Better word for achievements

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 

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”
• Resume Power Adjectives

How to use Resume Action Words [+Examples & Tips]

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. 

340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words [w/ Examples]

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

If your job was to give guidance or communicate information to a team, you:

• 1. Advised
• 2. Advocated
• 3. Clarified
• 4. Corresponded
• 5. Defined
• 6. Gathered
• 7. Ignited
• 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:

• 12. Aided
• 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: 

• 20. Guided
• 21. Evaluated
• 22. Instructed
• 23. Mentored
• 24. Motivated
• 25. Regulated
• 26. Taught

• 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
• 58. Built
• 59. Condensed
• 60. Customized
• 61. Fashioned
• 62. Integrated
• 63. Modified
• 64. Patched
• 65. Piloted
• 66. Shaped
• 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. 

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

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
• 88. Fixed
• 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. 

Resume Action Verbs for Research, Analysis, and Planning

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: 

• 144. Aided
• 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
• 159. Grew
• 160. Integrated
• 161. Lifted
• 162. Merged
• 163. Overhauled
• 164. Raised
• 165. Redesigned
• 166. Refined
• 167. Remodeled
• 168. Reorganized
• 169. Restructured
• 170. Revamped
• 171. Saved
• 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
• 186. Made
• 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. 

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

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
• 207. Made
• 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:

• 217. Apply
• 218. Adopt
• 219. Deploy
• 220. Employ
• 221. Exert
• 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 
• 294. Keen 
• 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 
• 335. Calm 
• 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:

• Excellent 
• Go-Getter 
• Hard worker
• Strategic thinker
• Outside the box
• Responsible for
• Expert
• Innovative
• Specialized in
• Creative
• Synergized
• Go To
• Results-driven
• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• Focused
• Ninja
• Super 
• Great
• 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 2023]

achievement

What is the correct spelling of achievements?

Correct spelling for the English word “achievement” is [ɐt͡ʃˈiːvmənt], [ɐt‍ʃˈiːvmənt], [ɐ_tʃ_ˈiː_v_m_ə_n_t] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

What is a achievement meaning?

1 : the act of achieving something the achievement of an ambition. 2a : a result gained by effort : accomplishment being honored for her academic achievements a major scientific achievement. b : a great or heroic deed.

What is achievement in your own words?

something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art. the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment: the achievement of one’s object.

• accomplishment,
• acquirement,
• attainment,
• baby,
• coup,
• success,
• triumph.

How do you describe achievements?

List of achievements

1. Re-organized something to make it work better.
2. Identified a problem and solved it.
3. Come up with a new idea that improved things.
4. Developed or implemented new procedures or systems.
5. Worked on special projects.
6. Received awards.
7. Been complimented by your supervisor or co-workers.

What is the word for great achievement?

What is another word for great achievement?

tour de force	masterpiece
feat	accomplishment
achievement	triumph
coup	attainment
deed	exploit

How do you praise achievement?

To praise achievement, a teacher may say something like: Well done, you have completed the work. I’m pleased with your progress. You have achieved full marks.

What is your greatest achievement answer?

Once you have decided on your greatest achievement, use the five tips below to boost the content of your answer.

• Think About Your Values and Best Qualities, and Try to Highlight Them.
• Research the Job and Company.
• Be Honest.
• Be Specific.
• Ensure Your Accomplishment Is Recent and Relevant.

What are some good achievements?

Some examples of accomplishments are:

• Scholarships.
• Honor Roll inclusion for high grades.
• Awards won for specific activities or subjects (i.e., Most Valuable Player (MVP), Fine Art Award)
• Inclusion in student-related achievement publications (i.e., Who’s Who in American High Schools)
• Perfect attendance awards.

Why is personal achievement important?

Personal Achievement: The Success Mindset that makes you Mentally Healthier. People with a mindset of “success”, based on their own personal achievements possess the ability to positively influence their life perspective.

What personal achievement means?

A personal achievement is an attribute that provides an individual with a sense of pride. This can originate from many different sources. The type of charitable work that people choose is unique and reflects what they consider important.

What is a personal achievement you are proud of?

Talking about an achievement you are proud of is an invitation to tell a story about something you have done that you are pleased with. It may be work-related but could also be more personal. It may have been recognised by others, and may have passed notice.

What is your future goal?

Often, our career goals are just one part of our larger life and personal aspirations. For this answer, focus on just your career goals. While promotions or salary can also be related to your career goals, avoid including these in your answer and focus on the skills, abilities or experience you want to achieve instead.

What is a proudest moment?

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English proudest moment/achievement/possessionthe moment etc that makes you feel most proud His proudest moment was winning the European Cup final.

What are examples of proud moments?

I am most proud of the fact that I built my own company from the ground up. Growing up, I was surrounded by hard working family members. My mom was a teacher and my father worked in a factory. While I respected what they did, I knew I didn’t want to spend my life working for other people, I wanted to be in charge.

What are some examples of proud moments?

12 Things We Should Always Be Proud Of

• A job that you love.
• Your sense of style.
• Your friends.
• Your family.
• Your ability to forgive.
• Your past.
• Your demand for some alone time.
• We should be proud of our traditions and values.

Is proudest grammatically correct?

Yes. Prouder, and proudest are grammatically correct superlatives. You could also say “more proud” and “most proud” but I find those phrases more awkward.

What is the word proudest?

See definition of proudest on Dictionary.com. adj.pleased, pleasing. adj.arrogant, self-important.

What type of word is proudest?

Superlative form of proud: most proud; most proud.

Is proudest a real word?

Thus, “prouder” is the correct form. This single-syllable adjective often seems to have more confusion than others, but technically, “prouder” is correct.

As a salute to Israel’s 60th birthday, here are 60 kinds of key achievements that you might not be emphasizing enough on your CV or resume.

Why is this list so important?

To do a great job selling yourself, a resume needs to convince readers that you have the skills needed for their job and the abilities to do it successfully. By highlighting notable accomplishments using action verbs, you create a proven track record to eliminate all doubt.

Free bonus: The One Resume Resource You’ll Ever Need is a handy reference to make your resume get you more job interviews. Download it free now

Measurable achievements examples for your inspiration

You successfully…

1. Managed company/department annual/quarterly budget of X (large) amount
2. Stayed under budget for X quarters/years
3. Were promoted
4. Were promoted after only X months in the role
5. Directed a team/group/organization (something difficult to manage)
6. Managed a project spanning X countries/continents/employees
7. Placed employees at X companies
8. Trained X new employees
9. Built a new team/division (not just hiring, also managing the workflow) for the company
10. Redesigned and implemented more effective company procedures which e.g. decreased time-to-market by X amount/%
11. Met deadlines consistently
12. Reined in rollercoaster project X
13. Supervised large/complex project in attaining goal X
14. Grew customer base by X amount/%
15. Grew donor base by X amount/%
16. Multiplied donations by X amount/%
17. Cut costs by X amount/% within Y amount of time
18. Launched X new websites/products/campaigns
19. Increased portfolio earnings by X amount/%
20. Integrated an extremely complex system for the company
21. United multiple teams post-merger
22. Finished sales quota X amount of time early
23. Reduced client/reader attrition by X amount/%
24. Met X national/global/industry standard within Y amount of time
25. Streamlined team/department operations
26. Improved ties with country/industry association/union
27. Boosted earnings by X amount/%
28. Implemented a service level agreement
29. Won X number of cases (for a lawyer)
30. Published X articles/white papers/reports/books
31. Received X award/designation
32. Won X award/competition for Y consecutive years
33. Attained X certification
34. Finished in the top X percentile of your class/course
35. Reached X objective(s) every quarter for Y quarters in a row
36. Reached X objective(s) faster than competitor (internal/external)
37. Discovered X new drugs/species/trends
38. Coined well-known buzzword or industry term
39. Created X program/course/methodology
40. Founded X company/non-profit/association/club
41. Solved X disputes (for a negotiator)
42. Resolved X internal conflicts
43. Hold world/Olympic record
44. Climbed X number of mountains
45. Coached X teams to trophy/championship/1st place in league
46. Received score of X (high) on known customer satisfaction survey/poll
47. Received score of X (high) on standardized testing/exam
48. First person to achieve X (or led first team to achieve X) internally/externally
49. Something you created won an award/was a bestseller/fan favorite
50. Voted best/most something by association/club/group
51. Featured in website/magazine/newspaper/book
52. Held a perfect attendance record
53. Introduced company products to X new markets
54. Audited X number of clients in only Y amount of time
55. Piloted X program with a Y % participant completion rate
56. Advanced (non-profit) organization policy
57. Fixed X amount / % of bugs in company software/open-source project
58. Presented at well-known conference/seminar/workshop
59. Did something that was viewed/used by many people
60. Achieved/Surpassed company/team goal of doing X by Y amount / %

