Action Verbs for a Resume

Unearth 300+ dynamic resume action verbs to revitalize your application. Trade in tired terms like “helped” and “managed” for powerful action words.

It’s possible that your resume contains overused phrases that no longer effectively distinguish it from other competitive resumes. Transform your application by substituting mundane expressions and cliché words with powerful action verbs. This guide covers:

1. Understanding the significance of action verbs in a resume and utilizing them strategically.
2. A compilation of 300+ action verbs for a resume categorized by keyword synonyms.
3. Distinct lists of resume adjectives to accentuate the uniqueness of your work.

Action Words: Resume Example

 

Matthew Lawson

Web Designer

801-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/matthew.lawson

Summary

Creative Web Designer with over 10 years of experience in website design. Enthusiastic about supporting DesignDazzle Studios in creating compelling websites with the best user experience by using strong expertise in user experience design. Increased conversion rate by 25% for a high-traffic website at WebWeave Creations by improving navigation.

Experience

Web Designer

WebWeave Creations, West Valley City, UT

June 2016–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Coordinating with the marketing team on the creation of blog posts, leading to a 30% increase in organic search traffic.
• Designing and developing a mothly average of 5 responsive website layouts using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Collaborating with clients to understand their vision and implement it.
• Utilizing user testing and feedback to make improvements to website functionality and design.

Key Achievement:

• Redesigned the company’s main client’s website, leading to a 25% increase in conversion rates within two months.

Web Designer

PixelPerfect Design Co., West Valley City, UT

January 2013–May 2016

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Managed multiple design projects for diverse industry clients.
• Collaborated with developers to create clean and efficient code.
• Assisted in the creation of a mobile-first responsive website design.

Key Achievement:

• Recognized for exceptional aesthetics in overall design.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Web Design

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

August 2010–May 2014

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Web Design Club member
• Graphic design workshop participant.

Academic achievements:

• Graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
• Awarded “Best Senior Project” in Graphic Design.

Skills

• Web design
• UX design
• Graphic design
• SEO
• Project management
• Client communication
• Team collaboration

Certifications

• Certified Professional Web Designer, WebProfessionals.org, 2016

Awards

• 2017, “Best Website Design,” WebWeave Creations

Memberships

Member of the AIGA since 2014

• Presented a lecture on “The Importance of Website Aesthetics” at the AIGA 2017 National Conference, San Francisco.

Languages

• English—Native proficiency

Interests

• Running a local web design meet-up group.
• Writing a blog on the latest web design trends.

 

What Are Action Verbs?

Action verbs, also known as power words, are terms you can incorporate into your resume to portray your job responsibilities and professional tasks. These words carry positive connotations, emphasizing your initiative and strengths. It’s advisable to substitute them for passive expressions like “responsible for.”

Individuals often downplay their achievements, downplaying their successes with statements like, “Oh, anyone could do that.” However, on a resume, downplaying your accomplishments is counterproductive, and it’s best to avoid it.

The use of feeble language may raise doubts about your suitability among recruiters. Hence, it’s crucial to replace phrases that diminish your role with impactful resume power words. Instead of phrases like “assisted,” “was in charge of,” or “worked with,” opt for alternatives like “initiated,” “coordinated,” or “collaborated” to witness a more significant impact.

100+ Action Verbs for a Resume

There’s no need for frantic searching through thousands of words; we’ve already done that for you. Simply click on one of the categories and navigate to the specific list of action verbs you require:

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

Best Resume Action Verbs for Team Players

You needn’t repeatedly use the phrase “worked with 4 other team members on a project” in detailing your work experience on your resume. Opt for one of these resume action verbs to emphasize your teamwork capabilities. Consider phrases like “Partnered with team members” or “Contributed to a team project” instead.

Here’s a compilation of resume terms suitable for describing teamwork activities and showcasing collaboration skills:

• Diversified
• Embraced
• Encouraged
• Energized
• Gathered
• Harmonized
• Acknowledged
• Assimilated
• Blended
• Coalesced
• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Ignited
• Joined
• Melded
• Merged
• Participated
• Partnered
• United
• Volunteered

Best Leadership Action Words for a Resume

Have you recently employed the term “led” for the fifth time in your job application? Substitute it with “chaired team meetings.” It’s a minor adjustment but can significantly enhance your presentation.

Incorporate the following resume power words to showcase your leadership skills:

• Fostered
• Guided
• Headed
• Hosted
• Inspired
• Mentored
• Mobilized 
• Operated
• Authorized
• Chaired
• Cultivated
• Delegated
• Directed
• Enabled
• Executed
• Facilitated
• Orchestrated
• Oversaw
• Spearheaded

Resume Action Verbs to Use Instead of Responsible For

Avoid using vague phrases like “I was responsible for carrying out various duties” when describing your work history. Instead, be precise and employ effective resume words to highlight your achievements.

