The idea for the Describing Words engine came when I was building the engine for Related Words (it’s like a thesaurus, but gives you a much broader set of related words, rather than just synonyms). While playing around with word vectors and the «HasProperty» API of conceptnet, I had a bit of fun trying to get the adjectives which commonly describe a word. Eventually I realised that there’s a much better way of doing this: parse books!
Project Gutenberg was the initial corpus, but the parser got greedier and greedier and I ended up feeding it somewhere around 100 gigabytes of text files — mostly fiction, including many contemporary works. The parser simply looks through each book and pulls out the various descriptions of nouns.
Hopefully it’s more than just a novelty and some people will actually find it useful for their writing and brainstorming, but one neat little thing to try is to compare two nouns which are similar, but different in some significant way — for example, gender is interesting: «woman» versus «man» and «boy» versus «girl». On an inital quick analysis it seems that authors of fiction are at least 4x more likely to describe women (as opposed to men) with beauty-related terms (regarding their weight, features and general attractiveness). In fact, «beautiful» is possibly the most widely used adjective for women in all of the world’s literature, which is quite in line with the general unidimensional representation of women in many other media forms. If anyone wants to do further research into this, let me know and I can give you a lot more data (for example, there are about 25000 different entries for «woman» — too many to show here).
The blueness of the results represents their relative frequency. You can hover over an item for a second and the frequency score should pop up. The «uniqueness» sorting is default, and thanks to my Complicated Algorithm™, it orders them by the adjectives’ uniqueness to that particular noun relative to other nouns (it’s actually pretty simple). As you’d expect, you can click the «Sort By Usage Frequency» button to adjectives by their usage frequency for that noun.
Special thanks to the contributors of the open-source mongodb which was used in this project.
Please note that Describing Words uses third party scripts (such as Google Analytics and advertisements) which use cookies. To learn more, see the privacy policy.
Are you searching for CV words and phrases in English? Here you will find words to describe your experience, to describe your strengths and communication skills, to describe organization and interpersonal skills, and useful CV phrases.
CV words and phrases in English
Words to Describe Your Experience
- Successful
- Extensive
- Intensive
- Comprehensive
CV Words to Describe Your Strengths
- Responsible
- Talented
- Enthusiastic
- Happy
- Hardworking
- Open
- Optimistic
- Outgoing
- Dynamic
- Organized
- Fast learner
- Competent
Words to Describe Your Communication Skills in a CV
- Communicated
- Discussed
- Informed
- Interested
- Translated
- Represented
CV Words to Describe Organisation Skills
- Analysed
- Assembled
- Planned
- Prepared
- Reorganised
- Scheduled
Curriculum Vitae Words to Describe Interpersonal Skills
- Advised
- Consulted
- Cooperated
- Negotiated
- Harmonised
- Related
Useful CV Phrases
- With many innovative ideas.
- Highly motivated.
- Able to work effectively with clients.
- Capable of handling multiple projects concurrently.
- Computer literate-can quickly learn new things.
- Well organized.
- Motivated and enthusiastical.
- years successful experience in … as …
- Professional in presentation.
- Work well in a high pressure environment.
- Work on …
- Oversaw the production of …
- Worked as …
- Creative, offering practical solutions.
- Able to recognize client needs, and meet them.
- Quickly learn procedures and methods.
- Managed …
- Solutions-oriented.
- Results-driven.
- Bring enthusiasm to team projects.
- Self motivated and assertive.
- Participated in …
See also Cover Letter Phrases and Job Interview Answers in English.
Marin Valchev, PMP is an IT Project Manager with more than 10 years of experience. He implements cutting-edge technology in a wide-range of Financial and TELCO companies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Marin shares his knowledge of software, analysis, project management and other business areas.
While preparing resume, it becomes tough to choose between words that can describe you aptly. Here is a list of words that will talk on your behalf with the hiring manager in the best possible manner.