Notes
Be prepared to explain how you achieved your results, how an award was decided, etc. For example, numbers in particular give more credibility to your statements but only use them if you can explain how they were measured.

Using this list of accomplishments ideas should help you avoid making ambiguous statements where trust is required but not easily acquired, such as in a job interview.
How to use this list

1. Bookmark this article for when you’re updating your resume and need more career or resume achievement examples.
2. Copy the list into a smart resume builder or resume-writing software such as Microsoft Word.
3. Delete all the lines that don’t apply to your experience.
4. Elaborate on the lines you do keep. Many of the expressions should be followed with a “by…” or “using…”.

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Jacob Share

Job Search Expert, Professional Blogger, Creative Thinker, Community Builder with a sense of humor. I like to help people.

What do people mean when they say “resume power words?” Does it have something to do with Power Rangers? Why use resume action words anyway?

Imagine that resumes are bottles of shampoo. And the poor recruiter goes through hundreds of lather, rinse, repeat every day. You need to stand out to get their attention! And this is where those resume words step in.

We’ve prepared a list of over 300 resume action words—now all you have to do is choose.

This list of resume action words provides:

• 310 resume action words grouped by keyword synonym.
• Easy-to-use lists of resume power words, organized to save you time.
• Separate lists of resume adjectives to make your work stand out.
• Expert tips to use the best resume verbs and other good resume words like a pro.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume samples here.

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Resume Action Words to Use Instead of Boring Words

Why use powerful resume words?

Well, pretend you’re hungry.

In front of you are 300 American cheese sandwiches on white bread.

Ho hum.

But then you see a turkey-bacon panini with thin-sliced avocado and a side of homemade curly fries.

Beside it sits a frosty mug of ice cold beer.

Resume power words make your resume stand out like that.

Bear in mind this isn’t a “how to fluff a resume” piece. It’s not a checklist of magic NLP phrases that will hypnotize the recruiter.

Use it to improve your writing, highlight strengths on your resume, and to help the employer understand why you should be the chosen one.

But you don’t want a phone-book-style list of 310 resume verbs, power words, and adjectives. So—here are 10 individual lists.

After that are lists of resume adjectives, and how to find the best keywords for your resume.

Click to see each action verbs list below and jump to the right section:

Resume Action Words Lists

• “Team Player” Action Words
• “Leadership” Words for Resume
• “Responsible For” Synonyms
• “Communication” Power Words
• “Achiever” Action Words
• “Worked On” Action Words
• “Improved” Power Words
• “Researched” Synonyms
• “Creativity and Problem Solving” Words
• “Managed” Resume Verbs
• “Assist” Resume Verbs
• “Utilize” Resume Verbs

Want adjectives or resume keywords to give your job search a fighting chance? Click any of the resume words lists below, or just scroll down.

Resume Adjectives & Resume Keywords

• List of Resume Adjectives
• The Best Resume Keywords

Pro Tip: Picking power verbs for resume writing? Change it up. Use each one only once if you can help it.

