
-
Succeeded
-
Surpassed
-
Targeted
Read more: Aspirational? Here’s Our Guide to Achieving Your Goals
