resume words for help

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Sidebar
• Skip to Footer

Resume Genius

The World's Smartest Resume Builder

Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Blog Resume Help Action Verbs for Resumes

200+ Action Verbs & Power Words for Your Resume

One of the biggest resume-writing mistakes is using passive and boring phrases like “responsible for”, “tasked with”, and “handled.”

As featured in *

Action words that show creativity & innovation

Action words that show leadership & management, action words that show research & analysis, action words that show teamwork & communication, action words that show organization & problem solving, action words that show sales & customer service, how to improve your resume with action verbs and power words, where to use strong action verbs on your resume.

We’ll show you how to use powerful action words to highlight what you’re capable of, emphasize your most notable accomplishments , and write a resume that catches hiring managers’ attention — helping you land more interviews.

But first, check out our video where our in-house career expert, Eva Chan, breaks down the best way to include impactful action verbs in your resume’s experience section (starting at the 1:19 mark).

To help you strengthen your resume, we’ve compiled lists of powerful verbs that give hiring managers a clear idea of what you contributed in previous roles. Scroll down to find the appropriate action verb lists for your skills and experience level.

Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Creativity and innovation are some of the most valuable soft skills in the modern workplace .

If you regularly bring creative new ideas to your work, use this resume word list to get ideas for how to show hiring managers exactly what your process looks like.

• Illustrated
• Constructed
• Brainstormed
• Conceptualized
• Experimented
• Transformed

Examples creative action words on a resume

Here are two examples showing how to work creativity and innovation-focused action verbs into resume bullet points:

• Reimagined the company’s visual identity to conceptualize a refreshed brand image in preparation for a website redesign, resulting in increased overall market appeal and a 15% boost in online sales
• Transformed the company’s social media strategy by creating engaging, original content that doubled follower count on Youtube within six months

Whether you supervised a team or took charge of a project, management skills are essential for many jobs — even non-managerial positions.

The following verbs on your resume help show employers that you’re prepared to lead people and/or tasks at work.

• Coordinated
• Individualized
• Spearheaded
• Established
• Implemented
• Streamlined
• Strategized

Examples of leadership-related action verbs on a resume

These bullet point examples show how to use leadership action verbs on your resume:

• Implemented a new employee training program that improved team skills, increased retention by 35%, and boosted overall job satisfaction
• Mentored and developed high-potential employees, leading to 5 individuals receiving promotions to leadership roles in a 2-year period

Many employers are looking for capable researchers with solid analytical skills . Choose the right action verbs to show you can effectively collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.

• Synthesized
• Interpreted
• Investigated
• Categorized

Examples of analytical action words a resume

Here are two examples of how to demonstrate your research prowess with action words in a resume:

• Assessed employee performance data to identify skill gaps and implement targeted training programs that improved overall productivity by 12%
• Collected and synthesized industry data to produce a detailed report that informed marketing strategy and contributed to a 15% growth in market share

The ability to work well on a team is essential to many jobs, but it’s not enough to say “great communicator” or “possess excellent interpersonal skills”.

You should also work some of the following action verbs into your resume to show hiring managers how you applied interpersonal abilities in your role.

• Facilitated
• Contributed
• Contextualized
• Collaborated
• Participated
• Corresponded

Examples of team-communication action words a resume

Use these examples to show how you used communication skills and worked effectively on a team in your resume bullet points:

• Supported colleagues during a high-pressure period, sharing workload to ensure project deadlines were met without compromising quality
• Coordinated team efforts into an inter-departmental project that streamlined processes that increased productivity by 10%

From keeping files organized to improving an outdated system or process, problem-solving skills and organizational abilities are some of the most in-demand soft skills because of their universal value in the workplace.

Use descriptive action verbs on your resume that highlight how you can keep things organized and make your workplace better.

• Prioritized
• Standardized
• Reorganized

Examples of organizational action verbs a resume

Here’s how to put organizational and problem-solving action verbs on your resume:

• Reorganized inventory system, leading to a 10% reduction in discrepancies and $10,000 in annual storage costs saved
• Streamlined internal processes by implementing a new project management system to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve project completion time

In client-facing roles, you need superior people skills to meet sales targets while maintaining positive relationships with customers.

When describing your relevant experience on a resume, use the action verbs listed below to show hiring managers you have excellent customer service and sales skills .

• Recommended
• Outperformed
• Communicated
• Followed up

Examples of sales action verbs on a resume

Here are some examples demonstrating how to use sales and customer service-oriented action verbs on your resume:

• Resolved customer inquiries and complaints with a 95% satisfaction rate, ensuring positive brand image and long-term client relationships
• Listened to client concerns and recommended personalized skin care packages based on their needs and preferences, contributing to a 20% increase in repeat business

To add more action verbs to your resume, identify places where you used passive language such as “responsible for” or boring phrases like “worked on”.

Hiring managers lose interest quickly when they see the same dull resume words over and over. And passive phrasing that focuses on the task rather than the action you took to achieve results might give the impression you simply showed up and did the bare minimum at your last job.

This kind of writing can be easily improved using action verbs.

Think about what you accomplished at your job, rather than what you were responsible for . Start each bullet point or sentence with a strong verb that illustrates the actions you took to achieve that particular goal.

The best resume templates for 2024

One of the best ways to make your resume is by filling out one of our free resume templates. All our templates are designed by experts and free to download for Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Trade generic buzzwords for power words

Using buzzwords appropriately on your resume can be tricky. Sometimes, a carefully-placed resume buzzword that’s common in your industry works well, but it’s important to avoid cliches that have lost their meaning due to overuse.

Instead, opt for power words on your resume. Unlike buzzwords, power words have a clear meaning, and are highly relevant to your skills and experience.

To best avoid eye roll-inducing buzzwords, the table below provides helpful resume synonyms to consider:

Use more action words than adjectives on your resume

A few good resume adjectives can provide additional context to your skills and experience. But too many adjectives on a resume can make you seem insincere, because adjectives alone don’t give insight to how you applied key skills.

To strengthen your resume, replace unnecessary adjectives with action verbs . In particular, look for phrasing like “Used empathy and listening skills…” that can easily be changed to “empathized” and “listened”.

Use the following table to give you ideas for replacing some of your resume adjectives with more impactful action words:

Using action verbs when talking about your experience improves your resume in the following places:

In your experience section bullet points

Your resume’s work experience section is one of the best places to incorporate action verbs.  This section of your resume should show what you achieved in previous roles, so using powerful action verbs helps make a stronger case for you as an applicant.

Take a look at these examples to get a better idea of how to use strong action words in your resume’s experience section:

“Used a customer-retention program to make sure clients returned to use our services”

While this example does mention an accomplishment (customer retention), it’s not a very impactful bullet point. Here’s how to improve this example using action verbs:

“ Implemented a customer-retention program to ensure clients returned to use our services and boost annual revenue”

This revised bullet point is much more effective because it uses strong resume words to emphasize:

• the role this applicant played in introducing a customer retention program
• the impact of their achievement on the company

In your resume summary

A resume summary covers your most important experience, achievements, and skills to serve as an introduction and give hiring managers a quick overview of your qualifications.

However, using vague or passive language like “responsible for” or “experienced with” can make your resume summary fall flat.

To make your summary more effective, incorporate a few action verbs when discussing your achievements. This will clarify for hiring managers how your contributions have made a difference in past roles and can potentially make a difference in your next role.

Here’s an example of a high-quality resume summary that uses powerful verbs throughout:

“Retail sales associate with 5+ years of experience communicating with and retaining clients. Achieved an average of 140% of sales goals for 3 consecutive months and provided recommendations that generated $8K in additional revenue. Bilingual in English and Spanish.”

Still struggling to use action verbs in your resume? A resume builder can help you write the bullet points on your resume by automatically selecting powerful action verbs for you.

Emily Crowley

Career Advisor & Senior Content Writer

Emily Crowley loves helping job seekers overcome obstacles to advance their careers. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Foreign Language and Culture and relocated to Taipei shortly after. As a writer and career advisor, she takes a particular interest in empowering young professionals through practical knowledge and advice on topics like resume writing, interviewing, and navigating career changes. Emily’s career advice has been featured in online publications such as Global Trade Magazine and Parade. For media-related queries, she can be reached at emily [at] resumegenius [dot] com.

Subscribe to our newsletter

By clicking “Submit” you agree to receive marketing communications from our site, and to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks for subscribing!

We're thrilled to be a part of your professional journey! Stay tuned for the most up-to-date job news, free resources, and expert advice for your job hunt and career.

Action Verbs for Resumes

Click to rate this article

4.5 Average rating

Related Articles

Resume Help

Conrad Benz

The Resume Genius Team

Corissa Peterson

Ida Pettersson

100% FREE TEMPLATES

Use our templates to win the job.

Each template on our website was designed by HR and hiring professionals to help jobseekers easily apply for work.

Sign up for more free templates & career resources!

In addition to this template, you'll also receive:

• Early access to our newest premium templates
• Job-specific resume tips & free examples
• Access to our exclusive newsletter for jobseekers
• Notifications of product improvements

* By sharing your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from our team. You can easily opt out of future emails on the dashboard of your account or by unsubscribing directly from the link at the bottom of an email you receive from us.

• For Individuals
• For Businesses
• For Universities
• For Governments
• Online Degrees
• Find your New Career
• Join for Free

150 Resume Action Words to Impress Employers in 2024

Action words are impactful verbs that help tell your professional story to hiring managers, and they can strengthen your resume by more specifically conveying your experience, impact, and outcomes.

The right words on your resume can say a lot, conveying your skills, expertise, and accomplishments. Not only can they help you stand out from other candidates who use plain language to describe their responsibilities and accomplishments, but they can also help you specifically express what you have to offer as a candidate and get more attention.   

Finding the best action words to capture your unique professional story can have a big impact. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use action words to talk about your work and ways you can begin looking for more impactful language to bolster your resume.  

What are action words on a resume? 

Action words are verbs that communicate your professional experience: the kind of work you’ve done, what you’ve achieved in your previous roles, and the skills you’ve developed.

Many applicants end up using similar language on their resume: perhaps they led or oversaw or assisted . While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with these words, they’re not very dynamic or descriptive, so they don’t effectively express your unique work history, skills, and achievements. 

Why are resume action words important? 

Action words are impactful verbs that help tell your professional story—think designed rather than managed , or initiated rather than oversaw . When you choose the best words to describe your past experience and accomplishments, you help explain to a recruiter or hiring manager why you’d be a strong hire.  

It’s important that you select action words that can quantify your impact. Data has become increasingly important for businesses, and the same holds true for your resume. You should be able to provide some amount of data to quantify your impact, such as:  

Redesigned the main homepage, leading to an 18% increase in site visits

Streamlined incident response reports, reducing average time to completion from 18 minutes to 12 minutes   

Generated three new TikTok campaigns, resulting in a 32% boost in engagement across the platform   

Read more: Resume Keywords: How to Find the Right Words to Beat the ATS

150 resume action words

Looking for the right words to put on your resume?

Below, you’ll find an array of action words arranged by type of responsibility, management, and impact. Use each section as a starting point to help you think about what you’ve done and how to best describe it for a potential employer. 

General responsibilities 

These words express what you did in your previous roles based on your area of responsibility. 

Being creative in a role often means having to generate innovative ideas—or improve upon existing ones. Detail the ways in which you’ve done both with words like:  

Knowing what to look for, or even where to look for it, is a critical skill when conducting research. Show off your critical thinking and analytical skills as much as possible with words like:  

Negotiation

Finding sales leads, bridging relationships with clients or customers, and closing deals all contribute to a business’s overall financial success. Share how you’ve done that with words like:   

Many jobs require some technical or specialized knowledge. Think about the main tasks unique to your role and find action words that represent your ability to do that specific kind of work. Explore the words below to help you get started:

Read more: What Are Technical Skills?

Communications 

Communicating clearly with people inside and outside of your organization shows a potential employer that you know how to interpret and share information (and it also happens to be a valuable transferable skill ). Convey your communication abilities with words like:   

Read more: What Is Effective Communication? Skills for Work, School, and Life

Management/leadership  

Overseeing a team is a big responsibility. It means managing everything from personalities to deadlines. Detail your leadership abilities and impact with words like:  

Besides finding words that capture your responsibilities, it's important to also highlight what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles. The sections below detail more general impact as well as impact in specific areas.

General impact 

Tell a potential employer about the effect you’ve had with words that highlight how you changed something—a process or a task—and ideally created a better outcome: 

Budgeting impact 

When you’re responsible for budgeting, a potential employer likely wants to know two things: how did you save money and how did you increase profits? Find words that communicate how you achieved one or both:

Project impact 

Projects rely on timeliness, organization, and foresight. Show a potential employer how you impacted past projects—whether that meant contributing to its success or pushing it over the finish line—by choosing language that demonstrates problem solving and attention to detail:   

Customer impact 

Strong customer relationships are the backbone of a good business. Explain how you cultivated new relationships and improved existing relationships to call attention to your impact in this area:  

Tips for finding the best action words for you

The words listed above are just a starting point. Use the following tips to help you expand your resume vocabulary and find the best words possible to detail your past experience. 

1. Use a thesaurus. 

A thesaurus will give you a number of synonyms to use in place of stale or empty words. However, it’s a good idea to verify whether the word you’d like to use fully captures what you originally meant to say. For example, if you’re looking for words synonymous with managed , you’ll likely come across supervised , administered , and organized . But other synonyms, like handled or coped , might not be the best words to use because they don’t impart the leadership or strength of the original word.  

2. Avoid repeating words. 

It’s important that you don’t repeat the same words throughout your resume. Your resume should help tell your story—relying on the same language doesn’t let you express the variety, diversity, or growth of your experiences. 

3. Add an adverb to qualify your impact. 

Adverbs can help qualify your work, meaning that they express your impact in terms of degree—not data. While it’s not necessary to pair every action word with an adverb (or word that modifies a verb), it can be useful in places if you want to highlight a success. For example, instead of organized you can say successfully organized or proactively organized . 

Make your resume shine with Coursera

In addition to honing the way you describe your professional past on your resume, you can add to the credentials and technical skills you list on your resume by earning a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn valuable skills in areas like project management , UX design , data science , marketing analytics , and sales , with courses from top industry leaders like Google, Meta, IBM, and many more.  

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

Most resume bullet points start with the same tired old words hiring managers have read over and over (think: tasked with, responsible for, experience in) to the point where they’ve lost a lot of their meaning. They also don’t do much to show off your accomplishments , and instead tend to just communicate your job duties. Let’s get a little more creative, shall we?

Next time you update your resume , switch up a few of those common words and phrases with strong, compelling action verbs that will catch hiring managers’ eyes.

What is an action verb and how to use it on your resume?

Action verbs convey doing —for example, “She walked to the door,” or, “The dog chased the ball.” On your resume, action verbs show readers you accomplished something at your past jobs, you weren’t just “responsible for” it. Instead you “streamlined” or “coordinated” or “executed” it. You got the job done and you achieved something in the process.

But be careful: Not all action verbs are as strong as others. For example, words like “led” or “handled” may have their place on a resume (sparingly), but don’t give the reader any details about how you did it. Did you lead by assigning work to a team; by creating a road map for a project; by organizing resources, people, and deadlines; or by doing some combination of the three?

Impress hiring managers with these action verbs and secure your next interview! Find the perfect fit by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

No matter what duty or accomplishment you’re trying to show off, we’ve got just the resume action verb for you. Check out the list below, and get ready to make your resume way more exciting.

Action verbs for when you led a project

If you were in charge of a project or initiative from start to finish, skip “led” and instead try:

• Administered
• Coordinated
• Orchestrated
• Spearheaded

Actions for when you envisioned and brought a project to life

And if you actually developed, created, or introduced that project into your company? Try:

• Established
• Implemented
• Incorporated

Action verbs list for when you increased efficiency, productivity, profit, sales, revenue, or customer satisfaction (or reduced costs or time spent)

If you can show that your work boosted the company’s numbers in some way, you’re bound to impress. In these cases, consider:

• Accelerated
• Capitalized
• Consolidated

Action verbs for when you changed or improved something

Did you bring your department’s invoicing system out of the Stone Age and into the 21st century? Talk about the amazing changes you made at your office with these words:

• Centralized
• Rehabilitated
• Reorganized
• Restructured
• Revitalized
• Standardized
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Transformed

Action verbs for when you managed a team

While “managed” may have a place on your resume (especially if it’s a keyword ), phrases like “Managed a team…” or “Managed employees…” are just reciting your job duties. Instead, you can show what an inspirational leader you were with terms like:

• Facilitated

Action verbs for when you brought in partners, funding, resources, or clients

Were you “responsible for” a great new partner, sponsor, source of funding, or client? Try:

Action verbs for when you supported customers

Because monitoring the phones, answering questions, or providing customer service really means you’re advising customers and meeting their needs, use:

• Recommended

Action verbs for when you did research or analysis

Did your job include research, analysis, or fact-finding? Mix up your verbiage with these words:

• Interpreted
• Interviewed
• Investigated

Action verbs for when you communicated

Was writing, speaking, lobbying, or otherwise communicating part of your gig? You can explain just how compelling you were with words like:

• Corresponded
• Illustrated

Action verb examples for when you oversaw or regulated

Whether you enforced protocol or managed your department’s requests, describe what you really did, better, with these words:

• Adjudicated
• Scrutinized

Action verbs for when you achieved something

Did you hit your goals? Win a coveted department award ? Don’t forget to include that on your resume, with words like:

• Demonstrated
• Outperformed

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

• Resume Builder

Create resume in a few steps - done in minutes.

Cover Letter Builder

Create custom cover letters based on your experience.

Draft five essential sections and add more CV sections.

Most Popular Resume Examples

Most Popular Cover Letter Examples

Most Popular CV Examples

• Resources Job Description Career Guides
• Career Guides
• power words

231 Strong Resume Words to Boost a 2024 Job Search

How you describe your job responsibilities and accomplishments is as important as how you format your resume. This article includes powerful, unique resume words to help you stand out in a competitive market and accurately describe your skills. Pair these resume keywords with our professional templates to craft a resume that glistens among a sea of applicants.

RATE THIS ARTICLE:

• Featured in:

Want a stronger resume? Try our resume templates . Simply edit and download. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click using our resume builder . Or view our sample resumes made with our beautiful templates.

Why Are Buzzwords on a Resume Important?

Resume keywords such as action verbs can infuse your resume with energy, confidence and authority. They also help make your resume memorable to hiring managers because you use unique, descriptive power words.

Strategic resume words must:

• Catch your eye and be unique.
• Express passion and individuality.
• Expand on your accomplishments.
• Add personality to your achievements.

Imagine a hiring manager looking for an assistant manager to help oversee day-to-day operations. Most resumes will probably phrase their managerial experience with some variation of “ managed a small team of hardworking staff.” While this statement indicates management experience, it lacks the information that a hiring manager wants to know, such as the number of people overseen, the types of duties handled or the leadership skills needed to supervise staff.

The right resume power words can help you stand out and effectively define your managerial skills. For example, this job candidate uses the following four resume buzzwords to describe multiple skills:

• “ Directed multiple teams of four across day shifts to oversee a sales floor with 200 hourly guests”
• “ Mentored three staff members on register cashout and shift scheduling to train potential shift managers internally.”

The most effective way to find power words for resumes is to think of more specific synonyms, aka words that mean something similar to another word or phrase. Let’s look at three common resume words and alternate good words to use on a resume.

Passive resume words

Instead of “led,” use:

Instead of “met,” try:

• Implemented

Instead of “improved,” consider:

The Best Resume Power Words to Use

The following resume words can help you effectively describe your qualifications and impress hiring managers.

PRO TIP: Carefully write and edit these words and phrases to sound organically like your voice. Overstuffing your resume can make it look like you blindly opened a thesaurus and carelessly replaced common expressions with synonyms. Consider using a tool like our Resume Builder to find strategic resume power words that match your training and experience.

35 analytical resume keywords

Analytical skills can help fuel creative thinking and help employers foster innovative products and workplaces. These good words for a resume can help you demonstrate these analytical skills.

• Interpret data
• Investigate

27 presentation resume power words

Presentation experience includes soft skills to help communicate and distribute ideas and hard skills to help create visual and audio guides of those ideas. These creative resume buzzwords can help illustrate these skills.

• Communicate
• Demonstrate
• Presentation composition

24 marketing resume buzzwords

Whether you’re promoting your professional skills or the product and services of your employer, strong marketing skills can help you progress in your career. These descriptive words for resumes can help you describe these skills.

• Collaborate
• Conceptualize

41 management words for resume

From managing your tasks and time to managing team projects and key performance indicators, professional management skills can help you adopt additional responsibilities. These adequate resume power words can help you express these skills.

• Restructure

20 computer-related words for resumes

Competent computer skills are precious to hiring managers in an increasingly digital world. These skill-forward resume buzzwords will help meet most technical job requirements.

• Computer hardware and software
• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Digital marketing
• Electronic file management
• Fundamental knowledge of programming principles
• Graphic design
• Information technology
• Multimedia integration
• Office management software
• Office processing software
• Problem-solving
• Programming language
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Web development

Resume Power Words for Different Scenarios

Not every job is the same, so not every job seeker will use the exact descriptive resume power words on their application. We crafted several lists of suggested keywords to use in a resume based on the potential needs of the job.

See below for additional leadership, communication, critical thinking, productivity and networking resume power words.

16 leadership power words

The following synonyms can effectively describe your leadership skills .

22 expressive communication power words

These descriptive power words help describe your effective communication style .

• Culturally conscious
• Extroverted
• Facilitator
• Giving feedback
• Professional
• Transformative

15 critical thinking power words

Hiring managers value quick thinking. The following descriptive critical thinking phrases can reflect these skills.

• Decision-making
• Forward-thinking
• Investigative
• Level-headed
• Quick learning
• Resourceful
• Results-drive
• Time management
• Troubleshooting

20 productivity power words

The best employees meet deadlines and production schedules. These resume words help expand your productivity skills.

• Goal-oriented
• Hardworking
• Knowledgeable
• Multi-tasking
• Responsible
• Task-oriented

11 networking power words

Creating respectful and lasting professional relationships can help you discover additional career opportunities. These networking skills demonstrate how you can forge effective workplace relationships with your potential co-workers, marking you as a seamless addition to a team.

• Customer service skills
• Enthusiastic
• Negotiation
• Public speaking
• Relationship-building
• Respectable

Which resume buzzwords to avoid with 8 examples

The following list of resume keywords can be valuable when used sparingly and effectively. However, we’re pointing them out as a cautionary tale — these words are commonly used in the job market and have lost some of their potency due to overuse.

If you find a natural opportunity to use one of the previously mentioned resume power words, lead with those instead of the following overused buzzwords:

• Creative: This word means nothing without proof. Provide examples of your creativity instead.
• Team player: Collaboration is valuable in the workplace, but hiring managers can learn more through evidence of teamwork.
• Quick learner: This phrase is hard to quantify without proof. Describe the time needed to learn one job-relevant skill or tool instead.
• Unique thinker: An employer won’t believe this statement on blind faith alone. Describe a project or idea you proposed that significantly improved a workplace or profit.
• People person: Same advice as “team player,” — describe where and how you interact with co-workers and clients instead.
• Experienced in [skill]: Instead of listing skills you’re good at, describe how you’ve applied your skills to perform your duties.
• Computer wiz/ninja/guru: This corporate buzzword offers no information on the technical skills you can offer. Describe the functional knowledge you possess instead.
• Perfectionist: Avoid this empty noun unless multiple work samples or a professional portfolio follows this phrase.

How to Find These Buzzwords By Using HR Tools

Good news! There are additional ways to find unique keywords for each job opening. Most recruiters and hiring managers rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) — these programs rely on specific text markers and highlighted keywords to grade applicants and delete poor-scoring resumes. You can find these resume keywords by scanning a job advertisement for the following text and font treatments.