Use powerful words and action verbs on your LinkedIn profile too. Want yours to really sing? See our guide: A LinkedIn Summary & Profile That Gets Jobs

Everybody knows how to use resume action words. Right?

The answer may surprise you.

The best resume words don’t describe you.

They describe the things you’ve done.

What are Resume Action Words?

Resume action words, also called resume power words, are words you should use in your resume to describe your professional skills, tasks, and achievements at work in a short and powerful way. Typically, they are action verbs but adjectives and some buzzwords are also considered good words for resumes. 

With action words:

• Responsible for becomes Improved…
• Worked with becomes Collaborated on a team that…
• In Charge Of becomes Directed 20 employees to…

Rather than describe your job, resume action verbs paint a vivid picture of your expertise and professional wins.

Why Do Good Resume Verbs Make Writing Stronger?

Resume action verbs make writing stronger for two reasons.

First, they zap the boring phrases hiring managers see hundreds of times daily.

Second, they guide you toward job-winning specifics. With action words, you didn’t just handle a responsibility. You slashed costs X% or drove time savings of X hours/week.

What Action Words to Use in a Resume

Avoid like the plague words that say, “I’m awesome, great, experienced, an expert, a hard worker.”

Those are “toot your own horn” words.

Instead, use resume words that say, “I’m about to show you how I’m awesome.”

The 310 resume words in this article do just that.

Use Exact Numbers with Your Resume Power Words

With any of the resume words below, add numbers.

Calculate the dollars saved, the revenue increased, the time reduced.

Then use good resume action verbs to introduce those numbers.

Example:

Implemented a new inventory system and slashed costs 20%.

Pro Tip: What’s even more powerful than great action words for a resume? Great referrals. Reach out to employees at the company and listen to them talk about their job.

Need achievements to pair with all those great resume action words? See our guide: Achievements to Put on a Resume — Complete Guide (+30 Examples)

Employers hate seeing “team player” on a resume.

Yet, they want to hire team players.

See the problem?

You’ve got to show you’re a team player without saying it.

So, in your resume bullet points, display achievements. Show times you worked with others and got great results.

You cut costs, raised revenue, or found efficiencies. Give specific dollar amounts, hours per week, and percentages.

Lead off with the resume action verbs for collaborate below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Team Player:

1. Acknowledged
2. Assimilated
3. Blended
4. Coalesced
5. Collaborated
6. Contributed
7. Diversified
8. Embraced
9. Encouraged
10. Energized
11. Gathered
12. Harmonized
13. Ignited
14. Joined
15. Melded
16. Merged
17. Participated
18. Partnered
19. United
20. Volunteered

Pro Tip: Use great action verbs for resume writing, but use them sparingly. One active power verb per bullet point sentence is plenty.

Want to fit your resume words to the job offer like a pair of yoga pants? See our guide: How to Personalize Your Resume to Match a Job Description (Examples)

Hiring managers love leaders.

They can’t stand candidates who merely say they’re leaders.

How many team members were you in charge of? How many hours of training did you give? What projects did you spearhead?

There’s your proof. Showcase it in style with the resume power words for leadership below.

20 of the Best Resume Words for Leadership:

1. Authorized
2. Chaired
3. Cultivated
4. Delegated
5. Directed
6. Enabled
7. Executed
8. Facilitated
9. Fostered
10. Guided
11. Headed
12. Hosted
13. Inspired
14. Mentored
15. Mobilized
16. Operated
17. Orchestrated
18. Oversaw
19. Spear­headed
20. Trained

Pro Tip: Action verbs for resume use can backfire if you use them wrong. Make sure you fully understand the power words you use.

If adding resume words can help your chances, what other great tips are just around the corner? See our guide: 42 Amazing Resume Tips That You Can Use in 30 Minutes [Examples]

Trying to stand out with power words for your resume?

Make sure they’re the right ones.

