Is your resume not getting the attention you’d like? Increase your chances of an interview by 140% using action verbs! Skip the old, tired verbs everyone has been using since the early 2000s, and add some finesse and polish with these fresh action verbs.
300+ Power Verbs With Real Examples and Scripts
Not only is this the best list of words to use in your resume, but it’s also organized in groups of synonyms and alternatives for overused resume words.
If the thought of using “revitalized” or “galvanized” in a sentence makes you itch, don’t worry. We’ve included examples to help you build your best resume.
*Note: we’ve bolded the action verbs and other power words in our sample sentences, but don’t bold them on your resume!
Use These “Communication” Power Words
You have “excellent communication skills,” but what does that include? Get specific about what communication looks like for you and how these skills will be a real asset to the company.
- Addressed
- Arbitrated
- Authored
- Branded
- Broadcasted
- Campaigned
- Centralized
- Clarified
- Collaborated
- Conceptualized
- Critiqued
- Distilled
- Documented
- Drafted
- Illustrated
- Integrated
- Investigated
- Liaised
- Marketed
- Mentored
- Presented
- Projected
- Publicized
- Reported
- Resolved
- Staffed
- Strategized
- Trained
- Translated
- Unified
- Visualized
- Wordsmithed
Real-Life Examples:
- Address conflict between workers as needed.
- Strategized with my team to build a comprehensive annual marketing strategy.
- Visualized strategy for stakeholders to provide a unified vision.
- Mentored 2 coworkers who were new to the industry.
- Distilled information for customers in a way that was understandable and respectful.
| Instead of… | Try this… |
| Accomplished | Awarded, delivered, rated by customers as, trusted by, trusted with, worked to, etc. |
| Duties included | Edited, eliminated, itemized, predicted, sourced, upsold, etc. |
| Excellent communication skills | Addressed, campaigned, reported, trained, translated, etc. |
| Hardworking | Accounted for, active in, qualified to, standardized, aligned, etc. |
| Out of the box thinking/thinker | Agile, change agent, ideated, pioneered, resourceful, etc. |
| Proven results | Achieved, established, generated, increased, upgraded, etc. (make sure to include numbers and details) |
| Responsible for | Allocated, analyzed, expedited, maintained, negotiated, structured, etc. |
| Seasoned | Accelerated, compiled, improvised, surveyed, etc. (list your hard skills, academic credentials, and specific accomplishments) |
| Team player | Assisted, brainstormed, contributed, partnered, tracked, etc. |
Alternatives to Buzzwords Like “Synergy,” “Rockstar,” and “Ninja”
If you see a job listing that uses words like “ninja” or “guru,” it could be an indication that burnout is in your future. Not only are these red flags in a job listing, but never use these words in your resume. You’ll come off as arrogant or inexperienced.
Instead:
- Use dynamic words that describe your skills and keep the reader’s attention.
- Look for buzzwords in your industry and include them in your resume to get past automatic resume filters.
- To do this, pay attention to the words used in job descriptions.
Here are some of our favorite action verbs you can use in your resume:
- Agile
- Appraised
- Change Agent
- Collected
- Condensed
- Configured
- Constructed
- Cultivated
- Customized
- Resourceful
- Slashed
- Spotted
Real-Life Examples:
- Cultivated cross-department interactions.
- Managed and deployed agile project management.
- Cultivated team rapport.
- Configured data processing system to provide actionable insights.
- Constructed new systems that slashed profit losses.
Skip “Wheelhouse” and Use These Skill Words
Instead of listing what’s in your “wheelhouse,” give examples of how you used your skills to accomplish amazing things in your workplace. These words will help you be more specific when describing your skills.
- Advised
- Audited
- Balanced
- Briefed
- Conserved
- Consolidated
- Delivered
- Detected
- Dispatched
- Enforced
- Explored
- Facilitated
- Familiarized
- Handled
- Indexed
- Installed
- Liquidated
- Operated
- Prepared
- Reconciled
- Recruited
- Repaired
- Scheduled
- Secured
- Served
- Simplified
- Sorted
- Tested
- Transacted
- Transcribed
- Utilized
Real-Life Examples:
- Indexed and repaired data information that had been compromised.
- Attained 98% accuracy in transcribing and proofreading all transcripts before delivery.
- Recruited new talent and used human resources software daily.
