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You're about to learn our best resume action words, but first, think about this:

1. Pictures Of Adjectives
2. List Of Strong Action Verbs
3. Colored Pictures Of Verbs

What makes this list of 240 resume action words so useful?

Let’s do an experiment.

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Gather 350 bottles of shampoo. (I’ll wait.)

Now spend the next 3 hours reading the instructions.

Did you get tired of, Lather, rinse, repeat?

That’s exactly how employers feel when they read resumes.

The right resume power words can make you stand out from the crowd like Wonder Woman in a neon A-Line skirt.

Here’s the problem:

Most lists of resume words are kind of like a junk drawer. It’s hard to find the one you want.

This list of resume action words provides:

• 240 resume action words grouped by keyword synonym.
• Easy-to-use lists of resume power words, organized to save you time.
• Separate lists of resume buzzwords and resume adjectives to make your work stand out.
• Expert tips to use the best resume verbs and other good resume words like a pro.

What’s better than a resume built with great resume words? A builder that makes your application shine out like a road flare. Need to make a resume quick, with bonus tips from experts? Use our examples and build your resume here.

Sample Resume Made with Our Builder - See more templates and create your resume here.

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.

1

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of Boring Words

Why use powerful resume words?

Well, pretend you’re hungry.

In front of you are 300 American cheese sandwiches on white bread.

Ho hum.

Pictures Of Adjectives

But then you see a turkey-bacon panini with thin-sliced avocado and a side of homemade curly fries.

Beside it sits a frosty mug of ice cold beer.

Resume power words make your resume stand out like that.

Bear in mind this isn’t a “how to fluff a resume” piece. It’s not a checklist of magic NLP phrases that will hypnotize the recruiter.

Use it to improve your writing, and to help the employer understand why you should be the chosen one.

But you don’t want a phone-book-style list of 240 resume verbs, buzzwords, and adjectives. So—here are 10 individual lists.

After that are lists of resume buzzwords, resume adjectives, and how to find the best keywords for your resume.

Click to see each action verb lists below (shown later in this article).

Resume Action Words Lists

Want buzzwords, adjectives, or resume keywords to give your job search a fighting chance? Click any of the resume words lists below, or just scroll down.

Resume Buzzwords and Resume Adjectives

Pro Tip: Picking power verbs for resume writing? Change it up. Use each one only once if you can help it.

Use powerful words and action verbs on your LinkedIn profile too. Want yours to really sing? See our guide: A LinkedIn Summary & Profile That Gets Jobs

Everybody knows how to use resume action words. Right?

The answer may surprise you.

The best resume words don’t describe you.

They describe the things you’ve done.

What are Resume Action Words?

Resume action words are words you should use in your resume to describe your professional skills, tasks, and achievements at work in a short and powerful way. Typically, they are action verbs but adjectives and some buzzwords are also considered good words for resumes. Resume action words are also called resume power words.

With action words:

• Responsible for becomes Improved..
• Worked with becomes Collaborated on a team that..
• In Charge Of becomes Directed 20 employees to..

Rather than describe your job, resume action verbs paint a vivid picture of your expertise and professional wins.

Why Do Good Resume Verbs Make Writing Stronger?

Resume action verbs make writing stronger for two reasons.

First, they zap the boring phrases hiring managers see hundreds of times daily.

Second, they guide you toward job-winning specifics. With action words, you didn’t just handle a responsibility. You slashed costs X% or drove time savings of X hours/week.

What Action Words to Use in a Resume

Avoid like the plague words that say, “I’m awesome, great, experienced, an expert, a hard worker.”

Those are “toot your own horn” words.

Instead, use resume words that say, “I’m about to show you how I’m awesome.”

The 240 resume words in this article do just that.

Use Exact Numbers with Your Resume Power Words

With any of the resume words below, add numbers.

Calculate the dollars saved, the revenue increased, the time reduced.

Then use good resume action verbs to introduce those numbers.

Example:

Implemented a new inventory system and slashed costs 20%.

Pro Tip: What’s even more powerful than great action words for a resume? Great referrals. Reach out to employees at the company and listen to them talk about their job.

Need achievements to pair with all those great resume action words? See our guide: Achievements to Put on a Resume - Complete Guide (+30 Examples)

3

Resume Action Words for “Team Player”

Employers hate seeing “team player” on a resume.

