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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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Top 360 Resume Action Words: Power Words for Your Resume

One of the best ways to ensure your resume stands head and shoulders above the rest is through the  strategic use of action words . These aren’t just fancy adjectives or buzzwords, but dynamic, action-oriented terms that can truly highlight your skills and experiences.

In this article, you’ll  learn about :

• How to use power words in your resume
• Which words to avoid on your resume
• A whopping selection of 360 power words!

Turn your application into a compelling narrative by using resume action words.

Let’s start!

What Are Action Words?

Action words, also  known as action verbs, power words, or power adjectives , are the superheroes of your resume. If you’re wondering how to turn your experiences into a compelling professional narrative, this is where action words swoop in to save the day.

These adjectives and verbs are used to  describe an action, result, or accomplishment . They illustrate your  proactive attitude  and potential, helping you move beyond the standard buzzwords that are all too common in resumes, and ultimately helping you catch a recruiter’s eye.

Now, let’s delve into how you can add these power-packed action words to your resume and make a stellar first impression with recruiters.

Why Choosing the Right Words Makes a Difference

The words you use on your resume can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers. By using power words in your resume, you can present your achievements more compellingly.

Take a close  look at these examples :

Managed a team of sales representatives.

The verb manage is often considered an overused word in resumes because it is a generic and vague term that lacks specificity and impact.

Many candidates use manage as a catch-all phrase to describe their responsibilities without elaborating on the details or displaying their achievements.

Orchestrated and led a top-performing sales team in exceeding targets by 150% in Q2.

This example demonstrates  leadership , initiative, and success by providing  concrete details about the achievements . It features the candidate’s ability to drive results and emphasizes their competence, making them a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

By simply using more descriptive language, you can bring life to seemingly mundane tasks and paint a picture of your capabilities, qualifications, and achievements.

Not only do power words make your resume more interesting to read, but they also  leave a lasting impression  and demonstrate a level of sophistication and professionalism.

Your ability to communicate effectively through your language choices showcases your writing skills and overall attention to detail.

How to Use Action Words

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, the words you choose are paramount. However, not all words are created equal. It’s essential to use power words that are  specific to the position you’re applying for , and that demonstrate your capabilities and experience.

One way to determine which power words to use is by carefully examining the job posting and identifying key responsibilities and requirements. Once you’ve done that, you can select power words from our comprehensive list that align with your achievements and expertise.

It’s best to choose  words that can be measured by tangible achievements , such as “ optimized  sales revenue by 40%.” Avoid using subjective language like “I’m outstanding” or “I’m exceptional,” as this can make you come across as self-involved.

Instead, use precise and actionable language that features your skills and accomplishments.

In a revealing study by  Gitnux , it was found that  75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems  (ATS) because they lack the right format, content, or action words. Ensure you review the job ad before crafting your resume and include the power words you find there.

Active vs. Passive Voice

Another vital aspect to bear in mind is the  preference for active voice over passive voice . But what exactly does this mean? It primarily involves the way you use verbs.

In an  active voice  sentence, the subject – you – performs the action. Conversely, in a passive-voice sentence, the subject is on the receiving end of the action.

Not only can passive sentences be more confusing but they also tend to be longer. Let’s illustrate this with an example:

• Active voice: I submitted the resume.
• Passive voice: The resume was submitted by me.

The difference is clear – active sentences get right to the point and put you right at the center of the action.

Words to Avoid in Your Resume

Avoiding clichés and overused phrases on your resume can help make it more convincing and unique.

Here are some  commonly overused words  and phrases that you’ll want to avoid and replace with more specific and illustrative language:

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

Power Up Your Resume: 360 Action Words to Use

Looking for a job involves crafting a resume that not only recounts your achievements but does so in a vibrant and compelling manner. To assist you with this, we’ve compiled a resume  action word list of 360 items .

When adding them to your resume, you can typically omit the “I” at the beginning of each statement, leading to punchier, more concise sentences like:

“Acquired 37 new clients within a six-month timeframe” or “Administered medication to a ward of 20 patients.”

This approach not only saves space but also makes your resume more scan-friendly.

To simplify your word selection process, you’ll find them  grouped in thematic categories , such as leadership,  teamwork , and numeric-based accomplishments, to name a few.

Note that some words could be relevant to more than one category.

Does this mean you should use all 360 words in your resume? Certainly not!

However, this extensive selection ensures that you have a diverse array of choices to best illustrate your unique achievements and talents.

If any of the following power verbs are unfamiliar, look them up in a  dictionary  before using them in your resume. Misusing a word will hurt your credibility. In fact, using a word in the wrong context could do more harm than simply supplying one of the overused words listed above.

Lastly, don’t forget to  look at the job ad  and include the keywords you find there in your resume and cover letter. By doing this, you’ll avoid being automatically disqualified by  Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) .