- Advised and trained an international team of communication professionals.
- Handled cross-cultural communication with sensitivity and an open mindset.
- Repaired relationships between centers during a digital transformation project.
Just Show Them the “Proven Results”
Hiring managers don’t want to hear you have proven results, demonstrated success, or were results oriented. Instead, they want to see the results.
Give them numbers and examples of your proven results using these words.
- Achieved
- Amplified
- Attained
- Boosted
- Completed
- Converted
- Established
- Exceeded
- Fulfilled
- Generated
- Increased/Decreased
- Lessened
- Mapped
- Outpaced
- Overhauled
- Prevented
- Produced
- Reached
- Stimulated
- Surpassed
- Systemized
- Upgraded
- Won
- Yielded
Real-Life Examples:
- Overhauled the existing sales management system in six months and systemized the sales process. As a result, my team surpassed our company’s projected sales goal by 6% and achieved a higher customer service rating than the previous year.
- Fulfilled yearly sales goals and outpaced our competitors.
- Exceeded customer expectations and resolved any issues swiftly and professionally.
- Boosted and revitalized sales by 3% through attention to detail and focus on time management.
If You’re Not a Steak, You Aren’t “Seasoned”
You may have years of experience, but presenting yourself as “seasoned” makes people immediately think you’re older. And, you might be. Your age shouldn’t matter, but sadly, ageism is alive and well in the workplace.
While some would encourage you to present yourself as an “ace professional,” “adept professional,” or even “masterful professional,” we know you can do better.
Think about what makes you “seasoned.”
Have you spent years refining your negotiation skills? Capable of working wonders with a laughable budget? Learned how to stay calm in high-stakes situations? Those are the skills that hiring managers care about.
- Accelerated
- Answered
- Authorized
- Calculated
- Classified
- Closed
- Compiled
- Conducted
- Connected
- Finished
- Forecasted
- Improvised
- Inventoried
- Launched
- Measured
- Monitored
- Ordered
- Pitched
- Processed
- Published
- Quantified
- Recorded
- Repurposed
- Restored
- Restructured
- Reviewed
- Revitalized
- Revived
- Solved
- Surveyed
- Updated
Real-Life Examples:
- Calculated where the department was losing money and updated processes to boost revenue.
- Restructured the communication department and launched a complete company rebrand.
- Revived team morale after prior mismanagement.
- Forecasted digital marketing trends and galvanized a fresh email marketing strategy.
- Reviewed student needs and provided regular feedback to keep students engaged.
“Leadership Skills” for Resume
Don’t skip this section even if you’re not a manager or boss!
You can be sure recruiters are looking for leadership potential, and everyone has the capacity to learn and grow in areas of leadership. Think about times when you’ve taken the initiative, supported a coworker, or, more simply, done your best. There may be more of a leader in you than you realize.
- Administered
- Bolstered
- Chaired
- Challenged
- Compromised
- Convinced
- Counseled
- Diagnosed
- Drove
- Growth
- Elected
- Empowered
- Endorsed
- Energized
- Engaged
- Engineered
- Executed
- Galvanized
- Guided
- Ideated
- Influenced
- Interviewed
- Lectured
- Lobbied
- Mobilized
- Modeled
- Moderated
- Motivated
- Orchestrated
- Persuaded
- Pioneered
- Promoted
- Regulated
- Represented
- Screened
- Spearheaded
- Sponsored
- Transformed
- United
Real-Life Examples:
- Represented the company at industry events.
- Modeled cultural awareness and emotional intelligence when training new hires.
- Promoted team diversity and inclusion during monthly meetings.
- Drove community engagement by sponsoring the local arts council.
- Engaged everyone in the office by hosting regular team-building events.
- Screened calls and emails for the VP to ensure only essential communication was relayed to her.
- Removed unnecessary steps in the approval process to encourage independence.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to really increase your leadership skills and benefit yourself in both personal and career situations, take the science-backed course on people skills:
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Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support.
Use Better Words To Describe What You Were “Responsible For”
Heaven help us if we see another resume that starts with “duties included” or “I was responsible for….”
The English language has so many words to describe just how amazing you were at your past jobs. Try these to catch the attention of your dream job.
