250+ Resume Action Words & Power Verbs in 2023
Via Hiration
https://www.hiration.com/blog/resume-action-words-and-power-verbs/
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.’
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.
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:
WITH POWER VERB:
Spearheaded the LinkedIn marketing campaign and increased revenue by 20%
WITH NO POWER VERB:
Responsible for managing LinkedIn marketing campaign to increase revenue by 20%
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.
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
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.
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
| Accelerated | Formalized | Counseled | Outpaced |
| Advocated | Generated | Critiqued | Outperformed |
| Maintained | Utilized | Cultivated | Pioneered |
| Amplified | Investigated | Devised | Publicized |
| Authored | Mentored | Dispatched | Remodeled |
| Centralized | Mobilized | Enabled | Spearheaded |
| Charted | Negotiated | Incorporated | Fostered |
| Designated | Facilitated | Engineered | Transformed |
| Expedited | Undertook | Forecasted | United |
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.
Resume Action Verbs to Replace Commonly Used Words
Strong Resume Words for ‘Planning’ or ‘Strategic Planning.’
| Administered | Developed | Formulated |
| Prepared | Revised | Anticipated |
| Devised | Identified | Prioritized |
| Strategize | Commissioned | Evaluated |
| Observed | Researched | Reserved |
| Determined | Forecasted | Tailored |
Good Resume Words for ‘Managing.’
| Aligned | Cultivated | Directed |
| Enabled | Facilitated | Fostered |
| Guided | Hired | Inspired |
| Mentored | Mobilized | Motivated |
| Recruited | Regulated | Shaped |
| Supervised | Taught | Trained |
Strong Resume Words for ‘Organizing.’
| Acquired | Designated | Activated |
| Centralized | Designed | Mapped out |
| Scheduled | Adjusted | Facilitated |
| Ordered | Charted | Dispatched |
| Established | Secured | Classified |
| Simplified | Arranged | Implemented |
| Procured | Assembled | Contracted |
| Incorporated | Programmed | Suggested |
| Assessed | Coordinated | Instituted |
| Recruited | Tracked | Assigned |
| Customized | Issued | Rectified |
| Tracked | Authorized | Delegated |
Good Resume Words for ‘Supervising’ or ‘Leadership.’
| Chaired | Authorized | Cultivated |
| Delegated | Directed | Enabled |
| Executed | Facilitated | Fostered |
| Guided | Headed | Hosted |
| Inspired | Mentored | Mobilized |
| Operated | Orchestrated | Oversaw |
| Spearheaded | Trained | Controlled |
| Inspected | Scrutinized | Reviewed |
| Regulated | Refined | Oversaw |
| Overhauled | Monitored | Maintained |
Strong Resume Words for ‘Executing’ or ‘Worked on’ or ‘Handled.’
| Arranged | Compiled | Composed |
| Constructed | Created | Developed |
| Engaged In | Fashioned | Forged |
| Acted | Administered | Conducted |
| Formulated | Made Progress On | Operated |
| Organized | Performed | Prepared |
| Perfected | Put Together | Set Up |
| Undertook | Trained | Exercised |
| Inspected | Scrutinized | Reviewed |
| Regulated | Refined | Oversaw |
| Overhauled | Monitored | Maintained |
| Pursued | Processed | Controlled |
Good Resume Words for ‘Communication.’
| Advocated | Authored | Clarified |
| Composed | Consulted | Conveyed |
| Convinced | Corresponded | Defined |
| Explained | Fielded | Illustrated |
| Influenced | Informed | Mediated |
| Moderated | Negotiated | Promoted |
| Persuaded | Publicized | Transmitted |
| Systematized | Synthesised | Surveyed |
| Summarized | Substantiated | Solicited |
| Specified | Sanctioned | Represented |
| Reported | Rendered | Reinforced |
| Perceived | Presented | Marketed |
| Interpreted | Instructed | Inferred |
| Educated | Trained | Drafted |
| Demonstrated | Deliberated | Brainstormed |
| Arbitrated | Briefed | Interfaced |
Strong Resume Words for ‘Helping.’
| Aided | Bolstered | Eased |
| Familiarized | Prescribed | Accommodated |
| Coached | Elevated | Provided |
| Saved | Advised | Validated |
| Enabled | Interceded | Protected |
| Served | Alleviated | Cooperated |
| Endorsed | Mobilized | Rehabilitated |
| Sustained | Assisted | Counseled |
| Enhanced | Modeled | Relieved |
| Tutored | Assured | Dealt |
| Enriched | Polished | Rescued |
Good Resume Words for ‘Creativity’ or ‘Problem Solving.’
| Altered | Drafted | Overhauled |
| Built | Enhanced | Patched |
| Corrected | Established | Piloted |
| Crafted | Fashioned | Pioneered |
| Designed | Conceived | Rebuilt |
| Determined | Initiated | Resolved |
| Devised | Invented | Brainstormed |
| Theorized | Synthesized | Revitalized |
| Revamped | Remedied | Investigated |
| Remodeled | Formulated | Engineered |
| Deciphered | Debugged | Conceptualized |
Strong Resume Words for ‘Responsible for’ or ‘Getting Results’
| Accomplished | Operated | Targeted |
| Acquired | Partnered | Rejuvenated |
| Achieved | Performed | Reduced / Minimized |
| Acted As | Prepared | Realized |
| Created | Produced | Qualified |
| Finished | Secured | Qualified |
| Forged | Succeeded In | Orchestrated |
| Navigated | Undertook | Launched |
| Negotiated | Integrated | Innovated |
| Integrated | Generated | Expedited |
| Excelled | Eliminated | Demonstrated |
Good Resume Words for ‘Team Player’
| United | Assimilated | Acknowledged |
| Coalesced | Collaborated | Contributed |
| Diversified | Embraced | Encouraged |
| Energized | Blended | Harmonized |
| Ignited | Joined | Volunteered |
| Merged | Participated | Partnered |
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.
WITH POWER ADJECTIVE:
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.
WITH NO POWER ADJECTIVE:
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.
WITH POWER ADJECTIVE:
Developed **sustained** relationships with vendors, resulting in **higher** profit margins and happier customers
WITH NO POWER ADJECTIVE:
Developed relationships with vendors, resulting in increased profit margins
Best Power Adjective for Resume
Given below are some power verbs which are categorized based on different soft skills:
Power Adjective for Creativity
| Cutting-edge | First-class |
| Imaginative | Innovative |
| Novel | Revolutionary |
| Sophisticated | Groundbreaking |
| Elegant | Unprecedented |
| Ingenious | Inventive |
| Progressive | World-class |
| Unique | Robust |
Power Adjective for Productivity
| Accomplished | Economical |
| Instrumental | Productive |
| Adept | Fluent |
| Competent | Profitable |
| Significant | Cost-effective |
| Quality | Smooth |
| Constructive | Industrious |
| Superior | – |
Power Adjective for Dedication
| Committed | Devoted |
| Genuine | Sincere |
| Dedicated | Determined |
| Keen | Passionate |
| Spirited | Energetic |
Power Adjective for Hard Work
| Motivated | Alert |
| Thorough | Driven |
| Enterprising | Attentive |
| Persistent | Tireless |
| Concerted | Focused |
| Studious | Vigorous |
Power Adjective for Organization Skills
| Detail-oriented | Smooth |
| Systematic | Controlled |
| Orderly | Timely |
| Detailed | Precise |
| Structured |
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:
- Expert
- Creative
- Hard-working
- Innovative
- Leader
- Manage
- Responsible
- Team Player
- Working on
- 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
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!