Resume Power Words for Leadership

Companies want to hire good leaders, especially for management positions. Instead of listing leadership as a skill or simply saying you’re an experienced leader, show them with resume power words!

You’ll notice that each of the words below requires a bit more information than does listing leadership as a skill. For example, what goals did you reach as a leader? What exactly did you manage?

Don’t just tell,  show how  with specific examples. Now, take a look at the following list of resume action words to effectively highlight your skills and experiences.

• Administered

Example: Advised  clients on investment opportunities and market trends, resulting in a 25% increase in portfolio returns and a 20% increase in client satisfaction ratings.

• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Example: Influenced  company decision-making through data analysis and presentation, resulting in a 10% decrease in expenses.

• Orchestrated

Example: Resolved  customer complaints in a timely and professional manner, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Resume Power Words for Teamwork

Being able to work as part of a group, getting along well with your coworkers, is important in a professional context. This is especially true in industries where collaborative projects are the norm.

Rather than just stating that you’re a team player, show it!  Provide specific examples  of how you rallied your group to success or played well with others despite challenges.

Look at the action verbs list below and pick the ones that best apply to your experience and the position you want to apply for:

• Acknowledged
• Assimilated
• Collaborated

Example: Collaborated  with colleagues to streamline internal processes and enhance productivity, leading to a 20% reduction in project turnaround time.

• Contributed
• Diversified
• Participated
• Volunteered

Resume Power Words for Communication

Written and verbal communication skills are  vital to many industries . You’ll notice that some of the words, such as “authored” and “corresponded” are more specific to written communication, while others imply active interaction with colleagues, vendors, and clients.

Review the following action verbs to use on your resume:

• Co-authored

Example: Convinced  a key client to renew their contract by demonstrating the value and ROI of our services, resulting in a revenue increase of $500,000.

• Corresponded
• Demonstrated
• Illustrated

Example: Promoted  company products and services through effective marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in customer acquisition and a 20% boost in revenue.

• Transcribed

Resume Power Words for Achievement

Have you ever worked on a project from its inception to its completion? That’s quite an accomplishment. Were you the mastermind behind it?

If so, you should let the hiring manager in on all the details. Use the words below to explain.

Remember, though, that one action word per sentence is usually enough.

• Constructed

Example: Created  a new company-wide training program, resulting in a 25% increase in employee productivity.

• Established
• Implemented

Example: Implemented  a new inventory tracking system, resulting in a 20% decrease in product waste.

• Incorporated

Example: Launched  a successful social media campaign, resulting in a 30% increase in brand awareness.

• Put together
• Spearheaded

Resume Power Words to Replace “Responsible For”

Your job has no doubt involved a lot of diverse responsibilities. But if you write “responsible for” under every position you’ve held, your resume will sound redundant and boring.

Try including some of the words listed below. Be sure to include the details.For example, what techniques did you employ? What goals did you achieve?

Pick the action words to use on your resume from this list:

• Accomplished

Example: Achieved  a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter of employment.

Resume Power Words for Research

Knowing how to find reliable information is almost as important as knowing how to do your job. Research is a highly  sought-after skill  in the workplace.

However, there are multiple ways to do research. Did your research involve scientific experimentation? Reading reference books? Conducting surveys? Interviewing famous people?

Using the powerful descriptive words below will help recruiters understand the exact details of your experience.

Example: Analyzed market trends and made recommendations for product development, resulting in a 30% increase in market share.

• Cross-examined
• Experimented
• Fact-checked
• Interpreted
• Investigated

Example: Developed  and implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in conversion rates and a 15% reduction in customer acquisition costs.

• Scrutinized

Resume Power Words to Replace “Helped”

Hiring managers know  good workplace environments  are made of individuals who are willing to assist each other.

Let them know you’re that kind of person with one of the following power words.

Don’t forget to briefly explain how you helped and the good results that followed.

• Accompanied

Example: Consulted  with cross-functional teams, leveraging expertise in data analytics and market trends to develop strategic initiatives that resulted in a 20% increase in customer retention.

Resume Power Words for Improvement and Efficiency

Make sure that the words you choose  highlight your accomplishments  and do not refer to negative consequences.

• Accelerated

Example: Boosted website traffic by 50% through the implementation of a new content marketing strategy that focused on SEO optimization and targeted audience engagement.

• Capitalized
• Centralized
• Consolidated

Example: Improved  customer retention rates by 15% through implementation of new policies and procedures.

• Intensified
• Outperformed
• Rehabilitated
• Reorganized
• Restructured

Example: Revamped  the company’s social media strategy by creating engaging content, resulting in a 75% increase in social media engagement and a 50% increase in lead generation.

• Revitalized
• Standardized
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Transformed

Resume Power Words to Use With Exact Numbers

Be specific by mentioning numbers and percentages to describe your experience.

Look at the following right-wrong examples to understand the difference:

Utilized advertising techniques to attract many new clients.

