One way to make your resume really stand out is to use strong verbs. These are words that are vivid and clear. They help you describe your skills and experience in a way that’s easy for others to understand. It’s like painting a picture with words.
To help you, we’ve put together a list of over 100 strong verbs. These words can make your achievements sound more exciting and impressive. Whether you’re “creating” things, “leading” a team, or “improving” processes, these words can help you show your skills and experiences in the best possible light.
So, don’t just write about what you did – use these strong verbs to make your resume more interesting and get the attention of employers.
Strong Verbs to Use in Your Resume
Here is a table list of 100+ strong verbs that you can use in your resume:
| achieved | accomplished | acquired | Adapted |
| administered | advised | analyzed | Applied |
| appraised | arranged | assembled | Assessed |
| assisted | attained | audited | authorized |
| awarded | balanced | budgeted | Built |
| calculated | chaired | collaborated | Collected |
| communicated | compiled | composed | conceived |
| conducted | conferred | configured | consolidated |
| constructed | consulted | contributed | controlled |
| coordinated | counseled | created | developed |
| diagnosed | directed | drafted | Edited |
| educated | enabled | encouraged | engineered |
| evaluated | examined | exceeded | Executed |
| expedited | facilitated | featured | Finalized |
| formulated | founded | generated | Guided |
| handled | headed | hired | Identified |
| illustrated | implemented | improved | Increased |
| initiated | inspected | installed | instructed |
| integrated | interpreted | interviewed | investigated |
| invented | launched | led | Managed |
| marketed | measured | mediated | Mentored |
| moderated | monitored | motivated | negotiated |
| operated | organized | originated | Outlined |
| oversaw | participated | performed | persuaded |
| planned | presented | prioritized | processed |
| produced | promoted | proposed | Protected |
| provided | published | purchased | Qualified |
| quantified | recommended | recruited | Reduced |
| refined | regulated | re-engineered | reinforced |
| related | researched | resolved | responded |
| reviewed | revised | scheduled | Secured |
| selected | sold | solved | supervised |
| supported | synthesized | systematized | Taught |
| trained | translated | transferred | troubleshooted |
| turned around | updated | utilized | Validated |
| verified | visualized | volunteered | Wrote |
Factors to Consider when choosing verbs for your resume
When choosing verbs for your resume, it’s important to consider the following factors:
1. Accuracy: The verbs you select must be accurate reflections of your skills and experience. Exaggeration can lead to misalignment with the actual job requirements.
2. Specificity: Opt for verbs that provide specifics about your accomplishments rather than relying on general terms. Detailed descriptions allow potential employers to grasp the depth of your achievements.
3. Action: Using the active voice is paramount. It signifies that you were the driving force behind your accomplishments, not a passive observer. Active verbs impart a sense of proactivity and direct involvement.
4. Strength: Choose verbs that convey your skills and experience in a positive light. Weak or generic verbs can undermine your achievements. Powerful verbs project a confident image.
Practical examples of how to integrate strong verbs into your resume:
Before: Managed a team of five employees.
After: Orchestrated a team of five employees, exceeding project goals by 20%.
Before: Worked on marketing campaigns.
After: Spearheaded marketing campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in customer engagement.
Before: Responsible for customer service.
After: Championed customer service, ensuring a 98% satisfaction rate.
Before: Assisted with sales.
After: Drove sales efforts, achieving a 25% revenue growth.
Before: Helped with project management.
After: Pioneered project management, leading to a 30% improvement in project delivery times.
Before: Took part in product development.
After: Innovated in product development, launching three successful product lines.
Before: Supported administrative tasks.
After: Optimized administrative tasks, reducing processing time by 20%.
Before: Managed finances.
After: Strategized financial management, resulting in a 10% reduction in operating costs.
Before: Conducted research.
After: Executed in-depth research, uncovering critical market trends.
Before: Participated in team meetings.
After: Actively contributed to team meetings, fostering collaboration and idea sharing.
Remember, the goal is not only to replace weaker verbs with strong ones but to provide specific and measurable results when possible. This approach allows your achievements to shine and gives potential employers a clearer picture of your capabilities.
By harnessing the power of strong verbs in your resume, you make a compelling first impression on potential employers. These well-chosen words not only pique their interest but also demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the role.
