The best word is action

Few weeks ago, one of my party comrades brought me a present, a few military pennants. I hang them here and there in my apartment. One, with a sword, clenched fist, words “detachment of special task force” and slogan “The best form of word is action” I have hanged over my work-table. It hang there for sometime, then one day I suddenly noticed the name of detachment below. “Vitiaz” – it said. I immediately removed pennant from the wall. As those “vitiazes,” bastards, tried to kill me in the evening of October 3, 1993. Only my luck prevented me from been killed. After taking over the sky-scrapper of Moscow’s Mayor’s building (the former building of Soviet of Economical Mutual Help, or COMECOM) in afternoon on October 3, opposition masses, and me, among them, stormed the buses, awaiting for some reason near the Mayor of Moscow. Happy and drunk of victory we get in and headed for Ostankino. In our bus nobody had guns. Few boys were armed with aluminium shields and clubs confiscated of militiamen during the day, when we victoriously pushed through militia cordon’s towards blockaded Russian White House. We desired weapons, yes, but we didn’t have them.

The buses run through Moscow in general air of jubilation and feelings of revolution happening. In our bus, we removed glass-windows and screamed into the streets “Yeltsin-Kaput!” “Yeltsin-Kaput!” “The power to the people!” People were screaming back to us the same slogans. Even the reach, locking their “Mercedeses” and “Volvos” were showing us signs of “V” – victory. Certainly out of fear, not out of love.

Then suddenly in the middle of Prospekt Mira, we saw THEM. The detachment “Vitiaz”. A dozen of armed personal carriers, machine-guns pointing severely to all directions, soldiers, sitting on carriers, equipped with a strange modern-weapons, looking like a personages of “Star Wars” of Spielberg. They were waiting.

Now, I know that they were waiting for us. But in that late afternoon of October 3, we, riding our yellow bus, thought it is Army who’s heading to help us, people, to take over Ostankino. So, we cried “Hurr-a-a-a-a to the Army! Idiots.

They reacted differently. Some of them even show us signs of victory, others, majority of them, menacingly shaked at us their fists. Apparently in total confusion of that confused day they been waiting for order in the middle of Prospect Mira.

Dozen of us, we jumped off the bus at Korolyova street. We wanted to get some weapons from the militiamen, guarding the huge buildings populated by the Deputies of Supreme Soviet and their families. We have not succeeded. Militiamen said that they have no weapons here, all of them supposedly stocked at police-station. They have lied to us, of course. When we get to Ostankino we saw that special task forces armed carriers were already there. They been parked at the corner of Administration Building, one near the pond.

Towards 7p.m. a few thousands of us were blocking the both entrances at Ostankino television complex: that of Administration building and of Technical center. General Makashov arrived surrounded by a very few armed men. I counted eleven Kalashnikov’s, not more, not less. Makashov saw me, shake my hand. He said: “You should make uprising of intelligentsia, Edik!”. It sounded absurdly out of place. “Better to give me a gun, please,” replied I. “No spare guns. Sorry”, he said. “All are being used.” Makashov proceeded to negotiate with militiamen, in order to let revolutionary masses inside. It didn’t work, militia locked the doors from inside.

At 7.30 p.m., after twelve years of abstention from smoking I met a Russian cigarette “Yava” into my mouth. The leader of a Front of National Salvation Konstantinov gave me a light. We both were staying in no more then 20 meters from the entrance of Technical Center building. At 7:31, the truck of opposition started to hit the glass-doors of entrance. Numerous telejournalists and photographers oozed through us, straggling for the place in a first row of spectators. Then suddenly it was an explosion. And unbearable heat of it. After a moment of silence we heard the sound of heavy machine-guns working.

From my five wars I brought an instinct of survival. I fall to the ground and started to crawl out of reach of their weapons. When I reached the basalt rocks of unknown destination, probably they served as a border of gigantic flower-bed, I stopped there and looked back. From twenty to thirty bodies were laying there, some wounded and screaming some dead and silent. The Irish free-lance journalists and many others journalists were killed there by tracer bullets of those “Vitizaers” (in translation from Russian – “the knights”, “chivalry”). Very probable that one of journalists took my death, or Konstantinov’s death.