• Repeated duties or skills.
• Bolded words and phrases.
• Underlined responsibilities.
• Highlighted job requirements.
• Slightly rephrased requirements.

Try an Online Tool Boosted With Resume Power Words

Don’t overthink your resume — you want your accomplishments to sound like you. Try using our online Resume Builder to draft your resume first. This intuitive tool includes natural and job-specific resume buzzwords based on your work experience and skills. Answer a few questions to unlock dozens of suggested, prewritten content for your job title.

340+ Resume Action Verbs & Power Words [For 2024]

Language matters in a resume.

Imagine this:

You’re a busy HR manager, and you read hundreds, even thousands, of resumes every day.

And every single one of them sounds the same.

“Responsible for”

“Critical Thinker”

“Team Player”

You’re bound to see these words on just about every single resume.

And guess what? They’re boring.

That’s where power words come in. They make your responsibilities and achievements really pop!

So, do you want your resume to really stand out? Use some of these 340+ action words:

• Why Power Words Matter

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

340+ resume action verbs and power words [w/ examples].

• Resume Power Adjectives
• Resume Buzzwords to Avoid

Why Power Words Matter 

Power words help show off your top achievements in the best way possible.

Don’t believe us? Let’s compare an example with and without power words.

• Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.
• Responsible for content marketing at company X.

See the difference?

Both of these examples say exactly the same thing .

The main difference is that the second wording makes you seem a LOT more competent.

Something to keep in mind - power words, action words, action verbs, and so on are synonyms. So, don’t be surprised to see that we use them interchangeably in this article!

Other than allowing you to stand out, action words can also be used to say one thing in different ways. We’ve seen way too many resumes that have “Responsible for” all over the place!

So, instead of:

• Responsible for managing company X’s Instagram account.
• Responsible for connecting with influencers in the niche.

You could say:

• Managed company X’s Instagram account.
• Connected with popular influencers in the niche.

In this article, we have conveniently grouped 340+ action words to help you upgrade your resume descriptions:

• Resume Power Words for Team Work and Communication
• Resume Action Words Management and Leadership Achievements
• Resume Power Words to Showcase your Creativity

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

Resume action verbs for research, analysis, and planning.

• Resume Power Verbs for “Support”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Improved”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible For”

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

• Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use”

Action words can really spice up your resume if done right.

Now, we’re going to explain all the do's and don’t of using power verbs...

Which power words should you use? 

The type of power words you use will depend on the position you are applying for. 

Do a detailed scan of the job posting and single out the key responsibilities and requirements. 

Determine which of your abilities and experiences apply to those job requirements. 

Then, look for power words in our list that describe those achievements. 

Pretty straightforward, right?

Although the power words will be specific to the position you are applying for, there are some general rules to follow: 

• Choose resume power words that can be measured . This way you can follow the power word with a tangible achievement, for example: “ enhanced customer base by 35%.”
• Don’t use subjective words . “I’m amazing at” , “I’m incredible at” aren’t as pleasing to hear as you might think. These statements make you appear self-involved, which recruiters find appalling. Don’t tell them you’re amazing, show them with a measurable power word!

How often should you use power words? 

Sadly, just like with anything good in life, action words will lose their value if you overdo it. Instead of power words, they’ll just look like sprinkled mambo-jumbo that doesn’t mean anything.

Also, your resume is swamped with power words, your hiring manager might get turned off and think you’re trying too hard. 

A good rule to follow is to not add more than one or two action verbs in a sentence.  

Use them appropriately and moderately. 

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

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

• 2. Advocated
• 3. Clarified
• 4. Corresponded
• 6. Gathered
• 8. Informed
• 9. Interpreted
• 10. Persuaded
• 11. Publicized
• Gathered external data for the project-planning personnel and advised on the implementation of capital projects. 

When you were part of a team:

• 13. Enabled
• 14. Encouraged
• 15. Facilitated
• 16. Fostered
• 17. Inspired
• 18. Supported
• 19. Collaborated
• Made a $6M merger through collaboration with an international team.

When you supervised a team: 

• 21. Evaluated
• 22. Instructed
• 23. Mentored
• 24. Motivated
• 25. Regulated
• Mentored 5 startup founders in the last 2 years. 

Resume Action Words for Management and Leadership Achievements

When you reach a goal:

• 27. Achieved
• 28. Attained
• 29. Strengthened
• 30. Initiated
• 31. Coordinated
• 32. Developed
• 33. Managed
• 34. Orchestrated
• Coordinated data integrity within the company’s applicant tracking system. 
• Strengthened the sales and service culture through coaching and guidance. 

When you gave a different approach to solving a problem:

• 35. Implemented
• 36. Recommended
• 37. Overhauled
• 38. Improved
• 39. Streamlined 
• 40. Prioritized
• Improved and tuned networking equipment and overall computer network. 

When you worked with other people:

• 41. Motivated
• 42. Supervised
• 43. Delegated
• 44. Chaired
• Supervised and motivated a team of 5+ sales associates. 

Resume Action Words to Showcase your Creativity 

When you helped the company innovate or launch something new:

• 45. Conceptualized
• 46. Designed
• 47. Devised
• 48. Determined
• 49. Drafted
• 50. Formulated
• 51. Introduced
• 52. Initiated
• 53. Launched
• 54. Originated
• 55. Spearheaded
• Designed a new feature on a mobile equation solving app. 

When you worked on an established idea:

• 56. Adapted
• 57. Applied
• 59. Condensed
• 60. Customized
• 61. Fashioned
• 62. Integrated
• 63. Modified
• 64. Patched
• 65. Piloted
• 67. Revitalized
• Built the company sales processes ground-up.

When you introduced a finished project:

• 68. Displayed
• 69. Modeled
• 70. Launched
• 71. Performed
• 72. Pioneered
• Launched an e-commerce website to take the company business online. 

When you worked with data, statistics or numbers: 

• 73. Audited
• 74. Budgeted 
• 75. Calculated
• 76. Converted
• 77. Crafted
• 78. Documented
• 79. Estimated
• 80. Inventoried
• 81. Programmed 
• 82. Projected 
• 83. Recorded
• 84. Verified
• Calculated monthly and quarterly investment forecasts.

When you corrected mistakes and errors:

• 85. Debugged
• 86. Diagnosed
• 87. Established
• 89. Rectified
• 90. Lessened
• 91. Reconciled
• 92. Remodeled
• 93. Rebuilt
• 94. Upgraded
• 95. Corrected
• Debugged internal operating system issues, reducing company cost by 15%

When you kept company processes flowing seamlessly: 

• 96. Conserved
• 97. Maintained
• 98. Operated
• 99. Regulated
• 100. Refined
• 101. Simplified
• 102. Standardized
• Maintained design production under an extremely tight budget. 

When you prepared or helped prepare an event:

• 103. Assembled
• 104. Conducted
• 105. Organized
• Organized meetings and handled all correspondence for the Scranton branch.

When you analyzed a new idea:

• 106. Experimented
• 107. Detected
• 108. Discovered
• 109. Measured
• 110. Mapped
• 111. Probed
• 112. Searched
• 113. Surveyed
• 114. Studied
• Surveyed and documented weekly performance reports on a new marketing strategy.

When you analyzed existing practices and ideas:

• 115. Analyzed
• 116. Assessed
• 117. Clarified
• 118. Checked
• 119. Examined
• 120. Explored
• 121.Evaluated
• 122. Investigated
• 123. Quantified
• 124. Reviewed
• 125. Tested
• 126. Tracked
• 127. Convert
• Converted data into actionable insight, boosting revenue by 5%

When you contributed to solving a problem:

• 128. Critiqued
• 129. Diagnosed
• 130. Identified
• 131. Invented
• 132. Proved
• 133. Solved
• Provided an extraordinary customer service experience, solved customer issues and upsold other products or services. 

Resume Power Verbs to Use For “Support”

When you were supportive of others through words: 

• 134. Advised
• 135. Answered
• 136. Clarified
• 137. Motivated
• 138. Collaborated
• 139. Fielded
• 140. Guided
• 141. Intervened
• 142. Referred
• 143. Resolved
• Motivated co-workers by rewarding positive behavior, encouraging optimism and stimulating teamwork.

When you were supportive of others through actions: 

• 145. Assisted
• 146. Contributed
• 147. Provided
• 148. Volunteered
• Volunteered in 3 non-profit social organizations.

When you taught others:

• 149. Coached
• 150. Counseled
• 151. Demonstrated
• 152. Educated
• 153. Informed 
• Consulted 5 startups that became successful scaleups in Europe and together received investments of over €28 million.

Resume Power Words to Use as a Replacement for “Improved”

Did you leave the company you worked for better than when you came in? 

That’s cool, but if you say you “improved” something four times in a row, it loses its impact.

Use the list below to mix it up:

• 154. Amplify
• 155. Boosted 
• 156. Converted
• 157. Customized
• 158. Elaborated
• 160. Integrated
• 161. Lifted
• 162. Merged
• 163. Overhauled
• 164. Raised
• 165. Redesigned
• 166. Refined
• 167. Remodeled
• 168. Reorganized
• 169. Restructured
• 170. Revamped
• 172. Slashed
• 173. Streamlined
• 174. Strengthened
• 175. Updated
• 176. Upgraded 
• Boosted the AdWords click-through rates (CTR) from 25% to 37% without additional costs, which increased monthly sales by $5,000. 

Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible for”

Using “responsible for” in a resume gets old fast. Instead, use these alternative verbs that *pop*:

• 177. Accomplished
• 178. Acquired
• 179. Achieved
• 180. Acted As
• 181. Completed
• 182. Created
• 183. Executed
• 184. Finished
• 185. Forged
• 187. Navigated
• 188. Negotiated
• 189. Operated
• 190. Partnered
• 191. Performed
• 192. Prepared
• 193. Produced
• 194. Secured
• 195. Succeeded In
• 196. Undertook
• Navigated three simultaneous projects between 3 departments within the budget limit. 

Most of your job descriptions will be describing things you contributed to. This makes it tough to be original and show value.

In this case, you should try to be as specific as possible by giving details about your accomplishments. 

Here’s a list to help you replace the overused “worked on” and show value:

• 197. Arranged
• 198. Compiled
• 199. Composed
• 200. Constructed
• 201. Created
• 202. Developed
• 203. Engaged In
• 204. Fashioned
• 205. Forged
• 206. Formulated
• 208. Made Progress On
• 209. Operated
• 210. Organized
• 211. Perfected
• 212. Prepared
• 213. Pursued
• 214. Put Together
• 215. Set-Up
• 216. Undertook
• Created over 25 professional logos for companies in multiple industries, from small startups to large corporations.

Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use” 

Instead of “utilize” or “use” replace them with these power words:

• 219. Deploy
• 220. Employ
• 222. Handle
• 223. Mobilize
• 224. Operate
• 225. Promote
• 226. Profit by
• 227. Put to Use
• 228. Restore
• 229. Revive
• 230. Resort to
• 231. Specialize in
• Handled full sales cycle for the company’s three biggest clients.

Resume Power Adjectives [w/ Examples]

Power adjectives have the same function as power verbs, but instead, they are…you guessed it: adjectives .

Unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

In this section, we'll cover how to use power adjectives in your resume summary, professional experience, and skills.

Then, we’re going to give you a complete list of the best power adjectives you can use in your resume.

Using Buzz Adjectives in the Resume Summary Section

The resume summary section is a short pitch to your prospective employer. You use it to summarize your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

When done right, adding some power adjectives can help your resume summary stand out.

Take a look at these examples:

• Caregiver with 5+ years of extensive experience. Recognized for providing heartfelt emotional support to clients. 
• Loving caregiver who has been working in an elderly home for 5 years. The perfect choice for delivering emotional support to clients.

The first example focuses on the candidate’s personal qualities, rather than her skills. Whereas the second example is professional and leaves a much more powerful impact. 

Want to know how to write the perfect summary for your resume?

Check out our complete guide, filled with professional examples and practical tips!

Using Power Adjectives in the Professional Experience Section

When you are describing your professional experience, power adjectives should be used sparingly. 

You already have plenty of action verbs in there, so don’t double down on the power words by adding an adjective. It’s either one or the other. 

Take a look at this example on how they can be strategically placed in a job description:

• Developed harmonious relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in higher overall patient happiness.
• Developed relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in overall patient happiness.

Using Power Adjectives in the Skills section

Don’t use power adjectives as a skill on their own. Don’t list “Intelligent” or “Professional” as a skill. Those are subjective personal traits.

Instead, use power adjectives only when they affirm your competency in another skill.

For example:

French and German vs Fluent in French and German 

Management skills vs Strong Management Skills 

The Best Power Adjectives [Divided by Category] 

Power adjectives for analytical thinking.

Are you constantly doing work that calls for putting your thinking hat on? 

This list is perfect for describing the detailed, calculating tasks you complete on a daily basis. 

They’re usually valuable for industries that require complicated critical thinking: IT , finance , telecommunications, engineering . 

• 232. Astute
• 233. Insightful
• 234. Methodical
• 235. Practical
• 236. Calculating
• 237. Intelligent
• 238. Meticulous
• 239. Shrewd
• 240. Complex
• 241. Investigative
• 242. Objective
• 243. Strategic
• 244. Discerning
• 245. Logical
• 246. Perceptive
• 247. Thoughtful

Power Adjectives for Creativity 

Use the adjective list below to describe creative work: 

• 248. Cutting-edge 
• 249. Imaginative 
• 250. Novel 
• 251. Sophisticated 
• 252. Elegant 
• 253. Ingenious 
• 254. Progressive
• 255. Unique 
• 256. First-class 
• 257. Innovative 
• 258. Revolutionary 
• 259. Unprecedented 
• 260. Groundbreaking 
• 261. Inventive 
• 262. Robust 
• 263. World-class

Power Adjectives for Productivity

• 264. Accomplished 
• 265. Economical 
• 266. Instrumental
• 267. Skilled 
• 268. Adept 
• 269. Expert 
• 270. Productive 
• 271. Skillful 
• 272. Advanced 
• 273. Fluent 
• 274. Proficient 
• 275. Strong 
• 276. Competent 
• 277. Ideal 
• 278. Profitable 
• 279. Superior 
• 280. Constructive 
• 281. Industrious 
• 282. Significant 
• 283. Qualified 
• 284. Cost-effective 
• 285. Influential 
• 286. Smooth 
• 287. Quality

Power Adjectives for Dedication

Recruiters love seeing genuine interest from a candidate. The words below are great for showing your dedication and high-spirits:

• 288. Committed
• 289. Devoted 
• 290. Genuine
• 291. Sincere 
• 292. Dedicated 
• 293. Earnest 
• 295. Spirited 
• 296. Determined 
• 297. Energetic 
• 298. Passionate 
• 299. Wholehearted

Power Adjectives to Describe Hard Work

Are you a diligent and driven person? Are you prepared to pull up tiring all-nighters to complete important projects? 

Here are some adjectives that compliment your hard work: 

• 300. Alert 
• 301. Driven 
• 302. Motivated 
• 303. Thorough 
• 304. Attentive
• 305. Enterprising 
• 306. Persistent 
• 307. Tireless 
• 308. Concerted 
• 309. Focused 
• 310. Studious 
• 311. Vigorous

Power Adjectives to Describe You as Organized and Systematic

• 312. Businesslike
• 313. Detail-oriented
• 314. Smooth
• 315. Systematic 
• 316. Controlled 
• 317. Orderly 
• 318. Step-by-step 
• 319. Timely 
• 320. Detailed 
• 321. Precise 
• 322. Structured

Power Adjectives for Communication and Teamwork 

Being friendly, understanding and sociable are key qualities for anyone working in a team setting or with customers and clients on a daily basis. 

Use these words to help describe your skills:

• 323. Amiable
• 324. Cheerful 
• 325. Cooperative 
• 326. Personable 
• 327. Amicable 
• 328. Clear 
• 329. Cordial 
• 330. Pleasant 
• 331. Articulate 
• 332. Coherent 
• 333. Courteous 
• 334. Positive 
• 336. Cohesive 
• 337. Diplomatic 
• 338. Respectful 
• 339. Charming 
• 340. Conscientious 
• 341. Harmonious 
• 342. Team-minded

Resume Buzzwords to Avoid 

Buzzwords are the opposite of power verbs.

They’re boring, overused, and hated by managers world-wide .

Here are some of the most popular buzzwords you should avoid:

• Hard worker
• Strategic thinker
• Outside the box
• Responsible for
• Specialized in
• Results-driven
• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• In charge of 

Key Takeaways

Here’s everything we learned in this article:

• You can use power words to spice up your resume and add variety to your language. They are mostly verbs but can also be adjectives.
• To decide which power words to use, do a detailed scan of the job listing and identify the key responsibilities the employer is looking for. Your power words will be emphasizing how you have shown these traits. Be careful not to use more than one power word per sentence.
• Try using power verbs more often than power adjectives. It’s all about action!

Looking for more ways to improve your resume?

Suggested readings:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+ Examples]
• How to List Education On a Resume [13+ real-life examples]
• What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [for 2024]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• How To Add a Promotion on LinkedIn: Steps and Example
• The Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Offer Stability, While Nearly 300,000 Layoffs Are Blamed on AI
• How To Prepare Your Resume for a Promotion in 2024
• The Essential Guide To Giving Two Weeks’ Notice in 2024

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Top 360 Resume Action Words: Power Words for Your Resume

One of the best ways to ensure your resume stands head and shoulders above the rest is through the  strategic use of action words . These aren’t just fancy adjectives or buzzwords, but dynamic, action-oriented terms that can truly highlight your skills and experiences.

In this article, you’ll  learn about :

• How to use power words in your resume
• Which words to avoid on your resume
• A whopping selection of 360 power words!

Turn your application into a compelling narrative by using resume action words.

Let’s start!

What Are Action Words?

Action words, also  known as action verbs, power words, or power adjectives , are the superheroes of your resume. If you’re wondering how to turn your experiences into a compelling professional narrative, this is where action words swoop in to save the day.

These adjectives and verbs are used to  describe an action, result, or accomplishment . They illustrate your  proactive attitude  and potential, helping you move beyond the standard buzzwords that are all too common in resumes, and ultimately helping you catch a recruiter’s eye.

Now, let’s delve into how you can add these power-packed action words to your resume and make a stellar first impression with recruiters.

Why Choosing the Right Words Makes a Difference

The words you use on your resume can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers. By using power words in your resume, you can present your achievements more compellingly.

Take a close  look at these examples :

Managed a team of sales representatives.

The verb manage is often considered an overused word in resumes because it is a generic and vague term that lacks specificity and impact.

Many candidates use manage as a catch-all phrase to describe their responsibilities without elaborating on the details or displaying their achievements.

Orchestrated and led a top-performing sales team in exceeding targets by 150% in Q2.

This example demonstrates  leadership , initiative, and success by providing  concrete details about the achievements . It features the candidate’s ability to drive results and emphasizes their competence, making them a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

By simply using more descriptive language, you can bring life to seemingly mundane tasks and paint a picture of your capabilities, qualifications, and achievements.

Not only do power words make your resume more interesting to read, but they also  leave a lasting impression  and demonstrate a level of sophistication and professionalism.

Your ability to communicate effectively through your language choices showcases your writing skills and overall attention to detail.

How to Use Action Words

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, the words you choose are paramount. However, not all words are created equal. It’s essential to use power words that are  specific to the position you’re applying for , and that demonstrate your capabilities and experience.

One way to determine which power words to use is by carefully examining the job posting and identifying key responsibilities and requirements. Once you’ve done that, you can select power words from our comprehensive list that align with your achievements and expertise.

It’s best to choose  words that can be measured by tangible achievements , such as “ optimized  sales revenue by 40%.” Avoid using subjective language like “I’m outstanding” or “I’m exceptional,” as this can make you come across as self-involved.

Instead, use precise and actionable language that features your skills and accomplishments.

In a revealing study by  Gitnux , it was found that  75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems  (ATS) because they lack the right format, content, or action words. Ensure you review the job ad before crafting your resume and include the power words you find there.

Active vs. Passive Voice

Another vital aspect to bear in mind is the  preference for active voice over passive voice . But what exactly does this mean? It primarily involves the way you use verbs.

In an  active voice  sentence, the subject – you – performs the action. Conversely, in a passive-voice sentence, the subject is on the receiving end of the action.

Not only can passive sentences be more confusing but they also tend to be longer. Let’s illustrate this with an example:

• Active voice: I submitted the resume.
• Passive voice: The resume was submitted by me.

The difference is clear – active sentences get right to the point and put you right at the center of the action.

Words to Avoid in Your Resume

Avoiding clichés and overused phrases on your resume can help make it more convincing and unique.

Here are some  commonly overused words  and phrases that you’ll want to avoid and replace with more specific and illustrative language:

• Detail Oriented
• Hard worker
• In charge of
• Problem-Solver
• Outside the box
• Responsible for
• Results-driven
• Self-Starter
• Specialized in
• Strategic thinker
• Team Player

Power Up Your Resume: 360 Action Words to Use

Looking for a job involves crafting a resume that not only recounts your achievements but does so in a vibrant and compelling manner. To assist you with this, we’ve compiled a resume  action word list of 360 items .

When adding them to your resume, you can typically omit the “I” at the beginning of each statement, leading to punchier, more concise sentences like:

“Acquired 37 new clients within a six-month timeframe” or “Administered medication to a ward of 20 patients.”

This approach not only saves space but also makes your resume more scan-friendly.

To simplify your word selection process, you’ll find them  grouped in thematic categories , such as leadership,  teamwork , and numeric-based accomplishments, to name a few.

Note that some words could be relevant to more than one category.

Does this mean you should use all 360 words in your resume? Certainly not!

However, this extensive selection ensures that you have a diverse array of choices to best illustrate your unique achievements and talents.

If any of the following power verbs are unfamiliar, look them up in a  dictionary  before using them in your resume. Misusing a word will hurt your credibility. In fact, using a word in the wrong context could do more harm than simply supplying one of the overused words listed above.

Lastly, don’t forget to  look at the job ad  and include the keywords you find there in your resume and cover letter. By doing this, you’ll avoid being automatically disqualified by  Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) .

Resume Power Words for Leadership

Companies want to hire good leaders, especially for management positions. Instead of listing leadership as a skill or simply saying you’re an experienced leader, show them with resume power words!

You’ll notice that each of the words below requires a bit more information than does listing leadership as a skill. For example, what goals did you reach as a leader? What exactly did you manage?

Don’t just tell,  show how  with specific examples. Now, take a look at the following list of resume action words to effectively highlight your skills and experiences.

• Administered

Example: Advised  clients on investment opportunities and market trends, resulting in a 25% increase in portfolio returns and a 20% increase in client satisfaction ratings.

• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Example: Influenced  company decision-making through data analysis and presentation, resulting in a 10% decrease in expenses.

• Orchestrated

Example: Resolved  customer complaints in a timely and professional manner, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Resume Power Words for Teamwork

Being able to work as part of a group, getting along well with your coworkers, is important in a professional context. This is especially true in industries where collaborative projects are the norm.

Rather than just stating that you’re a team player, show it!  Provide specific examples  of how you rallied your group to success or played well with others despite challenges.

Look at the action verbs list below and pick the ones that best apply to your experience and the position you want to apply for:

• Acknowledged
• Assimilated
• Collaborated

Example: Collaborated  with colleagues to streamline internal processes and enhance productivity, leading to a 20% reduction in project turnaround time.

• Contributed
• Diversified
• Participated
• Volunteered

Resume Power Words for Communication

Written and verbal communication skills are  vital to many industries . You’ll notice that some of the words, such as “authored” and “corresponded” are more specific to written communication, while others imply active interaction with colleagues, vendors, and clients.

Review the following action verbs to use on your resume:

• Co-authored

Example: Convinced  a key client to renew their contract by demonstrating the value and ROI of our services, resulting in a revenue increase of $500,000.

