Resume writing isn’t like advertising…
It IS advertising!
Every word and phrase you use is designed to elicit one crucial action: to make employers reach out to you.
In this process, it pays – literally – to understand how words are processed and which words you should pick.
What Are Action Words?
Action words, also known as power verbs, are verbs that stand out. These verbs are used in resumes to describe your responsibilities and achievements. They are critical for conveying your contributions clearly and compellingly, helping capture attention.
Remember: the resume game is an attention game.
Understanding the Power of Action Words
You might be wondering, do these “action words” even make a difference?
Once you understand that action words are more than just buzzwords.. and then.. Learn the scientific findings related to their use; their power becomes crystal clear.
At their core, action words are psychological triggers that influence how your resume is perceived by employers. They shape the employer’s mind…
Or as we like to call it: “get their brain on your side” (one of the key principles we teach).
Here’s why action words are so effective:
The Psychology of Action Words
Action words activate specific cognitive processes that make your achievements and skills stand out. Because these verbs convey, well… action… they help the reader visualize the activities and achievements described (a key technique in advertising). This visualization enhances memory retention and engagement, increasing the likelihood that your resume will be remembered. According to research, action verbs enhance the ability to mentally simulate actions, leading to better memory recall (Pulvermueller, 2001).
Impact on Perception
It’s also worth noting that the choice of words can significantly impact how your qualifications are perceived.
A study in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that resumes with action-oriented language were rated higher in terms of leadership potential, competence, and pro-activity compared to those with passive language (Bangerter, Roulin, & König, 2012).
Signaling Confidence and Competence
Using strong, definitive language signals confidence and competence. Assertive language, used by action words, is associated with higher levels of perceived expertise and authority (Pennebaker, Mehl, & Niederhoffer, 2003). This is particularly important in competitive job markets, where the cost of assessing competence is expensive.
Aligning with Employer Expectations
Research found that resumes highlighting specific actions and outcomes were more likely to result in interviews (Roulin & Bangerter, 2011). Action words help you showcase tangible results, as their usage structures your statements toward specificity. Remember: employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their impact in specific terms with outcomes.
TL;DR – Research boring? Your Takeaway: Action words matter a LOT. You need to use them…
An Arms Race With Words
Of course, realizing that you need to use action words and using them effectively are two completely different concepts…
Before you can use action words effectively, you need to understand the environment in which they operate:
The Western job market, especially with the impact of globalization, has become an insanely competitive environment. Hundreds of people are literally lining up around the block for a shot at even entry level low-skill-low-pay job openings!
It’s a job market with cut throat competition and extremely picky employers…
Which also makes it only natural that applicants try to present themselves in the best possible light, sometimes stretching the truth.
In other words, ruthless competition creates an arms race!
In an arms race, competing parties continuously develop and counter-develop strategies to outdo each other. Similarly, job seekers and employers constantly refine their tactics to stand out or identify the best candidates. Action words on resumes are a key part of this battle.
The Role of Action Words
Action words are one of the weapons job seekers use to make their resumes stand out. These words catch attention because they imply value and allow employers to identify candidates worth connecting with.
The Problem with Overuse
However, just as in an arms race, when a strategy becomes widespread, its effectiveness diminishes. As more and more job seekers use the same action words, these words lose their impact.
For example… Back in the day, saying you were “innovative” on your resume was like waving a flag saying, “Look at me! I’ve got fresh ideas and can shake things up!”. In that context, It was catchy and made employers perk up.
But then, everyone started copying from one another and plastered “innovative” all over their resumes. It lost its mojo. It became this tired, overused term that didn’t really say much anymore.
Now, if you’re still dropping “innovative”, unless you have something extremely specific to back it up, is like shouting into the void. Especially statements like, “Implemented innovative solutions to boost team performance” not only doesn’t cut it anymore, but actively makes you sound like a try-hard pretender.