This is a list of the most popular ones:

Overused Resume Words

• In Charge Of
• Excellent
• Go Getter
• Hard Worker
• Strategic Thinker
• Outside the Box
• Responsible For
• Expert
• Innovative
• Specialized In
• Creative
• Synergized
• Go To
• Results-driven
• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• Focused
• Ninja
• Super
• Great

A CareerBuilder study of 2200 hiring managers found the common resume buzzwords hiring managers hate most.

What do they have in common? Most say you’re great, but don’t convey any actual information.

Use resume words you can hook achievements to instead.

 

Tired Resume Words	Use Instead
In Charge Of	Directed…
Excellent	Improved…
Go Getter	Accomplished…
Hard Worker	Achieved…
Strategic Thinker	Designed…
Outside the Box	Created…
Responsible For	Managed…
Expert	Delivered…
Innovative	Developed…
Specialized In	Handled…
Creative	Created…
Synergized	Collaborated With…
Go To	Trusted By…
Results-driven	Raised…
Team Player	Participated In…
Detail Oriented	Spotted…
Focused	Refined…
Ninja	Installed…
Super	Slashed…
Great	Increased…

Pro Tip: What if you land the interview, then they ask you to very common interview questions, such as asking to describe yourself? Use resume action words to show how well you’ll fit the job.

Looking for resume power words to use in a student resume? Want help making it 10x more effective? See our guide on the subject: Student Resume Sample & Complete Writing Guide [with 20+ Examples]

“Responsible for” is the sneakers-in-a-dryer of resume words.

Instead, say how you improved what you were responsible for.

Use these resume words to do it right:

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Responsible For:

1. Accomplished
2. Acquired
3. Achieved
4. Acted As
5. Completed
6. Created
7. Executed
8. Finished
9. Forged
10. Made
11. Navigated
12. Negotiated
13. Operated
14. Partnered
15. Performed
16. Prepared
17. Produced
18. Secured
19. Succeeded In
20. Undertook

Pro Tip: It’s okay to use more common resume action verbs once in a while. Just avoid the most common power words whenever possible.

How many words should a resume be? Check our resources: Should a Resume Be One Page? How to Make It a Single Page [+Tips]

What hiring manager doesn’t love a good communicator?

Here’s a tip:

An applicant with good communication skills would never say, “I’m a good communicator.”

She’d show it.

So—tout achievements your communication caused.

Did you negotiate deals 10% more effectively than others? Author the company newsletter?

Show it with the powerful resume words below.

20 of the Best Resume Words for Communication:

1. Advocated
2. Authored
3. Clarified
4. Composed
5. Consulted
6. Conveyed
7. Convinced
8. Corresponded
9. Defined
10. Explained
11. Fielded
12. Illustrated
13. Influenced
14. Informed
15. Mediated
16. Moderated
17. Negotiated
18. Promoted
19. Persuaded
20. Publicized

Pro Tip: Can’t find the right action verbs for resumes to describe your great achievement? Sometimes it’s best to let the accomplishment speak for itself.

Are you listing work experience the best way on your resume? Try this link: How to List Work Experience on Your Resume [+20 Examples]

Want to look incompetent?

Just put “Achiever” on your resume.

Want to look like Tony Stark with MS Office skills?

Use the strong resume words below to show exactly what you have achieved.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Achiever:

1. Accelerated
2. Accomplished
3. Advanced
4. Amplified
5. Boosted
6. Completed
7. Created
8. Delivered
9. Enacted
10. Enhanced
11. Expanded
12. Expedited
13. Generated
14. Improved
15. Lifted
16. Managed
17. Maximized
18. Outpaced
19. Produced
20. Stimulated

Pro Tip: Avoid over-flashy resume action verbs like “destroyed,” “smashed,” or “annihilated.” Use them only if you’re applying to the WWE.

Poor use of resume action words is a big mistake. The same is true for choosing tenses. See how to fix this: Resume Tense: Past or Present? What Voice?