Later I crawled towards the small hut, containing an electrical transformer. We were about fifty people, taking refuge behind it. But “Vitiazies” have met a machine-gun at the roof of Administration building and shout at us, with a tracing bullets. In one moment I saw as a red point traversed my torso. It stayed on my hand then slowly moved on the shoulder of my neighbor. Behind infra-red sight brave “Vitiaz” took an aim at unarmed people, choosing himself a victim. Simultaneously the armed carriers came from Korolyova street. The voice through loud speaker announced “Leave the territory! Otherwise we will fire at you!”. People run into the bushes and trees, surrounding television tower. Almost immediately after warning the shout from a machine-guns on personal carriers, spraying the bushes and trees. General Makashov and his eleven men with Kalashnikovs tried to storm Technical Center. The brave and fearless adolescents have succeeded in putting on fire first floor with a Molotov’s cocktails. But is was very little what we, people can do against star war soldiers of President. They shot everybody in sight. The Russians they fired in Russians. I was in five wars. I never saw such a massacre. When few years later the “Vitiazes” were send to Chechnya, I was happy. Russians, we are very cruel people, indeed.

If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your resume, try using more resume action words.

According to one study, resume action words can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%.

Action words are verbs that convey doing. For example, “He collaborated with the marketing team,” or “She fostered better community relations.” 

Action verbs are effective on resumes because they immediately grab the reader’s attention and paint a clear, concise picture of what you, the job seeker, are capable of.

To help you spice up your resume with action verbs, we’ve put together a list of more than 500 of the ones recruiters love to see the most. 

Using these words on your resume is a great way to get more job interviews!

And if you really want to create a resume that will give you the absolute best chance of landing a job interview, consider using Jobscan’s resume scanner.

This AI-powered software will scan your resume and compare it to the job description of the position you’re applying for. The scanner will then provide you with a “match rate” as well as instructions on how to improve your match rate. 

We asked recruiters and hiring managers which action verbs impact them the most during the recruiting and hiring process. 

Here is a list of their favorite 500 action words, organized by category. We’ve also included some expert tips to help guide you in choosing the best action words for resume optimization.  

NOTE: No matter what kind of action verb you choose, make sure that it is relevant to the job you are applying for and that it accurately reflects your skills and experiences.

Quick Navigation

• Management and Leadership Action Verbs
• Creative Action Verbs
• Worker Action Verbs
• Teamwork Action Verbs
• Communication Action Verbs
• Goal Achievement Action Verbs
• Research/Analysis Action Verbs
• Accounting/Finance Action Verbs
• Technical Action Verbs
• Teacher/Training Action Verbs

Management and Leadership Action Verbs

Use the following verbs to show that you have the ability to lead and manage effectively.

Try to avoid generic verbs like “led” or “managed” and opt instead for words that provide insight into your management style and achievements.

“You need to think about how you approached that facet of your job and how you felt about it, then choose appropriate words. For example, the action verb ‘advocate’ evokes a sense of someone who’s willing to passionately support their reports through their career growth, and that’s the kind of energy I want to see.”

Courtney Keene, Director of Operations, MyRoofingPal

• Achieved
• Administered
• Advanced
• Advised
• Advocated
• Aligned
• Analyzed
• Appointed
• Approved
• Arranged
• Assigned
• Attained
• Authorized
• Chaired
• Coached
• Consolidated
• Contracted
• Coordinated
• Counseled
• Cultivated
• Decided
• Delegated
• Developed
• Directed
• Educated
• Empowered
• Enabled
• Enforced
• Established
• Evaluated
• Executed
• Facilitated
• Formed
• Fostered
• Furthered
• Guided
• Handled
• Headed
• Hired
• Hosted
• Implemented
• Improved
• Initiated
• Inspired
• Instructed
• Mentored
• Merged
• Mobilized
• Motivated
• Navigated
• Operated
• Orchestrated
• Organized
• Overhauled
• Oversaw
• Planned
• Presided
• Prioritized
• Produced
• Programmed
• Recommended
• Recruited
• Regulated
• Reorganized
• Resolved
• Restructured
• Restored
• Reviewed
• Scheduled
• Shaped
• Spearheaded
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Supervised
• Supported
• Taught
• Trained
• Unified
• United

Creative Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to highlight your ability to conceptualize and create.

“When talking about a project, the word ‘created’ is more inspiring than simply saying you developed an idea. ‘Created’ suggests more original thinking and the ability to come up with innovative and unusual ideas.”