Ultimately, what once signaled competence eventually becomes a sign of mediocrity when everyone starts using the same language. Which means…
You need to know which words are “in” and which words are “out” for 2025.
Current Action Words: Your Key to Standing Out
Here’s a comprehensive table of current, effective action words, their significance, and usage examples. These action words can be applied to a variety of situations.
| Word | What it Signals | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated | Implies speed and efficiency in achieving goals | “Accelerated project timelines to deliver results ahead of schedule.” |
| Engaged | Actively participating or interacting | “Engaged with clients to gather feedback on product satisfaction.” |
| Engineered | Indicates technical skill and problem-solving ability | “Engineered a solution that reduced costs by 15%.” |
| Innovated | Highlights creativity and forward-thinking (as long as you have something specific) | “Innovated a new hiring process that cut attrition by 70%.” |
| Optimized | Demonstrates ability to improve processes and outcomes | “Optimized workflow to double team efficiency.” |
| Catalyzed | Sparking or accelerating change or progress | “Catalyzed innovation through cross-departmental collaboration.” |
| Elevated | Enhancing or raising to a higher level | “Elevated customer service standards to exceed industry norms.” |
| Transformed | Signifies substantial positive change | “Transformed the customer service department to improve client satisfaction.” |
| Streamlined | Indicates efficiency improvements | “Streamlined reporting procedures to save time and resources.” |
| Amplified | Implies significant increase or enhancement | “Amplified social media engagement by 50% through targeted campaigns.” |
Leadership Action Words
These action words effectively convey leadership qualities and experiences on a resume, helping candidates showcase their ability to lead, motivate, and drive results.
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Spearheaded | Taking the lead or initiative in a project or initiative | “Spearheaded the development of a new employee training program.” |
| Directed | Providing clear guidance and supervision | “Directed the team in launching a new product campaign.” |
| Orchestrated | Skillfully coordinating and managing various elements | “Orchestrated the logistics for a large-scale industry conference.” |
| Championed | Advocating for and promoting a cause or idea | “Championed new growth initiatives within the company.” |
| Facilitated | Making processes or activities easier or smoother | “Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration.” |
| Empowered | Giving authority and responsibility to others | “Empowered employees to make decisions and take ownership of projects.” |
| Motivated | Inspiring and energizing others | “Motivated the sales team to exceed quarterly targets.” |
| Influenced | Persuading or shaping opinions or outcomes | “Influenced key stakeholders to adopt a new marketing strategy.” |
| Guided | Providing direction and support | “Guided new hires through onboarding to ensure a smooth transition.” |
Action Words for Creative Work
In creative fields, the right action highlight your innovative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and artistic talents. The following action words help convey your creative prowess and accomplishments effectively:
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Designed | Creating visual or structural designs | “Designed a user-friendly interface for the company’s website.” |
| Illustrated | Creating visual representations or drawings | “Illustrated concepts for the children’s book series.” |
| Innovated | Introducing new ideas or methods | “Innovated packaging solutions to reduce environmental impact.” |
| Crafted | Creating or producing with skill and care | “Crafted handmade prototypes for the artisanal product line.” |
| Curated | Selecting and organizing content or items | “Curated a collection of artwork for the gallery exhibition.” |
| Implemented | Putting ideas or plans into action | “Implemented new software systems to streamline business operations.” |
| Fabricated | Creating or manufacturing through skill and ingenuity | “Fabricated custom furniture pieces for the luxury hotel project.” |
| Revitalized | Renewing or restoring energy or vitality | “Revitalized the brand identity through a modernized marketing campaign.” |
Action Words for Technical Prowess
In technical fields, the right action words highlight your deep knowledge or expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver results to complex problems:
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered | Designing and building complex systems | “Engineered a scalable infrastructure for the new data center.” |
| Programmed | Writing code or developing software | “Programmed algorithms for the machine learning model.” |
| Implemented | Putting plans or systems into practice | “Implemented a new CRM system to improve customer relationship management.” |
| Configured | Setting up or adjusting settings or parameters | “Configured network devices for optimal performance.” |
| Debugged | Identifying and fixing errors or bugs | “Debugged software applications to ensure smooth functionality.” |
| Integrated | Combining or merging components or systems | “Integrated third-party APIs into the software platform.” |