Utilize the following collection of resume action verbs to articulate your duties:

• Completed
• Created
• Executed
• Finished
• Forged
• Made
• Navigated
• Negotiated
• Operated
• Accomplished
• Acquired
• Achieved
• Acted As
• Partnered
• Performed
• Prepared
• Produced
• Secured
• Succeeded In
• Undertook

Best Communication Action Words for a Resume

Communication skills are highly valued today. However, repeatedly using phrases like “Communicated with XYZ departments” can make the term lose its impact. Opt for powerful words instead. For instance, state: “Consulted subject-matter experts to clarify the key aspects of the project” or “Informed project stakeholders about updates and milestones.”

The following resume action words are effective for portraying communication in the workplace:

• Informed
• Mediated
• Moderated
• Negotiated
• Promoted
• Persuaded
• Publicized
• Advocated
• Authored
• Clarified
• Composed
• Consulted
• Conveyed
• Convinced
• Corresponded
• Defined
• Explained
• Fielded
• Illustrated
• Influenced

Resume Power Words for Improved

If your expertise lies in enhancing processes, you may find yourself overusing this term. Experiment with alternative resume verbs. For instance, if you’re crafting a resume for a UX designer, transform “improved the app interface” into “redesigned the app interface.”

These action verbs for a resume serve as substitutes for the word “improve”:

• Boosted
• Converted
• Customized
• Grew
• Integrated
• Lifted
• Merged
• Overhauled
• Raised
• Redesigned
• Refined
• Remodeled
• Reorganized
• Restructured
• Revamped
• Saved
• Slashed
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Updated

Best Resume Power Words for Researched

A scientist’s resume can easily become saturated with the term “researched.” However, you have the opportunity to convey your analytical skills more powerfully by incorporating alternative resume words. The following list features a collection of action words for resumes that can replace the term “to research”:

• Analyzed
• Assessed
• Audited
• Calculated
• Checked
• Discovered
• Examined
• Explored
• Identified
• Inspected
• Investigated
• Mapped
• Measured
• Probed
• Proved
• Quantified
• Studied
• Surveyed
• Tested
• Tracked 

Power Words for a Resume to Describe Creativity and Problem-Solving

Whether you identify as an artist, designer, engineer, or a natural innovator, the act of creation is a constant in your work. However, repeating this term can diminish its impact. Instead, express yourself with phrases like “Drafted a mock design for a smartphone app,” “Built a prototype of an engine,” or “Designed a collection of 10 garments.”

Experiment with these examples of action verbs to effectively showcase your creative skills and problem-solving endeavors:

• Altered
• Built
• Corrected
• Crafted
• Designed
• Determined
• Devised
• Drafted
• Enhanced
• Established
• Fashioned
• Fixed
• Initiated
• Invented
• Overhauled
• Patched
• Piloted
• Pioneered
• Rebuilt
• Resolved

Strong Action Verbs to Use Instead of Managed

Managers oversee, and it’s inevitable that not everyone will appreciate their efforts. To avoid leaving a negative impression on a hiring manager reviewing your application, substitute the term “managed” with alternative impactful resume words that emphasize your management skills.

Opt for one of these resume action verbs in place of “manage”:

• Aligned
• Cultivated
• Directed
• Enabled
• Facilitated
• Fostered
• Guided
• Hired
• Inspired
• Mentored
• Mobilized
• Motivated
• Recruited
• Regulated
• Shaped
• Supervised
• Taught
• Trained
• Unified
• United

Resume Action Verbs to Replace Assist

Perhaps you’re crafting a resume for an assistant position, and the word “assisted” feels appropriate. However, when used repetitively, it can lose its impact. Clearly convey the nature of your job responsibilities by incorporating an alternative resume word.

Here are over 10 resume power words to utilize instead of “assist”:

• Abetted
• Aided
• Advanced
• Boosted
• Helped
• Counseled
• Coached
• Cooperated
• Collaborated
• Dispatched
• Expedited
• Endorsed
• Facilitated
• Maintained
• Promoted
• Reinforced
• Supported

Resume Power Words to Replace Utilize

In your professional endeavors, you might make use of various resources, methods, teams, and approaches. However, you have the option to replace the word “utilize” with a more dynamic alternative. For instance, you can “apply a new method” instead of using it.

Contemplate using the following action verbs in place of the word ‘utilize’:

• Applied
• Adopted
• Deployed
• Employed
• Exerted
• Handled
• Mobilized
• Operated
• Promoted
• Put to Use
• Restored
• Revived
• Specialized In