Sue Andrews, HR & Business Consultant at KIS Finance

• Acted
• Adapted
• Altered
• Authored
• Brainstormed
• Built
• Composed
• Conceived
• Conceptualized
• Condensed
• Constructed
• Crafted
• Created
• Curated
• Customized
• Designed
• Developed
• Devised
• Diagrammed
• Directed
• Displayed
• Drafted
• Edited
• Engineered
• Enhanced
• Entertained
• Established
• Fashioned
• Forged
• Formulated
• Founded
• Illustrated
• Imagined
• Initiated
• Inspired
• Instituted
• Integrated
• Introduced
• Invented
• Launched
• Modeled
• Modified
• Originated
• Outlined
• Patched
• Performed
• Photographed
• Piloted
• Pioneered
• Planned
• Produced
• Proofread
• Published
• Rebuilt
• Redesigned
• Researched
• Resolved
• Revised
• Revitalized
• Shaped
• Strategized
• Storyboarded
• Translated
• Transformed
• Visualized
• Wrote

Worker Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to communicate your willingness and ability to implement projects. 

While management and leadership are commonly desired abilities, hiring managers also want to know you’re willing to get your hands dirty.

“The word ‘implement’ means the candidate did the work themselves rather than just directing another who is more skilled to do it, making them a more attractive candidate in my eyes.”

Stacy Caprio, Founder at Accelerated Growth Marketing

• Accomplished
• Actualized
• Administered
• Completed
• Developed
• Enforced
• Executed
• Fulfilled
• Implemented
• Operated
• Organized
• Performed
• Prepared
• Realized

Teamwork Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to highlight your ability to collaborate and work well with others.

“Words like ‘collaborated’ show potential employers how well you are able to work with others.”

Dana Case, Director of Operations at MyCorporation.com

• Adapted
• Advised
• Advocated
• Aided
• Answered
• Assessed
• Assisted
• Blended
• Clarified
• Coached
• Co-authored
• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Cooperated
• Coproduced
• Corresponded
• Counseled
• Demonstrated
• Diagnosed
• Diversified
• Educated
• Enabled
• Encouraged
• Energized
• Expedited
• Facilitated
• Familiarized
• Forged
• Fostered
• Furthered
• Gathered
• Guided
• Harmonized
• Helped
• Ignited
• Informed
• Inspired
• Instructed
• Joined
• Married
• Melded
• Merged
• Motivated
• Participated
• Partnered
• Persuaded
• Provided
• Resolved
• Referred
• Regulated
• Rehabilitated
• Reinforced
• Represented
• Simplified
• Supplied
• Supported
• Taught
• Teamed (up)
• Trained
• United
• Verified
• Volunteered
• Wove

Communication Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to show that you can effectively communicate with colleagues, clients, or the public.

• Addressed
• Advocated
• Arbitrated
• Arranged
• Authored
• Briefed
• Campaigned
• Clarified
• Collaborated
• Composed
• Consulted
• Conveyed
• Convinced
• Corresponded
• Counseled
• Critiqued
• Defined
• Developed
• Directed
• Drafted
• Documented
• Drafted
• Edited
• Enlisted
• Enlivened
• Explained
• Fielded
• Formulated
• Illustrated
• Influenced
• Informed
• Interpreted
• Instructed
• Lectured
• Lobbied
• Mediated
• Moderated
• Negotiated
• Outlined
• Performed
• Persuaded
• Presented
• Promoted
• Proposed
• Publicized
• Reviewed
• Spoke
• Trained
• Translated
• Wrote

Goal Achievement Action Verbs

Use the following success-related action verbs to show that you set and achieve your goals.

“Keywords like ‘improved’ or ‘achieved’ are important to me because it shows that you are always trying to get better no matter what position you have.”

Bobby Bodette, Operations Recruiter at CRH Americas

• Accomplished
• Accelerated
• Achieved
• Advanced
• Amplified
• Attained
• Boosted
• Capitalized
• Completed
• Consolidated
• Converted
• Created
• Decreased
• Delivered
• Demonstrated
• Drove
• Earned
• Enacted
• Endeavored
• Enhanced
• Established
• Exceeded
• Expanded
• Expedited
• Finished
• Founded
• Generated
• Grew
• Improved
• Lifted
• Managed
• Maximized
• Pioneered
• Produced
• Outpaced
• Outperformed
• Overcame
• Overhauled
• Produced
• Raised
• Reached
• Saved
• Sharpened
• Showcased
• Sparked
• Spearheaded
• Steered
• Stimulated
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Succeeded
• Surpassed
• Targeted
• Won

Research/Analysis Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to show that you can identify a problem, gather information about it, and come up with a solution.

