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The verbs you use on your resume shape how recruiters perceive your contributions. Weak, passive language like 'Responsible for' or 'Helped with' makes you sound like a bystander. Strong action verbs make you sound like a driver of results. This curated list of 185+ action verbs is organized by category so you can quickly find the perfect word for every bullet point.
Why Action Verbs Matter on Your Resume
Every bullet point on your resume should begin with a strong action verb. These verbs immediately communicate what you did and set the tone for the achievement that follows. Compare: 'Was responsible for managing a team of 10' vs. 'Led a team of 10 engineers to deliver a product upgrade 3 weeks ahead of schedule.' The second version uses an action verb that shows leadership and drives directly to a quantified result. That's the power of choosing the right verb.
Leadership & Management Verbs
- Led, Directed, Managed, Supervised, Oversaw, Coordinated, Spearheaded, Orchestrated
- Mentored, Coached, Guided, Trained, Developed, Cultivated, Empowered, Delegated
- Chaired, Facilitated, Mobilized, Unified, Galvanized, Championed, Pioneered, Steered
Achievement & Results Verbs
- Achieved, Attained, Exceeded, Surpassed, Outperformed, Delivered, Accomplished, Earned
- Increased, Boosted, Grew, Expanded, Maximized, Accelerated, Amplified, Elevated
- Reduced, Decreased, Minimized, Cut, Lowered, Streamlined, Consolidated, Eliminated
Communication & Collaboration Verbs
- Communicated, Presented, Authored, Wrote, Drafted, Edited, Published, Documented
- Negotiated, Persuaded, Advocated, Influenced, Mediated, Resolved, Arbitrated
- Collaborated, Partnered, Liaised, Consulted, Engaged, Aligned, Networked
Technical & Engineering Verbs
- Developed, Engineered, Built, Coded, Programmed, Designed, Architected, Deployed
- Debugged, Optimized, Automated, Integrated, Configured, Migrated, Refactored
- Tested, Validated, Analyzed, Modeled, Prototyped, Iterated, Scaled, Maintained
Creative & Design Verbs
- Created, Designed, Conceptualized, Illustrated, Crafted, Produced, Composed, Curated
- Revamped, Redesigned, Rebranded, Transformed, Modernized, Refreshed, Reimagined
- Launched, Premiered, Introduced, Unveiled, Debuted, Initiated, Originated
Research & Analysis Verbs
- Researched, Investigated, Examined, Studied, Surveyed, Assessed, Evaluated
- Analyzed, Identified, Discovered, Diagnosed, Mapped, Benchmarked, Forecasted
- Interpreted, Synthesized, Compiled, Quantified, Measured, Tracked, Reported
Sales & Marketing Verbs
- Sold, Closed, Generated, Converted, Acquired, Retained, Upsold, Cross-sold
- Promoted, Marketed, Branded, Positioned, Pitched, Prospected, Targeted
- Captured, Drove, Penetrated, Secured, Won, Landed, Cultivated, Nurtured
How to Use Action Verbs Effectively
- Start every bullet point with an action verb — never with 'Responsible for' or 'Duties included'
- Vary your verbs — don't start five bullets in a row with 'Managed'
- Match the verb intensity to the achievement — 'Spearheaded' carries more weight than 'Participated in'
- Use past tense for previous roles and present tense for your current position
- Pair action verbs with quantified results: 'Grew organic traffic by 180% in 8 months'
- Choose industry-appropriate verbs — 'Engineered' for tech, 'Cultivated' for sales relationships
Words to Remove From Your Resume
Some words and phrases actively weaken your resume. Replace or remove these: 'Responsible for' (use an action verb instead), 'Helped' (too vague — specify your role), 'Assisted with' (same issue), 'Team player' (show it, don't say it), 'Hard worker' (prove it through results), and 'Various' or 'multiple' (use specific numbers). Every word on your resume should earn its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best action verbs for a resume?
The best action verbs depend on your achievements, but universally strong options include Led, Developed, Increased, Reduced, Launched, Managed, and Created. Choose verbs that accurately reflect your level of contribution and pair them with quantified results.
Should I use the same action verb multiple times?
Avoid starting more than two bullets with the same verb. Variety makes your resume more engaging and demonstrates the breadth of your contributions. If you find yourself repeating 'Managed,' try alternatives like Led, Directed, Oversaw, or Coordinated.
Should I use past or present tense on my resume?
Use present tense for your current role ('Lead a team of 5 designers') and past tense for all previous roles ('Led a team of 5 designers'). This convention is standard and expected by recruiters.
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ExpertResume Team
The ExpertResume editorial team consists of certified resume writers, career coaches, and HR professionals with decades of combined experience helping job seekers land their dream roles. Every guide is researched, fact-checked, and updated regularly to reflect current hiring trends.