Resume Action Verbs: Power Up Your Resume with Impactful Words
Your resume is your first impression—and every word matters. One of the most effective (and overlooked) ways to strengthen your resume is by using action verbs. These powerful words help paint a clear picture of your accomplishments and skills, making your experience stand out to both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Whether you’re writing your first resume or updating an old one, this guide will show you how to replace weak phrases with bold, results-driven action verbs.
What Are Action Verbs?
Action verbs are words that describe what you did in your role. Instead of passively stating your responsibilities, they show initiative, impact, and motion.
Compare the difference:
- Weak: Responsible for customer service
- Strong: Resolved customer inquiries and improved satisfaction scores by 20%
See the shift? One simply states a duty. The other shows action and outcome.
Why Action Verbs Matter
Recruiters scan resumes in seconds. Action verbs grab attention quickly by:
- Communicating results and leadership
- Making your experience sound dynamic
- Aligning with keywords used in ATS systems
- Replacing overused, vague terms like “helped” or “worked on”
- Creating a confident, professional tone
Categories of Strong Resume Action Verbs
Here are action verbs broken down by category to help guide your word choices:
Leadership & Initiative
Led, Spearheaded, Directed, Orchestrated, Coordinated, Launched, Delegated, Executed
Problem-Solving & Innovation
Solved, Improved, Redesigned, Streamlined, Simplified, Revamped, Diagnosed, Automated
Communication & Collaboration
Presented, Advised, Negotiated, Informed, Collaborated, Facilitated, Promoted, Consulted
Achievement & Results
Achieved, Completed, Exceeded, Delivered, Generated, Secured, Increased, Reduced
Organization & Efficiency
Organized, Prioritized, Scheduled, Optimized, Systematized, Standardized, Maintained, Monitored
Analysis & Research
Analyzed, Evaluated, Investigated, Assessed, Compiled, Forecasted, Interpreted, Audited
Teaching & Training
Mentored, Trained, Educated, Coached, Guided, Instructed, Developed, Demonstrated
Customer Service
Assisted, Resolved, Supported, Responded, Advised, Retained, Handled, Addressed
Words to Avoid
Not all verbs are created equal. These vague or overused words won’t do you any favors:
- Helped
- Worked on
- Handled
- Responsible for
- Assisted with
Replace these with specific, active verbs that show what you did and achieved.
Bonus Tips from a Recruiter
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb
- Vary your verbs throughout the resume—don’t repeat the same word
- Pair verbs with measurable results when possible (percentages, dollar amounts, time saved)
- Make sure your verb matches the correct tense (past for previous jobs, present for current roles)
Need Help Putting It All Together?
If writing your resume feels overwhelming, start with a template that already includes action-driven guidance.
At ImpressResume.com/shop, you can grab affordable, recruiter-designed ATS resume bundles that:
- Use strong action verbs in every section
- Are clean, professional, and easy to edit
- Include a resume writing and editing guide written by a recruiter
- Help you focus on results—not just responsibilities
Don’t just say you worked—show what you accomplished.
Final Thoughts
Action verbs are small but mighty tools that can completely transform your resume. Instead of sounding like a list of duties, your resume becomes a powerful summary of your impact and value.
If you want to stand out in a stack of applications, don’t just describe what you were hired to do—show what you did. Use strong, active language and let your achievements lead the way.
