From A to Z: Our Big Fat List of Powerful Resume Action Verbs

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Photo credit: Leo Reynolds / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

To make the process of writing your resume easier, we’ve recently added a brand new feature to the Resify site—a BIG, FAT list of action verbs. So you’ll never be stuck. Just hit the list and find a powerful, dynamic action-packed verb to kick off each bullet point on your resume. And be sure to mix it up a little. Don’t use the same word all the way down the page. Our list has over 400 action verbs to choose from.

Why you ask? Action verbs give your resume an added power boost. They help demonstrate the specific action you took to reach your accomplishments. Here’s a particularly good description of the important role action verbs play in creating a resume (found in an article on SquawkFox):

Action words, or verbs, ignite an otherwise dull resume by setting your skills on fire – giving your credentials authority and power. Verbs are important to include on your resume since they show hiring managers what actions you’ve taken in previous jobs. You’re being hired to DO something – so show what you’ve DONE in the past by preceding your skills and experiences with action verbs!

Instead of just stating your achievements, clarify what YOU did and HOW you did it. An action verb demonstrates your skills. Consider the difference between the following two bullet points:

2009 sales revenue = $87K
Accelerated corporate growth by doubling sales projections in 2009 resulting in $87K revenue

Did that second bullet point grab your attention or what? It gave so much more information about what the applicant did! The first bullet point just looks sad in comparison, doesn’t it? Not very exciting. You could even get more specific by changing the bullet point to something like this: