More professional word for good

At work, you want to sound smarter and more confident with your English. And you certainly want to use professional English terms that can help you achieve these goals.

Our post today is going to focus on 12 words that will help enrich your English vocabulary so that you are able to arm yourself with professional English words at work.

I’ll give you lots of examples and tips on when and how to use each word, too! Let’s start, shall we?

1. A Smarter Way to Say Okay: Certainly

Instead of saying the basic “Yes” or “Okay”, make use of the word “Certainly” in your interactions and communication at work. It can also be an alternative to saying “definitely”.

“I am certainly learning a lot of things here.”

“No problem, I can certainly do that for you!”

“I’ll certainly be there!”

2. Professional English Version of Change: Modify

Another word that will help you sound more professional is “modify”. You can use this when talking about schedules, timelines, reports, and more work components. It’s certainly a very easy to understand and easy to use word. You see what I did there?

“We have to modify this report based on our discussion earlier.”

“Could you modify the timeline of the project?”

“Do you want me to modify the plan we will be presenting to the team?”

3. Instead of Saying Goals, Use a More Professional English Alternative: Objectives

It’s a common thing to have goals at work, of course. But the word “Goals” being a bit basic, you can replace it with “Objectives”.

You can definitely use this in reports and presentations and you will sound more professional and more prepared at the office.

It’s very similar to the word “Aspirations”, although it’s more appropriate to use this when you talk about personal dreams and goals.

“The objectives of our training today are as follows…”

“This data meets our objectives, I am impressed!”

“I have a question on one of the objectives you have stated.”

“My career aspirations include being the Department Manager in five years.”

4. A Stronger Word for Guess: Imagine

Instead of saying “I guess that will work” or “I guess we will succeed”, form stronger Professional English lines with the word “Imagine”.

Not only does it sound more proficient and skilled, it makes you sound like a visionary too!

“I imagine this idea will work!”

“I imagine we will succeed in this project!”

5. Think About It: Consider

Another basic word you can replace is the word “Think”. Switch it with a more solid and more convincing professional English word: “Consider”.

“Let’s consider all possible outcomes for this project.”

“Will you consider changing the format of this report?”

6. Use this Word at Work: Elaborate

Sometimes in meetings and discussions, you’ll lose grasp on an idea or thought or what the other person is talking about. It happens to the best of us. But instead of being too direct and asking “What do you mean?”, compose what you will say in a more professional way, with the use of the word “Elaborate”.

It’s also a better way of saying “could you tell me more about this?” or “could you discuss this again”.

“Could you elaborate on this section please?”

“Do you mind elaborating on the second objective?”

“Would you like me to elaborate further on this last item here?”

7. The Professional English Version of the Word Happen: Arise

Don’t say the word “happen”. Instead, use the word “arise” to have your sentences and lines sound more professional.

“We have some unforeseen circumstances arise, I need to move this meeting.”

“Thankfully, no complications have arisen.”

8. Level-up Your Results: Use the Word “Ramification”

Wow, this is indeed a step up to the already professional English word “results”. “Ramification” takes it a notch higher and you will definitely catch the attention of those whom you are talking or communicating to.

Take note though, that the word “ramification” has a negative connotation. So be careful when you use it and make sure it helps you sound more professional AND clearer.

“If we modify the timeline now, the ramifications could be severe.”

“That missed step in processing has ramifications.”

9. Don’t Ask for Opinions, Ask for Perspectives

Or you can also use the word “prerogatives”. You can use both words when asking for feedback and inputs from your colleagues and workmates or your bosses. Or the other way around too, when you would like to share your own opinion, as well.

“What’s your perspective on this matter?”

“Is it alright if I express my prerogative on this item?”

10. You Can Also Use the Word: Consensus

Perspective and prerogative is more suited when you are dealing with individuals. But when you are asking for the opinion of a team or a group of people, the more professional English word to use is “consensus”.

“We’d like the team’s consensus on the new workshop schedule.”

“Before we implement this new process, let’s hear the group’s consensus.”

11. Don’t Say “Easy”, Say “Straightforward”

Straightforward means uncomplicated and simple. But there’s no need to make it sound that way, especially when you are at the workplace and are aspiring to sound more professional and proficient.

“This is a pretty straightforward task.”

“The instructions are very straightforward, you’ll have no problem following them.”

12. A Professional English Solution to the Common Filler “Like”

Let’s face it, “like” is a really overused and common filler. And if you can avoid using it in professional situations you’ll most definitely benefit from doing so.

It makes you sound unprofessional and unprepared. Instead of using “like”, use more solid and professional phrases such as “such as” or “for example” or “for instance”.

“Let’s modify the colors in this design. For instance, more green and blue.”

“I think we can add more diverse characters. For example, a different model in this section here.”

Alright! So you’re now equipped with a more professional English vocabulary you can arm yourself at work. Practice these words and perfect them, okay?

By the way, here’s a post that you can supplement with this lesson. It will give you more business english phrases that can take your skills to a more advanced level!

Enjoy! And see you on the next lesson post!

Whether you’re writing an email, proposal, report, or presentation, you want to put your best foot, or in this case, your best words forward. Part of writing more professionally is simply upgrading your word choices.

There are certain words in the English language that sound more casual and others that give a more powerful impression. When you use power words in your writing, you can set yourself apart with more professional communication.

Here are 20 words or phrases you can use to make your writing sound more professional.

Provide

Instead of saying give, you can use the word provide.

For example…

Don’t say: I will give you a copy of the data from last quarter’s report

Instead say: I will provide you with the data from last quarter’s report.

Receive

Instead of saying get, you can use the word receive.

For example…

Don’t say: Did you get the package I sent via the pony last week?

Instead say: Did you receive the package I sent via the pony last week?

Attend

Instead of saying come, you can use the word attend.

For example…

Don’t say: I’m unable to come to Tuesday’s professional development session.

Instead say: I’m unable to attend Tuesday’s professional development session.

Assist

Instead of saying help, you can use the word assist.

For example…

Don’t say: Do you need me to help you with the upcoming project?

Instead say: Do you need me to assist you with the upcoming project?

Discuss

Instead of saying talk, you can use the word discuss.

For example…

Don’t say: Let’s schedule a time to talk about the issue.

Instead say: Let’s schedule a time to discuss the issue.

Certainly

Instead of saying yes, you can use the word certainly.

For example…

Don’t say: Yes, I agree with that idea.

Instead say: Certainly, I agree with that idea.

Modify

Instead of saying change, you can use the word modify.

For example…

Don’t say: We need to change the time of next week’s meeting.

Instead say: We need to modify the time of next week’s meeting.

In Conclusion

Instead of saying finally, you can use the phrase in conclusion.

For example…

Don’t say: Finally, keep in mind that I will be out of the office next week.

Instead say: In conclusion, keep in mind that I will be out of the office next week.

However

Instead of saying but, you can use the word however.

For example…

Don’t say: That’s a great idea in my opinion, but upper management must sign off.

Instead say: That’s a great idea in my opinion, however, upper management must sign off.

Moreover or furthermore

Instead of saying also, you can use the words moreover or furthermore.

For example…

Don’t say: Also, I found the report to include a compelling argument for plan B.

Instead say: Moreover, I found the report to include a compelling argument for plan B.

Or say: Furthermore, I found the report to include a compelling argument for Plan B.

Ramifications

Instead of saying consequences, you can use the word ramifications.

For example…

Don’t say: The consequences can be severe for all stakeholders if this falls through.

Instead say: The ramifications can be severe for all stakeholders if this falls through.

Consensus

For example…

Instead of saying opinion, you can use the word consensus.

Don’t say: We are seeking the opinion of all involved in the new project.

Instead say: We are seeking the consensus of all involved in the new project.

For instance

Instead of saying like, you can use the phrase for instance.

For example…

Don’t say: I want you to incorporate video in the presentation —like a 5 minute summary of the latest report for ease of understanding.

Instead say: I want you to incorporate video in the presentation. For instance, a 5 minute summary of the latest report for ease of understanding would work.

Straightforward

Instead of saying easy, you can say straightforward.

For example…

Don’t say: The directions for the next step are easy.

Instead say: The directions for the next step are straightforward.

Perspective

Instead of saying opinion, you can say perspective.

For example…

Don’t say: We are seeking the opinion of our accounting team before moving forward.

Instead say: We are seeking the perspective of our accounting team before moving forward.

Provided that

Instead of saying as long as, you can use the phrase provided that.

For example…

Don’t say: I am open to that option as long as you have data to back up the decision.

Instead say: I am open to that option provided that you have data to back up the decision.

Elaborate

Instead of saying “what do you mean”, you can ask someone to elaborate.

For example…

Don’t say: I’m not sure what you mean by that statement.

Instead say: Can you elaborate on that point?

Imagine

Instead of saying guess, you can say imagine.

For example:

Don’t say: I guess it’s time to test out a new hiring process.

Instead say: I imagine it’s time to test out a new hiring process.

Objective

Instead of saying goal, you can say objective.

For example:

Don’t say: Our goal is to double enrollment in the training.

Instead say: Our objective is to double enrollment in the training.

Additional Resources:

• 8 common grammar mistakes to avoid in business writing.
• How to edit your own writing before you hit send.
• How to write an angry email professionally in 8 steps.

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.