Many resume bullet points begin with overused phrases that hiring managers have long since tuned out, such as "tasked with," "responsible for," or "experience in." These phrases have become so dull that they fail to effectively showcase your accomplishments. Instead, they often merely state your job duties. It’s time to break the mold and be more inventive!
The next time you update your resume, replace those cliché terms with dynamic action verbs that will capture the attention of hiring managers.
Understanding Action Verbs and Their Impact on Your Resume
Action verbs express a sense of accomplishment. For instance, “She walked to the door,” or “The dog chased the ball.” On your resume, the right action verbs communicate that you achieved something in your previous roles rather than just listing responsibilities. Instead of saying you were "responsible for," consider terms like "streamlined," "coordinated," or "executed." These phrases illustrate that you got the job done and made significant contributions.
However, choose your action verbs wisely. Not all are equally powerful. Words like "led" or "handled" may fit the bill, but they lack specifics about how you accomplished your tasks. Did you lead by delegating to a team, crafting a project roadmap, or organizing resources and deadlines? Provide clarity and demonstrate your leadership style through your word choices.
Impress hiring managers with impactful action verbs and increase your chances of landing your next interview! Explore more roles that match your skills on job boards.
Whatever duties or achievements you want to highlight, we have a compelling action verb for you. Check out our suggestions below to elevate your resume's appeal.
Action Verbs for Leading Projects
If you took charge of a project or initiative from inception to completion, consider using one of these verbs instead of “led”:
- Administered
- Chaired
- Coordinated
- Directed
- Executed
- Managed
- Oversaw
- Spearheaded
Action Verbs for Developing Projects
If your role involved creating or introducing significant initiatives, try these action verbs:
- Built
- Designed
- Developed
- Engineered
- Founded
- Implemented
- Launched
Action Verbs to Highlight Improvements in Efficiency or Revenue
To illustrate how your contributions enhanced the organization’s performance or revenue, consider these verbs:
- Accelerated
- Boosted
- Enhanced
- Improved
- Maximized
- Optimized
Action Verbs for Implementing Changes
If your work transformed outdated processes, communicate that impact with verbs like:
- Modernized
- Refined
- Revamped
- Transformed
- Streamlined
Action Verbs for Team Management
Instead of merely stating “managed,” use evocative verbs to exemplify your leadership:
- Cultivated
- Facilitated
- Mentored
- Motivated
- Recruited
Action Verbs for Building Relationships or Partnerships
If you successfully established partnerships or secured clients, highlight these actions with:
- Acquired
- Forged
- Negotiated
- Secured
Action Verbs for Customer Support
For roles centered around assisting clients, use verbs that showcase your advisory role:
- Advised
- Consulted
- Resolved
- Educated
Action Verbs for Research and Analysis
If your position involved data collection or analysis, enhance your descriptions with these verbs:
- Analyzed
- Evaluated
- Investigated
- Surveyed
Action Verbs for Communication Skills
Demonstrate your communication expertise with verbs like:
- Authored
- Drafted
- Persuaded
- Presented
Action Verbs for Oversight or Regulation
When discussing oversight responsibilities, use these stronger alternatives:
- Monitored
- Inspected
- Verified
- Ensured
Action Verbs for Achievements
If you reached goals or received accolades, highlight these milestones with words like:
- Attained
- Exceeded
- Won
- Completed
By harnessing these powerful action verbs, you can transform your resume into a compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers and better showcases your professional achievements.
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