• Corresponded
• Demonstrated
• Illustrated

Example: Promoted  company products and services through effective marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in customer acquisition and a 20% boost in revenue.

• Transcribed

Resume Power Words for Achievement

Have you ever worked on a project from its inception to its completion? That’s quite an accomplishment. Were you the mastermind behind it?

If so, you should let the hiring manager in on all the details. Use the words below to explain.

Remember, though, that one action word per sentence is usually enough.

• Constructed

Example: Created  a new company-wide training program, resulting in a 25% increase in employee productivity.

• Established
• Implemented

Example: Implemented  a new inventory tracking system, resulting in a 20% decrease in product waste.

• Incorporated

Example: Launched  a successful social media campaign, resulting in a 30% increase in brand awareness.

• Put together
• Spearheaded

Resume Power Words to Replace “Responsible For”

Your job has no doubt involved a lot of diverse responsibilities. But if you write “responsible for” under every position you’ve held, your resume will sound redundant and boring.

Try including some of the words listed below. Be sure to include the details.For example, what techniques did you employ? What goals did you achieve?

Pick the action words to use on your resume from this list:

• Accomplished

Example: Achieved  a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter of employment.

Resume Power Words for Research

Knowing how to find reliable information is almost as important as knowing how to do your job. Research is a highly  sought-after skill  in the workplace.

However, there are multiple ways to do research. Did your research involve scientific experimentation? Reading reference books? Conducting surveys? Interviewing famous people?

Using the powerful descriptive words below will help recruiters understand the exact details of your experience.

Example: Analyzed market trends and made recommendations for product development, resulting in a 30% increase in market share.

• Cross-examined
• Experimented
• Fact-checked
• Interpreted
• Investigated

Example: Developed  and implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in conversion rates and a 15% reduction in customer acquisition costs.

• Scrutinized

Resume Power Words to Replace “Helped”

Hiring managers know  good workplace environments  are made of individuals who are willing to assist each other.

Let them know you’re that kind of person with one of the following power words.

Don’t forget to briefly explain how you helped and the good results that followed.

• Accompanied

Example: Consulted  with cross-functional teams, leveraging expertise in data analytics and market trends to develop strategic initiatives that resulted in a 20% increase in customer retention.

Resume Power Words for Improvement and Efficiency

Make sure that the words you choose  highlight your accomplishments  and do not refer to negative consequences.

• Accelerated

Example: Boosted website traffic by 50% through the implementation of a new content marketing strategy that focused on SEO optimization and targeted audience engagement.

• Capitalized
• Centralized
• Consolidated

Example: Improved  customer retention rates by 15% through implementation of new policies and procedures.

• Intensified
• Outperformed
• Rehabilitated
• Reorganized
• Restructured

Example: Revamped  the company’s social media strategy by creating engaging content, resulting in a 75% increase in social media engagement and a 50% increase in lead generation.

• Revitalized
• Standardized
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Transformed

Resume Power Words to Use With Exact Numbers

Be specific by mentioning numbers and percentages to describe your experience.

Look at the following right-wrong examples to understand the difference:

Utilized advertising techniques to attract many new clients.

This is the example content

Notice the difference? While the wrong example leaves many questions open and lacks punch, the right example tells recruiters the complete story by providing specifics.

Below, you’ll find keywords to describe numerical figures.

• Dollars saved
• Revenue increased by…
• Raised revenue by…

Example: Raised revenue by 25% by implementing a new pricing strategy and conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify new opportunities.

• Time reduced
• Cut costs by…
• Reduced expenses by…

Only provide statistics and figures if you are authorized to do so. Most employers won’t mind if you say you increased their sales or reduced their expenses by a certain amount. But they may not want to reveal their annual gross income or specifics about prices and costs. Never include confidential or proprietary information in your resume.

Adjectives to Replace “Hard Worker”

You work hard at what you do, and you want to let the hiring manager know about it.

But instead of describing yourself as a “hard worker,”  try   the following adjectives  for added effect.

• Disciplined
• Enthusiastic

Example: Created and implemented a meticulous quality control process that significantly reduced product defects by 50% within the first six months of implementation.

More Resume Power Words

Consider these additional action adjectives related to innovative thinking and integrity to make a positive impact on employers.

• Cutting edge

Example: Devoted significant time and effort to building and nurturing strong client relationships, resulting in a client retention rate of 95% and increased referrals.

• Professional

Making a strong impression through your resume requires the tactical deployment of power words. Here is a  quick recap  of how to do it:

• Start by closely examining the job description.
• Pinpoint the main skills and responsibilities the potential employer is looking for.
• Select action words that are related to your experience and attributes.
• Remember to only use one power word per sentence.
• Place more emphasis on using power verbs instead of power adjectives, as actions speak louder than words!
• Avoid passive voice.

Ready to update your resume to include action words? Try our  resume builder  to speed up the process. It is full of expert advice and on-the-go tips designed to get you the job you’re looking for.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Related Blog

195 Resume Power Words That Will Get You Hired (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Power words in resumes can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
• Tailor your power words to your specific industry and job role for maximum effectiveness.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder helps make every resume bullet point impactful with AI.

Power words are to resumes what headlines are to a newspaper—they highlight key details and orient the reader. Resume action words grab the attention of the hiring manager and applicant tracking systems—increasing your odds of standing out.

In this guide, you'll learn 195 resume power words, how to use them effectively, and the nuances of industry-specific power powers to help you craft a compelling resume that lands job interviews.

Struggling to land interviews? Write a more impactful resume with Teal's resume builder AI .

What are resume power words?

Resume power words are strong, descriptive words that highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications. These words help you make an impact because they: 

• Grab attention: They draw the reader's eye to your key accomplishments.
• Convey confidence: You appear self-assured and capable by using assertive language.
• Showcase specificity: Power words are precise and help hiring managers skim your resume without missing important details.
• Improve ATS performance: Power words often align with keywords that applicant tracking systems are programmed to identify. This increases your chances of passing initial screenings. 

195 resume power words to supercharge your application

To make your resume stand out, use words that showcase your achievements. Here's a list of resume power words designed to help your application leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Resume action verbs

Strong action verbs communicate your exact responsibility in a job role. They help hiring managers assess your accomplishments in context. Here are 100 powerful verbs that can make each bullet point on your resume more compelling.

• Spearheaded
• Orchestrated

Communication

• Articulated

Problem-solving

• Troubleshot
• Streamlined
• Conceptualized

Achievement

• Outperformed
• Accelerated
• Investigated
• Benchmarked

Improvement

• Coordinated
• Administered
• Consolidated

Customer service

• Implemented

Project management

• Facilitated

Collaboration

Accomplishment, descriptive adjectives.

The right adjectives can paint a vivid picture of the candidate's personal qualities and strengths. These 50 descriptive words will help you make an impact.

• Collaborative
• Resourceful
• Enterprising
• Conscientious
• Accomplished
• Results-oriented
• Detail-oriented

Industry-specific buzzwords

Each industry has its own language, and using the right buzzwords can demonstrate your expertise and familiarity with the field. These 45 industry-specific terms can help you speak directly to hiring managers in your chosen field.

• Machine learning
• Cryptocurrency
• Risk management
• Quantitative analysis
• Content marketing
• Brand equity
• Conversion rate
• Customer acquisition
• Telemedicine
• Electronic health records (EHR)
• Patient-centered care
• Clinical trials
• Population health
• Differentiated instruction
• Blended learning
• Formative assessment
• Inquiry-based learning

Human resources

• Talent acquisition
• Employee engagement
• Diversity and inclusion
• Performance management
• Succession planning
• Due diligence
• Intellectual property
• Arbitration

Manufacturing

• Lean manufacturing
• Supply chain management
• Quality assurance
• Just-in-Time (JIT)

Environmental

• Sustainability
• Renewable energy
• Carbon footprint
• Circular economy
• Green technology

How to use power words effectively in your resume

Now, you can’t just replace regular words with their “powerful synonyms” and call it a day. You have to place them strategically to gently compel the reader or impress hiring managers. Here’s how:

Identifying key responsibilities in job postings can help you tailor your resume effectively, ensuring alignment between your skills and the specific demands of the job.

Using power words effectively requires strategy and balance. Here’s how to make the most of them in your resume.

Tailor power words to job descriptions

To maximize your chances of getting noticed, align power words closely with the specific job description:

1. Analyze the job posting: Identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities emphasized in the listing.

2. Highlight relevant keywords: Note industry-specific terms and power verbs used in the description. Tip: Teal's Matching Mode does this for you.

3. Match your experiences: Select power words that accurately describe your achievements and align with the job requirements.

4. Incorporate naturally: Weave these words into your resume, ensuring they fit contextually and don't appear forced.

5. Prioritize placement: Use the most impactful power words in prominent sections like your professional summary and recent job descriptions. If you're writing a cover letter, sprinkle power words throughout but don't stuff them in any one section.

Balance action words with concrete examples

While power words add impact, they must be supported by specific, quantifiable achievements:

• Start with a power word: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.
• Follow with a specific accomplishment: Provide context and details about what you achieved.
• Quantify results: Include numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes whenever possible.
• Show impact: Explain how your actions benefited the company or contributed to larger goals.

Power word example in a sentence

• Weak: Responsible for sales increase.
• Strong: Spearheaded sales initiative that boosted revenue by 35% in Q3, outperforming targets by 20%.

Avoid overuse and maintain authenticity

While power words are effective, overuse can diminish their impact and make your resume seem insincere:

• Use variety: Avoid repeating the same power words throughout your resume.
• Be truthful: Only use words that accurately reflect your experiences and abilities.
• Balance with simpler language: Mix power words with more straightforward language to maintain readability.
• Consider context: Ensure the power words you choose are appropriate for your industry and career level.
• Read aloud: Review your resume by reading it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or overuse of power words.

Replacing weak words with power words

Not all words are created equal when it comes to your resume. By replacing weak, vague words with stronger alternatives, you can create a more impactful narrative. Here’s how to make those crucial swaps:

Common weak words to avoid

Frequently used weak words can dilute the impact of a resume by making your accomplishments seem vague or unimpressive. Here are some common weak words and why they are ineffective:

• Responsible for : Implies duty, not action
• Helped : Lacks specificity and doesn’t highlight your role
• Worked on : Vague and does not convey the impact of your initiative
• Assisted with : Implies a secondary role, not leadership
• Participated in : Does not show your direct contributions or the extent of your role
• Job duties included : Focuses on tasks rather than achievements
• Familiar with : Suggests a basic understanding and not proficiency
• Involved in : Does not clarify your specific role
• Handled : Too general; does not indicate outcomes
• Dealt with : Vague and non-specific

Power word alternatives

Replace weak words with powerful alternatives to make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Here’s a list of common weak words and their power word alternatives:

Examples of how to rewrite sentences using power words:

Weak: Responsible for managing team projects. Strong: Orchestrated cross-functional team projects, consistently delivering results 15% ahead of schedule. ‍ ‍ Weak: Helped with customer service issues. Strong: Resolved complex customer service issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing escalations by 30%. Weak: Worked on marketing campaigns. Strong: Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns, driving a 25% increase in customer engagement.

Industry-specific power word examples

Tailoring your resume with industry-specific power words can draw the reader's attention to relevant achievements. These examples show how to align your language with the expectations and standards of various fields.

Technology and IT

In the world of technology and IT, precision and clarity are key. Here’s a selection of power words that can help you articulate your technical expertise and accomplishments.Power words

• Architected

Sample resume statements

• Architected scalable cloud infrastructure, reducing downtime by 99% and cutting operational costs by 30%.
• Debugged complex legacy code, improving system performance by 40% and eliminating critical security vulnerabilities.

Finance and accounting

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in finance and accounting. These power words will help you highlight your analytical skills and financial acumen:

Power words

• Diversified
• Strategized
• Forecasted quarterly revenue projections with 98% accuracy to aid expansion initiatives.
• Streamlined accounts payable processes, to reduce  processing time by 35% and eliminate $50,000 in annual late fees.

Marketing and sales

Success in marketing and sales depends on driving engagement and converting opportunities into results. These power words will help you showcase your ability to innovate, persuade, and achieve impressive outcomes:

• Transformed
• Revolutionized
• Launched an innovative social media campaign that led to increased brand engagement by 150% and drove 10,000 new qualified leads.
• Negotiated strategic partnerships with key industry players, resulting in a 40% boost in annual revenue and expanded market share.

Healthcare and medical

In the healthcare and medical sectors, your resume usually needs to reflect both your technical skills and your dedication to patient care. These power words emphasize your expertise in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

• Rehabilitated
• Collaborated
• Implemented new patient care protocols, reducing average hospital stay duration by two days and improving patient satisfaction scores by 25%.
• Researched and introduced cutting-edge treatment methods, resulting in a 40% increase in positive outcomes for chronic condition management.

Education and teaching

Educators are not just teachers—they are mentors and leaders shaping the future. Use these power words to highlight your contributions to student learning, curriculum development, and educational excellence.

• Differentiated
• Developed and implemented inquiry-based science curriculum, increasing student engagement by 45% and improving standardized test scores by 30%.
• Mentored struggling students through targeted intervention programs, resulting in an 80% improvement in academic performance over one semester.

How to add power words to different resume sections using AI

Strategically incorporating power words throughout your resume can make it seem more personalized and human. Here's how Teal helps:

Professional summary

The professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. Use power words to concisely convey your value proposition:

Example: "Dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record of developing innovative campaigns that drive engagement and boost ROI. Skilled in leveraging data analytics to optimize performance and deliver measurable results across diverse industries."

You can add a professional summary by using Teal’s in-built summary generator. Follow these steps: 

• Import your existing resume into the Resume Builder

Import your LinkedIn profile or create a resume from scratch in minutes if you don't have one. Your summary will be more accurate if you provide more details about your career. 

• Update your work experiences and add achievements

Be sure to include multiple accomplishments related to your recent roles for the best results from the Resume Summary Generator.

• Generate your resume summary with AI

Save the AI-generated resume summaries to your Teal Resume Builder.

• Review and regenerate your summary

By clicking "Re-generate with AI", you can generate a new professional summary based on the existing settings. 

You can save multiple resume summaries so you can use different ones for different applications. 

Work experience

In your work experience section, use power words to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.

Teal's AI Assistant makes this easy, automatically adding power powers to the beginning of every bullet point.

• Before: Responsible for managing team and completing projects.
• After: Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 12, delivering complex projects 20% under budget and one week ahead of schedule.
• Before: Helped with customer service and solved problems.
• After: Resolved critical customer issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing churn by 15%.

Skills section

Enhance your skills section by using power words that align with industry-specific competencies:

• Proficient in data visualization and predictive modeling techniques
• Adept at agile project management methodologies
• Skilled in negotiating high-stakes contracts and partnerships

Achievements and accomplishments

Use power words to make your achievements and resume stand out:

• Pioneered company-wide sustainability initiative, reducing carbon footprint by 30% and generating $2M in cost savings.
• Orchestrated merger and acquisition strategy, resulting in 50% market share growth within 18 months.
• Revolutionized customer onboarding process, slashing time-to-value by 60% and boosting retention rates by 25%.

The impact of power words on applicant tracking systems (ATS)

In today’s job market, your resume must pass through ATS before reaching human eyes. Understanding how power words interact with these systems can give you a crucial edge in landing an interview.

How ATS process power words

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) play a crucial role in the initial screening of resumes. Here’s how they interact with power words:

• Keyword matching: ATS scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description.
• Relevance scoring: Resumes are ranked based on the presence and frequency of relevant terms.
• Contextual analysis: Advanced ATS can understand the context in which words are used, not just their presence.
• Skill identification: Power words often signal specific skills or experiences that match job requirements.

Strategies for ATS-friendly power word usage

To ensure your resume is both ATS-friendly and impactful:

• Incorporate relevant keywords: Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume.
• Balance power words and keywords: Mix industry-standard terms with relevant power words.
• Avoid overstuffing: Don’t overuse keywords or power words to the point of reducing readability.
• Use standard formatting: Stick to simple, ATS-compatible formatting to ensure all keywords and power words are recognized.

Measuring the effectiveness of your power words

Crafting the perfect resume requires continuous refinement. A/B testing and gathering feedback are essential for measuring the impact of your power words and ensuring your resume resonates with employers.

A/B testing your resume

A/B testing your resume can help determine the effectiveness of different power word usage:

• Create variants: Develop two versions of your resume, each using different sets of power words.
• Submit both versions: Apply to similar jobs with both resume versions.
• Track responses: Monitor the response rate from employers for each version.
• Analyze results: Determine which version received more positive feedback or job interview invitations.

Gathering feedback

Professional feedback is crucial for refining your resume:

• Ask for reviews: Request input from career coaches, mentors, or peers.
• Use online services: Utilize professional resume review services for expert advice.
• Interpret feedback: Analyze the feedback received to understand how your power word usage can be improved.

Power up your career with resume power words

To create a distinct resume, use words that pack a punch and highlight your achievements with precision. Power words tailored to the job and industry can elevate your resume’s impact. But remember, balance is crucial—combine these words with metrics and case studies to avoid sounding superficial.

Start by refining your resume and adding or improving power words where needed. Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder can streamline this process, helping you craft a resume that grabs attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many power words should you include in your resume.

Balance is crucial when incorporating power words into your resume. Aim for one to two power words per bullet point to maintain a strong yet natural tone. This ensures your resume is impactful without appearing exaggerated.

Can using too many power words hurt your chances of getting hired?

Yes, overusing power words can hurt your chances by making your resume seem insincere or cliché. It’s important to use power words genuinely to reflect your true experiences and achievements. Mixing power words with straightforward language helps maintain a natural flow.

Are there any power words you should avoid in your resume?

Avoid overused or cliché power words like "committed dynamic," "synergy," "hardworking," and "go-getter." These terms can make your resume seem generic and unimpressive. Instead, choose more industry-specific and impactful alternatives that accurately describe your skills and achievements.

How can you use power words if you're just starting your career?

If you're starting your career, focus on highlighting transferable skills gained from internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. Use power words to emphasize your enthusiasm and potential for growth. For example, instead of "participated in a marketing project," say "spearheaded a marketing project that increased social media engagement by 20%."

Related Articles

How to Make an InDesign Resume [+ Templates]

How (and What) to Name Your Resume File

ZipJob Reviews: Ratings & User Feedback

JobHero Reviews: Ratings & User Feedback

We help you find the career dream.

Resume Power Words: 120 Words That Will Get You Hired

• December 13, 2022
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Resume power words are strong action verbs and descriptive adjectives that can enhance your resume and make it more impactful and compelling to potential employers. These words help to demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and experiences in a dynamic and engaging way. Using resume power words can help you stand out from other candidates and create a positive impression.

Table of Contents:

•   What are resume power words?
•   Strategies for using powerful words in your resume
•   What types of power words are best for your resume?
•   How to choose job-related power words?
•   List of resume power words

What are resume power words?

Resume power words are action verbs or descriptive phrases that are used in resumes to highlight achievements, skills, and experiences. These words are chosen to make a strong impact on the reader and convey a sense of accomplishment and capability. Resume power words help to grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters, making the resume more engaging and memorable. They can be used to describe various aspects of a candidate’s professional background, such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, organization, and more.

Strategies for using powerful words in your resume

To effectively use powerful words in your resume, consider the following strategies:

• Tailor your words to the job description: Analyze the job posting and identify the key skills and qualifications required. Use powerful words that align with those specific requirements to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
• Start bullet points with action verbs: Begin each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong action verb. This not only grabs the reader’s attention but also conveys a sense of accomplishment and proactivity. For example, instead of saying “Assisted with project management,” use “Coordinated and executed project management tasks.”
• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, provide specific details and quantify your accomplishments. This adds credibility and demonstrates the impact of your work. For instance, instead of saying “Contributed to sales growth,” say “Achieved a 30% increase in sales within six months.”
• Use industry-specific buzzwords: Incorporate relevant industry-specific buzzwords and terminology to showcase your familiarity with the field. This helps to establish your expertise and understanding of the industry.
• Highlight transferable skills: If you are transitioning to a new industry or role, emphasize transferable skills that are applicable to the position. Use powerful words to showcase how your skills can be effectively utilized in the new context.
• Be concise and impactful: Use powerful words to convey your achievements and responsibilities concisely. Avoid using generic or overused words and focus on specific, impactful language that sets you apart from other candidates.

What types of power words are best for your resume?

When it comes to choosing power words for your resume, it’s important to select words that effectively highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications. Here are some types of power words that are commonly used in resumes:

• Action verbs:  Action verbs are dynamic words that convey a sense of action and accomplishment. They help to demonstrate your proactive approach and showcase your achievements. Examples of action verbs include “achieved,” “implemented,” “led,” “managed,” “developed,” and “resolved.”
• Results-Oriented Words : These words emphasize the outcomes and results of your actions. They showcase your ability to deliver tangible results and make an impact. Examples include “increased,” “improved,” “generated,” “optimized,” “maximized,” and “accelerated.”
• Leadership Words : Leadership words highlight your ability to lead and manage teams, projects, or initiatives. They demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to take charge. Examples include “mentored,” “guided,” “supervised,” “orchestrated,” “influenced,” and “delegated.”
• Communication Words : These words showcase your strong communication skills, both written and verbal. They highlight your ability to effectively convey information, collaborate, and build relationships. Examples include “presented,” “negotiated,” “persuaded,” “collaborated,” “facilitated,” and “corresponded.”
• Problem-Solving Words : These words demonstrate your ability to identify and solve problems. They showcase your critical thinking and analytical skills. Examples include “analyzed,” “diagnosed,” “resolved,” “innovated,” “troubleshooted,” and “optimized.”

How to choose job-related power words? 

When putting your resume together, focus on relevant experience first. Also, only include power words that relate to the position you are applying to. For example, including your experience with gardening will hardly help you land a sales position.

To identify relevant power words, read through the job description a few times. Focus on the requirements and company values and pay attention to how they are worded. Then, use similar language to describe your experience or skills. For example, the job description may include: “Develop and track performance and compile reports.” On your resume, you should then tweak that and relate it to your specific skills. You may describe your experience as “Monitored and compiled staff performance and sales reports.” By including job-specific power words, you will prove your field knowledge and make your resume stand out.

List of resume power words

Power words for administrative

Best power words for leadership

• Consolidate
• Orchestrate
• Recommended

Power words for teamwork

• Acknowledge
• Collaborate
• Demonstrate
• Participate

30 Power words for customer service

• Accommodate
• Communicate
• Comfortable

Using power words can improve the first impression your resume makes. Choose from the list above to make your resume come alive and become more attractive. Remember to replace most repetitive or generic words with strong action verbs. This can make the difference between getting lost in a pile of other applicants and getting invited for an interview.

Popular related posts:

• How To Get a Job Faster With a Professionally Written Resume
• How to Write a Resignation Letter [Samples, Free Template]
• “Why are You Leaving Your Current Job?“ 4 Best Answers
• How to Choose the Right Resume Template (+Examples)

Do You Need to Hire a Professional Resume Writer?

Looking for a new job or thinking about a career change? You need a resume that’s going to open doors for you.

• No products in the cart.
• Resume Writing Service
• Free Resume Review
• Resume Templates
• Career Advice

25 Words to Take Your Résumé to the Next Level

Do you consider yourself detail-oriented? Passionate? A hard worker? Whatever you do, don’t tell that to the person reading your résumé. Why not? Because if they hear about one more of those, they’re going to tear the résumé into itty-bitty shreds.

As attractive as those terms might seem, they’ve been on a few billion too many résumés to mean anything to hiring managers. When you’re updating your résumé, make your accomplishments stand out by using résumé power words that are strong and descriptive rather than stale and clichéd.

Read on to get the nitty-gritty of how to use résumé power words, or jump straight to the suave synonyms that will make your résumé pop and let you ditch the duds like “dedicated,” “leader,” and “manage.” Whether you’re writing a technical résumé or a creative one, résumé power words will give you a boost.

Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What are résumé power words?

Résumé power words are descriptive verbs and compelling adjectives used to effectively convey your skills, achievements, and responsibilities on a résumé. These words help create a clearer picture of your qualifications, making your résumé stand out to potential employers.

You can use power words in your résumé by tailoring your experience to the particular role, company, and industry you’re applying to. Within the job description, you’ll find keywords that you can incorporate into your résumé to make it through applicant tracking systems and catch the eye of hiring managers. Include your most relevant experience and accomplishments, and choose words related to the job you’re applying to.

Power words work best in combination with statistics or the results of your work. If you lead a team, share how you optimized or transformed that team. Maybe you run a blog; how did you increase traffic or rank well for certain keywords? Perhaps you’re a coder; how did you solve problems to push a project along?

25 examples of résumé power words

If you’re feeling stumped, here are some examples of résumé power words you can use.

Résumé action verbs

2 Collaborated

5 Generated

7 Implemented

11 Researched

Résumé adjectives

13 Adaptable

14 Analytical

15 Collaborative

16 Diligent

17 Disciplined

19 Innovative

20 Insightful

21 Meticulous

22 Organized

23 Proactive

24 Reliable

25 Resourceful

Tips for using powerful résumé words

Ready to try using power words on your résumé? Here are three résumé writing tips to make your résumé power words more impactful.

Don’t repeat words

Our job experience can have redundant aspects. But résumé power words pack a stronger punch when you only use them once. Avoiding repetition of words on your résumé is important because it helps keep your document engaging, diverse, and informative. Try using synonyms or including adjectives to spice up your résumé instead.

Use a thesaurus

Use a thesaurus to find alternatives to buzzwords and power words that you used more than once. Even more convenient, try asking Grammarly to suggest a synonym for you!

Be specific

Don’t use a power word just for the sake of catching someone’s eye. Even if you found a power word in the job description, your résumé still has to make sense. Only use power words specific to your experience as well as the job description and industry. To make them more effective, provide quantifiable results whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you’ve made.

Start with power words

Begin each bullet point with powerful résumé words to immediately grab the reader’s attention and set a positive tone. Use them to emphasize results, achievements, and skills that will matter most to the employer. Not sure how to include them? Try a résumé template .

Highlight transferable skills

If you’re changing careers or industries, use résumé power words to emphasize transferable skills that align with the new role. Rather than just stating a trait or skill, use power words to show how you’ve demonstrated that trait in your previous roles. This amplifies your qualifications.

Résumé words to avoid

Here are 15 examples of power words and phrases you should avoid. These words either are overused or have become buzzwords that repel hiring managers.

1 Hardworking

2 Team player

3 Detail-oriented

4 Results-driven

5 Self-motivated

6 Excellent communication skills

9 Problem solver

10 Experienced

11 Strategic thinker

12 Passionate

13 Enthusiastic

14 Flexible

Résumé words FAQs

What are powerful résumé words.

Powerful résumé words are verbs and adjectives that effectively communicate your skills, accomplishments, and experiences in a compelling way. These words help your résumé stand out and make a stronger impression on potential employers.

Here are 10 examples of powerful résumé words:

2 Generated

4 Revitalized

5 Innovated

6 Optimized

8 Championed

What is an action verb?

In résumés, an action verb expresses work performed by an applicant. Action verbs are used to make résumés more dynamic and engaging.

Why are résumé power words important?

Résumé power words make your résumé more impactful, engaging, and memorable to potential employers. These words capture a hiring manager’s attention so they can scan your résumé quickly but still notice the way you convey your skills and achievements. Power words are designed to convey skills and achievements, showcase strengths, and demonstrate your impact.

How to Nail your next Technical Interview

You may be missing out on a 66.5% salary hike*, nick camilleri, how many years of coding experience do you have, free course on 'sorting algorithms' by omkar deshpande (stanford phd, head of curriculum, ik).

150+ Power Words to Make your Resume Stand Out

Last updated by Vartika Rai on May 24, 2024 at 12:01 PM | Reading time: 10 minutes

Recruiters go through hundreds of resumes during the hiring process. After a point of time, all of them start appearing repetitive since several candidates possess the qualifications required for the job, and all of them use the same overplayed terms like a team player, a critical thinker, a hard worker, etc. So how does one make sure that their resume catches the eye of the recruiter? This is where strong and compelling resume power words come into play.

These power words provide the employer with an idea about who you have previously worked with, how do you work, and what were the results that your work yielded. All of this can be effortlessly communicated through your resume with the help of action verbs.

Here's what this article will cover:

• What are power words in a resume?

Why should you use power words in your resume?

Finding out which power words to use in your resume.

What not to say in a resume?

What are power words in a resume ?

The type of language you use in your resume plays a key role in helping the recruiter form a good first impression of you. Using stale and clichéd terms is definitely not the smartest way to go about it. This is why you need power words to use on your resume to upgrade the quality of your resume and save the recruiter from having to read about another “dedicated leader.”

Power words are quick and effective action verbs that showcase your skills and help the employer get a better understanding of you as a candidate. Using “Collaborated with the team” sounds much better than “worked with.” These minor changes can contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of your resume.   You can use these verbs anywhere in the resume. Some power words for your resume summary include amplified, advanced, delivered, created, etc.

Your resume has to be tailored as per the job that you are applying for. If you are applying to a company that has an automated resume tracking system, you will be out of the race in case you haven’t used the right keywords. do not have the right keywords used in your resume. Here’s why using the right words is super important:

• Improves the readability- While using specific industry terms is important, you do not want your resume to be impossible to be read by someone outside the industry. This is why you need to use power words that provide a better understanding of what your experiences job entailed.
• Compelling language- Strong power words for resume skills can help you describe your skills without being repetitive. A resume with a more compelling language has a better chance of getting noticed by the employer.
• Better descriptions- Power words are more descriptive, which makes your skills appear more impactful. The employer appreciates the efforts that you have put in for the position, and there are higher chances of you getting considered for the job.

You can add power words throughout your resume. Some power words for a resume objective include: accelerated, concluded, diagnosed, and discovered, among others. etc.

The first thing that you should do is carefully go through the job description of the position that you are applying for. Then you can browse through resume power words by category to find the ones that align with your own skillset and the requirements of the job posting.

Also, find out about the values of the organization that you are applying for and try to integrate that into your resume. Here are some power word categories that can help you pick out the right action verbs for your resume.

• Leadership power words: If you have worked in a key leadership position, you could use the following power words to describe your day to day work.
• Sales or customer service : A sales or a customer service position demands some special skills. You can highlight these using the following power words.
• Communication or creative: For professionals with a communication-related or creative role, using the following power words can help portray the relevant skills and experience. You can also include certain resume power words for customer service to demonstrate your communication skills.
• Collaborated
• Constructed
• Demonstrated
• Transformed
• Technical role : The following list of resume power words works best when applying for a technical role.
• Architected
• Implemented
• Troubleshot
• Project management:  If you are applying for a project management position, use the following power words in your resume.
• Coordinated
• Established
• Facilitated
• Prioritized
• Reorganized
• Represented
• Communication skills : To display your communication skills, use these action verbs:
• Organizational skills : If you possess impeccable organizational skills, this is how you can add it to your resume:
• Accomplished
• Revitalized
• Management skills : Power words that can help better portray your management capabilities include the following:
• Restructured

Some other resume power words by category

• If you introduced or developed a project for your company by yourself, here are the power words that you should use in your resume.
• Administered
• Spearheaded
• Led a Project in the past? Awesome, but it’s better to steer clear of the term “led” and use the following power words to use on resume to shine amongst all the candidates.
• Orchestrated
• If you have saved the company time or money, you’ll automatically be the employer’s favorite candidate. Here’s how you should word it:
• Consolidated
• In case you were an employee that helped increase the efficiency, sales, revenue, or customer satisfaction in any way, you can use the following power action words for resume to humblebrag.
• Accelerated
• Capitalized
• You can also talk about the changes or improvements that you brought about.
• Standardized
• Instead of using the plain old “led a team,” use the following eye-catching words in your resume.
• If you were able to bring in partners, funding, or any other resources for the previous organization, you could add the following words to your resume:
• Some resume power words for customer service that can be used instead of “supported customers”:
• If you were particularly involved in research, analysis, or fact-finding for the company, you could add the following terms to properly communicate it.
• Investigated
• Use the following words to convey to the recruiter that communication skills are your strong suit.
• Corresponded
• In case you oversaw or regulated any aspect of the business, use these power words to showcase that.
• Any other achievement of yours, any department awards that you bagged, or the goals you accomplished should also find a place on your resume.
• Outperformed

While we have talked at lengths about what should be included in your resume, there are some overused terms that you should steer clear of.  These are the terms that are overused in every resume and can make it come across as boring or repetitive.

• Hard worker
• Team player
• Results-driven
• Detail-oriented

There are several other resume dictionary power words that can help you land the job of your dreams.  The above-given words can help you with your professional branding and come across as a better-informed candidate to the hiring manager. While these power words are extremely helpful in getting the attention of the employer, you do not have to stuff your entire resume with these. Being repetitive with these words will end up causing you more harm than good. This is why you should stick to only limited usage of the power words in your resume.

Just being educationally qualified for a job isn’t enough to get the position. You should be able to recount your skills and capabilities in the best possible manner. The most effectual way to do so is by creating a well-crafted resume that provides the employer with a clear idea of all your skills and strengths. Use these resume power words to stand out from the thousands of people applying for the same position as you.

Vartika Rai

Attend our free webinar on how to nail your next technical interview.

What is Diffing? How Does it Impact Code Management?

The role of a technical program manager, arraylist vs. linkedlist in java: choosing the right data structure, extend vs. append in python: list operations explained, nailing amazon's behavioral interview questions, git flow vs. github flow: a comparative guide to workflow strategies, top python scripting interview questions and answers you should practice, complex sql interview questions for interview preparation, zoox software engineer interview questions to crack your tech interview, rubrik interview questions for software engineers, top advanced sql interview questions and answers, twilio interview questions, ready to enroll, next webinar starts in.

Get  tech interview-ready to navigate a tough job market

• Designed by 500 FAANG+ experts
• Live training and mock interviews
• 17000+ tech professionals trained

• English (UK)

200+ Resume Words, Action Verbs, & Resume Power Words

Need an easy trick to boost your resume? Replace boring phrases with resume action words, power words, and adjectives for resume. Make your resume sound like a bestseller.

You’ve just finished writing your resume and feel proud of yourself. But after the initial feeling of accomplishment passed, you’ve taken a critical look at it. And it feels… dry. Boring. Forgettable. But there is an easy fix for that. Just replace the cliché phrasing with strong resume words. You know, like resume action words or resume adjectives.

Never heard of them? Don’t worry—you’ll become an expert on resume words in minutes.

In this guide:

• 200+ resume words you can use to improve your application.
• 130+ action verbs for resume to use in order to show your initiative. 
• Resume adjectives that are perfect for introducing yourself.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to put the finishing touches on your resume? Check these guides:

• 50+ Resume DOs and DON’Ts
• Adding Margins and White Space to a Resume
• Avoid These Resume Mistakes: 20+ Errors
• Employment Gaps on a Resume: Hide or Explain?
• Is a Two-Page Resume Good for You?
• Is Lying on a Resume a Bad Idea?
• Is Your Resume Perfect? Check and Compare
• Should You Add References to a Resume?
• Try These Best Resume Fonts
• Which File Format Is Best for a Resume: PDF or DOC?

If you wish to see a resume sample for a specific job, check our collection of 200+ professional resume examples .

Resume Words: What Are They?

Some words hold power. No, I don’t mean words such as hocus-pocus or abracadabra . I mean words that convey more meaning than others. They can serve different purposes, but in this article, I will talk only about those that can make a resume sound better .

Resume words are single words or phrases that you can use to improve the tone of your resume. They are also called active verbs or power words. If you use them well, they can highlight your key skills and show the hiring manager that you’re a great candidate for the job.

See, it’s not about opening a dictionary and choosing the fanciest synonyms for all the conventional words in your resume. That might make your application sound fake. It’s all about knowing the right balance—and the right power words, too.

So, what are good words for a resume?  They come in different forms, such as:

• Action verbs: they describe actions that you perform at work and prove you can take initiative rather than wait for others to direct you.
• Adjectives: you can use them to describe yourself in a resume profile or in your cover letter.
• Resume buzzwords: these are trendy words designed to catch the hiring manager’s or employer’s attention.
• Resume keywords: are words that can help you prepare an ATS-friendly resume .

What Are the Best Action Verbs for a Resume?

Technically, you know how to write a resume . But you’ve just spotted that your application is full of passive words and phrases such as “participated in” , “helped with” , “worked on” , or  “responsible for.” Well, it’s time to replace them with some exciting action words.

Here’s a list of good action words for a resume, divided into various categories:

Resume words to use instead of “assisted”

Resume verbs to use instead of “collaborated”, action words for resumes instead of “created”, resume verbs to replace “developed”, strong resume words to replace “ensured”, resume words to use instead of “helped”, resume words to replace “led”, action verbs for a resume to replace “maintained”, another word for “managed” on a resume, resume words to use instead of “performed”, words for resumes to replace “provided”, power words for a resume to replace “was responsible for”, good resume words to use instead of “worked on”.

• Verbs for resumes to replace “worked with.”

You can go through each list or just jump to the category you need right now.

• Administered
• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Facilitated

How to replace “assisted” with these resume words? For example, instead of writing: “Assisted the senior project manager with project scheduling and presenting updates,” you can say: “Scheduled project milestones and presented updates in collaboration with the senior project manager.”

• Corresponded

Since over 80% of managers see teamwork skills as essential , it’s not surprising that you may want to talk about working with others on your resume. You can skip the word “collaborated” by replacing it with the words from the list above. For example, don’t write: “Collaborated with external contractors,” but instead say: “Liaised and negotiated with external contractors.”

• Conceptualized
• Established

How to replace the word “created” with a resume action word? Instead of saying something like: “Created the graphic interface for a mobile application” , say: “Designed the graphic interface.”

• Implemented

Want to replace the word “developed” with an action verb for a resume? Instead of saying things along the lines of “Developed a successful marketing strategy,” try writing something like “Launched a new marketing campaign that resulted in …”

How to use these strong action verbs for a resume? For example, don’t say, “Ensured all team members fulfilled their responsibilities within deadlines” , but instead, write: “Delegated tasks to all team members and enforced strict deadlines.”

• Recommended

“Helped” is a boring word. Try using the resume action words from the list above instead. For example, don’t say: “Helped a team of four junior software developers during their onboarding process,” but write: “Mentored four junior software developers…” It’s a small tweak that will make you sound more agile.

Try using these resume words like this—instead of saying, “Led weekly team meetings,” write: “Chaired team meetings.”

• Streamlined
• Strengthened

How can you use these strong resume verbs? For example, don’t say: “Maintained a safe working environment.” Instead, write: “Strengthened safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.”

• Coordinated

“Managed” is one of the most overused resume words. You can replace it using the action verbs for a resume from the list above. For example, instead of writing: “Managed a team of eight software engineers,” say: “Supervised a team of …” Or, instead of saying: “Managed email communication in the customer service team,” say: “Facilitated effective email communication.”

• Accomplished
• Carried out

How can you use these resume verbs? For example, don’t say: “Performed all tasks within deadlines,” but write: “Completed all duties within deadlines” instead.

Here’s how to use these resume power words instead of saying “provided”. For example, don’t write “provided training sessions,” but say: “delivered training sessions” instead.

• Demonstrated

Don’t write things like “was responsible for data analysis for the sales department.” Instead, say: “Performed data analysis for…”

Want to write “worked on multiple software projects” ? Don’t. Instead, write: “Contributed to multiple software projects.”

Verbs for resumes to replace “worked with”

Use these resume words to skip the phrase “worked with” on your resume. For example, don’t write “Worked with five research assistants,” but instead, say: “Teamed with five research assistants.”

Of course, the lists above don’t include all action words—there are over 800 of these . But there’s enough to choose from and add to your resume.

What Are Good Adjectives for Resumes?

You want to write a catchy resume summary or a career objective , but it comes out less than impressive. Rather than sounding like a catchy elevator pitch, it resembles an extended version of Moby-Dick . 

Well, let’s look at the words you’ve chosen to describe yourself. Hmmm… “Experienced,” “motivated” , and—oh dear— “professional.” No wonder your introduction doesn’t spark joy. It’s time to spice things up with some good resume adjectives.

Best words to describe yourself on a resume include:

• Accountable
• Detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic
• Imaginative
• Influential
• Inquisitive
• Knowledgeable
• Open-minded
• Quick-thinking
• Resourceful
• Team-minded

Just pick the words that match your personality traits and use them to summarize your qualifications on a resume . For example, if you’re a customer service representative, you could describe yourself as personable, enthusiastic, or attentive.

More Resume Words to Replace Clichés 

Do you know what are the 2 words to never use on a resume?

“Responsible for” . Using these two words will make you seem idle in the eyes of a hiring manager. But the list of resume clichés is longer than that.

Here’s a list of good resume words you can use as synonyms for overused buzzwords:

Resume words to replace “responsible”

Resume words to use instead of “experience”, resume words to replace “passion”, good resume words to replace “opportunity”, resume words for “leadership”, best resume words to replace “team player”, words to put on a resume instead of “excellent”, best resume words to replace “hard-working”.

You can check all the resume words or just jump to the category you need right now.

• Trustworthy

You can use the synonyms below if you want to describe your personality. But if you want to describe your work experience on a resume , you need something else.

Replace the boring “responsible for” phrase with a resume action word. For example, don’t say: “Responsible for software development projects.” Instead, say: “Coordinated software development projects.”

• Proficiency

Let’s say you wanted to write: “Customer service agent with 3+ years of experience working with Microsoft Excel.” Instead, try: “Customer service agent with a good command of Microsoft Excel.”

• Appreciation

Don’t use the word “passion” too often in your job application. You can replace it with the resume words above. For example, instead of writing “I’d like to express my passion for this line of work,” you can say: “I’d like to express my enthusiasm…” or “I’m enthusiastic about …”

• Convenience

“Opportunity” is a word that is often repeated in cover letters. Instead of writing “I’d like to thank you for this opportunity” over and over, you can replace the word with “chance” or rephrase the sentence and try a different word.

• Encouragement
• Supervision

Hiring managers feel tired of hearing the word “leadership” too often. Instead of writing “Used leadership skills to manage the sales department” or something similar, try to highlight your leadership qualities differently: “Expressed encouragement and provided guidance for the sales department” .

Instead of saying “I’m a team player” on your resume, try these phrases:

• Communicate easily with teammates
• Enjoy teamwork
• Enjoy being a part of the team
• Enjoy working with others
• Thrive in a team environment

These phrases can also come in handy when you’re writing a cover letter or even when you’re describing your work history during a job interview.

• Exceptional
• First-class
• Outstanding

Instead of writing “demonstrated excellent performance,” you can type: “demonstrated outstanding performance” in your resume. You might also use these words to describe your professional achievements . For example, you might’ve provided invaluable feedback to colleagues or created a first-class design for a website.

Some recruiters sigh when they see “hard-working” on a resume. Try using other words to describe yourself or demonstrate relevant achievements that will speak for you.

How to Improve Your Application with Action Words?

There are different ways to add action verbs and power words to a resume. As with everything, remember not to overdo it. Your resume must sound natural, so don’t try to replace every single word with a fancy term straight out of a dictionary.

Follow these instructions to boost your resume using action verbs and power words:

1. Add action words to your resume profile

Experts agree that writing a resume profile is one of the best practices of resume writing . Introduce yourself with strong resume words—just like in the example below:

Dependable secretary with 4+ years of experience in office administration. Keen to simplify the administrative processes and support the board at SparkGlass Inc. using my time management and organizational skills. Certified Microsoft Office Specialist. Coordinated training sessions and organized the work-from-home scheme for office staff at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adding action verbs or good adjectives for a resume might be difficult at first, so give it a few tries before deciding on the final version.

2. Use power words when describing your work experience

Did you know that every sentence describing your previous experience should start with a resume action word? Well, now you know. Just like in the examples below:

• Reviewed company documentation to ensure compliance with appropriate state and federal regulations.
• Processed incoming and outgoing mail to ensure a smooth flow of communication between the business and partners.
• Coordinated Zoom training sessions and collaborated with the IT department to prepare the office staff for remote work at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Entered customer orders and shipping information in the sales database with 97% accuracy.
• Answered over 20 phone calls and directed callers to the appropriate persons within the company on a daily basis.
• Maintained the inventory of office supplies and made orders to replace necessary items.
• Coordinated a business trip involving international flights and hotel booking for six managers on short notice.

3. Mention action verbs to talk about education.

If you add information about extracurricular activities or academic achievements to your resume, use resume power words to highlight your skills. Check the examples below:

• Teamed with two computer science students to develop a mobile application tracking students’ academic progress.
• Mentored first-year students during orientation and throughout the academic year.
• Designed posters and leaflets for the student film club.

4. Describe other achievements with strong resume words.

When adding extra resume sections , such as volunteer experience or personal interests , to your resume, use power words to pull the hiring manager’s focus. Rather than listing dry facts like names of organizations or dates, show what you’ve done. Check the samples below:

Volunteer Work

• Organized a holiday bake sale that helped to raise money for the local community center in December 2019.

Associations & Memberships

• Chaired quarterly meetings of the Pennsylvania Interior Designer Association in the years 2018–2022.
• Founded a local book club with 15 members.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here’s a reminder of the main points from this article:

• Using resume words can help to catch the reader’s attention.
• You should try to replace passive words and clichés with good resume words.
• Add resume action verbs to the personal profile, work experience, education, and additional sections.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Have you got any questions about resume words? Maybe you’ve got tips to share with other readers? Let us know in the comments below!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Roma is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and career expert with international work experience and a background in education and humanities. She has spent considerable time assisting individuals in advancing their careers by helping them improve their communication skills in diverse cultural and professional settings. She has written over 50 articles on effective approaches to resume writing and career advice.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

Career Change Resume Examples for 2024 (+Templates & Tips)

You're about to change your career. Learn how to write a career change resume that will get you the dream job.

Tom Gerencer

Career Expert

How to Write an Internship Resume: 3 Examples & Guide

Roma Kończak, CPRW

US Resume Format (American Style Resume Samples)

Land of the brave, home of the free. You’re free to do as you like here! Apart from the US resume format. Turns out Americans are pretty attached to it.

Dave Rygielski

500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Add these vibrant action verbs to your resume to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting more job interviews.

Customers Interviewed by:

Want to make your resume stand out? Use action verbs. They make your resume easier to read, more exciting, and more memorable.

In fact, one study showed that using strong action verbs on your resume can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%.

To help you write your resume , we’ve compiled a list of 500 action verbs. They’re organized into categories to make it easy to find the perfect words to showcase your unique strengths.

What are action verbs?

Action verbs convey doing , and include words like achieved , designed , and implemented . The best place to use these words is at the beginning of bullet points on your resume.

Your “resume is typically written in an implied first person without pronouns,” says professional resume write Clair Levy . “This means you avoid using ‘I’ and instead start bullet points with action verbs (e.g., ‘Developed marketing strategies’ instead of ‘I developed marketing strategies”).”

If you’re unsure which action verbs to use, our list below offers plenty of options to choose from.

Action verbs for when you managed a project

When you need to highlight your ability to manage , these action verbs will help you convey your leadership and organizational skills effectively.

• Coordinated
• Disseminated
• Established
• Facilitated
• Orchestrated
• Prioritized
• Recommended
• Reorganized
• Represented
• Revitalized
• Spearheaded
• Streamlined
• Strengthened

Action verbs for when you were creative

When you want to showcase your creativity, these action verbs will help you bring your innovative ideas to the forefront.

• Conceptualized
• Constructed
• Corresponded
• Demonstrated
• Illustrated
• Interpreted
• Interviewed
• Photographed
• Storyboarded

Action words for when you did office work

When it’s time to highlight your office skills, these action verbs will help you show just how efficient and organized you are.

• Administered
• Contributed
• Distributed
• Followed up
• Implemented

Action words for when you researched

When you want to showcase your research skills, these action verbs will help you emphasize your analytical and investigative abilities.

• Articulated
• Concentrated
• Experimented
• Investigated
• Systematized

Action verbs for when you helped with a project

When you need to highlight your ability to assist , these action verbs will help you show how you made a difference.

• Co-authored
• Collaborated
• Participated
• Rehabilitated

Action verbs for when you used technical skills

When it comes to showing off your technical expertise, these action verbs will help you highlight your skills with precision.

• Communicated
• Reconstructed
• Supplemented

Action words for when you used numbers

When you want to showcase your number-crunching skills, these action verbs will help you highlight your analytical abilities.

Action words for when you were the teacher

When you need to highlight your teaching or mentoring experience , these action verbs will help you show how you guided and inspired others.

• Individualized

How to use action verbs on your resume

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

1. Avoid commonly used action verbs

While some action verbs pack a punch, others are so familiar to recruiters that their eyes may skim right over them. The top 10 most overused action verbs are: 

Use Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to help you replace generic, overused words with more relevant, targeted keywords.

2. Use numbers to be specific

Action verbs are a prelude to words that describe your accomplishments . You analyzed what ? You researched what ?

When describing the what of an accomplishment, always try to use numbers. Don’t just list your job duties. Numbers are a great way to be specific. They paint a clear picture of how well you did something. Here are three examples:

• Increased sales revenue by 30% through strategic marketing campaigns.
• Reduced customer wait time by 50% by implementing a new customer service queuing system.
• Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in overhead costs.

Wondering if your resume has enough relevant numbers? Jobscan’s resume optimization tool checks and helps you measure your achievements, making sure you stand out to employers.

3. Be active, not passive

Always try to use active voice on your resume. For example, “The batter hit the ball.” Avoid writing in passive voice . For example, “The ball was hit by the batter.”

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. Try to use industry-specific verbs

It’s important to use language that is specific to your areas of expertise . For example, if you’re applying for a job in the financial industry, using power verbs like “invested,” “audited,” or “calculated” will impress hiring managers and show that you have the relevant skills , experience, and knowledge they are looking for.

5. Tailor your resume to get more job interviews

You must tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to if you want to get interviews. That’s because most companies today used computer software to help them in the hiring process.

This software is called an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System . It’s a database that contains all the resumes a company receives. Hiring managers search through the database by typing in keywords. These keywords are usually hard and soft skills .

Just like websites need to be optimized for Google, your resume needs to be optimized for the ATS.

The way you optimize your resume is by adding specific job-related keywords to it. Where do you find these resume keywords ? In the description of the job you’re applying to.

To speed up the process use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Paste your resume and the job description into the scanner. You’ll then receive a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher the score the more likely you are to get an interview.

Here’s an example of a match report:

In the above example, the keyword “answering phones” is an important requirement for the job but is missing from the applicant’s resume. By adding this keyword, the match score will increase.

Try Jobscan’s resume scanner for free below…

Action verbs describe doing . Examples of action verbs include “run,” “jump,” “think,” and “read.” A variety of action verbs can really spice up your resume and make it more interesting to read. The best place to use action verbs when you build your resume is in your work experience section . Start off your resume bullet points with action verbs. You can also use action verbs on your resume summary . Try not to use the same action verb twice on your resume. Check out our library of resume examples to see the best way to use action verbs.

Action verbs grab and hold the reader’s attention. They paint a clear and convincing picture of your accomplishments. They also convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy. Studies show that using action words on your resume increases the chance of getting an interview by 140%.

A list of action verbs for students includes organized, coordinated, led, collaborated, contributed, participated, volunteered, initiated, assisted, conducted, presented, created, designed, developed, implemented, researched, analyzed, evaluated, communicated, adapted, demonstrated, managed, facilitated, supported, mentored.

Here are 50 popular action verbs: achieved, adapted, analyzed, assisted, built, collaborated, communicated, completed, conducted, created, designed, developed, directed, earned, established, executed, facilitated, generated, implemented, improved, innovated, led, maintained, managed, mentored, negotiated, organized, oversaw, participated, performed, presented, prioritized, produced, promoted, provided, resolved, reviewed, solved, streamlined, supported, supervised, taught, trained, updated, utilized, verified, volunteered, wrote, adapted, served.

Avoid overused action verbs like managed, led, created, implemented, improved, achieved, developed, resolved, planned, and assisted on your resume and cover letter .

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

Related Articles

August 27, 2024

August 22, 2024

August 16, 2024

August 14, 2024

August 10, 2024

August 8, 2024

August 6, 2024

Join 2 million job seekers who get bi-weekly job search tips

Get insider knowledge and ready-to-use job-seeking tips and hacks delivered to your inbox.

Get expert insights delivered straight to your inbox.

200 Resumé Words That Make Your Resumé Stand Out

4 Min Read | May 17, 2024

Just 7.4 seconds: That’s how much time you have to grab a recruiter’s attention when they read your resumé for the first time. 1 That’s it! So, if you’re looking for a new job, I have a helpful hint: To grab a hiring manager’s attention, make your resumé stand out using powerful resumé words. Hear me out on this—the chances of landing your dream job get a whole lot higher when you communicate your work experience with descriptive and confident resumé words because they help you stand out from the competition.

Resumé power words are strong, actionable and confident verbs and adjectives that describe your abilities and accomplishments. And they can make you stand out in a pool of other job seekers (without any changes to your actual work experience).

Words to Use in a Resumé

Words matter! And with the right word choice, you can give your resumé a big boost of style and confidence. Here are the top 200 resumé power words that will communicate your skills, abilities and talents and help you stand out to a hiring manager.

Resumé Power Words for Leadership

•  Enforced
•  Executed
•  Facilitated
•  Fostered
•  Founded
•  Guided
•  Headed
•  Instructed
•  Mentored
•  Moderated
•  Motivated
•  Orchestrated
•  Overhauled
•  Presided
•  Spearheaded
•  Steered
•  Supervised
•  Trained

Resumé Power Words for Collaborate

•  Aligned
•  Associated
•  Combined
•  Contributed
•  Cooperated
•  Joined
•  Integrated
•  Linked
•  Merged
•  Pooled
•  Synchronized
•  United

Resumé Power Words for Responsible For

•  Achieved
•  Accomplished
•  Assembled
•  Concluded
•  Coordinated
•  Devised
•  Effected
•  Fulfilled
•  Gathered
•  Handled
•  Produced
•  Prompted
•  Solved

Resumé Power Words for Communication

•  Advertised
•  Authored
•  Broadcast
•  Circulated
•  Distributed
•  Championed
•  Clarified
•  Consulted
•  Conveyed
•  Defined
•  Diagramed
•  Documented
•  Drafted
•  Endorsed
•  Illustrated
•  Influenced
•  Informed
•  Liaison
•  Negotiated
•  Networked
•  Notated
•  Persuaded
•  Presented
•  Promoted
•  Publicized
•  Published
•  Recommended
•  Recorded
•  Storyboarded
•  Translated

Resumé Power Words for Achieved

•  Administered
•  Arranged
•  Attained
•  Captured
•  Completed
•  Converted
•  Delivered
•  Earned
•  Enacted
•  Established
•  Lifted
•  Performed
•  Predicted
•  Procured
•  Proved
•  Secured
•  Strategized
•  Trailblazed
•  Yielded

Resumé Power Words for Worked On

•  Applied
•  Attended
•  Dedicated
•  Endeavored
•  Forecasted
•  Formulated
•  Implemented
•  Masterminded
•  Operated
•  Pursued
•  Processed
•  Rendered
•  Strove
•  Troubleshot
•  Undertook
•  Visualized
•  Volunteered

Resumé Power Words for Improved

•  Accelerated
•  Advanced
•  Boosted
•  Discerned
•  Enhanced
•  Expanded
•  Familiarized
•  Increased
•  Maximized
•  Outpaced
•  Perfected
•  Redesigned
•  Refined
•  Reformed
•  Renovated
•  Resolved
•  Restructured
•  Revamped
•  Revitalized
•  Simplified
•  Skyrocketed
•  Streamlined
•  Strengthened
•  Transformed
•  Upgraded

Resumé Power Words for Researched

• Investigated

Resumé Power Words for Created

• Constructed
• Established
• Kick-started

Resumé Power Words for Managed

•  Controlled
•  Designated
•  Directed
•  Employed
•  Governed
•  Mastered
•  Organized
•  Oversaw
•  Planned
•  Programmed
•  Ruled

What Words NOT to Use in a Resumé

When you’re updating your resumé (or creating a brand-new one), it’s best to stay away from general office buzzwords and confusing phrases. These are words that you might hear people say all the time, but nobody really knows what they mean. Here are a few examples of words to avoid using on your resumé:

• Hard worker
• Moving parts
• Move the needle
• Team player
• Think outside the box

Instead, you’ll want to focus on using specific power words that show (not tell) your skills, experiences and successes on the job.

Here’s an example: Let’s say one of your job responsibilities is to provide customer service over the phone. Look at the difference between an average answer and one using resumé power words:

• Answered customer questions on the phone in a timely manner
• Established trust with customers over the phone by researching and implementing advanced listening skills and reducing call wait times

Do you see the difference? The job responsibility is the same , but the impact of using resumé power words makes this job seeker stand out from the competition.

Ken Coleman Resume Templates

Did you find this article helpful share it.

About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

5 Ways to Make a Resumé With No Experience

No matter how much or how little work experience you have, I know you’ve got plenty of qualifications to share on a resume. Here are five ways to create a new resumé with no experience.

How to Write a Resumé in 6 Steps

If you want to set yourself up for success in your job hunt, making a good resumé is the first step. Here are six things to keep in mind when you’re learning how to write a resumé.

To give you the best online experience, Ramsey Solutions uses cookies and other tracking technologies to collect information about you and your website experience, and shares it with our analytics and advertising partners as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse or by closing out of this message, you indicate your agreement.

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Are you looking for impactful resume action words and power verbs?

Correctly using relevant action words and power verbs can put you light years ahead in your job search.

If you write your experiences in the resume like the following, you need to read this guide:

• 'I am an excellent team player...'
• 'I was responsible for managing...'

Instead of these generic words, you must use resume power verbs to make your resume all the more compelling.

Resume power verbs are words that help grab the reader's attention by clearly communicating your skills and experience. It also improves the wattage of your bullet points and improves readability.

Our 2023 Guide to Resume Words, focusing on Action Verbs Examples, will provide a detailed roadmap to shift your resume from 'oh well' to 'wow.'

You will get clarity on the following FAQs related to resume action words and power verbs:

• What are power verbs or resume action words?
• Why action verbs are important for a resume?
• How to use action verbs on a resume?
• What are some resume power adjectives?
• 250+ example of power verbs in resume

What are Power Verbs or Resume Action Words?

Power verbs are action-based verbs with strong meaning in the English language compared to other verbs. If you use action words in a sentence, you become strong and confident.

In contrast, most resume bullet points start with the same words:

• "Responsible"
• "Managed"
• "Held," etc.

These words are used so much that it has lost their meaning for the recruiters. So, to grab the recruiter's attention, it's important to use resume power verbs in the bullet points.

Also Read: How many bullet points should you add to your resume in 2023?

Why are Action Verbs Important for a Resume?

Action verbs are important because they help you communicate your strengths and experiences to the recruiter in a strong voice.

Let's see two examples:

Which one do you think is the most effective?

Both the bullet points mean the same thing, but the first one is more impactful to the recruiters,

Given below are two examples of how to use action words on a resume:

Also Read: How to create a compelling work experience section in your resume?

How to Use Action Verbs on a Resume?

A good resume is much more than a list of jobs with corresponding dates – it's a marketing document to show off your strengths and get you the job.

One of the most important elements of your resume is the action verbs (words that describe actions) you use. Action verbs make up your experience description; each should be relevant, concise, and targeted to a specific job.

1. Which Power Words Should You Use?

When using power verbs in your resume, it is important to choose measurable and relevant words for the job. This way, you can pair the power verb with a tangible achievement, for example, enhanced marketing ROI by 35%.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Read the job description carefully, and identify the key responsibilities for the job
• Determine which skills of yours match the job description
• Look at power verbs to highlight these achievements in the resume

Also Read: What are some good resume synonyms for the word "teach"?

2. How Often Should You Use Power Words?

If you overdo the action verbs, then they will lose their value. The hiring manager might also think that you're trying too hard.

A general rule of thumb is to not use the same power verb in one "Work Experience" section twice.

3. Avoid Generic Resume Words

Generic action verbs are common on resumes. They don't make much of an impact. Instead, choose resume words representing a quantifiable achievement that is powerful, and dynamic, and show the employer how much of an impact you had on your previous company.

Also Read: How to say "innovative" in different ways on your professional documents?

4. Use Fresh Resume Action Verbs

Resumes are boring. You're not going to hook an employer with your vanilla resume and piles of text. That's why it's important to include the right words in your resume to make yourself stand out from the pack.

36 Fresh Resume Action Verbs Example

5. Avoid Passive Voice in Resume

We often unconsciously use the passive voice in resume writing, which can be difficult to detect. One simple way to tell the difference is to look at your verbs in the active voice. For example: If the verb in your sentence comprises two words ("was developed") or contains "to be" verbs such as "is," "are," and "were" (e.g., "were developed"), then you know the passive voice is at work.

By changing the passive voices to active voices, you will improve the readability of your resume.

Also Read: What skills should you include in your resume in 2023?

Kickass Resume Action Verbs to Replace Commonly Used Words

Strong resume words for 'planning' or 'strategic planning.'.

Additionally, check out this great resource for more action verbs around 'Strategic Planning'

Also Read: 10+ Strategic synonyms that will elevate your reusme

Good Resume Words for 'Managing.'

Also Read: 10+ Synthesize synonyms

Strong Resume Words for 'Organizing.'

Also Read: Synonyms for the word "build" that you can use in resumes and cover letters

Good Resume Words for 'Supervising' or 'Leadership.'

Also Read: 10 unique ways to say "teamwork" on a resume

Strong Resume Words for 'Executing' or 'Worked on' or 'Handled.'

Also Read: "Contribute" synonyms

Good Resume Words for 'Communication.'

Also Read: 10+ Synonyms for "motivate"

Strong Resume Words for 'Helping.'

Good Resume Words for 'Creativity' or 'Problem Solving.'

Strong Resume Words for 'Responsible for' or 'Getting Results'

Good Resume Words for 'Team Player'

Also Read: Which keywords should you use in your resume in 2023?

Resume Buzzwords: 2023 List of Resume Verbs to Include and Avoid

Also Read: How to write a stellar resume in 2023?

What are Some Resume Power Adjectives?

Power adjectives are a more sophisticated way of listing your achievements and skills when compared with power verbs because, unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

This section will show you how to use power adjectives effectively in different resume sections.

Use Power Adjectives in Resume Summary

A resume summary is the first paragraph the recruiter sees in your resume. It’s used to grab the recruiter’s attention to read the whole resume.

And power adjectives can help you do that if you effectively add them to the resume summary.

• Certified Cybersecurity professional with 4+ years of extensive experience adept at providing meticulous leadership and network infrastructure support by ensuring all systems and databases are up-to-date.
• Certified Cybersecurity professional with 4+ years of experience adept at providing network infrastructure support by ensuring all systems and databases are up-to-date.

Power Adjective in Professional Experience Section

The professional experience section is the heart of the resume. And using power adjectives in a resume can help you hold the recruiter’s attention.

Also Read: What are some great examples of resume summaries for various job profiles?

Best Power Adjective for Resume

Given below are some power verbs which are categorized based on different soft skills:

Power Adjective for Creativity

Power Adjective for Productivity

Power Adjective for Dedication

Power Adjective for Hard Work

Power Adjective for Organization Skills

Also Read: How to use resume buzzwords the right way?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 resume power words.

What are Some Resume Buzz Words 2023 to Leave Off Your Resume?

You need to ensure that you’re not using popular Resume Buzz Words 2023 on your resume.

The resume already has limited space. So choose your words carefully to maximize the impact on recruiters.

Here are some Buzz Words 2023 to Leave Off Your Resume:

• Hard-working
• Responsible
• Team Player
• Result-driven
• Specialized
• Problem-solving

Why Do We Need to Add Power Verbs in a Resume?

When applying for a job, a candidate needs to appear confident and competent, so using power verbs helps you communicate your message more powerfully, confidently, and convincingly.

How to choose power verbs? Choose a power verb that describes your work most accurately. The aim is to convey what you’ve done in your previous jobs that led to measurable results.

Also Read: What are some of the best jobs for retired people?

Key Takeaways

To recap everything that we discussed till now:

• Action verbs for resume are different from resume keywords. The latter pertains to professional job skills which the recruiter is looking for. The former helps to realign your resume from responsibility-based to achievement-based.
• Simply stuffing your resume with action verbs will do you no good. It's always better to validate everything you say with quantifiable instances and achievements.
• If everyone's special, no one's special. Resume buzzwords come and go with each passing season, and it's critical to be aware of the trend. Our section on the 2023 Guide to Resume Keywords will give you an idea of which ones to use and which ones to avoid.
• Use our extensive compendium of action verbs for resume grouped by resume skills to revamp your resume!

Go to Hiration's ChatGPT-powered career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at support{@}hiration{dot}com.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Resume Keywords: 80+ Verbs and Power Words to Use

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The most powerful words you can put on your resume are verbs. While other job seekers are saying, “Responsible for…” you want to be saying, “Led,” “Managed,” “Grew,” etc.

In this article, we’ll look at more than 80 positive, impressive-sounding verbs and action words to use on your resume or LinkedIn.

Let’s get started…

Positive Verbs & Action Words to Use in a Resume

To start, here are some impressive, action-oriented words you can use in your resume to avoid the over-used phrase, “Responsible for…”

Always try to lead off your bullets with a verb when possible. You can also use verbs in your resume summary , bullets  and work history .

Here’s the full list of verbs to help you write a better resume:

Words for Leading People, Projects, and Tasks

• Orchestrated
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Words for Boosting Sales/Revenue

Words for improving a process.

• Accelerated
• Re-engineered
• Reorganized
• Transformed
• Re-calibrated
• Restructured
• Strengthened
• Streamlined
• Transitioned

Words for Creating a New Process or Initiative

• Implemented
• Established
• Spearheaded

Words for Research, Analysis, and Business Decision-Making

Words for saving money or resources for the company, words to show achievements, awards, and successes.

• Recognized for
• Succeeded in
• Outperformed

What Are Good Keywords for a Resume?

Next, you’ll need to put some keywords for the specific jobs you’re applying for.

But what are good keywords to include?

The best keywords to put on your resume are words directly from the job posting. This is what the employer wants to see most (and likely what they’re looking for first – whether they’re using a software-based applicant tracking system or having a recruiter or HR person review each resume manually).

So if the job posting talks about wanting someone who has led projects in the past, make sure you’re saying “leadership” in your list of skills, and put a bullet that says “Successfully led…” in your recent work if possible.

This is known as tailoring your resume .

Try to use the same phrasing that the company uses in the job description at least once (e.g. led vs. leading vs. lead).

This isn’t always possible, and you should always write your resume for a real person first and foremost… since that’s who will be making the final decision. But try to mirror the job description when possible.

Don’t use generic buzzwords and adjectives like “hard-working”

The words listed on the job description are the best keywords and key phrases to put on your resume. Avoid buzzwords like, “hard-working” or “excellent interpersonal skills.” Employers don’t care much about this on a resume and prefer to evaluate it in an interview.

Those generic lists of resume keywords that you’ll find online are not helping. I worked for five years as a recruiter and never once decided to interview someone or recommend them for a job because of a generic phrase like that.

Employers are much more concerned about hard skills and job-related experience on a resume. They want proof you can step into the job and succeed… which is what the resume/CV word list above will help you show!

For skill-based keywords with an abbreviation, try to include the long and short version of the keyword at least once on your resume. For example, if you do business-to-business sales, you’d want to say “B2B Sales” once, and you’d want to write it out in the longer form at least once, too.

That’s just one more tip to help you beat applicant tracking systems.

Write What You Accomplished, Not What You Were Responsible For

When writing your resume and choosing what keywords and verbs to use, keep in mind that your goal should be to highlight what you accomplished… not just what you were responsible for.

Hiring managers aren’t going to be very impressed by a long list of what you were assigned to do. That’s essentially what you’re sharing if you start a bullet with “Responsible for.”

Also, try to include specific data and results when possible, especially in your bullets.

I’ll share a few examples below… by taking some of the words I recommended above and completing the sentence.

The verbs from the list above will be in bold to help you spot them below. Note that you shouldn’t write them in bold on your actual resume most likely.

Examples of How to Write Accomplishment-Driven Resume Bullets

Completed an average of 19 projects per month, bringing in $2.4MM in revenue for the company in 2019″

Audited 4 internal processes and systems related to order management, identifying an opportunity to save 1.2% on payment processing costs.

Overhauled the training program for new sales associates, resulting in 2 fewer weeks of training necessary and a 7% increase in first-month revenue generated by new sales associates in Q1 2020.

Oversaw and mentored 10 new team members per quarter, instructing them on the day-to-day work, company policies, and best practices

Conclusion: The Best Keywords and Verbs to Use in a Resume

You now have a list of powerful, effective words for writing your resume, which you should use to lead off bullet points and other sentences. This will show employers how you performed and what you accomplished in past work.

Try to avoid saying, “Responsible for,” and use the verbs from the word list above instead!

You also know how to find the best keywords for your resume – by using the job description. This is the best way to ensure that you’re not forgetting any essential skills that the employer wants.

Finally, you know NOT to put generic buzzwords like “hard working” or “fast learner”.

If you skipped to the bottom and aren’t sure about any of this, I recommend going back through the article.

Once you implement everything above, you’re going to have a much better resume that gets you more job interviews.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), are resume writers worth it, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, chronological resume: the best format (and how to write it), the 3 best colors for a resume, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, how long should a resume be, walk me through your resume: answer examples.

• Get Unlimited Access

• See All Courses >
• SUCCESS STORIES

• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>

• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>

• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>

• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>

• ResyMatch.io Scan and score your resume vs. any target job.
• ResyBuild.io Build a job-winning resume using proven templates and advice.
• CoverBuild.io Have AI generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Transform your LinkedIn headline into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBullet.io Scan, score, and upgrade your resume bullets.
• Mailscoop.io Find anyone’s professional email address in seconds.
• The Job Search Email Playbook Our 100+ page guide to writing job-winning emails.
• Value Validation Project Starter Kit Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP.
• No Experience, No Problem Learn how to change careers with no experience.
• The Interview Preparation System A proven system for job-winning interview prep.
• The LinkedIn Launch Formula A proven system for six-figure success on LinkedIn.
• See All Blog Posts Check out all of our job search articles & posts.
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Scan your LinkedIn Headline and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization Our comprehensive guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
• LinkedIn Headlines Learn how to write a crazy-effective LinkedIn headline.
• LinkedIn Profile Picture Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn profile picture.
• LinkedIn About Section Write a job-winning About section (with examples!)
• LinkedIn Cover Photos Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn cover photo.
• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>
• ResyMatch.io Scan your resume and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBuild.io Build a beautiful, job-winning resume using recruiter-approved templates.
• Resume Examples Check out example resumes for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Resume Learn how to write a resume that actually wins job offers.
• Resume Summaries Our guide on writing a job-winning resume summary.
• Resume Tips & Action Words 175+ tips & examples to supercharge your resume.
• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>
• CoverBuild.io Use our tool to generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• Cover Letter Examples Check out example cover letters for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Cover Letter Learn how to write a cover letter that actually wins job offers.
• Cover Letter Templates Check out our proven, job-winning cover letter templates.
• Addressing A Cover Letter Learn how to start a cover letter the right way.
• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>
• Mailscoop.io A tool to help you find anyone’s professional email in seconds.
• How To Get A Job Without Applying Online Our flagship guide for effective job searching in today’s market.
• How To Network Our comprehensive guide on learning how to network.
• Tips For Better Networking Emails 6 tips for writing networking emails that actually get results.
• What To Ask In An Informational Interview 10 great questions to ask during a networking conversation.
• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>
• How To Prepare For Interviews Our proven preparation framework for turning more interviews into offers.
• How To Create A Job-Winning Interview Presentation Learn our “silver bullet” Value Validation Project presentation strategy.
• Interview Questions & Answer Examples Job-winning example answers for common interview questions.
• What To Wear To An Interview A simple guide to dressing for the job you want.
• How To Write A Job-Winning Thank You Note Learn how to write a post-interview thank you that wins job offers.