| Automated | Streamlining processes or tasks through automation | “Automated data entry processes to improve efficiency.” |
| Optimized | Improving performance or efficiency | “Optimized website loading speed for better user experience.” |
| Troubleshooted | Diagnosing and resolving technical issues | “Troubleshooted network connectivity problems to restore service.” |
| Deployed | Rolling out or implementing solutions or systems | “Deployed updates to the production environment without downtime.” |
Action Words for Interpersonal & Professional Communication
Effective communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for success. Here are action words that convey your ability to communicate, collaborate, and build relationships:
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Influenced | Persuading or shaping opinions or outcomes | “Influenced key stakeholders to support the project proposal.” |
| Collaborated | Working together with others to achieve a common goal | “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch the new product.” |
| Engaged | Actively participating or interacting | “Engaged with customers to gather feedback on product satisfaction.” |
| Networked | Building and maintaining professional connections | “Networked at industry events to expand business opportunities.” |
| Facilitated | Making processes or interactions easier or smoother | “Facilitated productive meetings to resolve project challenges.” |
| Advised | Providing guidance or recommendations | “Advised clients on investment strategies for long-term growth.” |
| Negotiated | Bargaining or reaching agreements | “Negotiated favorable terms in vendor contracts to reduce costs.” |
| Presented | Delivering information or proposals to an audience | “Presented findings from market research to the executive team.” |
| Charmed | Winning over or positively influencing others | “Charmed potential clients during sales pitches to secure contracts.” |
| Synchronized | Coordinating activities or efforts in harmony | “Synchronized project timelines to ensure timely delivery.” |
Action Words for Sales and Marketing
In sales and marketing roles, mastering a diverse set of skills is crucial for driving revenue and promoting your business. These highlight your ability to develop strategies, generate leads, close deals, and drive business growth.
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Strategized | Developing plans or strategies | “Strategized a targeted marketing campaign for the new product launch.” |
| Generated | Creating or producing results or leads | “Generated leads through targeted email marketing campaigns.” |
| Closed | Successfully completing sales transactions | “Closed a major deal with a key client, exceeding sales targets.” |
| Analyzed | Examining data or information for insights | “Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities.” |
| Optimized | Improving performance or efficiency | “Optimized advertising spend to maximize ROI.” |
| Innovated | Introducing new ideas or methods | “Innovated packaging designs to enhance product appeal.” |
| Marketed | Promoting products or services | “Marketed the company’s new product through social media channels.” |
| Positioned | Establishing a unique market position or perception | “Positioned the brand as a leader in eco-friendly consumer goods.” |
| Influenced | Persuading or shaping opinions or outcomes | “Influenced consumer behavior through targeted marketing campaigns.” |
| Implemented | Putting plans or strategies into action | “Implemented a new CRM system to streamline sales processes.” |
Action Words for Project Management
In project management roles, effective planning, organization, and execution are essential. The following words convey your proficiency in project management, demonstrating your ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to successful completion:
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Organized | Structuring and arranging tasks or activities | “Organized project tasks and deadlines to ensure timely completion.” |
| Planned | Developing comprehensive project plans | “Planned project milestones and resource allocation.” |
| Executed | Carrying out project tasks or initiatives | “Executed project deliverables according to the established timeline.” |
| Coordinated | Managing and synchronizing project activities | “Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.” |
| Oversaw | Supervising and monitoring project progress | “Oversaw project milestones and addressed any issues proactively.” |
| Directed | Providing guidance and leadership | “Directed team members to align efforts with project objectives.” |
| Implemented | Putting plans or strategies into action | “Implemented agile methodologies to enhance project efficiency.” |
| Controlled | Regulating project activities or outcomes | “Controlled project risks through proactive risk management.” |
| Delegated | Assigning tasks and responsibilities | “Delegated project tasks to team members based on their strengths.” |
Action Words for Client Care & Support Roles
In client care and support roles in general, providing exceptional service and building strong relationships are of utmost importance. These action words below demonstrate your ability to provide exceptional client care, showcasing your dedication to client satisfaction and retention.