Use those self-descriptive words on a resume:

• Insightful.
• Professional.
• Astute.
• Diligent.
• Reliable.
• A Self-starter.
• Motivated.
• Dynamic.
• Organized.
• Passionate.
• Meticulous.
• Thoughtful.
• Intelligent.
• Cutting Edge.
• Ingenious.
• Unique.
• Skilled.
• Competent.
• Devoted.
• Genuine.
• Attentive
• Dedicated.
• Determined.
• Sincere.
• Knowledgeable.
• Persistent.
• Disciplined.
• Honest.

Let’s not tiptoe.

Most people think the right adjectives for resume will impress the employer.

They won’t.

Have you ever seen It’s a Wonderful Life?

There’s a scene where a pipsqueak tells Donna Reed, “Nobody’d say anything to me about it because they all know what kind of guy I am.”

That’s exactly how “powerful” resume adjectives make you look.

They’re a bluff. A strutting rooster. A little guy beating his chest.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Your big stick is achievements. Ditch the flowery resume adjectives and cite jaw-dropping accomplishments. Use the resume words below.

 

Resume Adjectives	Use Instead
Self-Starter	Initiated…
Insightful	Noticed…
Intelligent	Solved…
Astute	Sighted…
Meticulous	Caught…
Thoughtful	Cared for…
Cutting Edge	Devised
Ingenious	Invented…
Unique	Commended for…
Skilled	Achieved…
Competent	Constructed…
Devoted	Worked to…
Genuine	Rated by customers as…
Dedicated	Formed…
Determined	Discovered…
Sincere	Received kudos for…
Knowledgeable	Trained…
Persistent	Accomplished…
Disciplined	Forged
Honest	Trusted with…

Pro Tip: We’re not saying to use zero resume power words as adjectives. One or two in a resume can help paint your picture. But stick to a couple. They’re the wave crest, not the ocean.

What else can make your resume stand out aside from strong resume phrases and words? Using the best fonts. For more info see: Best Font for a Resume: What Size & Typeface to Use? [15+ Pro Tips]

It’s not enough to tell employers what you worked on.

Thomas Andrews worked on designing the Titanic.

What exactly did you accomplish?

Don’t just say you worked on something. Say how many, how much, how often. Find the success. Give numbers. Show value.

To share those numbers, include these powerful resume words for “worked on” below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Worked On:

1. Arranged
2. Compiled
3. Composed
4. Constructed
5. Created
6. Developed
7. Engaged In
8. Fashioned
9. Forged
10. Formulated
11. Made
12. Made Progress On
13. Operated
14. Organized
15. Perfected
16. Prepared
17. Pursued
18. Put Together
19. Set Up
20. Undertook

Pro Tip: Avoid passive verbs for resumes like “is,” “were,” and “was” when possible. Use active verbs instead.

Should you send a PDF or MS Word Doc resume? See our guide: Resume in PDF or Word: What is the Best Resume File Type?

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Did you make something skyrocket?

Showing it on a resume can get you hired.

But you can’t keep saying “I improved” over and over.

Mix it up with the resume words below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Improved:

1. Boosted
2. Converted
3. Customized
4. Grew
5. Integrated
6. Lifted
7. Merged
8. Overhauled
9. Raised
10. Redesigned
11. Refined
12. Remodeled
13. Reorganized
14. Restructured
15. Revamped
16. Saved
17. Slashed
18. Streamlined
19. Strengthened
20. Updated

Pro Tip: Using action verbs for resumes to describe accomplishments? Try to match them to what the hiring manager needs. That’s easy to find—it’s in the job ad.

Besides resume verbs, what else should you put on your resume? See our guide: What to Put on a Resume to Make it Perfect [Tips & Examples]

Does the job description call for research skills?

Steer clear of generic resume phrases like, “Handled research duties and responsibilities.”

Focus instead on the effect your research had.

Did your analytical skills save money? Time? Earn commendations from management?

Use the resume verbs below to say that.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Researched:

1. Analyzed
2. Assessed
3. Audited
4. Calculated
5. Checked
6. Discovered
7. Examined
8. Explored
9. Identified
10. Inspected
11. Investigated
12. Mapped
13. Measured
14. Probed
15. Proved
16. Quantified
17. Studied
18. Surveyed
19. Tested
20. Tracked

Pro Tip

Not sure how to present your current position? Explore ideas for professional titles here: 450 Job Titles that Work on a Resume & Job Hunt [Current & Desired!]