175+ Data-Backed Action Words To Supercharge Your Resume

• LinkedIn 55
• Pinterest 1

Most people's attempt to “stand out” with their resume action words fail. Why? Because they end up plugging in the same information everyone else is!

Candidates are all using the same buzzwords and catchphrases like “results oriented team player” or “passionate growth marketer” that they copied and pasted in a weak attempt to be seen.

Breaking News!

Recruiters have been seeing this for years now, to the point where resumes that  don't  include these vague buzzwords are actually the ones that stand out.

If you want to make a great first impression that lands you the job interview, you're going to have to do more than just use some fancy resume action words. You need to understand the science behind weaving those actions words into your resume bullets in a way that immediately grab's the hiring manager's attention and conveys your value.

This post has 175+ examples of resume action words you can use to improve your bullets. But it's also going to walk you through the methodology behind writing great resume bullets so your action words actually get results instead of turning into another frame in that gif at the beginning on the post.

How do I know this works? Because I applied this strategy to my resume which landed me job offers at Google, Microsoft, & Twitter despite having no traditional experience or connections at those companies. It's also helped people in my audience (just like you) go one to land jobs at Google, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, Apple, and more!

By the end of this article, you'll have an exact framework for writing highly effective bullets that pop off your resume and grab the recruiter's attention. You can easily skip to any section using these links, but I'd recommend you start from the top down:

• The Data-Backed Strategy For Making Your Resume Pop With Action Words
• 50 Examples of Emotional Resume Words
• 60 Examples of Power/Action Words For Your Resume
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Managed People
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Increased Something (Sales, Revenue, Efficiency, or a Specific KPI)
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Eliminated Issues Or Reduced Problems
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Spearheaded A Project Or Initiative
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Designed, Organized, or Planned Something Big
• 10+ Action Words To Use If You Updated, Changed, or Restructured Something

When you're ready to incorporate these action words into your resume, check out my guide on writing resumes that will actually get you hired.

The (Data-Backed) Strategy For Making Your Resume Pop With Action Words

Most people think that resumes are a summary of their job history, and those people would be very  wrong. Resumes are actually marketing “brochures” focused on selling a single product:  YOU!

Let's take a quick step back.

In the world of online marketing and advertising, headlines are absolutely critical. Why?

According to a recent study  at Columbia University and the French National Institute, 59% of posts shared on social media have never actually been clicked. Another study by the Media Insight Project found that roughly six in 10 people acknowledge that they have done nothing more than read news headlines in the past week.

A marketer's post could be amazing, but if they don't have a great headline, it doesn't matter. Nobody's reading beyond that.

Now you may be thinking, how is this at all relevant to my resume?

When something as specific as a headline becomes this important, people begin to study it. Marketers at places like  CoSchedule , Neil Patel , and Buzz Sumo  have combed through hundreds of millions of data points to discovery exactly what language, format, and tactics lead to the most catchy headline (and thus, more traffic and more money).

The great news for you is that the science behind catching someone's attention doesn't just apply to headlines, it works just as well for resume bullets too!

Before we dive into the examples of resume action words and phrases, let me break down the data behind highly effective resume bullets and how they're written. If you understand that (instead of simply copying and pasting) your bullets will be much more effective and your chances of scoring an interview will increase substantially.

The Anatomy Of A Highly Effective Resume Bullet

When it comes to bang for your buck, the word balance of your resume bullet matters most. Most every word or phrase you're going to use will fall into one of four buckets:

• Industry-Specific Terms (Hard & Soft Skills)
• Common Words
• Action / Power / Emotional Words

Measurable Metrics

Combining the marketing data mentioned above with the split tests I've run with the job seekers in my audience, resume bullets that grab the most eyeballs (and land the most interviews) are broken down like this:

While marketing headlines tend to be short and sweet, resume bullets need to be a little bit longer to accurately convey your value. Sticking with the balance above will help ensure that you're not swimming in the same boring buzzwords that appear on everyone else's resume.

To help you understand exactly how to leverage each word category, let's break them down with some examples:

Industry-Specific Resume Words

Industry-specific words and phrases add substance to your bullet and prove out your skills. They include the names of tools/platforms, jargon, skills, or other language that specifically relates to the industry you're targeting.

I work in digital advertising so I'll share some examples of what that looks like in my industry:

Adding a good mix of these will also increase your chances of matching with terms the Applicant Tracking Software is looking for and getting your resume into the hands of a real person. Because of that, you should aim to have industry-specific terms make up around 45% of your bullet's word balance.

Common Resume Words

Common words are the ones you use every day. Their purpose is to fill the gaps between your action words and industry terms in a way that make sense for the reader.

Common words should make up about 25% of your total bullet, but you can include more if it improves readability (as long as you're not sacrificing value from excluding additional industry terms or skills). Aim to use these in your bullet the same way you'd use them if you were speaking.

Here are a few examples of common words:

Emotional Resume Words

Now we're getting to the good stuff! Emotional words catch your reader's attention and pull them in. This is what keeps reading and get them excited about your experience. Overusing emotional words can make your bullets sound cheesy and unprofessional though, so you only want to use a few of them in each bullet.

Here are some examples of emotional words:

50 Emotional Resume Word Examples

Power/Action Resume Words

Like emotional words, action words are attention grabbing and authoritative. They will hammer home the value you bring to the table with an air of confidence that the hiring manager can't ignore. Action words are best used as a punchline so aim for one to two per bullet!

Here are some examples of action words for your resume:

60 Action Word Examples For Your Resume

Finally, measurable metrics are the icing on the cake. Anyone can say they saw a “gigantic increase” or they “rejuvenated the business,” but what exactly does that mean?

Was your “gigantic increase” a 50% increase from five memos sent per month to 10? Or was it closing a deal worth $250,000 that shot you 164% above your quota?

Was your “rejuvenation” slightly increased morale because you secured funds for a few cases of beer at the next happy hour, or did you create a three month plan for developing deep relationships with four separate teams at your client, leading to a stronger relationship and avoiding a canceled contract worth $80,000/month?

Using power words is an awesome way to make your resume stand out, but pairing them with measurable metrics is what's going to get you hired because it conveys the exact value you bring to the table.

If you're not sure what measurable metrics you can provide, ask yourself these two questions:

• Why is my company paying me to do this? What result do they want that makes it worth their money?
• How are they measuring success? What metrics or criteria are they using to decide whether I did this thing well?

If you're not sure about either of those, schedule some time to chat with your manager to get clear on how you're measured. Chances are good that hiring managers at other companies are using the same criteria for their employees.

Putting It All Together (Real Resume Bullet Examples)

Let's take a look at examples of great resume bullets that leverage the balance outlined in the previous section.

Our first example focuses on a customer support representative who reworked her company's ticket triage process to reduce their backlog:

This bullet is a nice length (16 words) and its word balance comes out to:

• 13% Action Words (developed, eliminated)
• 38% Industry Terms  (tiered, triage, system, JIRA, ticket, backlog)
• 38% Common Words  (that, of, in, less, than, weeks)
• 11% Measurable Metrics  (40%, 8)

Our next example is a marketer who leverage customer data to refine targeting on the company's digital advertising, increasing sales and lowering cost-per-lead:

This bullet is 18 words long and balances out to:

• 17% Action Words  (overhauled, comprehensive, shot)
• 39% Uncommon / Industry Related Words  (digital, ad, targeting, customer, data, analysis, CPA)
• 33% Common Words  (based, on, up, while, dropped, sales)
• 11% Measurable Metrics (37%, 18%)

Both of these examples match our word balance almost perfectly. See how the right information pops off the page and the overall bullet is quick and easy to read? That's what we're going for.

A Free Tool To Make Writing Great Bullets Easy

When I was a job seeker, I could never find a was to distill the resume advice I saw online into real results.

People would tell me to use “keywords” or make my bullets more “results-focused.” But I had no idea what any of that meant or how to do it correctly. It felt abstract and hard to quantify.

That's when I decided to come up with the formula I mentioned above.

But I wanted to make it even easier for you to get better at writing resume bullets! That's why I built out a free resume bullet analyzer tool called ResyBullet.io .

As you make tweaks to your bullets, ResyBullet will also keep track of your history so you can see the changes you've made and the score it resulted in.

That way you can track your progress and get a better understanding of what types of language and formulas work for you:

Best part is, you can use this tool for free! You can check it out at ResyBullet.io.

Now that we've covered off on defining each category that makes up your resume bullet along with a tool to help you improve, I wanted to give you a library of examples that you could pull from to make things easy:

Examples of Resume Action Words For Different Skills

Now that you know how to leverage the right word balance, let's walk through some examples of action words you can use for different skills, jobs, and accomplishments to supercharge your resume.

Action Words To Use If You Managed People

If you're a people manager, it's easy to say  “managed a team…”  or  “led a team…”  but that's what everyone else has on their resume too. If you want to stand out, try swapping in these action words:

• Rejuvenated

Action Words To Use If You Increased Something (Sales, Revenue, Efficiency, or a Specific KPI)

If you're in a “skill position” like sales, marketing, support, etc. then your performance is likely judged on specific metrics. Instead of saying  “I helped increase…”  or  “I drove…”  try using these action words to amplify the impact of your results:

• Accelerated

Action Words To Use If You Eliminated Issues Or Reduced Problems

On the flip side of skyrocketing sales, many roles specialize in “reduction” — eliminating issues, decreasing expenses, etc. If that's you, consider using these action words when writing your bullets:

Action Words To Use If You Spearheaded A Project Or Initiative

Projects are one of the best ways to convey value in your resume because they let you show off the skills you used as well as the results you saw. Instead of saying  “Led an initiative where…”  try using these action words to emphasize your accomplishments:

• Orchestrated
• Facilitated
• Spearheaded

Action Words To Use If You Designed, Planned, Or Organized Something Big

It's one thing to execute on tasks that someone handed to you, but companies love to hear about candidates who took the initiative to dream up and plan a project or initiative that led to major results. It could be an idea for a new product, a plan to increase customer retention, or a new design to better connect the brand to its customers. Whatever it might be, if you dreamt it, designed it, and planned it, use these action words to describe it on your resume:

• Choreographed

Action Words To Use If You Updated, Changed, or Restructured Something

Pretty much every company has processes that need to be improved, or things that simply need a complete restructure. If you came in and improved something, made a positive change, or simple changed the way things were done, these are the action words to help you describe it:

• Restructured
• Standardized
• Transformed
• Streamlined

Two Additional Marketing Tactics You Can Use To Take Your Resume Action Words To The Next Level

Now you know the general formula for writing effective bullets and you've got 175+ resume action words to help convey your value. That's a great place to start, but there's still more meat on this bone.

If you  really  want to take your resume writing to the next level, here are two more data-backed tips that will set you head and shoulders above the competition for your dream job:

Tip #1: Write at least 15 versions of your most important resume bullets

About 5 years ago a site called Upworthy practically invented “virality.” They were the first company to leverage “click bait” headlines and, while click bait is pretty much dead, their advice on creating amazing bullets and headlines is still widely used today.

In their report on  The Science of Virality   they recommended writing 25 headline variations for each article. Why? Because anyone can come up with one, or five, but once you hit the double digit mark the easy ones are gone. That means you have to get creative, and when you're forced to think outside of the box, that's where some of the best results are born.

Check out the 25 headline brainstorm that Garret wrote for a post on the death of Facebook:

Image courtesy of CoSchedule

See how the final third of his headlines are the most unique, creative, and attention grabbing? That's the idea!

In your case, writing 25 unique resume bullets will be hard so I challenge you to try for 15. Use different phrasing and test out different resume action words. You'll be surprised at how much better and more creative your resume looks in the end.

Since this process can be time consuming, I'd recommending doing it for every bullet in your resume objective , as well as the first bullet of your last two jobs.

Tip #2: Include links in your resume bullets to highlight your best experience

The days of walking into your company's local HQ and handing them a folder with your resume are over. Resumes are pretty much 100% digital in today's job market, which affords us plenty of opportunities to go above and beyond.

When you're submitting your resume, a PDF version will allow you to include clickable links. While everyone else is competing on their 8.5×11″ pieces of paper, you can send your hiring manager to an amazing resource, case study, or blog post that illustrates just how awesome you are as a candidate.

This is an awesome value-add that she could link to in her resume. One of the most effective ways to make this happen is to use your resume action words plus your measurable metrics as the link text (you can even call out “click here to learn more”). For example:

Spearheaded an initiative to increase user engagement and monetization through gamification. Our game-based UX system led to a 16% spike in retention (click here to learn more).

This will give your hiring managers a chance to see the “real you” on your terms. Just make sure to remove the “click here” and the link for any physical resumes you bring into their office. You can always print out a version of your value-add deliverable to bring in as well.

Next Steps For Your Resume Bullets & Action Words

If you've made it this far down the post, congrats! You're now armed with all the knowledge you need to write some killer resume bullets. Now your immediate homework is to:

• Re-write your resume bullets using the right word balance from part 1 of this post
• Make sure to include relevant action words and measurable metrics using the examples above
• Write 15 different versions of your most important bullets to ensure they are the best you have to offer
• Get creative with links to resources that illustrate additional value, make sure to include calls to action like  “click here to see how we did it”
• When you're done with all the above, read this guide on writing resumes that will actually get you hired to make sure the rest of your resume is bulletproof and ready to go!

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow me on Medium
• Follow me on Instagram

Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

19 thoughts on 175+ Data-Backed Action Words To Supercharge Your Resume

Awesome strategies and insight Austin.

Keep up the excellent work-I’d love to join your team!

I appreciate it Michael! I’ll let you know when we’re hiring 😉

Thanks for brilliant knowledge.

You’re too kind Kabineh, I appreciate you reading!

This is great information. Now it is time to go to work!

Here we go Paul! You got this!

Thank you for putting out a wonderful piece of article! My CV is optimized by more than 50%.

You bet Desmond, I’m glad it was helpful!

Thanks for this kind gesture, Austin. You’re amazingly different. I grasped great insight from this your post.

I’m so happy to hear that it was helpful Bayode!

All your tips are so so helpful.You’ve been a belssing on linkedin. Learnt a lot from your posts.

Awesome! I’m so happy to hear that Akshay!

All I can say is this is 100% the best advice I have seen

You rock Melanie, I’m so happy to hear the advice has been valuable!

Pass the marshmallows, Austin. I’ve been camped out on this page while tailoring a resume for Amazon. Appreciate your dedication.

Hahah I love it Michael, I’ll bring the graham crackers!

Thank you so much for sharing such amazing and comprehensive content! (I truly appreciate how generous you are with your knowledge!) It has definitely made the resume rebuilding process less daunting!

This gives me confidence of getting hired for the REAL me than just words.

This is gold! Thank you, Austin, for your post on LinkedIn. I’m currently looking for an online job and this would help me create a desirable resume ever.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Most Popular Posts

YOU’VE SEEN AUSTIN IN

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?

Welcome Back To Cultivated Culture!

Log into your Cultivated Culture account using one of the options below:

You have exceeded the maximum number of phone messages in a 24 hour period. We limit the number of times you can request security codes in order to protect your security. Please try again later or /contact">contact us for assistance with accessing your account.

Forgot your password? Click here to reset.

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and agree to receive email updates.

One Free Account, Four Job-Winning Tools

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account and get access to all of our job search tools:

Your Bullet Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your bullet along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign Up To Save & Export Your Resume

Sign up to create, save, and export your resume and get access to our suite of job search tools!

Sign Up To Get More Free Email Searches

Create a free account to unlock more email searches and get access to all four of our job-winning tools:

Your Headline Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your headline along with suggestions for improving it:

Already have an acount? Click Here To Log In

We Just Need You To Verify Your Email.

We just emailed you a 6-digit code. Please check your email and enter it below.

Note: Your progress will not be saved until your email is verified. Closing this pop up or window might cause you to lose your progress.

Invalid Code

Choose one of the options below to get the verification code we sent you!

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free scans.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free templates, saves, and exports.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free email searches.

We sent a verification code to your email, all you have to do is paste that code here and submit to get full access!

Looks Like You Still Need To Verify Your Email Address!

Whoops! Looks like you still haven't verified your email address. We'll need you to do that before granting free, unlimited access to our tools.

If you can't find the original verification email, click the link below and we'll send a new one:

Sent! Please check your email.

Oops you've hit your credit limit..

Looks like you've used all 10 of your free credits for the month. Your credit limit will refresh in days. You can learn more about your credit limit here.

Want to stop worrying about credits?

Sign up for our Unlimited plan to get instance unlimited access to all of our jon search tools for one low price. Click below to learn more:

Go Unlimited!

Change plan.

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our full suite of tools to help you craft personalized job application materials in 15 minutes (or less!).

Go Unlimited (& Save 10%)!

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our full suite of tools to help you craft personalized job application materials in 15 minutes (or less!), and 10% off our regular pricing thanks to your friend :

Your Unlimited plan comes with...

Unlimited access to 6 of our job search tools

Unlimited AI optimizations and generations

200 Mailscoop searches per week

No obligations - cancel any time

By clicking "Upgrade My Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

By clicking "Change Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Confirm Your Plan Change

Here is a summary of your plan change:

Current Plan:

Please note the following for plan changes:

Your new plan and rebill date will be effective immediately

The number above depict retail plan pricing, any adjustments or credits will be available in the Invoices section of your Billing tab

If you're moving to a lower cost plan, the difference will be credited to your account and applied towards your next payment

By clicking "Confirm Plan Change," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Unlimited Plan Upgrade

Change payment method.

Promo code has been applied to your purchase!

Note: This is a monthly subscription, your card will be automatically charged every month until you cancel your plan.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2024 Cultivated Culture

Note: You will not be charged for updating your credit card using this form. After your new card is added, you will be billed on the date of your next billing cycle.

Upgrade Complete!

You are officially a

Unlimited Member

Invoice Details

Paid Today:

Start Date:

Subscription:

Next Bill Date (Est.):

Note: This receipt and future invoices will be available in the Billing Tab of your Account Dashboard .

Do You Want To Secure Your Account?

Increase your account security with one of our multi-factor authentication options:

Choose An Authentication Method

Awesome! Let's make your account more secure.

Choose your preferred authentication method:

Text Message Authentication

Enter the phone number that you want to use to set up text-based authentication for your account:

Text Message Verification Code Sent!

Please check your phone for verification code and enter below:

Email Verification Code Sent!

Please check your email for verification code and enter below:

No problem, we'll skip this for now. Do you want us to remind you to secure your account?

It's great to have you. We just have a few questions so we can personalize your experience with our tools:

• I haven't applied to any jobs yet and I am not sure where to start
• I know what types of jobs I am looking for and I have started applying or I plan to start soon
• I have been applying to jobs for 3 months or longer, but haven't gotten the results I'd hoped for
• Get a job in the same industry I currently work in
• Switch careers and get a job in a new industry
• Get promoted at my current company
• Improve my resume
• Improve my cover letter
• Enhance my LinkedIn presence
• Find jobs that I am compatible with

• Write Resume
• Resume Editing
• Resume Proofreading
• Resume Revision
• Linkedin Profile
• Bio Writing
• Resume Design
• Cover Letter
• Resume Review
• Our Writers

70+ Powerful Resume Words For Experience

The best resume words for experience.

Professional experience is the most important section of your resume. Based on it, a hiring manager evaluates your performance in the past and whether the company will benefit from hiring you.

When describing your experience, it is important to use specific examples, be concise and use effective language. Many job-seekers use cliches like responsible for and experienced in, and words like these can spoil the first impression your resume makes. On the flip side, using strong resume action verbs conveys your initiative and in-depth understanding of the company's processes.

In this post, we will share strong resume words that you can use to instantly strengthen your resume, make it more convincing and attract more attention from recruiters.

According to one survey, 68% of job-seekers with professionally written resume got hired in 90 days. A professional resume can effectively position you as the right candidate for a specific job description. At ResumePerk, you can get your resume written in just 24 hours, and your dedicated writer will work on your document until you are satisfied! Contact us on chat to get your personalized discount offer.

Attention-grabbing resume power words to use

When it comes to writing a powerful resume, every word matters. So, it is important to eliminate repetitive words, weak language like responsible for, and passive language. Resume buzzwords and weak words communicate a lack of confidence and enthusiasm.

Action verbs mean all words that assume physical or mental actions. To strengthen your application, replace weak language with proactive, powerful words that show your initiative, and leadership, and highlight your active contribution. Using strong synonyms when listing experience livens up your resume language, moreover, it communicates your understanding of the company's processes and the industry.

Here is a list of resume power words that you can use for any career level and industry:

Action words for leadership

Did your job duties include managing the project, organizing the work of a group of people, replacing your boss while he was away, or orchestrating the company sales processes? Then, replace words like led and managed with these resume power words alternatives:

• Administered
• Coordinated
• Facilitated
• Implemented
• Orchestrated
• Spearheaded
• Streamlined

Power words for a team player

If the job posting requires strong teamwork skills, take advantage of these resume action verbs to prove your ability to cooperate effectively with others:

• Co-authored
• Collaborated
• Participated
• Teamed (up)
• Volunteered

Resume action verbs for creativity

Designers, software engineers, illustrators, copywriters and other professionals who create new things or come up with inventive solutions can use these words in their resumes and cover letters:

• Conceptualized
• Illustrated
• Photographed

Power word list to describe achievements

To impress hiring managers, you need to include professional achievements next to job duties. Here are the power words that you can use in a resume summary or in a work history section to emphasize the significance of what you've accomplished:

• Accomplished

Action verbs for technical expertise

Are you an engineer, programmer, technical support representative, or other technical professional? The best tech resume examples use these power words to describe technical skills:

• Constructed

Research and analysis resume action words

If your job involves extensive research, analysis, calculations, and problem-solving, use these action words to convey relevant skills:

• Investigated

These action verbs convey initiative and active contribution, so using them at the beginning of your bullet points will catch the attention of a recruiter. In addition to hard skills and expertise, they communicate the candidate's personal qualities - the ability to take initiative, business acumen, and strong written communication skills .

How to use action words effectively?

Now that you have plenty of power verbs for your resume, make sure that you are using them effectively and appropriately:

Avoid resume buzzwords

Buzzwords are overused resume words that irritate hiring managers. They do not say anything specific and sound like vague statements. The examples of buzzwords are: responsible for, experienced in, go-getter, leadership skills, and similar ones.

Moreover, it is difficult to accurately describe your experience using vague language. If your resume still has buzzwords, consider replacing them with action verbs suggested above. Here's an example:

• Bad: Responsible for accounts payable and financial reporting. 
• Good: Achieved 100% accuracy of reported financial results of the company in six months. 

Vary resume action words for better readability

Quite often, recruiters receive resumes where each bullet starts with managed or responsible for. Needless to say, the reader gets tired of repetitive language very fast. Plus, they can interpret your inability to use appropriate synonyms as a lack of written communication skills. 