This is the example content

Notice the difference? While the wrong example leaves many questions open and lacks punch, the right example tells recruiters the complete story by providing specifics.

Below, you’ll find keywords to describe numerical figures.

• Dollars saved
• Revenue increased by…
• Raised revenue by…

Example: Raised revenue by 25% by implementing a new pricing strategy and conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify new opportunities.

• Time reduced
• Cut costs by…
• Reduced expenses by…

Only provide statistics and figures if you are authorized to do so. Most employers won’t mind if you say you increased their sales or reduced their expenses by a certain amount. But they may not want to reveal their annual gross income or specifics about prices and costs. Never include confidential or proprietary information in your resume.

Adjectives to Replace “Hard Worker”

You work hard at what you do, and you want to let the hiring manager know about it.

But instead of describing yourself as a “hard worker,”  try   the following adjectives  for added effect.

• Disciplined
• Enthusiastic

Example: Created and implemented a meticulous quality control process that significantly reduced product defects by 50% within the first six months of implementation.

More Resume Power Words

Consider these additional action adjectives related to innovative thinking and integrity to make a positive impact on employers.

• Cutting edge

Example: Devoted significant time and effort to building and nurturing strong client relationships, resulting in a client retention rate of 95% and increased referrals.

• Professional

Making a strong impression through your resume requires the tactical deployment of power words. Here is a  quick recap  of how to do it:

• Start by closely examining the job description.
• Pinpoint the main skills and responsibilities the potential employer is looking for.
• Select action words that are related to your experience and attributes.
• Remember to only use one power word per sentence.
• Place more emphasis on using power verbs instead of power adjectives, as actions speak louder than words!
• Avoid passive voice.

Ready to update your resume to include action words? Try our  resume builder  to speed up the process. It is full of expert advice and on-the-go tips designed to get you the job you’re looking for.

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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 to Use on Your Resume

Recruiters often see the same action words on a resume - led, responsible for, managed. And quite frankly, they have lost their meaning when it comes to properly communicating your accomplishments. So, let's spruce up your resume with a few action verbs and phrases that will catch the recruiters eye. 

When you created or wrote something...

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Instituted, Integrated, Introduced, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solve.

When you were a research machine...

Analyzed, Clarified, Collected, Compared, Conducted, Critiqued, Detected, Determined, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Experimented, Explored, Extracted, Formulated, Gathered, Identified, Inspected, Interpreted, Interviewed, Invented, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Solved, Summarized, Surveyed, Systematized.

When you managed a project or group...

Accomplished, Administered, Advanced, Analyzed, Appointed, Approved, Assigned, Attained, Authorized, Chaired, Considered, Consolidated, Contracted, Controlled, Converted, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Developed, Directed, Eliminated, Emphasized, Enforced, Enhanced, Established, Executed, Generated, Handled, Headed, Hired, Hosted, Improved, Incorporated, Increased, Initiated, Inspected, Instituted, Led, Managed, Merged, Motivated, Navigated, Organized, Originated, Overhauled, Oversaw, Planned, Presided, Prioritized, Produced, Recommended, Reorganized, Replaced, Restored, Reviewed, Scheduled, Secured, Selected, Streamlined, Strengthened, Supervised, Terminated.

When numbers and figures are your thing...

Administered, Adjusted, Allocated, Analyzed, Appraised, Assessed, Audited, Balanced, Budgeted, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Controlled, Corrected, Decreased, Determined, Developed, Estimated, Forecasted, Managed, Marketed, Measured, Netted, Planned, Prepared, Programmed, Projected, Qualified, Reconciled, Reduced, Researched, Retrieved. 

When you creatively brought an idea to life... 

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solved. 

When you helped with a project...

Adapted, Advocated, Aided, Answered, Arranged, Assessed, Assisted, Clarified, Coached, Collaborated, Contributed, Cooperated, Counseled, Demonstrated, Diagnosed, Educated, Encouraged, Ensured, Expedited, Facilitated, Familiarized, Furthered, Guided, Helped, Insured, Intervened, Motivated, Prevented, Provided, Referred, Rehabilitated, Represented, Resolved, Simplified, Supplied, Supported, Volunteered. 

When you needed to explain technical expertise... 

Adapted, Applied, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Constructed, Converted, Debugged, Designed, Determined, Developed, Engineered, Fabricated, Fortified, Installed, Maintained, Operated, Overhauled, Printed, Programmed, Rectified, Regulated, Remodeled, Repaired, Replaced, Restored, Solved, Specialized, Standardized, Studied, Upgraded, Utilized. 

When you were the teacher...

Adapted, Advised, Clarified, Coached, Communicated, Conducted, Coordinated, Critiqued, Developed, Enabled, Encouraged, Evaluated, Explained, Facilitated, Focused, Guided, Individualized, Informed, Installed, Instructed, Motivated, Persuaded, Simulated, Stimulated, Taught, Tested, Trained, Transmitted, Tutored. 

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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.

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