Yet, they want to hire team players.

See the problem?

You’ve got to show you’re a team player without saying it.

So, in your resume bullet points, display achievements. Show times you worked with others and got great results.

You cut costs, raised revenue, or found efficiencies. Give specific dollar amounts, hours per week, and percentages.

Lead off with the resume action verbs for collaborate below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Team Player:

1. Acknowledged
2. Assimilated
3. Blended
4. Coalesced
5. Collaborated
6. Contributed
7. Diversified
8. Embraced
9. Encouraged
10. Energized
11. Gathered
12. Harmonized
13. Ignited
14. Joined
15. Melded
16. Merged
17. Participated
18. Partnered
19. United
20. Volunteered

Pro Tip: Use great action verbs for resume writing, but use them sparingly. One active power verb per bullet point sentence is plenty.

Want to fit your resume words to the job offer like a pair of yoga pants? See our guide: How to Personalize Your Resume to Match a Job Description (Examples)

Hiring managers love leaders.

They can’t stand candidates who merely say they’re leaders.

How many team members were you in charge of? How many hours of training did you give? What projects did you spearhead?

There’s your proof. Showcase it in style with the resume power words for leadership below.

20 of the Best Resume Words for Leadership:

1. Authorized
2. Chaired
3. Cultivated
4. Delegated
5. Directed
6. Enabled
7. Executed
8. Facilitated
9. Fostered
10. Guided
11. Headed
12. Hosted
13. Inspired
14. Mentored
15. Mobilized
16. Operated
17. Orchestrated
18. Oversaw
19. Spear­headed
20. Trained

Pro Tip: Action verbs for resume use can backfire if you use them wrong. Make sure you fully understand the power words you use.

If adding resume words can help your chances, what other great tips are just around the corner? See our guide: 42 Amazing Resume Tips That You Can Use in 30 Minutes [Examples]

5

Resume Buzzwords

Trying to stand out with power words for your resume?

Make sure they’re the right ones.

Avoid resume buzz words.

A CareerBuilder study of 2200 hiring managers found the common resume buzzwords hiring managers hate most.

What do they have in common? Most say you’re great, but don’t convey any actual information.

Use resume words you can hook achievements to instead.

Pro Tip: What if you land the interview, then they ask you to describe yourself in three words? Use resume action words to show how well you’ll fit the job.

Looking for resume buzzwords to use in a student resume? Want help making it 10x more effective? See our guide on the subject: Student Resume Sample & Complete Writing Guide [with 20+ Examples]

“Responsible for” is the sneakers-in-a-dryer of resume words.

Instead, say how you improved what you were responsible for.

Use these resume words to do it right:

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Responsible For:

1. Accomplished
2. Acquired
3. Achieved
4. Acted As
5. Completed
6. Created
7. Executed
8. Finished
9. Forged
10. Made
11. Navigated
12. Negotiated
13. Operated
14. Partnered
15. Performed
16. Prepared
17. Produced
18. Secured
19. Succeeded In
20. Undertook

Pro Tip: It’s okay to use more common resume action verbs once in a while. Just avoid the most common power words whenever possible.

How many words should a resume be? Check our resources: Should a Resume Be One Page? How to Make It a Single Page [+Tips]

7

Good Resume Verbs for “Communication”

What hiring manager doesn’t love a good communicator?

Here’s a tip:

An applicant with good communication skills would never say, “I’m a good communicator.” Epson l220 installer free download.

She’d show it.

So—tout achievements your communication caused.

Did you negotiate deals 10% more effectively than others? Author the company newsletter?

Show it with the powerful resume words below.

20 of the Best Resume Words for Communication:

1. Advocated
2. Authored
3. Clarified
4. Composed
5. Consulted
6. Conveyed
7. Convinced
8. Corresponded
9. Defined
10. Explained
11. Fielded
12. Illustrated
13. Influenced
14. Informed
15. Mediated
16. Moderated
17. Negotiated
18. Promoted
19. Persuaded
20. Publicized

Pro Tip: Can’t find the right action verbs for resumes to describe your great achievement? Sometimes it’s best to let the accomplishment speak for itself.

Are you listing work experience the best way on your resume? Try this link: How to List Work Experience on Your Resume [+20 Examples]

Want to look incompetent?