Lots of jobs need creativity skills.

Saying, “I’m creative” on a resume proves you aren’t.

Use resume power words to show what you created.

Exactly what did you design? Did your creations win awards and commendations?

Did you go faster than your coworkers? Do it cheaper? Get higher customer reviews?

Use the resume words below to show that with a little zest.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Creativity and Problem-Solving:

1. Altered
2. Built
3. Corrected
4. Crafted
5. Designed
6. Determined
7. Devised
8. Drafted
9. Enhanced
10. Established
11. Fashioned
12. Fixed
13. Initiated
14. Invented
15. Overhauled
16. Patched
17. Piloted
18. Pioneered
19. Rebuilt
20. Resolved

Pro Tip: “Why should we hire you?” Have the right resume verbs ready. Back them up with numbers, and you’ll ace that common interview question with flying colors.

Can formatting help as much as action verbs for a resume? See our guide: Resume Format: How to Format a Professional Resume (Examples & Templates)

You could just say your last job was in management.

That alone will show you’ve got experience.

But hiring managers love metrics.

So, think about what you achieved through managing employees.

The good resume words below will help.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Managing:

1. Aligned
2. Cultivated
3. Directed
4. Enabled
5. Facilitated
6. Fostered
7. Guided
8. Hired
9. Inspired
10. Mentored
11. Mobilized
12. Motivated
13. Recruited
14. Regulated
15. Shaped
16. Supervised
17. Taught
18. Trained
19. Unified
20. United

Pro Tip: Action words are a great addition to a CV too. A CV vs a resume may be two different documents, but both benefit from kicking the content up a notch.

Need some great resume keywords that look good on any resume? Want resume skills words that boost your interview odds? See our guide: 30+ Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)

Not only assistant jobs require assisting.

Still, the word seems not strong enough to convey competence and trustworthiness.

Use the following synonyms instead to show your impact:

Top 15+ Resume Synonyms for Assist

1. Abet
2. Aid
3. Advance
4. Boost
5. Help
6. Counsel
7. Coach
8. Cooperate
9. Collaborate
10. Dispatch
11. Expedite
12. Endorse
13. Facilitate
14. Maintain
15. Promote
16. Reinforce
17. Support

You can also use these phrases when writing your cover letter. Find out how to format your cover letter the right way. Check our guide: Cover Letter Format: Templates & 20+ Samples

This three-syllable word means the same thing as the word “use”.

Both have more powerful substitutes to use in a resume.

Take a look at the list below.

Best 10+ Resume Synonyms for Utilize

1. Apply
2. Adopt
3. Deploy
4. Employ
5. Exert
6. Handle
7. Mobilize
8. Operate
9. Promote
10. Put to Use
11. Restore
12. Revive
13. Specialize in

Is this your first time writing a resume? We have a tailor-made guide for you. Check: First Resume with No Work Experience: Samples and Expert Tips

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Resume keywords aren’t the same as action words.

Action words begin your bullet points.

They introduce achievements that convince the hiring manager to hire you.

You saved, slashed, raised, or developed something.

Resume keywords showcase your specific skills.

Need a list of good skills to put on a resume? The best ones are in the job offer.

Use the ones the employer is hungry for, and the Applicant Tracking Software will reward you.

• Use 25-30 resume keywords.
• Read the job offer carefully. Highlight any skills keywords the job requires.
• Don’t just use those keywords in your bullet points. Add resume action verbs to show how those skills helped the company.

What’s the most important resume keyword every application should contain? Find that and other key tips in our guide: Best Resume Keywords to Use: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaway

 

Here’s a recap of resume action words and how to use them:

• Resume action verbs are words that introduce accomplishments. They describe job duties, but leave room for all-important metrics.
• Don’t ever simply say you’re skilled, a go-getter, or hardworking. Back it up with resume power words and concrete figures.
• Avoid tired phrases and words like “outside the box” or “innovative.” They’re the worst resume words because they come off like empty bragging.
• Use the 310 resume action verbs in this guide to make your resume more readable. They’ll also help you prove your worth and get a lot more interviews.