• Analyzed
• Assembled
• Assessed
• Audited
• Calculated
• Checked
• Clarified
• Collected
• Compared
• Compiled
• Conducted
• Critiqued
• Detected
• Determined
• Diagnosed
• Discovered
• Evaluated
• Examined
• Experimented
• Explored
• Extracted
• Forecasted
• Formulated
• Gathered
• Identified
• Inspected
• Inspired
• Interpreted
• Interviewed
• Invented
• Investigated
• Located
• Mapped
• Measured
• Modeled
• Organized
• Probed
• Projected
• Proved
• Qualified
• Quantified
• Reported
• Researched
• Reviewed
• Searched
• Solved
• Studied
• Summarized
• Surveyed
• Systematized
• Tested
• Tracked
• Visualized

Accounting/Finance Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to show that you have experience working with and understanding numerical data.

• Adjusted
• Administered
• Allocated
• Analyzed
• Appraised
• Assessed
• Audited
• Balanced
• Budgeted
• Calculated
• Checked
• Classified
• Collected
• Computed
• Conserved
• Controlled
• Converted
• Corrected
• Crafted
• Decreased
• Determined
• Developed
• Documented
• Equalized
• Estimated
• Evaluated
• Examined
• Dispensed
• Forecasted
• Halted
• Inventoried
• Invested
• Investigated
• Lowered
• Managed
• Maintained
• Marketed
• Measured
• Minimized
• Netted
• Planned
• Prepared
• Programmed
• Projected
• Qualified
• Quantified
• Recognized
• Reconciled
• Recorded
• Reduced
• Researched
• Retrieved
• Secured
• Tested
• Tracked
• Verified

Technical Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs if you are pursuing a career in the tech industry.

• Adapted
• Advanced
• Applied
• Architected
• Assembled
• Automated
• Built
• Calculated
• Coded
• Computed
• Conserved
• Constructed
• Converted
• Debugged
• Deployed
• Designed
• Detected
• Determined
• Developed
• Devised
• Diagnosed
• Discovered
• Engineered
• Enhanced
• Expedited
• Fabricated
• Formulated
• Fortified
• Installed
• Launched
• Maintained
• Modified
• Networked
• Operated
• Overhauled
• Pinpointed
• Planned
• Printed
• Programmed
• Regulated
• Remodeled
• Repaired
• Replaced
• Rewrote
• Refined
• Restored
• Solved
• Specialized
• Standardized
• Studied
• Tested
• Troubleshoot
• Updated
• Upgraded
• Utilized

Teacher/Training Action Verbs

Use the following action verbs to show your experience working with students in some capacity, helping them learn new information or skills.

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

4 tips for using action verbs on your resume

Action verbs are one of the most important elements of a strong resume, but they can sometimes be tricky to use. Here are four tips for using action verbs effectively:

1) Avoid overused action verbs

Chances are your resume already includes some action verbs. But are you choosing the most compelling words? 

While some action verbs pack a punch, others are so familiar to recruiters that their eyes may skim right over them. 

Overused action verbs include: 

• Worked with
• Responsible for
• Managed
• Led
• Assisted

If you find these overused action words on your resume, try switching them out with something from the action verbs list below.

Read the full guide: 500 Synonyms for Common Resume Power Verbs

2) Be as specific as possible

Being specific is the best way to paint a clear picture of what you’ve accomplished in your past work experience.

One way to be specific is to use numbers. Another way is to use action verbs. Using both numbers and action verbs together is even more powerful.

Take a look at the three examples below and see how each example becomes more detailed, specific, and compelling.

Good: Led a team of designers, engineers, and writers in the creation of a new blog series that resulted in over 1 million unique users visiting the site. 

Better: Spearheaded a new blog initiative that united engineers, designers and writers and introduced over 1 million unique users to the site.  

Even Better: Conceptualized and spearheaded a new blog initiative that united engineers, designers and writers, generating over 3 million organic sessions and introducing over 1 million unique users to the website. 

Read the full guide: Resume Words: Keywords, Adjectives, Skills, and Power Verbs

3) Avoid writing in the passive voice

We often use the passive voice unconsciously and it can sometimes be challenging to detect. 

In passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. For example, “The ball was hit by the batter.” In active voice, the subject performs the verb. For example, “The batter hit the ball.” 

Active voice is more concise, clear, and direct. Passive voice, meanwhile, often leaves readers confused about who is doing what. Ultimately, active voice is just more interesting to read.

“Active voice is more concise, clear, and direct. Ultimately, it’s just more interesting to read.”

One simple way to tell if you are using active voice or passive voice on your resume is to see if your verbs contain one word or two. 

For example, the verb “was grown” comprises two words, meaning that it is in the passive voice. If it were in the active voice, it would have only one word: “grew.”

You can also easily check to see if your resume is using the passive voice with a free online tool called HemingwayApp. Just paste your resume into the app and it will highlight where you used passive voice. 