Just put “Achiever” on your resume.

Want to look like Tony Stark with MS Office skills?

Use the strong resume words below to show exactly what you have achieved.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Achiever:

1. Accelerated
2. Accomplished
3. Advanced
4. Amplified
5. Boosted
6. Completed
7. Created
8. Delivered
9. Enacted
10. Enhanced
11. Expanded
12. Expedited
13. Generated
14. Improved
15. Lifted
16. Managed
17. Maximized
18. Outpaced
19. Produced
20. Stimulated

Pro Tip: Avoid over-flashy resume action verbs like “destroyed,” “smashed,” or “annihilated.” Use them only if you’re applying to the WWE.

Poor use of resume action words is a big mistake. Are you making others? See our guide: Resume Dos and Don'ts: 50+ Tips & Advice on Building Great Resumes

9

Resume Adjectives

Let’s not tiptoe.

Most people think the right adjectives for resume will impress the employer.

They won’t.

Have you ever seen It’s a Wonderful Life?

There’s a scene where a pipsqueak tells Donna Reed, “Nobody’d say anything to me about it because they all know what kind of guy I am.”

That’s exactly how “powerful” resume adjectives make you look.

They’re a bluff. A strutting rooster. A little guy beating his chest.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Your big stick is achievements. Ditch the flowery resume adjectives and cite jaw-dropping accomplishments. Use the resume words below.

Pro Tip: We’re not saying to use zero resume power words as adjectives. One or two in a resume can help paint your picture. But stick to a couple. They’re the wave crest, not the ocean.

What else can make your resume stand out aside from strong resume phrases and words? Using the best fonts. For more info see: Best Font for a Resume: What Size & Typeface to Use? [15+ Pro Tips]

It’s not enough to tell employers what you worked on.

Thomas Andrews worked on designing the Titanic.

What exactly did you accomplish?

Don’t just say you worked on something. Say how many, how much, how often. Find the success. Give numbers. Show value.

To share those numbers, include these powerful resume words for “worked on” below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Worked On:

1. Arranged
2. Compiled
3. Composed
4. Constructed
5. Created
6. Developed
7. Engaged In
8. Fashioned
9. Forged
10. Formulated
11. Made
12. Made Progress On
13. Operated
14. Organized
15. Perfected
16. Prepared
17. Pursued
18. Put Together
19. Set Up
20. Undertook

Pro Tip: Avoid passive verbs for resumes like “is,” “were,” and “was” when possible. Use active verbs instead.

Should you send a PDF or MS Word Doc resume? See our guide: Resume in PDF or Word: What is the Best Resume File Type?

11

Resume Verbs for “Improved”

Did you make something skyrocket?

Showing it on a resume can get you hired.

But you can’t keep saying “I improved” over and over.

Mix it up with the resume words below.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Improved:

1. Boosted
2. Converted
3. Customized
4. Grew
5. Integrated
6. Lifted
7. Merged
8. Overhauled
9. Raised
10. Redesigned
11. Refined
12. Remodeled
13. Reorganized
14. Restructured
15. Revamped
16. Saved
17. Slashed
18. Streamlined
19. Strengthened
20. Updated

Pro Tip: Using action verbs for resumes to describe accomplishments? Try to match them to what the hiring manager needs. That’s easy to find—it’s in the job ad.

Besides resume verbs, what else should you put on your resume? See our guide: What to Put on a Resume to Make it Perfect [Tips & Examples]

Does the job description call for research skills?

Steer clear of generic resume phrases like, “Handled research duties and responsibilities.”

Focus instead on the effect your research had.

Did your analytical skills save money? Time? Earn commendations from management?

Use the resume verbs below to say that.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Researched:

1. Analyzed
2. Assessed
3. Audited
4. Calculated
5. Checked
6. Discovered
7. Examined
8. Explored
9. Identified
10. Inspected
11. Investigated
12. Mapped
13. Measured
14. Probed
15. Proved
16. Quantified
17. Studied
18. Surveyed
19. Tested
20. Tracked

List Of Strong Action Verbs

Not sure how to present your current position? Explore ideas for professional titles here: 450 Job Titles that Work on a Resume & Job Hunt [Current & Desired!]

