340+ Resume Action Verbs & Power Words [For 2023]

21 March

8 min read

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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:

In this guide, we’re going to cover:

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.

Correct Example

Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.

Incorrect Example

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.

Pro Tip

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:

Incorrect Examples:

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

You could say:

Correct Example

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”
Resume Power Adjectives

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

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.

340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words [w/ Examples]

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

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

1. Advised
2. Advocated
3. Clarified
4. Corresponded
5. Defined
6. Gathered
7. Ignited
8. Informed
9. Interpreted
10. Persuaded
11. Publicized

Example:

Gathered external data for the project-planning personnel and advised on the implementation of capital projects.

When you were part of a team:

12. Aided
13. Enabled
14. Encouraged
15. Facilitated
16. Fostered
17. Inspired
18. Supported
19. Collaborated

Example:

Made a $6M merger through collaboration with an international team.

When you supervised a team:

20. Guided
21. Evaluated
22. Instructed
23. Mentored
24. Motivated
25. Regulated
26. Taught

Example:

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

Examples:

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

Example:

Improved and tuned networking equipment and overall computer network.

When you worked with other people:

41. Motivated
42. Supervised
43. Delegated
44. Chaired

Example:

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

Example:

Designed a new feature on a mobile equation solving app.

When you worked on an established idea:

56. Adapted
57. Applied
58. Built
59. Condensed
60. Customized
61. Fashioned
62. Integrated
63. Modified
64. Patched
65. Piloted
66. Shaped
67. Revitalized

Example:

Built the company sales processes ground-up.

When you introduced a finished project:

68. Displayed
69. Modeled
70. Launched
71. Performed
72. Pioneered

Example:

Launched an e-commerce website to take the company business online.

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

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

Example:

Calculated monthly and quarterly investment forecasts.

When you corrected mistakes and errors:

85. Debugged
86. Diagnosed
87. Established
88. Fixed
89. Rectified
90. Lessened
91. Reconciled
92. Remodeled
93. Rebuilt
94. Upgraded
95. Corrected

Example:

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

Example:

Maintained design production under an extremely tight budget.

Resume Action Verbs for Research, Analysis, and Planning

When you prepared or helped prepare an event:

103. Assembled
104. Conducted
105. Organized

Example:

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

Example:

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

Example:

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

Example:

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

Example:

Motivated co-workers by rewarding positive behavior, encouraging optimism and stimulating teamwork.

When you were supportive of others through actions:

144. Aided
145. Assisted
146. Contributed
147. Provided
148. Volunteered

Example:

Volunteered in 3 non-profit social organizations.

When you taught others:

149. Coached
150. Counseled
151. Demonstrated
152. Educated
153. Informed

Example:

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
159. Grew
160. Integrated
161. Lifted
162. Merged
163. Overhauled
164. Raised
165. Redesigned
166. Refined
167. Remodeled
168. Reorganized
169. Restructured
170. Revamped
171. Saved
172. Slashed
173. Streamlined
174. Strengthened
175. Updated
176. Upgraded

Example:

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
186. Made
187. Navigated
188. Negotiated
189. Operated
190. Partnered
191. Performed
192. Prepared
193. Produced
194. Secured
195. Succeeded In
196. Undertook

Example:

Navigated three simultaneous projects between 3 departments within the budget limit.

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

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
207. Made
208. Made Progress On
209. Operated
210. Organized
211. Perfected
212. Prepared
213. Pursued
214. Put Together
215. Set-Up
216. Undertook

Example:

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:

217. Apply
218. Adopt
219. Deploy
220. Employ
221. Exert
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

Example:

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:

Correct Example

Caregiver with 5+ years of extensive experience. Recognized for providing heartfelt emotional support to clients.

Incorrect Example

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:

Correct Example

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

Incorrect Example

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
294. Keen
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
335. Calm
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:

Most Hated Buzzwords:

Excellent
Go-Getter
Hard worker
Strategic thinker
Outside the box
Responsible for
Expert
Innovative
Specialized in
Creative
Synergized
Go To
Results-driven
Team Player
Detail Oriented
Focused
Ninja
Super
Great
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?

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