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October 15, 2021

100 Powerful Action Verbs To Make Your Resume Stand Out From The Crowd

Your resume is a marketing document that you create to persuade a hiring manager or recruiter that you're the best candidate for the job. A powerful way to achieve this goal is by using action verbs in your resume, which will make it stand out from the crowd of other applicants. In this post, we’ve compiled 100 words to use in different situations, so that you can be sure your resume stands out.

What Are Action Verbs? 

An action verb describes what the subject is doing. They're essential to a strong resume since they may be used to add emphasis to a phrase in order to provide relevant and important information. Using action verbs can make your resume stand out from the crowd, as action verbs add energy and vitality to the descriptions which further strengthens your candidacy for the job.

How Can Action Verbs Be Used In A Resume?

Below are some phrases that can be found on a professional (or entry-level) resume with the corresponding action verbs:

A general resume would be as such "Delivered presentations to clients and management."  But with the use of better action verbs, "Prepared, delivered and summarised presentations for clients and management.", there's more emphasis on presenting information as well as summarising it with a stronger verb instead of just describing what was done. In some cases where you're not sure if you should use action verbs, you can always remove the description and see if it still makes sense.

Here are a few more examples:

  • "Worked on projects with (a specific software programme)" "Collaborated and worked on projects with (specific software programme)."
  • "Supervised both employee and guest programmes in day spa" "Supervised both employee and guest programmes in day spa; executed operational plans to maintain high standards in event management."

Action verbs extend your writing to be more compelling than just a list of duties, responsibilities and skills. They also serve to answer the hiring manager's questions "So what?" and "What did you do?".

The following list contains action verbs in different situations that can be used when writing your resume or cover letter. The groupings display action verbs in tasks that are often used within specific career fields.

Information Technology (IT), Systems Analysts, And Programmers

  • Fortified network defences 
  • Designed and developed relational database systems 
  • Developed mobile applications for iOS, Android, Windows Phone platforms 
  • Worked on projects with <specific software programme> (this can be used within different fields other than IT as well)
  • Collaborated and worked on projects with (specific software programme)
  • Built, developed, designed, engineered, fabricated and implemented systems
  • Created documentation for users/maintainers of software applications 
  • Aided in the design of new hardware infrastructure to support growth initiatives 
  • Preserved the integrity of data and backup systems 
  • Managed, maintained and administered email servers/networks; installed software updates for anti-virus programmes 
  • Led a project to upgrade (a specific type or brand) hardware across all business units in the organisation 
  • Deployed effective solutions based on findings from network monitoring reports

Marketing Or Public Relations (PR) Professionals

  • Served as communication liaison between company and media 
  • Managed activities for internal/external clients to meet deadlines, including scheduling interviews with local press (this can be used within different fields other than PR as well)
  • Collaborated with the design team in overseeing social media content development on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels
  • Lead video production process, including scripting and storyboarding; edited raw footage into the final product       
  • Performed market research and analysis 
  • Managed, maintained and administered email servers/networks; installed software updates for anti-virus programmes (this can be used within different fields other than PR as well) 
  • Developed marketing plans to promote (a specific product or service offering)
  • Designed promotional materials to support product launch efforts (this can be used within different fields other than PR as well)
  • Assessed market conditions and competitive landscape in order to develop a tactical plan that provided guidance on pricing strategies

Sales, Account Managers, And Sales Representatives

  • Generated leads and qualified prospects for the sales team 
  • Collaborated with marketing to create content that was used in lead generation campaigns  (this can be used within different fields other than Sales as well)
  • Performed market research and analysis; developed strategies based on findings       
  • Managed quantitative data analyses of customer buying behaviour, sales activities and financial performance        
  • Developed customer relationships/partnerships; acted as liaison between customers and other departments  
  • Helped customers with product/service inquiries 
  • Provided support for customer accounts; resolved account billing issues. 
  • Processed orders from clients or sales reps within a specific timeframe  
  • Maintained and update records regarding customers, sales reps and clients

Engineering, Architecture, Maths and Science Positions

  • Engineered, designed and tested components for (specific product) 
  • Maintained records of project specifications; created drawings using computer-aided design programmes                     
  • Managed technical documentation across multiple projects    
  • Conducted research to validate whether existing software tools were sufficient or needed changes/upgrades                   
  • Collaborated with internal engineering teams to develop product launch plans     
  • Managed technical documentation across multiple projects
  • Led a project to upgrade computer systems and software
  • Performed market research and analysis; developed product strategies based on findings       
  • Coordinated interview schedules; facilitated interviews with applicants
  • Monitored company benefits programme in compliance with federal guidelines
  • Developed talent acquisition strategies based on market conditions and business goals

Administrative Support And Office Work

  • Executed administrative tasks; performed filing 
  • Developed and maintained a records management system                   
  • Maintained project budget; monitored expenditures (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)       
  • Performed all tasks required to support accounting department staff (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)
  • Provided administrative assistance for the management team. The nature of the work will vary depending on your manager's preference but may include: calendar management, email management, phone calls/meetings and word processing duties (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)
  • Maintained office equipment; prepared documents for printing  
  • Filed insurance claims with carriers to resolve coverage issues                 
  • Maintained records of all incoming and outgoing shipments (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)
  • Managed office supplies inventory; restocked items when low  (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)
  • Worked with clients to process requests for proposal  (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)                  
  • Coordinated meeting schedules and prepared materials in advance of meetings             
  • Managed travel arrangements for team members (this can be used within different fields other than Administration as well)

Supervisors: Assistant Managers / Team Leaders / Department Heads

  • Ensured departmental performance goals were achieved; reported results to upper management
  • Scheduled work shifts for employees based on staffing needs and workload demands                        
  • Managed project budgets; monitored expenditures                                    
  • Supervised individual projects or initiatives; provided regular updates to management                       
  • Managed departmental workflow; identified inefficiencies and devised solutions 

Choose Your Words Carefully

It's important to be cognizant of the words you choose when writing your resume. Action verbs and active voice make a significant impact on how people perceive your resume, so it's worth the extra time to make an impression. You can improve your chances of getting an interview by demonstrating what you have accomplished in past positions or projects that demonstrate why they should hire you for theirs.  Whether you're looking for a new job or are just updating yours, this list will help get those creative juices flowing!


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