13

Synonyms for “Creativity and Problem Solving”

Lots of jobs need creativity skills.

Saying, “I’m creative” on a resume proves you aren’t.

Use resume power words to show what you created.

Exactly what did you design? Did your creations win awards and commendations?

Did you go faster than your coworkers? Do it cheaper? Get higher customer reviews?

Use the resume words below to show that with a little zest.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Creativity and Problem-Solving:

1. Altered
2. Built
3. Corrected
4. Crafted
5. Designed
6. Determined
7. Devised
8. Drafted
9. Enhanced
10. Established
11. Fashioned
12. Fixed
13. Initiated
14. Invented
15. Overhauled
16. Patched
17. Piloted
18. Pioneered
19. Rebuilt
20. Resolved

Pro Tip: “Why should we hire you?” Have the right resume verbs ready. Back them up with numbers, and you’ll ace that common interview question with flying colors.

Can formatting help as much as action verbs for a resume? See our guide: Resume Format: How to Format a Professional Resume (Examples & Templates)

You could just say your last job was in management.

That alone will show you’ve got experience.

But hiring managers love metrics.

So, think about what you achieved through managing employees.

The good resume words below will help.

20 of the Best Resume Action Words for Managing:

1. Aligned
2. Cultivated
3. Directed
4. Enabled
5. Facilitated
6. Fostered
7. Guided
8. Hired
9. Inspired
10. Mentored
11. Mobilized
12. Motivated
13. Recruited
14. Regulated
15. Shaped
16. Supervised
17. Taught
18. Trained
19. Unified
20. United

Need some great resume keywords that look good on any resume? Want resume skills words that boost your interview odds? See our guide: 30+ Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)

15

“Assist” Synonyms for a Resume

Not only assistant jobs require assisting.

Still, the word seems not strong enough to convey competence and trustworthiness.

Use the following synonyms instead to show your impact:

Top 15+ Resume Synonyms for Assist

1. Abet
2. Aid
3. Advance
4. Boost
5. Help
6. Counsel
7. Coach
8. Cooperate
9. Collaborate
10. Dispatch
11. Expedite
12. Endorse
13. Facilitate
14. Maintain
15. Promote
16. Reinforce
17. Support

You can also use these phrases when writing your cover letter. Find out how to format your cover letter the right way. Check our guide: Covering Letter Format: Templates, Ready-to-Use Layouts & 20+ Samples

This three-syllable word means the same thing as the word “use”.

Colored Pictures Of Verbs

Both are pretty old fashioned and have more powerful substitutes.

Take a look at the list below.

Best 10+ Resume Synonyms for Utilize

1. Apply
2. Adopt
3. Deploy
4. Employ
5. Exert
6. Handle
7. Mobilize
8. Operate
9. Promote
10. Put to Use
11. Restore
12. Revive
13. Specialize in

Is this your first time writing a resume? We have a tailor-made guide for you. Check: First Resume with No Work Experience: Samples and Expert Tips

17

Resume Keywords

Resume keywords aren’t the same as action words.

Action words begin your bullet points.

They introduce achievements that convince the hiring manager to hire you.

You saved, slashed, raised, or developed something.

Resume keywords showcase your specific skills.

Need a list of good skills to put on a resume? The best ones are in the job offer.

Use the ones the employer is hungry for, and the Applicant Tracking Software will reward you.

• Use 25-30 resume keywords.
• Read the job offer carefully. Highlight any skills keywords the job requires.
• Don’tjust use those keywords in your bullet points. Add resume action verbs to show how those skills helped the company.

What’s the most important resume keyword every application should contain? Find that and other key tips in our guide: Best Resume Keywords to Use: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaway

Here’s a recap of resume action words and how to use them:

• Resume action verbs are words that introduce accomplishments. They describe job duties, but leave room for all-important metrics.
• Don’t ever simply say you’re skilled, a go-getter, or hardworking. Back it up with resume power words and concrete figures.
• Avoid resume buzzwords like “outside the box” or “innovative.” They’re the worst resume words because they come off like empty bragging.
• Use the 240 resume action verbs in this guide to make your resume more readable. They’ll also help you prove your worth and get a lot more interviews.

Do you have questions resume action words? Not sure how to use resume power words to get the best effect? Give us a shout in the comments! Let's talk about phrases you love to hate and hate to love!