For a hiring manager, shortlisting Resume/CV is a cumbersome task because there are hundreds of candidates who apply for the vacancy. Among the stack of Resume spread across haphazardly on the desk of the hiring managers, it is important that you make your resume strikingly different from the bunch of others. Also, remember that it is your skills that will get you the desired position in the organisation. So, it is important to understand the relevance of skills in the Job Market.
What is a Skill?
If we go by the dictionary meaning, then the ability to perform a task with expertise is a skill. So, when you apply for the job, read the job description (JD) carefully. It will help you understand the right skills that are required in the job.
Relevance of Skills in CV/Resume
After analysing the JD, go back to your CV/Resume and check if the skills required for the job are mentioned in it. If not, then make sure that you update your CV before sending it to the concerned HR personnel.
Using the appropriate set of words that can define your skills concretely will make it easier for the recruiters to connect with you and dig deeper in your existing skill set. For say, you apply for the job of a data entry operator, but you also have a knowledge of ‘Telly 9.0’ software. In this case, do not miss out on mentioning this skill in your CV. You never know that the recruiter considers this skill as an added advantage to hire you from the existing lot of applicants.
Why to use relevant Action Words?
Within a span of merely 3-4 minutes the recruiter would scan your resume to finalise whether you get a foot in the door or not. We are sure you would not want to face rejection at the preliminary stage. And when you only have barely few minutes to show how good you really are, then those minutes must define your skills accurately.
So, here is a list of few verbs and adjectives that you can use to sell yourself for the job being floated by the recruiter. By using this precise vocabulary you will make the best impression possible.
accurate | enthusiastic | pleasant |
active | experienced | positive |
adaptable | fair | practical |
adept | firm | productive |
broad-minded | genuine | reliable |
competent | honest | resourceful |
conscientious | innovative | self-disciplined |
creative | logical | sense of humor |
dependable | loyal | sensitive |
determined | mature | sincere |
diplomatic | methodical | successful |
discreet | motivated | tactful |
efficient | objective | trustworthy |
energetic | outgoing | |
enterprising | personable |
We hope that the list of these words will make your Resume impactful and convincing for the hiring manager to connect with you.
Remember that it is your skills that will get you hired. Your personality, dressing, appearance and other hobbies are a subset of soft skills. They will enable you to survive in the job for long run, but if you do not have the requisite skills for say knowledge of Java in the programming job, creative writing skills for job in publishing house; then do not expect to get hired.
Before you finalise your CV for the upcoming job opportunity, do not forget the mantra given below:
Going by this mantra, it is simple to express yourself choosing the right set of words. We wish you great luck for the next hiring!
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
2
How to Use Resume Power Words
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)
3
Resume Action Words for “Team Player”
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:
- Acknowledged
- Assimilated
- Blended
- Coalesced
- Collaborated
- Contributed
- Diversified
- Embraced
- Encouraged
- Energized
- Gathered
- Harmonized
- Ignited
- Joined
- Melded
- Merged
- Participated
- Partnered
- United
- 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)
4
Resume Power Words for “Leadership”
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:
- Authorized
- Chaired
- Cultivated
- Delegated
- Directed
- Enabled
- Executed
- Facilitated
- Fostered
- Guided
- Headed
- Hosted
- Inspired
- Mentored
- Mobilized
- Operated
- Orchestrated
- Oversaw
- Spearheaded
- 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]
5
Resume Words to Avoid
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]
6
Resume Words for “Responsible For”
“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:
- Accomplished
- Acquired
- Achieved
- Acted As
- Completed
- Created
- Executed
- Finished
- Forged
- Made
- Navigated
- Negotiated
- Operated
- Partnered
- Performed
- Prepared
- Produced
- Secured
- Succeeded In
- 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]
7
Good Resume Verbs for “Communication”
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:
- Advocated
- Authored
- Clarified
- Composed
- Consulted
- Conveyed
- Convinced
- Corresponded
- Defined
- Explained
- Fielded
- Illustrated
- Influenced
- Informed
- Mediated
- Moderated
- Negotiated
- Promoted
- Persuaded
- 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]
8
Resume Power Words for “Achiever/Achieved”
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:
- Accelerated
- Accomplished
- Advanced
- Amplified
- Boosted
- Completed
- Created
- Delivered
- Enacted
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- Expedited
- Generated
- Improved
- Lifted
- Managed
- Maximized
- Outpaced
- Produced
- 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?