4) Use industry-specific verbs

It’s important to use language that is specific to the industry you’re applying to. 

For example, if you’re applying for a job in the financial industry, using verbs like “invested,” “audited,” or “calculated” will quickly show employers that you have the relevant skills, experience, and knowledge that they are looking for.

FAQs

What are action verbs and how can you use them on your resume?

Action verbs describe physical or mental actions. Examples of common action verbs include “run,” “jump,” “think,” and “read.” 

Action verbs can really spice up your resume and make it more interesting to read. They can also help potential employers see the value in what you can bring to their company.

On your resume, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments rather than simply listing your job duties.

For example, if you’re a salesperson, you might use verbs like “negotiated,” “sold,” or “closed.” If you’re in customer service, you might use verbs like “assisted,” “resolved,” or “helped.” 

Why should you use resume action verbs?

Resume action verbs help grab and hold the reader’s attention. This is important because hiring managers only spend six to seven seconds looking at each resume, on average. 

Using action verbs on your resume will paint a clear and convincing picture of your work experience. They enable potential employers to visualize not only what you did, but how you did it, and how your accomplishments benefited the company. 

Finally, action verbs convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy. This is important because employers want to see that you’re excited about the job and willing to put in the work.

How to list strong action verbs on your resume

Action verbs convey your skills and accomplishments in a way that is both clear and concise, and they can really help you stand out from the competition. 

But how do you list action verbs on your resume? Here are a few tips:

1. First, make a list of all of your relevant skills and accomplishments.
2. Next, take a look at that list and identify the most powerful verbs that accurately describe what you did. (If you need help, choose from our list of 500 action verbs for resume optimization above).
3. Once you have your verbs picked out, use them throughout your resume, including in your job titles, descriptions, and bullet points.
4. Use action verbs in the present tense when describing current roles, and past tense for previous positions.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your resume packs a punch and gets noticed by employers!

If you really want to turbocharge your resume, consider using Jobscan’s resume scanner.

The scanner uses AI-powered technology to scan your resume and then compare it to the job description of the position you’re applying for. 

You’ll not only get a “match rate” that shows you how closely your resume matches the job description, but you’ll also receive step-by-step instructions on how to improve your match rate.

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Action Words! List of useful action vocabulary words in English with ESL pictures and examples. Actions are taken in almost every sentence that we speak and so learning how to say them in English can be one of the most integral things that you learn within your language learning. Being able to correctly refer to various actions in English will greatly help your ability to form sentences and explain what people and objects are doing. Not only this but you will also benefit from being better able to understand when listening to other speakers.. In this section, take the time to look over and commit to memory this useful list of action words.

List of Action Vocabulary Words

• Sharing
• Playing cards
• Playing instrument
• Playing chess
• Bathing
• Skateboarding
• Cycling
• Playing volleyball
• Shouting
• Lifting
• Cleaning
• Swimming
• Surfing
• Camping
• Flying a kite
• Counting
• Fishing

Learn these action words list to improve and enlarge your vocabulary about verbs.

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Action Words with Pictures

Sharing

Marriage is a life of sharing.

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Playing cards

Playing cards is a popular pastime.

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Playing instrument

I’ve always wanted to play an instrument.

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Playing chess

Can you teach me to play chess?

Pin

Bathing

She is bathing the baby.

Pin

Skateboarding

I injured my elbow while skateboarding.

Pin

Cycling

She was cycling home when she had a puncture .

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Playing volleyball

I sprained my finger while playing volleyball.

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Shouting

We were shouting for an encore.

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Lifting

She was lifting things from the market.

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Cleaning

Carbolic acid is usually used for cleaning.

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Swimming

They went swimming in spite of all the danger signs.

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Surfing

I like surfing,but I wiped out twice yesterday.

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Camping

The students love camping out in summer holidays.

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Flying a kite

There isn’t enough wind to fly a kite.

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Counting

I’m counting the days till I see you again.

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Fishing

Fishing is the main source of livelihood for many people in the area.

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Action Words in English | Picture

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Verbs with Pictures for Kids

Learn useful list of verbs commonly used in English with verb pictures for kids.

• List of action verbs with images.
• Classroom verbs vocabulary in English.
• Restaurant verbs in English.
• Household chores with pictures in English.
• List of daily routines in English.
• Body movement verbs with images in English.
• Action words with pictures.
• List of cooking verbs in English.
• Sport words and exercise actions vocabulary words.

Learn common verbs video in English with American English pronunciation.

Last Updated on February 27, 2023

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.

1

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.