42 Action Verbs to Use on a Resume: Examples + Pro Tips

When it comes to writing a resume, many job seekers focus on highlighting their skills and experiences. 

However, what they often overlook is the importance of using action verbs on their resumes. 

Action verbs can make a significant impact on how your resume is perceived by employers, and can even make the difference between getting an interview or not. 

In this blog post, I will discuss the importance of action verbs on resumes, provide examples of action verbs to use, and offer tips on how to use them effectively.

SEE ALSO: WHAT TENSE SHOULD I USE IN MY RESUME? (PRO TIPS)

Why Use Action Verbs on Resume?

Action verbs are powerful tools that can help to showcase your skills and accomplishments in a way that is both clear and concise. 

They also help to demonstrate your proactive nature and show that you are results-oriented. 

Using action verbs in your resume can help it stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

It is also important to note that using action verbs can help to make your resume more engaging and readable. 

By using an active voice, you can create a sense of urgency and energy that will keep the reader engaged and interested.

Examples of Action Verbs to Use on Resume

Let’s dive into some specific examples of action verbs that can be used in different sections of a resume.

Professional Summary

The professional summary section is the first section of your resume that recruiters and hiring managers will see. 

Using strong action verbs in this section can immediately grab their attention and give them a clear idea of what you can offer. 

Here are some examples of action verbs to use in your professional summary:

• Accomplished
• Exceeded
• Initiated
• Demonstrated
• Delivered
• Developed

Work Experience

Your work experience section is where you can showcase your achievements and demonstrate your value to potential employers. 

Using specific and relevant action verbs can help you do this effectively. 

Here are some examples of action verbs to use in your work experience section:

• Increased
• Achieved
• Implemented
• Streamlined
• Innovated
• Collaborated

Skills

Your skills section is where you can highlight your specific abilities and competencies. 

Using action verbs in this section can help to show that you are proactive and results-oriented. 

Here are some examples of action verbs to use in your skills section:

• Mastered
• Acquired
• Strengthened
• Utilized
• Adapted
• Improved

Education

Even your education section can benefit from the use of action verbs. 

By highlighting the skills and experiences you gained through your education, you can show potential employers that you have the necessary qualifications for the job. 

Here are some examples of action verbs to use in your education section:

• Attained
• Studied
• Researched
• Analyzed
• Presented
• Published

It is important to remember that using action verbs alone is not enough. 

You should also be able to provide specific examples of how you used these skills and achieved these accomplishments in your previous roles.

By using specific and relevant action verbs throughout your resume, you can make it more engaging and interesting to potential employers. 

So, take some time to review your resume and see where you can add more action verbs to make it stand out from the competition.

SEE ALSO: WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED ON A RESUME?

Action verbs to use on a resume: categorized by job functions

Below are some other examples of action verbs that you can use on your resume, categorized by job functions:

Management

• Supervised
• Led
• Coordinated
• Organized
• Directed
• Managed

Marketing

• Marketed
• Promoted
• Strategized
• Generated
• Developed
• Created

Customer Service

• Assisted
• Resolved
• Communicated
• Responded
• Addressed
• Helped

It is important to use action verbs that are relevant to your skill set and job function. 

Using verbs that are not relevant or appropriate can detract from the impact of your resume.

When using action verbs, it is also important to vary them and avoid repetition. 

Using the same verb multiple times can make your resume seem repetitive and unengaging.

SEE ALSO: WHAT FONT SHOULD A RESUME BE? (PRO TIPS TO STANDOUT)

Tips for Using Action Verbs on Resume

Using action verbs on your resume is important, but it is also important to use them effectively. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use present tense action verbs for current positions and past tense for previous positions.
2. Avoid overusing buzzwords and clichés, as they can make your resume seem generic and unoriginal.
3. Make sure your action verbs are specific and relevant to your job function.
4. Use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments, rather than just your responsibilities.
5. Use action verbs at the beginning of bullet points to draw attention to your achievements.

Final Thoughts

If you want your resume to stand out, using action verbs is a must. 

Nevertheless, remember to vary your verbs, avoid overusing buzzwords, and use them effectively to highlight your achievements.

Take some time to review your resume and make sure you are using the right action verbs to showcase your skills and accomplishments. 

With a little effort, you can make your resume more engaging and interesting to potential employers, and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

Additional Resources:

Resume Action Verbs List

FAQs

Why should I use action verbs on my resume?

Using action verbs on your resume can help to showcase your achievements and experiences more engagingly. It can also help to make your resume stand out from others that use more generic language. Additionally, using strong action verbs can help to demonstrate your value to potential employers and make a positive first impression.

What are some examples of action verbs to use on a resume?

There are a wide variety of action verbs that can be used on a resume, depending on the specific experiences and achievements that you want to highlight. Some examples of action verbs include “accomplished,” “exceeded,” “initiated,” “delivered,” “streamlined,” “innovated,” “mastered,” and “utilized.”

Where should I use action verbs on my resume?

Action verbs can be used throughout your resume, but they are especially effective in the professional summary, work experience, skills, and education sections. In these sections, you can use action verbs to highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences more dynamically and engagingly.

Can I overuse action verbs on my resume?

Yes, it is possible to overuse action verbs on your resume. If you use too many action verbs, it can make your resume sound repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, focus on using strong, specific action verbs that accurately reflect your experiences and achievements. It is also important to balance the use of action verbs with other descriptive language and contextual information.

Can I use action verbs on a cover letter or job application?

Yes, you can and should use action verbs on your cover letter and job application as well. Using strong action verbs in your application materials can help to make a positive first impression and demonstrate your qualifications for the job.