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

Correctly using relevant action words and power verbs can be the secret weapon in your job search arsenal.

Read this guide if you showcase your experiences in your resume like this:

• 'I am an excellent team player...'
• 'I did client work for a company...'
• 'I was responsible for managing...'

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

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

Our 2025 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 gain clarity on the following common concerns regarding resume action words and power verbs:

• What are power verbs or resume action words?
• Why are action verbs 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 dynamic and specific words/phrases you can use to better articulate your accomplishments and responsibilities in the context of your resume. They convey a stronger sense of impact, capability, and initiative compared to more common or generic alternatives.

If you use action words to start the bullet points of your resume, it will help you showcase a strong and confident professional.

How? Because most resume bullet points start with the same boring 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 include in your resume?

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 stronger 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:

BORING	WOW!
**Possesses** excellent team management skills	**Championed** a team of 15 to surpass KPI targets and secure the Top Rank out of 20 other regional teams
Armed with stellar negotiation skills	**Spearheaded** negotiations for the Microsoft B2B Strategic Alliance to achieve a cost reduction of 22%

Also Read: How to use resume action verbs the right way?

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). 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 instance, '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 "Professional 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 to 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

Accelerated	Formalized	Counseled	Outpaced
Advocated	Generated	Critiqued	Outperformed
Maintained	Utilized	Cultivated	Pioneered
Amplified	Investigated	Devised	Publicized
Authored	Mentored	Dispatched	Remodeled
Centralized	Mobilized	Enabled	Spearheaded
Charted	Negotiated	Incorporated	Fostered
Designated	Facilitated	Engineered	Transformed
Expedited	Undertook	Forecasted	United

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?

Impactful Resume Action Verbs to Replace Commonly Used Words

Strong Resume Words for 'Planning' or 'Strategic Planning.'

Administered	Developed	Formulated
Prepared	Revised	Anticipated
Devised	Identified	Prioritized
Strategize	Commissioned	Evaluated
Observed	Researched	Reserved
Determined	Forecasted	Tailored

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.'

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

 

Also Read: 10+ Synthesize synonyms

Strong Resume Words for 'Organizing.'

Acquired	Designated	Activated
Centralized	Designed	Mapped out
Scheduled	Adjusted	Facilitated
Ordered	Charted	Dispatched
Established	Secured	Classified
Simplified	Arranged	Implemented
Procured	Assembled	Contracted
Incorporated	Programmed	Suggested
Assessed	Coordinated	Instituted
Recruited	Tracked	Assigned
Customized	Issued	Rectified
Tracked	Authorized	Delegated

 

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

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

Chaired	Authorized	Cultivated
Delegated	Directed	Enabled
Executed	Facilitated	Fostered
Guided	Headed	Hosted
Inspired	Mentored	Mobilized
Operated	Orchestrated	Oversaw
Spear­headed	Trained	Controlled
Inspected	Scrutinized	Reviewed
Regulated	Refined	Oversaw
Overhauled	Monitored	Maintained

 

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

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

Arranged	Compiled	Composed
Constructed	Created	Developed
Engaged In	Fashioned	Forged
Acted	Administered	Conducted
Formulated	Made Progress On	Operated
Organized	Performed	Prepared
Perfected	Put Together	Set Up
Undertook	Trained	Exercised
Inspected	Scrutinized	Reviewed
Regulated	Refined	Oversaw
Overhauled	Monitored	Maintained
Pursued	Processed	Controlled

 

Also Read: "Contribute" synonyms

Good Resume Words for 'Communication.'

Advocated	Authored	Clarified
Composed	Consulted	Conveyed
Convinced	Corresponded	Defined
Explained	Fielded	Illustrated
Influenced	Informed	Mediated
Moderated	Negotiated	Promoted
Persuaded	Publicized	Transmitted
Systematized	Synthesised	Surveyed
Summarized	Substantiated	Solicited
Specified	Sanctioned	Represented
Reported	Rendered	Reinforced
Perceived	Presented	Marketed
Interpreted	Instructed	Inferred
Educated	Trained	Drafted
Demonstrated	Deliberated	Brainstormed
Arbitrated	Briefed	Interfaced

 

Also Read: 10+ Synonyms for "motivate"

Strong Resume Words for 'Helping.'

