The moment you plan to search for a new job, the first thing that comes into your mind is to update or build your resume. While preparing your resume, there are probably more words placed on the paper to indicate your accomplishments and tailor your skills to the audience. In such cases, having action verbs can create more impact on your resume and stand out from the rest of the applicants.

These dynamic verbs not only make your resume more compelling but also shed light on your achievements and responsibilities in a way that will make you stand out to potential employers. The blog will talk more about what they are, why you should care, and a list of some of the best action verbs to use in your resume.

What Are Action Verbs?

Action verbs are words that can describe your actions and different types of behavior. On a resume, they're used to begin the bullet points that detail your responsibilities and accomplishments from previous roles. Unlike passive verbs or phrases, action verbs make a direct statement, hence, giving a feel of energy and initiative that effectively demonstrates your capabilities.

Why are Action Verbs Crucial For a Resume?

Action verbs are important in a resume for the following reasons:

1. Demonstrate Impact: Action verbs give meaning to what you have done. It is one thing to list the duties for which you were responsible; it's another to tell what you did.

2. Improves Readability: A full resume with action verbs still reads better and flows more smoothly. It helps the hiring manager see a contribution at one glance, driving readers to appreciate why you're a great fit for this position.

3. Showcasing Skills: Action verbs put the focus on what you did for those former employers to prove your skills, leadership, and initiative.

Types of Action Verbs Used in Resume

You should add the right action verbs based on the role and job opportunity you are applying for. Here are some examples that can be used to increase the impact on your resume.

Action verb for Leadership and Communication

Coordinated
Orchestrated
Mentored
Guided
Managed
Directed
Supervised
Led
Executed

Action Verbs Related to Communication

Collaborated
Communicated
Publicized
Moderated
Influenced
Presented

Action Verbs Related to Problem Solving

Researched
Investigated
Analysed
Strategized
Evaluated
Identify
Quantified

Action Verbs Related to Results and Productivity

Improved
Acquired
Achieved
Boosted
Maximized
Enhanced
Delivered
Reduced
Streamlined
Optimized
Updated

Action Verbs for Customer Support

Informed
Assisted
Informed
Guided
Responded

Using Action Verbs Effectively Throughout the Resume

Adding action verbs can make your resume outstanding and effective.

1. Start every bullet point with action verbs: It makes a strong case for your active role in each job by focusing more on what you did and achieved.

2. Be Specific: Align the action verbs with specific insights into your achievements and career highlights. For example, instead of saying, "Increased sales," describe "propelled sales by 20% within the first quarter."

3. Tailor with the Job Description: Utilizing the action verbs that align with the keywords and skills described in the job portal will help get you through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and appeal to hiring managers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Crafting a Resume

Repeating the Same Verbs: It is necessary to make each point different from each other in your resume. Using the same action verbs repeatedly throughout your resume will make it no different from the other resumes. So, make each point unique and catchy to make it more interesting and impactful.

Vague Verbs: Using weak verbs like "helped" or "worked on," fails to deliver a clear sense of achievement. So, make it a more powerful verb to make a clear statement about your work and experience.

Using Only Action Verbs: The action verbs are the key, yet they need to emerge with quantitative results to which you have contributed.

Final Words

Action verbs are the engine that drives your resume, rephrasing a list of tasks and duties into a dynamic showcase of your achievements. You can choose an appealing resume templates or resume builder to describe your skills and experience with the right action verbs that also communicate your value to potential employers.

Remember to tailor your action verbs to each job you apply for, and watch as your resume transforms into a powerful tool that propels your career forward. This way, you can reach the right companies and acquire jobs, aligned with your skills and experiences.

Choose the Right Action Verbs for Resume and Make it Powerful