The solution? Alternate the resume power words and don't use any of them twice when describing one job. Above, we have suggested 70+ action verbs, so you can pick ones that best reflect your contribution. Active, powerful language not only describes you as a result-driven, proactive professional, but also helps create an engaging document. 

Be specific

Using power words surely adds value to your resume. Yet, strong language alone is not sufficient to wow the hiring manager and land an interview. You need to impress them with measurable, specific contributions you've made in your previous roles. 

Add context and details to your duties and achievements. Don't just write "Managed a team of 5 employees". Instead, say "Coordinated work of 5 software engineers on the development of mobile app solution". Employers love specifics, as your past performance helps them evaluate your potential and ensure that you'll be a good fit for the role. 

Show your resume to an expert

If you have written a resume on your own, consider showing it to a professional resume writer or HR manager. An expert who works with resumes daily can critically evaluate your document and tell if it's strong enough to land an interview. 

At ResumePerk, we help all job-seekers by providing a FREE resume review service. Send us your resume, and the writer will respond you with a detailed evaluation. We will check the use of power words, achievements, structure, length and writing style, providing you with comprehensive feedback. Don't worry - all your personal data is confidential with us. 

Professional tips for describing your experience

After you've chosen the best resume action verbs, it's time to polish your Experience section in general. Here's how to describe your work history so that it draws attention: 

Include the essentials 

For each job, include the job title, company's name, and dates of employment. This is the must-have information, so check that you have included everything and spelled the titles correctly. Hiring managers also recommend adding a one-line caption describing the company's industry, number of employees, and key customers/vendors. This will help access your experience more accurately. 

Use chronological or combination resume format

Unless you are changing careers, opt for reverse chronological or combination format. List jobs starting with the most recent one and include a detailed list of responsibilities. Employers prefer these formats, as they showcase your career progression. 

Use bullets instead of paragraphs 

Using paragraphs on a resume is outdated, moreover, paragraphs look bulky. On the flip side, bulleted lists are easy to read and look through. Format your professional experience in bullets, starting each one with power words. Make sure each bullet is no longer than 1-2 lines. Thus, the reader will easily grasp the key points from your experience. 

Keep it relevant 

When listing your achievements and projects, focus on those that are most relevant to your target position. Read the job listing carefully to understand what the employer is looking for, and adapt the job descriptions according to their expectations. You can omit irrelevant duties or obvious facts. If you used industry-specific software or tools, be sure to indicate this either in your job description or a dedicated Skills section. 

Add relevant keywords to pass applicant tracking software. You can find these keywords in the job posting and the company's website. 

Put accomplishments into the spotlight 

Experts recommend that you include at least one achievement per role. Avoid generic statements like " increased efficiency " or " brought new customers ". Here's a good example of a resume accomplishment: 

• Introduced a new workflow process that included reassigning tasks and process automation, resulting in a 35% increase in productivity. 

Specific achievements with figures will help you stand out from candidates with similar qualifications. Figures and percentages add credibility to your statements. Plus, based on the achievements, employers can predict your future performance and see you as a desirable person for the team. 

Not sure what to list as an achievement? Think about how your efforts positively impacted the company, team, or projects. Specify how many people you managed or trained, how many hours saved for the team, how many clients brought in, or how you helped grow the revenue. 

If you received a promotion, got a prestigious industry award or recognition from top management, be sure to include that on your resume as well. 

Do not stretch the truth 

To land more interviews, some candidates add non-existent jobs to their work history or exaggerate their accomplishments. While this strategy can bring results in the short run, remember that employers perform background checks. So, they will quickly find out that you never worked for that company or did not triple the revenue in the first year. 

Resume lies can lead to negative consequences, you can even get fired even if you got a job offer, so it's best to be honest. 

Proofread before sending

59% of hiring managers can reject your application if a resume has typos and grammar mistakes. Proofread your Experience section accurately to exclude any errors. Use an online spell checker to streamline the process, or ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your resume for issues. Make sure punctuation is consistent and the document is neatly structured to make a good visual impression. 

Feeling stuck? Get expert help 

Using power words can give your resume a quality boost, emphasizing your contribution to previous employers and positioning you as a proactive candidate. 

If you're not sure what action verbs to choose or need help describing your experience persuasively, we're here to assist. Work one-on-one with our resume writer who can prepare a strong resume, a customized cover letter, and other documents to help you land more interviews.

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

Terms of Use

Privacy policy.

• Resume Checking
• Resume Assistance
• Buy Resume Paper
• Resume Consultant
• Entry-Level Resume
• Federal Resume Writing
• Federal Resume Writer
• Cover Letter Writing
• Resume Cost
• Free Resume
• Same Day Resume
• Resume Improvement
• Resume Fixer
• Resume Agency
• Career Change
• Resume Expert
• Write My Resume
• Resume Builder
• Resume Polish
• 24 hour Resume
• Resume Writer Near
• Resume Writer Jobs
• Write A Cover Letter
• CV Services
• Cover Letter Writing Service
• Resume Formatting
• CV translation
• LinkedIn Profile Writing
• Writers Near Me
• Translation Services
• Resume Preparation
• Resume Rewriting
• Academic CV
• Curriculum Vitae Editing
• Executive CV
• CV Specialist
• Biography Writer for Hire
• Bio Writers
• Designer For Hire
• Buy Resumes Online
• Cover Letter Writers
• CV And Cover Letter
• Certified Resume Writer
• Cheap Resume Writing
• Professional Resume Critique
• Check My CV
• Infographic Resume
• Cover Letter Editing
• Cover Letter Proofreading Service
• Linkedin Resumes
• Resume Critique Service
• Resume Editing Services
• Professional CV Writing

Copyright © 2024 resumeperk.com

Resume title

Boost your Resume with these action words: Examples Included

Action words are dynamic phrases that can elevate your resume and capture the attention of recruiters. Using these powerful terms demonstrates your passion and commitment to the role, significantly enhancing your likelihood of landing the job. 

Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through a resume. They may overlook resumes with too many words and phrases that people often use. You can make your resume stand out by using action words instead.

We'll explain how you can use action words to add impact to your resume and make it more effective. The topics we'll cover include:

• Difference between active voice and passive voice
• Why use action words in your resume
• Why avoid passive language
• How to use action words in your resume
• Examples of using active voice
• Top action words for a more impactful resume

Difference between active voice and passive voice  

You can use active or passive voice to convey a particular idea. The meaning stays the same, but the structure and viewpoint are different. In the active voice, the subject in a sentence performs an action that affects the object. Here's an example of an active sentence:

I created a resume.

In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the object and how the subject acts upon it. In the passive voice, the above active sentence becomes:

The resume was created by me.

As you can see, the first example is shorter and has more impact than the second. These are the traits hiring managers look for in a resume. Most job seekers unknowingly write their resumes in the passive voice.

It's common for resumes to include passive phrases such as “was responsible for” and “was managed by”. These phrases appear on nearly every first draft but shouldn't be in your final document. They can make your resume vague, boring, and forgettable.

Why use action words in your resume  

Action words are also known as power words. Concise communication is highly valued here in our country, and using the active voice in your resume can set you apart from other candidates. They highlight your technical skills, work experience, and achievements clearly and efficiently. They can also portray you as confident and competent. Let's find out why you should use action words for resume writing.

Capture the reader's attention

Using strong action verbs for CV or resume writing can effectively capture a hiring manager's interest. These words encourage them to read on and learn more about your experiences and abilities.

Powerful resume words can also change the way your prospective employer perceives you. You may have the upper hand if another qualified job seeker applies for the same position. Your action-oriented verbs may be more engaging and convincing than a competitor's passive words.

Strengthen your resume

When you use powerful words for a job application, you show the hiring manager that you can be persuasive. That's something employers look for, especially at the executive level.

Active language changes and improves your writing, showing that you're a job seeker with strong communication skills. As you list your abilities and achievements, your action verbs can make the hiring manager feel like they know you on a deeper level. This can help you build rapport and excite them about the prospect of you joining the company. Instead of telling them directly that you're the right person for the role, you let them see it for themselves.

Share your story in a unique way

When you use action-packed words in your resume, you can describe your work experience and professional development more effectively. Backing your words with facts can help convince the hiring manager you have what it takes to perform well in the role. Your resume may be more interesting and impressive without other applicants' bland words and phrases. It also gives readers a real-world insight into your accomplishments. This can increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Why avoid passive language  

Career experts at Harvard University say that using passive language is one of the biggest resume mistakes . It dulls your resume and increases its chances of going unnoticed. 

Besides, career experts in Singapore agree that passive language dilutes the impact of your resume, making it less engaging in a vibrant job market

Here are a few reasons why you should avoid using passive words when writing your resume:

They make your resume less interesting

Most hiring managers only look at a resume briefly before deciding whether to keep reading it or move on to the next one. People overuse passive words and phrases, so employers and recruiters skip over them. Even if you're perfect for the job, they may not realise it because your resume doesn't show them. If you want to avoid your resume ending up in the rejection pile, use active rather than passive language.

They're overused and unclear

Passive words are generic and may not describe your specific accomplishments. An example of these terms includes "was managed by". Such commonplace terms don't show a hiring manager what you've achieved, what you're capable of, or what you can contribute to the company.

Note that what you regard as a success may differ from another person. Try to be more specific about your accomplishments by mentioning your results. This gives anyone who reads your resume a more accurate and descriptive picture of your successes. Action words can help you communicate your message and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

They dilute the quality of your writing

Passive language can undermine the quality of your resume. It tells the hiring manager that your communication and writing skills may not be up to par. It can also make them think you didn't make the necessary effort to create a great resume. In contrast, a resume in the active voice is more interesting and shows that you have strong communication skills.

How to use action words in your resume  

When you use action-oriented and dynamic verbs for resume writing, place them strategically throughout your resume. The best places to use these words include your list of accomplishments, professional summary, and bullet points. However, learning to use impactful resume action words correctly is the most important thing. Here's how:

Show, don't tell

A few years of work experience doesn't always matter to a hiring manager unless you have something to show. Others may have similar experience, such as managing teams, contributing to a company's profits, and climbing the ladder to reach a higher position. For this reason, it may not be a good idea to focus your resume on your job duties and shared tasks. Instead, highlight the unique strengths and accomplishments that your potential employer may find attractive.

When you list your achievements and abilities on your resume, back them up with exact numbers. This gives the hiring manager clear and convincing information on how you can add value to the company. For instance, merely stating that you're a profit-generating machine may not set you apart from other job seekers. A better way to showcase your abilities is to say that your team increased profit margins by 40% over the last six months. Providing numbers, statistics, and other facts can help make your case more convincing.

Create a list of your greatest achievements related to the role you're applying for. Back up each accomplishment with actual numbers to show your prospective employer what you can bring to the company.

Identify and replace overused phrases

Rewriting your resume in the active voice isn't as simple as changing all the passive words to action-oriented verbs. You may have to restructure or rewrite entire sentences. Remember the earlier example where we replaced “the resume was created by me” with “I created a resume”? That's how you should do it.

Review your resume line by line to look for overused phrases and passive language. Next, consider turning them into powerful words that engage and compel readers. This is an opportunity to improve your delivery and remove words and phrases that may harm your chances of landing your desired job.

To make the task easier and more efficient, print out your current resume before making any changes. Then, highlight all the passive verbs and phrases in your list of accomplishments, bullet points, and professional summary. Rewrite or restructure those phrases in the active voice.

Determine the right action verbs to use

You shouldn't only choose action verbs that will improve your resume. It's important to replace the passive language with words or phrases relevant to the position and the industry. To do this, search job descriptions to pick action words and keywords that stand out. This can give you a better idea of the type of language and terms the employer expects job applicants to use.

Take note of the positioning words. For instance, a job description may say the company seeks people who collaborate instead of compete. In this case, you may approach your resume writing from a different angle.

Once you've identified the appropriate terms and phrases, you can tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Start by creating a list of the keywords and phrases you found in the job description. Prioritise them as they relate to your work experience. Then, use the most appropriate ones to replace the passive words and phrases on your current resume. Sprinkle them naturally throughout the sections.

Use industry-specific action words

Every industry has its language and slang. When you apply for a job, your potential employer expects you to know the industry terminology. Using action words specific to your field of work is a great way to show your expertise and industry knowledge. It also helps you connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level. Examples of industry-specific action verbs include "diagnosed" and "administered" for healthcare, "invested" and "budgeted" for finance, and "programmed" and "coded" for technology.

Examples of using active voice  

The following examples can show you how to upgrade your resume by replacing overused language with bolder and more impressive phrases:

• Current phrase: Leader of a team of nine employees. ⁠ New phrase: Guided a team of nine employees towards company goals, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.
• Current phrase: Used data to identify underlying issues. ⁠ New phrase: Deciphered data patterns to solve underlying issues.
• Current phrase: Helped the company adopt new technology. ⁠ New phrase: Championed the adoption of new technology at the company, leading to improved efficiency.
• Current phrase: Strong communicator and detail-oriented. ⁠ New phrase: Facilitated internal communications and ensured high-quality work products.
• Current phrase: Responsible for generating higher sales revenue. ⁠ New phrase: Increased sales revenue by 40% over two years.

Top action words for a more impactful resume  

Rewriting your resume using active verbs isn't about cramming in as many power words as possible or picking the ones you think sound the best. Instead, choose action words that strengthen your specific work experience and accomplishments. Also, make sure they relate to the position you're applying for. Here's a list of action-oriented words that you can use to replace verbs commonly found in resumes:

Replacing “managed”

Use these active verbs to explain how you led a department, division, or project:

• coordinated
• synchronised

Replacing “created”

The following words can help you describe how you made an idea or plan happen:

• choreographed
• implemented
• spearheaded

Replacing “developed”

These words can explain how you contributed to the growth of a project, department, or vision:

Replacing “saved”

Use the terms below if you helped a company save time, money, or resources:

• consolidated
• strengthened

Replacing “increased”

Stick to these action verbs if you helped to improve sales, operations, efficiency, or customer satisfaction:

• accelerated
• capitalised
• stimulated 

Replacing “changed”

The terms below are appropriate for describing improvements you made in the past:

• streamlined
• transformed

Replacing “acquired”

Use these words to emphasise your ability to bring new ideas, projects, technologies, or clients to an organisation:

• collaborated

Replacing “assisted”

These verbs can describe how you helped team members, colleagues, and customers:

Replacing “examined”

The following words are effective in highlighting your research and analytical skills :

• investigated

Replacing “communicated”

These words can describe a time when you wrote about, spoke for, or promoted a positive change:

• illustrated

Replacing “achieved”

Use these verbs to explain how you achieved a major milestone or reached a goal:

• demonstrated
• outperformed
• transcended

Conclusion  

In the fast-paced Singapore job market, using the right action words can be the key to getting your resume noticed and securing your next career opportunity. Research the company carefully, look for keywords and phrases in the job description, and choose the right action verbs to add to your resume. The extra effort may be well worth it to improve your chances of landing the desired job.

Using dynamic action verbs in your resume has become increasingly important in recruitment. More and more Singapore companies are using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to find suitable job applicants. Resumes that contain power words and keywords that match the job description are more likely to get past the ATS. Even if the hiring manager reviews resumes manually, an action-oriented resume may have a better chance of getting noticed than one written in the passive voice. It may also help you stand out in the Singaporean job market . 

Here are some frequently asked questions about action words for resume writing:

• What are some strong action words to use in a resume? Some examples of strong action words you can use in your resume include coordinated, guided, consolidated, amplified, implemented, strengthened, maximised, streamlined, and surpassed. ⁠
• How do action words improve the effectiveness of a resume? Action verbs can make a resume more effective in many ways. First, they set your resume apart from those with passive and overused words from other job seekers. This can help you capture the hiring manager's attention and pass an ATS scan. A resume in active language is also more concise, confident, and engaging. It shows the hiring manager that you have good communication skills . ⁠
• Can you provide examples of action words for specific skills? The following are some examples of action words that are appropriate for highlighting different types of skills: Communication skills persuaded critiqued documented reviewed marketed Leadership skills guided headed mentored oversaw inspired Research or analytical skills assessed forecasted investigated discovered analysed Creative skills crafted devised chartered pioneered spearheaded ⁠
• Should I use the same action words for every job I apply to? You shouldn't use the same action words for every job application. Instead, choose action verbs that match the job description. This differs from one job listing to another. Tailoring your resume to a specific job description increases your chances of getting through the ATS. It also shows the hiring manager that you're ready to go the extra mile to secure the job. ⁠
• Are there action words to avoid in resume writing? Not all resume action verbs are beneficial to your job application. Avoid using a power word irrelevant to your work experience, the industry, and the position you're applying for. ⁠
• How many action words should I use? Action words can spice up your resume. However, this doesn't mean you should stuff your resume with as many action verbs as possible. Kickresume.com recommends using about 20 action words in your resume . Insert these words naturally in your list of achievements, professional summary, and bullet points. ⁠
• Do action words make a significant difference in getting a job? Yes, they do. On average, resumes have only six seconds to impress hiring managers. Hiring managers often overlook resumes in the passive voice. This is because they contain overused and cliché terms and phrases that make them boring to read. Using action-driven language in your resume may make you more likely to catch the hiring manager's attention as it gives you a better chance of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. ⁠
• Are there action words that are more effective in certain industries? Yes, action words are most effective when relevant to your field of work. Below are action-verb examples for several different industries: Technology programmed  coded deployed developed designed Healthcare treated diagnosed administered monitored facilitated Education taught mentored researched assessed organised Financial budgeted forecasted audited invested negotiated Retail upsold marketed replenished demonstrated priced

Top search terms

Popular on jobstreet, explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

AI resume builder

100+ Resume Buzzwords to Use When Crafting Your Resume

Published on August 9th, 2024

Creating a resume is a daunting task. Have you also spent weeks refining your resume? To make it dazzle in your hiring manager’s eyes, it is important to polish every bit of your resume and infuse it with the resume buzzwords and resume adjectives which will help you showcase that you are the right fit for the job.

All of your efforts could be wasted if your resume is overflowing with stale, worn-out resume buzzwords. Here are 100+ resume buzzwords to steer clear of to boost your resume's visibility in the hiring process.

Top Resume Buzzwords to Use

Crafting a resume that stands out requires the strategic use of buzzwords that resonate with hiring managers. The key is to use buzzwords that are not only powerful but also relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Below, we’ll explore some of the top resume buzzwords to include, tips on where to incorporate them, and how to tailor these buzzwords to specific industries or job positions.

List of Powerful Buzzwords to Include in Your Resume

Leadership & management.

• Strategic Planning
• Thought Leadership
• Visionary Leadership
• Cross-functional Teams
• Organizational Development
• Operational Efficiency
• Change Management
• Leadership Development
• Talent Acquisition
• Performance Management

Innovation & Creativity

• Disruptive Innovation
• Creative Solutions
• Cutting-edge
• User-Centered Design
• Design Thinking
• Innovation Pipeline
• Product Innovation
• Digital Transformation
• Agile Methodology
• Lean Manufacturing

Efficiency & Productivity

• Process Improvement
• Operational Excellence
• Resource Optimization
• Scalability
• Time Management
• Cost Reduction
• Lean Processes
• Workflow Automation
• Continuous Improvement
• Efficiency Gains

Sales & Marketing

• Market Penetration
• Brand Equity
• Customer Retention
• Lead Generation
• Market Expansion
• Sales Enablement
• Revenue Growth
• Customer Acquisition
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Demand Generation

Financial & Analytical

• Financial Modeling
• Risk Management
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Profit Optimization
• Capital Allocation
• Financial Forecasting
• Budget Management
• Revenue Streamlining
• Data-Driven Decision Making

Customer Relations & Experience

• Customer Experience (CX)
• Client Engagement
• Customer Journey Mapping
• Customer-Centric
• Customer Satisfaction
• Client Retention
• Service Excellence
• User Experience (UX)
• Stakeholder Management
• Relationship Building

Technology & Digital

• Cloud Computing
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Digital Ecosystem

Project Management & Execution

• Project Lifecycle
• Milestone Achievement
• Risk Mitigation
• Project Scope
• Resource Allocation
• Critical Path
• Stakeholder Buy-in
• Project Roadmap
• Deliverables Management
• Agile Project Management

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Employee Engagement
• Succession Planning
• Workforce Planning
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Talent Development
• Employee Onboarding
• Culture Building
• Retention Strategies
• Performance Optimization
• Learning and Development (L&D)

Operations & Logistics

• Supply Chain Optimization
• Inventory Management
• Logistics Coordination
• Operational Streamlining
• Vendor Management
• Quality Assurance
• Procurement Strategy
• Fulfillment Efficiency
• Warehouse Optimization
• Cost Containment

Compliance & Risk

• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Assessment
• Audit Readiness
• Governance Framework
• Legal Compliance
• Policy Implementation
• Quality Control
• Crisis Management
• Compliance Reporting
• Ethical Standards

Tips on Where to Incorporate Buzzwords in Your Resume

Resume Summary/Objective –  A hiring manager will look at your resume summary or objective first. Using buzzwords that summarize your total value offer is a great idea here. For instance, "Innovative marketing professional with a proven track record of leading high-impact campaigns." To create a concise compelling resume with our  Summary Generator tool. Save time and get straight to the point with our efficient service. Try now!

Experience section:  Use keywords to highlight your main duties and accomplishments in this area. Utilize them in bullet points to maintain the content's power and conciseness. For instance, "Led a team of 10 to develop a new customer loyalty program, increasing retention rates by 25%."

Skills Section: Include resume buzzwords in the talents section that correspond to the abilities needed for the position. This might facilitate the  application tracking system (ATS) review process for your resume. For instance, "Proficient in project management, data analysis, and client relationship management."

Cover Letter:  Although not a component of the CV, the cover letter presents an additional chance to carefully employ resume buzzwords. Make sure they are tailored to the position and organization to strengthen your application. You can also create tailored professional cover letters using our  cover letter generator and check out the latest cover letter templates here: https://www.hirequotient.com/cover-letter-examples  

How to Tailor Buzzwords to Specific Industries or Job Positions?

Different  industries and job positions may require different sets of buzzwords. Here’s how to tailor your buzzword usage:

Research the Industry – Before  applying for a job , research the industry’s language. For example, in the tech industry, buzzwords like "engineered," "developed," and "optimized" may be more relevant, while in the finance industry, terms like "analyzed," "audited," and "managed" could be more impactful.

Study the Job Description – Job descriptions often contain the exact buzzwords that employers are looking for. Mirror the language used in the  job description in your resume. If the job posting emphasizes "leadership" and "project management," make sure these words are highlighted in your resume.

Consider the Company Culture – Make sure your buzzwords convey the culture of the business. "Strategic" and "analytical" might be more important to a huge organization than "innovative" and "dynamic" to a startup.

Use Industry-Specific Buzzwords – Some industries have specific jargon that can make your resume stand out. For example:

• Healthcare : "Diagnosed," "treated," "administered."
• Marketing : "Launched," "campaign," "brand strategy."
• Engineering : "Designed," "fabricated," "tested."
• Sales : "Closed," "prospected," "negotiated."

Be Specific and Quantify – Always support your use of buzzwords with concrete examples and measurable outcomes. Say "improved sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns" as opposed to "improved sales."

How Does the HireQuotient AI Resume Builder Enhance the Language and Impact of Your Resume?

The HireQuotient AI Resume Builder enhances your resume by integrating advanced technology with intuitive features, making the entire process smooth and effective. You can choose from tailored templates designed for your specific industry, ensuring a strong first impression. 

The tool’s seamless navigation and real-time updates allow you to effortlessly manage and polish your resume as you go. With AI-powered precision, your resume is fine-tuned with intelligent suggestions, optimizing it for both your strengths and the job’s requirements, helping it stand out to recruiters and ATS systems. 

Additionally, the builder amplifies your resume's impact by incorporating industry-specific buzzwords and power words that catch the eye of hiring managers. Once perfected, your resume can be easily downloaded in multiple formats, ready to impress potential employers.

