The Best Resume Action Words for This Year

Updated June 18, 20224.1k

The right resume action words can catch a hiring manager's attention and increase your chance of getting a job offer. Here are some great resume action word examples.

Resume Action Words

The best resume is one that grabs a recruiter’s attention and demands to be read in full. Most hiring managers don’t just consider what you have done in the past; they take into account how you discuss your past. Job seekers who show passion and take ownership of their successes are sure to stand out from the crowd. In that vein, strong action verbs and power words could make all the difference to your job search.

What are Resume Action Words?

Resume action verbs are phrases and words that you can use to effectively communicate your skills and abilities. Unlike passive descriptions, action verbs are emotive and show that you have drive and ambition. These words and phrases can be used in any part of a resume or cover letter but will be most effective when they are utilized in a resume work experience section.

The benefits of using resume action verbs are:

Increased resume impact
Increased readability
Higher chance of retaining a recruiter’s attention

Which Action Verbs are Best for a Resume?

When you start resume writing, you should look for opportunities to deploy appropriate action verbs. There is a range of action verbs that you can use in many different situations. Here are some common resume skills and job titles and example action verbs you can use to prove them:

Action verbs for skills:

1. Leadership Skills

Delegated
Planned
Resolved
Appointed

2. Analysis

Quantified
Gathered
Formulated
Observed

3. Communication Skills

Arbitrated
Mediated
Presented
Clarified

4. Problem-Solving

Brainstormed
Mind-mapped
Streamlined
Strengthened

5. Research Skills

Determined
Collected
Compared
Formulated

Action verbs for job titles:

1. Graphic Designer

Conceptualized
Designed
Created
Planned

2. Human Resources Manager

Oversaw
Planned
Scheduled
Assessed
Set goals

3. Editor

Critiqued
Proofread
Analyzed
Corrected
Furthered

4. Teacher

Tutored
Familiarized
Explained
Encouraged

5. Software Engineer

Debugged
Systematized
Streamlined
Computed
Tested

These are just some action verbs that can be used on a resume. There are many action words and synonyms for all of the skills and achievements you might list on a resume. Whether you want to focus on creative skills or technical skills, considering online examples can be helpful in ensuring you get the right power words for your resume.

How to Choose the Right Action Words for Your Resume

When you use resume action words, it is important that they are appropriate for the job description that you are applying for. Here are the steps you can take to identify the correct action verbs for your resume:

Consider the job description.

Re-read the job description of the role that you want to apply for to identify the keywords and main requirements of the role. Once you have done this, identify which skills will be most needed to meet the needs of the role. For example, if the job description calls for teamwork, you will need great collaborative and leadership skills.
Write a list of your key skills and achievements.

With the details of the job description in mind, make a list of your main skills and most notable achievements.
Create a list of action words that reinforce your skills and accomplishments.

When you have your list of notable achievements and relevant skills, start formulating a list of actions that can support or prove your claims. For example, if you list creative skills or successful design projects, your actions and power words might include:
- Created
- Designed
- Planned
- Painted
- Presented
Generate synonyms.

Once you have a list of actions to support your skills and achievements, you should create a list of related action verbs and synonyms. Examples of action verbs and synonyms for creative skills like design projects include:
- Pioneered
- Shaped
- Displayed
- Composed
- Enlivened

Once you have this list in front of you, it is a matter of putting it to use in your resume. For example, you might state that you “Pioneered a design technique that increased average project speed by 10%” or “Created and displayed a composition that increased visitor footfall to the exhibit by 15%”. Finally, consider using a resume builder such as the ResumeNerd resume builder, which offers expert suggestions on how to describe your skills and achievements, as well as a large range of free templates to choose from.

FAQ: Resume Action Words

Which cliched phrases should I replace with resume action words?

There are some descriptive words and phrases that are overused and considered tired or cliched. These words don’t really tell a hiring manager anything about you as a job seeker and should be replaced with appropriate action verbs. Here are some cliche buzzwords to avoid:

Hard worker
Quick learner
Go-getter
Results-oriented
Innovative
Thinking outside the box
Team player

Can resume examples help me to choose good action verbs?

Yes. Resume examples can provide you with insight into effective action words to use in your own resume. This will be especially effective if you consider examples that are relevant to your job title and industry.

How are resume action verbs different from keywords?

Keywords and phrases and words that will help your resume to rank well in applicant tracking systems (ATS). Action words are verbs that effectively communicate how you completed or performed specific tasks in a way that will grab a recruiter's attention. Both should be present in a good resume.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.