- Accumulated
- Activated
- Adapted
- Advocated
- Allocated
- Analyzed
- Anticipated
- Assembled
- Asserted
- Assessed
- Awards
- Budgeted
- Categorized
- Certified
- Charted
- Complied
- Coordinated
- Corrected
- Designed
- Directed
- Edited
- Eliminated
- Encouraged
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- Expedited
- Fostered
- Guaranteed
- Identified
- Implemented
- Innovated
- Itemized
- Maintained
- Negotiated
- Observed
- Occupied
- Opposed
- Organized
- Outlined
- Oversaw
- Predicted
- Processes
- Reconstructed
- Rectified
- Referred
- Reinforced
- Removed
- Revised
- Sourced
- Streamlined
- Strengthened
- Structured
- Sustained
- Tabulated
- Upsold
- Verified
- Volunteered to
Real-Life Examples:
- Volunteered to participate in community cleanups and other community engagement opportunities.
- Streamlined the content production process by revising the content management system.
- Analyzed data and created detailed reports each month.
- Verified accuracy in all written communication prior to print production.
- Unified company branding through consistent design across print and digital.
- Oversaw the instruction of 14 special needs children and consistently implemented each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Adapted to new systems and tools with strength and positivity.
It’s None of Their Business. You Were a Stay-at-Home Mom
Being a stay-at-home mom (or dad!) is admirable, and it’s certainly nothing that requires an apology or an explanation. The sad fact: this “gap” in your resume can lead to workplace discrimination and reduce call-backs.
Instead of including it on your resume, or simply leaving the gap, try a creative re-wording. Some people use the term “independent contractor.” Once you determine a title, use verbs to describe your responsibilities strategically.
- Arranged
- Coached
- Conflict Management
- Delegated
- Fielded
- Financial Planning Skills
- Formulated
- Hosted
- Instructed
- Mediated
- Negotiated
- Organized
- Procured
- Programmed
- Queried
- Secured Event Safety
- Strategized
- Summarized
- Tutored
Real-Life Examples:
- Secured event safety for 25 children.
- Coached and instructed 3 children in positive goal setting and self-regulation.
- Fostered negotiation skills in a high-stakes environment.
- Fielded team communication, ensuring smooth operations.
- Procured business sponsors for community events.
- Prioritized conflict management during community event planning.
“Achiever” Action Words to Show You Are Hardworking
It should be a given that you’re hardworking and accomplished (at least to some degree!) in your area of expertise. Skip those words and detail what it is that makes you a high achiever.
- Accounted for
- Active in
- Aligned
- Associated with
- Certified in
- Developed
- Effective at
- Efficient in
- Experienced in
- Knowledge of
- Licensed in
- Maximized
- Participated in
- Qualified to
- Shaped
- Standardized
- Trained in
- Understanding of
Real-Life Examples:
- Certified in ISACA, Google, and compTIA.
- Trained in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Ads, Google Analytics, Email Marketing, and Organic Social Media Marketing.
- 6 years experience in hospitality and tourism.
- Understanding of cross-cultural communication and experience in global business strategies.
- Effective at diffusing conflict with customers and exhibiting empathy under high stress.
- Efficient in editing and proofreading while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Trained in mental health first-aid and experienced in identifying high-risk individuals.
Resume Words for “Team Player”
In today’s workplace, being a team player is a given. Focus on how you’ve worked together with others to build a healthy work environment.
- Acknowledged
- Aided
- Assisted
- Augmented
- Blended
- Brainstormed
- Contributed
- Cooperated
- Diversified
- Elevated
- Enabled
- Finalized
- Formed
- Gathered
- Included
- Initiated
- Interceded
- Involved
- Joined
- Merged
- Partnered
- Piloted
- Reduced
- Refined
- Supported
- Tracked
Real-Life Examples:
- Assisted in contract development for new clients.
- Initiated risk management training.
- Aided with interviewing, scheduling, and analyzing data for decision-making.
- Elevated dedication to clients and worked as a team to reduce misunderstandings.
- Partnered with others in the industry to present at a roundtable event.
- Supported the development of new talent and contributed to diversifying the workplace.
Toot Your Own Horn… A Little
What are some of the things you’re proud of? Instead of belaboring your “core competencies” and praising your own “thought leadership” or why you’re the “best,” stand out with these words and phrases.