Do you have questions resume action words? Not sure how to use resume power words to get the best effect? Give us a shout in the comments! Let’s talk about phrases you love to hate and hate to love!

Frequently Asked Questions about Action Verbs and Resume Words

What are power words in a resume?

Power words are words and phrases that catch the reader’s attention. Power words in a resume are used to make the candidate’s job application stand out from others. Most powerful resume words are verbs. They can be used to describe actions, duties, and tasks from the candidate’s most relevant experience. For example, instead of writing “responsible for running internal projects”, the candidate can use a power word and write “coordinated internal projects” and make a better impression on the recruiter. This way, it’s easier for applicants to showcase the qualities that employers value.

What are good verbs for a resume?

The best resume verbs are action verbs. They describe activities that involved physical or mental actions and provided a significant result. Good verbs for resumes suggest that the action was successful, which automatically boosts the candidate’s qualifications. They are perfect for describing accomplishments and worth researching when you’re learning to write a good resume.

Here’s a sample action verb list:

• Accomplished
• Applied
• Audited
• Clarified
• Collaborated
• Conducted
• Constructed
• Coordinated
• Created
• Customized
• Decreased
• Delegated
• Demonstrated
• Developed
• Directed
• Eliminated
• Enhanced
• Established
• Evaluated
• Facilitated
• Forecasted
• Formulated
• Guided
• Helped
• Illustrated
• Implemented
• Initiated
• Maintained
• Managed
• Marketed
• Motivated
• Operated
• Performed
• Programmed
• Projected
• Represented
• Resolved
• Revitalized
• Simulated
• Supplied
• Supported
• Trained
• Upgraded
• Utilized
• Visualized
• Volunteered

What are good action words for a resume?

Action words in resumes are synonymous with action verbs. These words or phrases are best for describing achievements, work experience, as well as skills in a functional resume. Using resume action verbs helps to catch the recruiter’s attention and to stand out from other applicants.

Some examples of good action words for a resume include: administered, advocated, created, completed, demonstrated,  designed, enabled, estimated, facilitated, fixed, implemented, investigated, merged, managed, operated, overhauled, tested, transformed, utilized, updated.

You can find different categories of resume action words in this article:

• “Team Player” Action Words
• “Leadership” Words for Resume
• “Responsible For” Synonyms
• “Communication” Power Words
• “Achiever” Action Words
• “Worked On” Action Words
• “Improved” Power Words
• “Researched” Synonyms
• “Creativity and Problem Solving” Words
• “Managed” Resume Verbs
• “Assist” Resume Verbs
• “Utilize” Resume Verbs

What are resume buzzwords?

Resume buzzwords are verbs, nouns, and adjectives that can help the candidate to stand out from other applicants. They include action verbs for describing work experience, nouns that describe tasks and responsibilities, and personality adjectives that describe the candidate’s personal qualities and can be used during job interviews to talk about yourself.

While using buzzwords is encouraged, the candidates must do it right. Many resume buzzwords, such as “team player” or “passionate” are so overused that they became cliché, and can make a resume look bad. When writing a resume, it’s best to have a look at lists of useful resume buzzwords, as well as use a thesaurus to find synonyms whenever necessary. You can also easily improve your old resume by editing it and adding a few buzzwords here and there.

Click on the links below to find more resume words:

• List of Resume Buzzwords
• List of Resume Adjectives

Should a resume start with verbs?

It’s good practice to start some sentences in a resume with action verbs. While the candidate’s personal profile usually starts with a strong personality adjective, job title, or a strong resume headline, the description of work experience should start with action verbs. For example, instead of writing “I was responsible for designing the app user interface”, they might say: “Designed the app user interface”. It not only saves space. Such descriptions of candidates’ duties make a better impression on the recruiter.