Aided	Bolstered	Eased
Familiarized	Prescribed	Accommodated
Coached	Elevated	Provided
Saved	Advised	Validated
Enabled	Interceded	Protected
Served	Alleviated	Cooperated
Endorsed	Mobilized	Rehabilitated
Sustained	Assisted	Counseled
Enhanced	Modeled	Relieved
Tutored	Assured	Dealt
Enriched	Polished	Rescued

 

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

Altered	Drafted	Overhauled
Built	Enhanced	Patched
Corrected	Established	Piloted
Crafted	Fashioned	Pioneered
Designed	Conceived	Rebuilt
Determined	Initiated	Resolved
Devised	Invented	Brainstormed
Theorized	Synthesized	Revitalized
Revamped	Remedied	Investigated
Remodeled	Formulated	Engineered
Deciphered	Debugged	Conceptualized

 

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

Accomplished	Operated	Targeted
Acquired	Partnered	Rejuvenated
Achieved	Performed	Reduced / Minimized
Acted As	Prepared	Realized
Created	Produced	Qualified
Finished	Secured	Qualified
Forged	Succeeded In	Orchestrated
Navigated	Undertook	Launched
Negotiated	Integrated	Innovated
Integrated	Generated	Expedited
Excelled	Eliminated	Demonstrated

 

Good Resume Words for 'Team Player'

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

 

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

Resume Buzzwords: List of Resume Verbs to Include and Avoid

What to Avoid	What to Include	Tips
Hard Worker	Achieved	Mention instances to demonstrate your achievements
Creative/Outside the Box/Innovative	Created	Show, don't tell. Detail your creative endeavors with examples
Stellar Communicator	Interfaced/Negotiated	Detail how your communication skills benefitted the organization across specific domains
Responsible	Directed/Orchestrated	Realign your resume from a responsibility-based document to an achievement-based one
Leadership	Directed/Facilitated	To morph what Tywin Lannister said, anyone who needs to say that he is a leader is no true leader
Passionate	Gained an in-depth understanding of	A passion for learning triumphs over the passion for anything else in any professional environment.
Strategic Thinker	Strategy Formulation	Showcase the strategies which you designed and the impact which it managed to deliver
Experienced	Track record of	The former is vague and gives no concrete information. Mention a track record of the most significant thing you've done instead, with performance figures to showcase the quantifiable impact
Go-getter	Target-oriented	Go and get what? Be specific and highlight the targets which you successfully achieved
Synergy	Alliances/Teamwork	It's not 2010 anymore
Go-to person	SPOC	Mention SPOC only if you were, but do try and see if you can avoid the former
Results-driven	Data-driven	The former is a generic term that is hard to quantify. However, it's easier to convince the recruiter that you rely on a data-driven approach by, surprise surprise, providing data.

 

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

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.

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.

However, remember to use them sparingly - if your resume is littered with these adjectives, it lose its significance.

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

Best Power Adjective for Resume

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

Power Adjective for Creativity

Cutting-edge	First-class
Imaginative	Innovative
Novel	Revolutionary
Sophisticated	Groundbreaking
Elegant	Unprecedented
Ingenious	Inventive
Progressive	World-class
Unique	Robust

Power Adjective for Productivity

Accomplished	Economical
Instrumental	Productive
Adept	Fluent
Competent	Profitable
Significant	Cost-effective
Quality	Smooth
Constructive	Industrious
Superior	-

Power Adjective for Dedication

Committed	Devoted
Genuine	Sincere
Dedicated	Determined
Keen	Passionate
Spirited	Energetic

Power Adjective for Hard Work

Motivated	Alert
Thorough	Driven
Enterprising	Attentive
Persistent	Tireless
Concerted	Focused
Studious	Vigorous

Power Adjective for Organization Skills

Detail-oriented	Smooth
Systematic	Controlled
Orderly	Timely
Detailed	Precise
Structured	-

Also Read: How to tailor your resume to a job description?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Top 20 Resume Power Words?

Top 20 resume power words include: Conducted, Managed, Headed, Coordinated, Collaborated, Joined, Participated, Partnered, Analyzed, Performed, Fostered, Utilized, Assimilated, Blended, Volunteered, Devised, Identified, Achieved, Contributed, Ignited.

What are Some Resume Buzz Words to Avoid in Your Resume?

You need to ensure that you’re not using popular Resume Buzz Words 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 to Leave Off Your Resume:

• Expert
• Creative
• Hard-working
• Innovative
• Leader
• Manage
• Responsible
• Team Player
• Working on
• 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: How to analyze job descriptions?

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 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 2025 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!

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