9
The Best Resume Adjectives
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]
10
Resume Words for “Worked On”
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:
- Arranged
- Compiled
- Composed
- Constructed
- Created
- Developed
- Engaged In
- Fashioned
- Forged
- Formulated
- Made
- Made Progress On
- Operated
- Organized
- Perfected
- Prepared
- Pursued
- Put Together
- Set Up
- 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.
11
Resume Verbs for “Improved”
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:
- Boosted
- Converted
- Customized
- Grew
- Integrated
- Lifted
- Merged
- Overhauled
- Raised
- Redesigned
- Refined
- Remodeled
- Reorganized
- Restructured
- Revamped
- Saved
- Slashed
- Streamlined
- Strengthened
- 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]
12
Resume Power Words for “Researched”
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:
- Analyzed
- Assessed
- Audited
- Calculated
- Checked
- Discovered
- Examined
- Explored
- Identified
- Inspected
- Investigated
- Mapped
- Measured
- Probed
- Proved
- Quantified
- Studied
- Surveyed
- Tested
- 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!]
13
Synonyms for “Creativity and Problem Solving”
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:
- Altered
- Built
- Corrected
- Crafted
- Designed
- Determined
- Devised
- Drafted
- Enhanced
- Established
- Fashioned
- Fixed
- Initiated
- Invented
- Overhauled
- Patched
- Piloted
- Pioneered
- Rebuilt
- 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)
14
Strong Resume Words for “Managed”
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:
- Aligned
- Cultivated
- Directed
- Enabled
- Facilitated
- Fostered
- Guided
- Hired
- Inspired
- Mentored
- Mobilized
- Motivated
- Recruited
- Regulated
- Shaped
- Supervised
- Taught
- Trained
- Unified
- 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)
15
“Assist” Synonyms for a Resume
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
- Abet
- Aid
- Advance
- Boost
- Help
- Counsel
- Coach
- Cooperate
- Collaborate
- Dispatch
- Expedite
- Endorse
- Facilitate
- Maintain
- Promote
- Reinforce
- 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
16
“Utilize” Synonyms for a Resume
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
- Apply
- Adopt
- Deploy
- Employ
- Exert
- Handle
- Mobilize
- Operate
- Promote
- Put to Use
- Restore
- Revive
- 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.
How to List Skills on a Resume
- Keep your resume skills relevant to the job you’re targeting. …
- Include key skills in a separate skills section. …
- Add your work-related skills in the professional experience section. …
- Weave the most relevant skills into your resume profile. …
- 5. Make sure to add the most in-demand skills.
Secondly, How do you describe your experience?
Adjectives often applied to “experience”: broad, wide, good, bad, great, amazing, horrible, terrible, pleasant, unpleasant, educational, financial, military, commercial, academic, political, industrial, sexual, romantic, religious, mystical, spiritual, psychedelic, scientific, human, magical, intense, deep, humbling, …
Also What are your top 5 skills? The top 5 skills employers look for include:
- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Professionalism and strong work ethic.
- Oral and written communications skills.
- Leadership.
In fact What are your top 3 skills?
Here are the seven essential employability skills with examples:
- Positive attitude. Being calm and cheerful when things go wrong.
- Communication. You can listen and say information clearly when you speak or write.
- Teamwork. …
- Self-management. …
- Willingness to learn. …
- Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making) …
- Resilience.
How do I describe my duties on a resume?
Work Experience Descriptions
- Begin each item by stating the name of the place, location, dates, and job title (e.g. manager, volunteer) List experiences in reverse chronological order (most current experience first).
- Describe your responsibilities in concise statements led by strong verbs.
What is a rich experience?