The resume buzzwords are beyond the trendy terms; they are the essential terms that can significantly influence the way people view your resume. Your resume will be more effective and appealing to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems if you choose and use the appropriate buzzwords with care.

The first chance you get to impress a potential employer is with your CV. You can make sure that your resume sticks out for all the right reasons by taking the time to properly choose and use the right buzzwords. Choosing your buzzwords carefully and placing them strategically will help you land your next job.

Soujanya Varada

As a technical content writer and social media strategist, Soujanya develops and manages strategies at HireQuotient. With strong technical background and years of experience in content management, she looks for opportunities to flourish in the digital space. Soujanya is also a dance fanatic and believes in spreading light!

Hire the best without stress

Never Miss The Updates

We cover all recruitment, talent analytics, L&D, DEI, pre-employment, candidate screening, and hiring tools. Join our force & subscribe now!

Stay On Top Of Everything In HR

Help Desk Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Help Desk Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Help Desk Resume

• Entry-Level Help Desk
• IT Help Desk

Help Desk Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Hideo Araki (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Miami, FL 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A dynamic help desk technician with three years of experience delivering exceptional technical support and customer service to end users. A proven track record of interfacing with diverse customers to resolve tier I issues and achieve satisfaction ratings of over 92%.

Professional Experience

Help Desk Technician , Microcenter, Miami, FL | July 2022 – present

• Deliver technical support to over 30 customers per day and identify solutions to tier I hardware and software-related issues for laptop and desktop devices
• Communicate effectively with diverse customers, perform root cause analysis to diagnose technical issues, and maintain a 92% satisfaction rating on exit surveys
• Achieve recognition for consistently exceeding performance goals, including a top-five ranking in resolution times across a team comprised of 40 technicians

Junior Help Desk Technician , Miami-Dade College, Miami, FL | June 2021 – July 2022

• Supported over 20 students and faculty per day in resolving technical issues related to PCs, smartboards, user login, and university devices
• Performed routine maintenance on laptops, PCs, and other devices, including cybersecurity updates, system upgrades, and hardware configuration
• Technical support
• System administration
• Hardware configuration
• Root-cause analysis

Certifications

• CompTIA A+ Certification | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2021

This help desk resume example effectively conveys the candidate’s achievements using strong numbers and metrics. The content strikes a successful balance between conveying the applicant’s daily responsibilities and demonstrating how they consistently exceeded performance goals.

Skyler Thompson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A lead help desk technician with six years of experience specializing in hardware configuration, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and end-user support. A strong history of interfacing with junior technicians and customers to identify ideal solutions for complex technical issues.

Lead Help Desk Technician , Arkline Technical Pros., Seattle, WA | March 2020 – present

• Serve as the escalation point for junior technicians, field over 80 tier II tickets per week, perform research, and conduct root-cause analysis to identify optimal solutions for software, hardware, PC, and mobile device issues
• Document solutions for recurring issues in a shared knowledge base and lead initiatives to enhance workflows, contributing to a 10% reduction in average resolution times
• Provide training to over 35 new hires during the onboarding process

Help Desk Technician , Miami-Dade College, Seattle, WA | June 2018 – March 2020

• Delivered technical support to over 20 end users per day, resolved tier I and tier II issues related to hardware configuration, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity
• Communicated empathetically and calmly to guide users through the troubleshooting process, resulting in a 90% satisfaction rating
• Cybersecurity
• Microsoft Azure
• CompTIA A+ Certification | 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2018

This is a strong example of how to craft an engaging help desk resume. The bullet points are concise and engaging, providing unique insights into how the candidate successfully optimized processes and workflows for previous employers.

Anthony Gentile (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Diego, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A help desk manager with 10 years of experience managing service desk operations and resolving complex tier III issues for end users. A proven track record of managing help desk teams and identifying opportunities to improve resolution times and user satisfaction.

Help Desk Manager , HubSpot, San Diego, CA | July 2017 – present

• Manage all aspects of daily service desk operations, lead a team of 30 help desk technicians, and ensure the delivery of exceptional technical support to end users for complex issues related to the HubSpot CRM
• Serve as the escalation point for tier III issues, provide training and mentorship to enhance team performance, and successfully improve average resolution times by 15%
• Coordinate with the IT manager to develop help desk policies for service requests, incident management, and ticket escalations

Help Desk Manager , Apptivo, San Diego, CA | June 2014 – July 2017

• Oversaw a team of 20 IT service technicians, coordinated daily help desk operations, and identified opportunities to improve the end-user experience, resulting in a 17% increase in user satisfaction
• Fielded and resolved escalated tier III trouble tickets related to the Apptivo CRM, documented solutions for recurring issues, and delivered end-user training to clients
• Team management
• End-user training
• Operations management
• Process improvement
• CompTIA A+ Certification | 2014

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology University of San Diego, San Diego, CA | 2014

This help desk resume successfully conveys the candidate’s leadership capabilities and technical expertise. Because the candidate is targeting a managerial role, it’s important to emphasize their background in leading teams and interfacing effectively with end users.

To stand out from the competition in today’s job market, you need a results-driven help desk resume that captures your strongest qualifications as an information technology (IT) service technician. Avoid simply describing mundane job responsibilities and instead bring your most impactful technical achievements to light. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the resume-building process to help you identify the right solution for your career needs.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

Given the sheer volume of applicants for any singular job opportunity, hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a resume. To make a lasting impression, lead with a powerful opening summary that illustrates the value you bring to the table. Start with a sentence that lists your title, years of experience, and three to four impressive technical skills that align with the job description. Round out your paragraph with unique insights into who you are as an IT professional.

For example, if you’ve consistently found innovative ways to improve resolution times for trouble tickets, emphasize this directly in your summary. If you excel in leading and training help desk teams, highlight how your leadership skills could be an asset to the organization.

Strong Profile Example

A help desk manager with 10 years of experience managing service desk operations and resolving complex tier III issues for end users. A proven track record of leading help desk teams and identifying opportunities to improve resolution times and user satisfaction.

Weak Profile Example

A hardworking help desk manager with a decade of experience with strong interpersonal and solution-finding skills. Quickly resolve technical issues. Strong knowledge of various operating systems, PC devices, and hardware.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

Help desk job responsibilities tend to be similar across job postings and can sometimes appear generic at first glance. While it’s important to show you can have experience performing these types of tasks, go a step further to grab the attention of the hiring manager. As you build your professional experience section, emphasize compelling achievements that show how your contributions have positively impacted service desk operations.

One viable strategy is to incorporate meaningful data and metrics to paint a clearer picture of your achievements. For instance, you might mention the total number of tickets you fielded each day or draw attention to your user satisfaction rating. You could also show how your efforts helped to improve average resolution times.

Strong Professional Experience Example

Lead Help Desk Technician, Arkline Technical Pros., Seattle, WA | March 2020 – present

• Provide technical support training to over 40 new hires during the onboarding process

Weak Professional Experience Example

• Resolve a large number of escalated tickets and utilize solution-finding skills to quickly address user issues
• Log solutions to common technical issues and improve resolution times
• Assist with the training of new employees

3. Include relevant education and certifications

Feature your college education and industry certifications to show potential employers that you have the knowledge and qualifications to succeed in the position. Help desk technicians are usually expected to have a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science. The CompTIA A+ certification is also commonly listed as a requirement for these types of positions. As you grow in your career, consider pursuing additional certifications, such as a Certified Service Desk Manager (CDSM) credential.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology
• University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2020
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Service Desk Manager (CSDM), SDI | 2019
• CompTIA A+ | 2017

4. List pertinent key skills

Most companies utilize applicant track systems (ATS) to expedite the hiring process and remove less qualified candidates. To pass the initial screening phase, incorporate a range of both technical and soft skills that match the job posting. For instance, if a company mentions a skill such as cloud technology multiple times in the description, the ATS will likely seek this keyword. Below are potential key terms you may encounter when applying for help desk technician jobs:

How To Pick The Best Help Desk Resume Template

When selecting your help desk resume template, opt for a format that allows the hiring manager to easily navigate your content. Choose a template that is visually appealing without being overly reliant on distracting colors and graphics. Prioritize clean, well-organized layouts that use an elegant font such as Calibri, Cambria, or Garamond.

Frequently Asked Questions: Help Desk Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for help desk resumes -.

Lead each bullet point with a strong action verb to add a dynamic and engaging element to your writing. Avoid passive verbs such as “helped” or “worked” in favor of proactive language such as “led,” “managed,” and “implemented.” We’ve compiled a list of action verbs to diversify your word choice during the resume-building process:

How do you align your resume with a help desk job description? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , jobs for computer support specialists are expected to grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032. Despite these optimistic projections, it’s still important to tailor your resume toward each individual opportunity to maximize your chances of success during the job search.

For example, if a company needs a help desk technician with a comprehensive knowledge of Linux, highlight your experience diagnosing and resolving issues related to this specific operating system. If an organization is seeking a candidate with a strong background in Microsoft Azure, emphasize your expertise in cloud technologies.

What is the best help desk resume format? -

The reverse chronological format is generally best suited for help desk resumes. Hiring managers are most interested in your prior work history, and this approach places your most recent experience at the forefront of your document. A combination approach that prioritizes technical skills, education, or certifications should only be considered if you have no prior work experience to highlight on your resume.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Building an engaging help desk cover letter is a great way to strengthen your application during the job search. The key is to craft a compelling document that shows how your background is aligned with the organization’s needs, mission, and values. For more insights, visit our information technology and computer science cover letter guides.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check out Related Examples

Computer Science Resume Examples and Templates

Desktop Support Resume Examples and Templates

Technical Support Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Include Licenses and Certifications on Your Resume Learn More
• How To Show Technical Skills on Your Resume Learn More
• What To Put on a Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

TechBullion

How to create an effective resume for technical support positions.

As businesses rely on complex systems and software to function seamlessly, they depend on skilled individuals who can troubleshoot issues and keep their operations running smoothly. But how do you stand out in this competitive job market? It all starts with a powerful resume that showcases not only your technical prowess but also your exceptional problem-solving abilities and customer service skills. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating an effective resume tailored specifically for technical support positions, helping you land that dream job and take your career to new heights! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your current position, let’s dive into the art of crafting a resume that opens doors and impresses employers.

The importance of a resume for technical support positions

Crafting a standout resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market, especially for technical support positions. Your resume serves as your first impression, conveying your skills and qualifications to potential employers. It acts like a bridge between you and the job of your dreams, showcasing not just what you’ve done but also how well you can tackle challenges in this fast-paced environment.

Technical support roles require a unique blend of expertise and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re assisting customers with software issues or troubleshooting hardware glitches, having an effective resume can set you apart from other candidates. This article will guide you through the essential components needed to create a compelling resume that captures attention and illustrates why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Let’s dive into what makes an impressive technical support resume!

Understanding the role and responsibilities of a technical support position

Technical support positions serve as the backbone of customer satisfaction in the tech industry. Professionals in this role act as a bridge between users and complex technology, ensuring seamless experiences.

Their primary responsibility is to troubleshoot issues faced by customers. This often involves diagnosing hardware or software problems through effective questioning and active listening.

Moreover, technical support agents must explain solutions clearly and patiently. Communication skills are essential for translating technical jargon into language that everyday users can understand.

They also play a proactive role by identifying recurring issues and suggesting improvements to products or services. Documenting interactions helps create valuable knowledge bases that enhance future support efforts.

Being adaptable is key, as each day presents new challenges and varying levels of user expertise. The ability to think critically while under pressure can significantly impact both individual performance and overall team success.

Identifying key skills and qualifications commonly required in technical support resumes

When crafting a resume for technical support positions , highlighting the right skills is crucial. Employers look for candidates who can navigate both technology and customer needs seamlessly.

Technical skills form the backbone of any technical support role. Familiarity with operating systems, software applications, and troubleshooting methods are essential. The ability to quickly learn new tools adds value.

Communication skills cannot be overlooked. Technical support professionals must convey complex information clearly and concisely. Active listening also plays a critical role in understanding user issues effectively.

Problem-solving abilities set you apart from other applicants. Demonstrating how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles shows potential employers that you can think on your feet and provide solutions promptly.

Together, these qualifications paint a picture of a well-rounded candidate capable of excelling in the fast-paced world of technical support.

– Technical skills

Technical skills are the backbone of any technical support role. These competencies ensure you can troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues effectively.

Key areas often include proficiency in operating systems like Windows or macOS. Familiarity with network configurations and hardware troubleshooting is also essential. Don’t underestimate the importance of software knowledge—being adept at various applications can set you apart from other candidates.

Additionally, understanding cloud services and basic scripting languages can be a plus. Many employers value candidates who show initiative by staying updated on emerging technologies.

Highlighting these skills not only demonstrates your capability but also showcases your commitment to continuous learning in an ever-evolving field. Tailor this section to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in job postings for a better chance at grabbing attention.

– Communication skills

Communication skills are vital in technical support roles. They bridge the gap between complex technical issues and everyday language that users can understand.

Being able to explain solutions clearly is essential. Technical jargon can confuse customers who may not be tech-savvy. Tailoring your communication style to fit the audience makes all the difference.

Active listening also plays a crucial role. It involves understanding user concerns before jumping into solutions. This approach builds trust and ensures accurate problem identification.

Moreover, written communication shouldn’t be overlooked. Clear and concise emails or chat messages help maintain professionalism while providing valuable assistance.

Lastly, empathy enhances every interaction with clients. A genuine understanding of their frustrations fosters a positive experience and encourages customer loyalty. Strong communication skills turn potential conflicts into opportunities for resolution and growth.

– Problem-solving abilities

Problem-solving abilities are at the heart of any technical support role. When users encounter issues, they turn to you for solutions. Your ability to diagnose and resolve problems efficiently can make or break their experience.

Thinking critically is essential in this position. You’ll need to analyze situations quickly and determine the best course of action. This often involves troubleshooting software glitches or hardware malfunctions under pressure.

Moreover, creativity plays a significant role. Sometimes, standard procedures won’t apply, requiring you to think outside the box for effective resolutions.

Employers look for individuals who demonstrate an aptitude for solving complex challenges while communicating findings clearly. Highlighting these skills on your resume will set you apart from other candidates and showcase your capability in handling real-world scenarios that may arise during user interactions.

Formatting your resume for maximum impact

Choosing the right resume format is crucial for making a strong impression. A chronological format highlights your work history, showcasing your career progression clearly. On the other hand, a functional format emphasizes skills over experience, ideal if you’re transitioning from another field or have gaps in employment.

Organizing information effectively can set you apart. Start with contact details and follow with a compelling summary or objective statement. Prioritize sections that align closely with the job description to grab attention quickly.

Incorporating keywords and buzzwords relevant to technical support positions enhances visibility. Recruiters often skim resumes; using industry-specific terms ensures yours doesn’t get overlooked. Tailor each application by including phrases from the job listing.

Remember to keep it clean and professional. Use bullet points for clarity and white space strategically so your resume isn’t overwhelming at first glance.

– Choosing the right resume format: chronological vs. functional

When it comes to crafting your resume, choosing the right format is crucial. The chronological format showcases your work history in reverse order. This approach highlights career progression and stability.

On the other hand, a functional resume emphasizes skills over job titles. It’s ideal for those with gaps in employment or who are changing careers. This format allows you to draw attention to relevant abilities instead of focusing solely on where you worked.

Consider your unique background when deciding which layout fits best. If you have a solid track record in technical support roles, chronological may serve you well. However, if you’re entering this field from another profession or have diverse experiences, a functional format might be more advantageous.

Both formats can present information effectively; it just depends on what story you want to tell potential employers about yourself.

– Organizing and prioritizing information

Organizing and prioritizing information in your resume is crucial. It allows you to highlight the most relevant details first, capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Start with your contact information at the top. This should be clear and easy to find. Follow it up with a strong summary or objective that showcases your aspirations and skills right away.

Next, list your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on roles that align closely with technical support responsibilities. Use bullet points for each position to make achievements stand out.

Don’t forget about education and certifications. Place these sections strategically after work experience or before them, depending on what’s more pertinent for the job you’re targeting.

Lastly, group similar skills together under relevant headings like “Technical Support” or “Soft Skills.” This structure creates clarity and guides recruiters through your qualifications effortlessly.

– Utilizing keywords and buzzwords

Using the right keywords can make a significant difference in your resume’s visibility. Many companies utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through resumes before they even reach a hiring manager. By incorporating relevant industry-specific keywords, you increase the chances of passing this initial screening.

Buzzwords also play an essential role in showcasing your familiarity with the field. Terms like “customer-centric,” “technical troubleshooting,” and “ITIL-certified” resonate with recruiters looking for specific competencies.

Research job descriptions carefully to identify these important terms. Tailor your resume for each application by weaving these keywords naturally into your experience and skills sections. This approach not only aligns your qualifications with what employers seek but also demonstrates that you’re knowledgeable about current trends and jargon within technical support roles.

Remember, balance is key; overloading on buzzwords can come off as insincere or forced, so use them judiciously throughout your document.

Tips for writing an effective resume summary or objective statement

Crafting a compelling resume summary or objective statement is crucial. This section gives employers their first glimpse of you. Make it count.

Start with clarity. Use concise language to outline your experience and goals in just a few sentences. Tailor this part specifically for the technical support role you’re applying for.

Highlight your unique strengths immediately. Mention specific skills such as troubleshooting, customer service, or software proficiency that align with the job description.

Incorporate measurable achievements if possible. For instance, state how you improved response time by 20% at your last position. Numbers speak volumes.

Lastly, inject some personality into your statement without being overly casual. Show enthusiasm about helping customers solve problems while maintaining professionalism throughout the tone and content.

Highlighting your relevant experience and achievements in the work experience section

When crafting the work experience section of your resume, relevancy is key. Tailor this part to emphasize roles that align with technical support positions. Use bullet points for clarity and easy reading.

Quantify your achievements where possible. Instead of saying you improved response times, specify by how much—“Reduced average ticket resolution time by 20%.” Numbers stand out and give potential employers a clear picture of your impact.

Highlight specific technologies or tools you’ve used in past jobs. Mentioning software or systems familiar to the employer can create an instant connection.

Don’t forget about teamwork and collaboration experiences. Technical support often involves working closely with others to solve problems efficiently, so showcase any relevant collaborative projects or initiatives you participated in during previous employment.

Showcasing your technical knowledge and certifications in a separate section

Highlighting your technical knowledge and certifications can set you apart in a crowded job market. Create a dedicated section on your resume to showcase this information clearly.

Start with the most relevant certifications, such as CompTIA A+, ITIL, or specific software training that relates directly to the position you’re applying for. List these credentials sequentially, including the issuing organization and completion date.

Don’t just stop at certifications; mention any specialized trainings you’ve completed. This could include workshops or online courses from reputable platforms like Coursera or Udemy.

Using bullet points makes it easy for hiring managers to skim through your qualifications quickly. When employers see recognized credentials right away, it boosts their confidence in your expertise and readiness for the role.

Remember, relevance is key—focus on skills and certifications that align closely with the requirements of the technical support position you desire.

Including relevant education, training, and other qualifications

Your education and training can set you apart from other candidates in the technical support field. List your degrees, certifications, or any specialized training related to technology and customer service.

If you’ve taken courses in IT management or computer science, highlight them. These demonstrate your foundational knowledge of systems and software that are vital for troubleshooting issues.

Don’t forget about relevant certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate. They show potential employers you’re committed to continuous learning.

Additionally, include workshops or seminars you’ve attended that relate directly to customer interaction or technical skills. These experiences emphasize your dedication to professional development.

Even if you have not completed a formal degree program, online courses can be valuable too! Mentioning these can reflect initiative and adaptability—qualities highly regarded in technical support roles.

Top mistakes to steer clear of

When crafting your resume for a technical support position, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your application. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

One major error is using a generic resume for every job application. Tailor each resume to fit the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.

Another mistake is neglecting formatting. A cluttered or overly complex layout can distract hiring managers from the content of your resume. Stick to a clean design with clear headings and bullet points.

Failing to quantify achievements often reduces the impact of your experience section. Use numbers where possible—mention how many tickets you resolved per day or any improvements in customer satisfaction ratings you achieved.

Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be universally understood unless you’re certain they’ll resonate with the employer’s expectations. Clarity should always take precedence over complexity.

Lastly, don’t forget about proofreading! Spelling errors and grammatical issues can create an unprofessional impression, making it seem like you lack attention to detail—a critical trait in technical support roles.

By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll enhance your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing a position in this competitive field. Your resume serves as your first impression; make it count.

Recommended for you

Trending Stories

A 10-Point Checklist for Successfully Launching Your Tech Product in the Competitive U.S. Market

Running a tech product  in the competitive U.S. market demands careful planning and tactical...

How to Navigate FinTech Regulations When Expanding into the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide for Startups

Expanding a FinTech startup into the U.S. can be a game-changer. The U.S. market...

The Impact of AI on Traditional Art Education and Institutions: A New Frontier for Creativity

The landscape of art education is undergoing a significant transformation fueled by the rise...

Avoid Common Pitfalls with This 10-Point Checklist for Launching Tech Products in the U.S.

Starting a technological product in the united states (U.S.) market is a complex and...

Blockchain Life 2024 to Take Place in Dubai

Digital currencies and blockchain technology continue to reshape the financial landscape. As adoption grows...

How to Navigate FinTech Regulations When Expanding into the U.S.: Key Legal Considerations

Expanding a FinTech business into the U.S. market is an exciting yet complex endeavor....

Huawei Plans To Launch New Product On September Alongside Apple iPhone 16 Launch

Huawei is set to release an “epoch-making” device on September 10, which coincides with...

Spotify Premium APK Download v8.10.9.722 UPDATED Version 2024

Spotify Premium APK is a modified version of the official Spotify app that provides...

Smart City Development: Creating Technology Solutions for Urban Living

Smart cities represent the future of urban living, integrating advanced technologies to improve the...

Future Trends in eCommerce Operations: Careers at eBay for Aspiring Professionals

Welcome to the dynamic world of eCommerce! As online shopping continues to reshape our...

Vyug Metaverse Launches Beta Version and Announces Extended Airdrop Event

Dubai – Vyug Metaverse is excited to announce the launch of its highly anticipated...

Helpling Group’s Super App Revolutionizes Home Services with AI and Seamless Customer Experience

In today’s world, billions of people rely on online applications to find the closest...

How to Become Famous: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Brand and Growing Your Influence

Fame is no longer the exclusive domain of celebrities gracing the silver screen or...

7 Must-Watch Crypto Coins in 2024: BlockDAG, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Binance Coin, and Polkadot

The cryptocurrency world is alive with excitement, hosting a vibrant mix of seasoned giants...

The Best Manufacturing ERP Systems of 2024- A comparison

There are a lot of the best manufacturing ERP systems present in 2024. The...

Like Us On Facebook

Latest interview.

Pioneering Software Development: Interview with Sergei Orlov, co-founder of Timspark

In this exclusive TechBullion interview, Sergei Orlov, co-founder of Timspark, sheds light on the dynamic world of software development and how his...

First Founder-Driven, Comprehensive, Shareable Diligence Software; Interview With Nicole Loftus, Founder of The Locker

In this exclusive TechBullion interview, Nicole Loftus, the dynamic founder of The Locker, shares her journey from disrupting a $20 billion industry...

People And Career

Revolutionizing the Window Cleaning Industry: Skyline Robotics Deploys Ozmo to New York City Skyscraper 

In a landmark development for the global window cleaning industry, Skyline Robotics, in partnership with The Durst Organization and Palladium Window Solutions,...

Dr. Erez Agmoni Joins Wisor.AI: A Strategic Move to Revolutionize Freight Forwarding with AI.

In a strategic move that has the potential to reshape the freight forwarding and logistics industry, Wisor.AI, a leading fintech startup specializing...

Pin It on Pinterest