- Awarded
- Cared for
- Commended for
- Delivered under budget
- Devised
- Generate revenue/profits
- Invented
- Made progress on
- Modernized
- Rated by customers as
- Rebuilt
- Redesigned
- Set up
- Sighted
- Trusted by
- Trusted with
- Undertook
- Worked to
Real-Life Examples:
- Rated by customers as consistently friendly and knowledgeable.
- Made progress on increasing brand recognition and authority.
- Modernized office procedures over the course of 6 months.
- Redesigned the company website increasing traffic by 16% on a month-by-month basis.
- Awarded Small Business of the Month, Best in Biz, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Why Should You Regularly Update Your Resume?
Regularly updating your resume prepares you for the future, eliminates wasted time hunting for information later, and gives you a mindset of success.
More reasons to keep your resume updated:
- To avoid forgetting important information
- Keep track of your accomplishments
- Have a clear perspective on whether you’re accomplishing your goals
- Boost your morale when you’re struggling with imposter syndrome
- Be prepared to negotiate for a promotion or a raise
- Get spotted by recruiters
- Always ready for any new opportunity
Pro Tip: Having an updated resume can give you confidence in the event of a recession. Instead of worrying about a lack of skills on your resume, prioritize your problem-solving skills. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, this is the most highly rated skill by potential employers considering entry-level workers.
Plus, having a LinkedIn profile is a must! We give you the 15 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips to Make Your Profile Pop.
What Should You Include in a Resume?
Every resume should include your contact information, education, experience, and job skills. Don’t forget to include dates and locations for everything! And, of course, use action verbs to describe your experience and skills.
Additional parts of a resume could include:
- Profile or Summary. Think of this like your “about” section on LinkedIn. It’s a high-level overview of who you are and what you do. When you boil it down, it’s your elevator pitch and should make people intrigued and interested to learn more about you.
- Honors & Awards. Did you receive a prestigious scholarship during your undergrad or receive any awards over the years? This section shows recruiters that you’re competitive and motivated to excel.
- Relevant Coursework. You’ll probably want to add this to your education section. It’s a great way to highlight extra skills you’ve worked hard for. If you don’t have a degree, adding this in will be even more important to show that you take your personal development seriously.
- Leadership/Activities. Even if you don’t have a long career history to showcase, including your involvement in clubs and community organizations will help you profile some of the experience you’ve gained over the years.
- Volunteer Work. If you aren’t involved in volunteer work, this is your call to get involved! According to FlexJobs, Recruiters are 82% more likely to hire people with volunteer experience and 85% more likely to overlook flaws in your resume – if you have volunteer experience listed.
- Personal Website. More and more recruiters are looking for digital proof of your skills. Whether it’s the best LinkedIn profile possible, a digital work portfolio, or social media, include something that builds a narrative around your skills and accomplishments.
Pro Tips to Keep In Mind As You Write Your Resume
- Action verbs are powerful. Resist using these words indiscriminately to fluff up your resume. Instead, use the action verbs to describe the work you’ve done and the skills you have.
- This isn’t a magic list to get you hired, but it should give you a competitive edge if used wisely.
- Not entirely sure what a word means? Look it up! Check for synonyms. You might find something that better expresses your skills.
- Use industry-specific words. Take the time to look for and list recurring words in job descriptions, as well as an insider language you know. Include this in your resume, so recruiters know you won’t require extensive training.
- Get specific. Action verbs naturally encourage specificity. Include numbers and scenarios, using the action verbs to describe your skills and responsibilities. Above all, don’t be vague.
- Don’t be discouraged. The process of writing a resume and then submitting it countless times can feel demoralizing. But DON’T GIVE UP! We’ve been there, and we’re rooting for you.
- If you aren’t getting responses, try tweaking your resume again. Think about what the words are communicating
- Use active voice because you will sound confident and communicate authority. Active voice: Doer of action + action + receiver of the action
Passive voice: Receiver of the action + action + doer of the action. For example, “Customers experienced safety and satisfaction” is passive, while “Implemented best practices to ensure safety and satisfaction for all customers” is active.
- Don’t forget to spell check! Typos happen to the best of us, so run your resume through Grammarly or the Hemingway App.
- Keep it current. Regularly review and adjust your resume so that you always have an up-to-date version ready to go.
Job hunting isn’t easy. Learn how to get a job quickly with these career tips, even if you have little to no experience!