Rich experience in technology parlance is reserved to User Interfaces and general aesthetic of software/hardware. Something on the lines of. The Facebook application gives a rich experience to the end user. If you want to denote that you have experience in some field.
How would you describe your best experience?
Words to Describe Your Good Experience
Prodigious: extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force. Marvelous: such as to cause wonder, admiration, or astonishment; surprising; extraordinary. Brilliant: having or showing great intelligence, talent, quality.
What is an example of experience?
The definition of experience is to have something happen. An example of experience is to have a first kiss. The act of living through an event or events; personal involvement in or observation of events as they occur. … An experience he’ll never forget.
What are five hard skills?
Hard Skills Examples List
- Technical skills.
- Computer skills.
- Microsoft Office skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Marketing skills.
- Presentation skills.
- Management skills.
- Project management skills.
What are skills examples?
The top ten skills graduate recruiters want
- Commercial awareness (or business acumen) This is about knowing how a business or industry works and what makes a company tick. …
- Communication. …
- Teamwork. …
- Negotiation and persuasion. …
- Problem solving. …
- Leadership. …
- Organisation. …
- Perseverance and motivation.
What are your strengths?
Some examples of strengths you might mention include: Enthusiasm. Trustworthiness. Creativity.
What are the example of skills?
For example:
- Good communication skills.
- Critical thinking.
- Working well in a team.
- Self-motivation.
- Being flexible.
- Determination and persistence.
- Being a quick learner.
- Good time management.
What should a job description include?
The job description should accurately reflect the duties and responsibilities of the position. … A job description contains the following components: job title, job purpose, job duties and responsibilities, required qualifications, preferred qualifications and working conditions.
What is job description with example?
A job description or JD lists the main features of a specific job. The description typically includes the person’s main duties, responsibilities, and working conditions. It also includes the job title and to whom the person holding that job has to report.
What is deep experience?
(noun) an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand.
What is another way to say rich experience?
»broad expertise exp. »considerable expertise exp. »great expertise exp. »long-standing experience exp.
What is another word for extensive experience?
What is another word for extensive experience?
well-established career | well-established occupation |
---|---|
well-established profession | well-established vocation |
long-lasting career | long-standing career |
Work Experience Descriptions
- Begin each item by stating the name of the place, location, dates, and job title (e.g. manager, volunteer) List experiences in reverse chronological order (most current experience first).
- Describe your responsibilities in concise statements led by strong verbs.
How would you describe your learning experience?
Learning experience refers to any interaction, course, program, or other experience in which learning takes place, whether it occurs in traditional academic settings (schools, classrooms) or nontraditional settings (outside-of-school locations, outdoor environments), or whether it includes traditional educational …
How do you describe your skills?
And when you only have barely few minutes to show how good you really are, then those minutes must define your skills accurately.
…
Great Words to describe your Skills.
accurate | enthusiastic | pleasant |
---|---|---|
adaptable | fair | practical |
adept | firm | productive |
broad-minded | genuine | reliable |
competent | honest | resourceful |
• 8 sept. 2017
What are the types of human experience?
47 Examples of the Human Experience
- Birth. The experience of being born into an unfamiliar world.
- Time. The experience of progressing through time from past to present with no ability to go back from the current moment.
- Space. …
- Sense & Sensation. …
- Physical Experience. …
- Family. …
- Friendship. …
- Childhood.
How do you write a life experience?
“I want to write my life story, but I don’t know where to start.”
…
Write the Story of Your Life
- Think about who is going to read your story. …
- Just start writing. …
- Write the Scenes of Your Life. …
- Decide How to Organize Your Story. …
- Choose a Theme. …
- Use Friends and Family. …
- Use Photos to Jog Your Memories. …
- Add a Range of Emotions.
What is a positive experience?
The “positive experience index” is a measure of respondents’ experienced well-being on the day before the survey in terms of feeling well-rested, being treated with respect all day, smiling or laughing a lot, learning or doing something interesting, and experiencing enjoyment.
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