| Action Word | What it Signals | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted | Providing help or aid to customers | “Assisted customers with product inquiries and technical support.” |
| Supported | Offering guidance and assistance | “Supported clients in resolving account-related issues.” |
| Responded | Addressing customer queries or concerns | “Responded promptly to customer inquiries via phone and email.” |
| Resolved | Successfully addressing and resolving issues | “Resolved complex customer issues to their satisfaction.” |
| Engaged | Actively interacting and connecting with customers | “Engaged customers in meaningful conversations to understand their needs.” |
| Listened | Attentively paying attention to customer feedback | “Listened to customer concerns and provided empathetic support.” |
| Anticipated | Proactively identifying and addressing customer needs | “Anticipated customer needs and provided tailored solutions.” |
| Followed up | Checking in with customers after interactions | “Followed up with customers to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.” |
| Retained | Cultivating and maintaining customer relationships | “Retained loyal customers through personalized service and ongoing support.” |
| Delighted | Exceeding customer expectations and satisfaction | “Delighted customers with exceptional service and personalized solutions.” |
Overused Action Words: What to Avoid
Avoid the following overused, bland, hyped and outdated words as they do not hold any value. Some of these words were always bad. Others have been diluted by overuse and misuse. Either way, in today’s job market, their usage hurts your credibility.
In fact, as a rule, it’s essential to avoid clichĂ©s and popular trends when job hunting. Instead, focus on using specific, meaningful language to effectively communicate your skills and achievements.
Here are the overused, yet still popular “action” words:
| “Action” Word | What It Signals | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible for | Lack of specificity | “Responsible for managing a team of developers.” |
| Managed | Generic leadership term | “Managed daily operations of the store.” |
| Led | Overused leadership term | “Led a team of sales representatives.” |
| Utilized | Unnecessary complexity | “Utilized various software to complete tasks.” |
| Worked on | Vague and non-specific | “Worked on multiple projects simultaneously.” |
| Hoped | Indicates uncertainty and lack of action. | “Hoped to increase sales with the new marketing campaign.” |
| Tried | Suggests lack of confidence or commitment. | “Tried to implement changes, but faced resistance from the team.” |
| Wished | Conveys passivity and lack of proactive action. | “Wished for better results in the next quarter.” |
| Aimed | Implies uncertainty and lack of clear direction. | “Aimed to improve customer satisfaction, but results were mixed.” |
| Planned | Lacks specificity and fails to convey action. | “Planned to increase market share, but execution fell short.” |
| Wanted | Indicates passivity and lack of proactive effort. | “Wanted to enhance brand visibility, but lacked resources.” |
| Intended | Sounds tentative and lacks decisive action. | “Intended to streamline processes, but encountered obstacles.” |
| Hesitated | Shows indecision and lack of confidence. | “Hesitated to make the final decision, leading to missed opportunities.” |
| Considered | Implies indecision and lack of action. | “Considered various options before making a decision.” |
| Contemplated | Indicates indecision and lack of decisive action. | “Contemplated changes to the pricing strategy, but no action was taken.” |
Other Words to Avoid on Your Resume
While we’re on the subject… There are also a number of other overused words that repel employers. Here’s a list of them with a brief explanation of what they signal.
| Word | What It Signals | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Team player | ClichĂ© collaboration term | “Team player in various group projects.” |
| Detail-oriented | Overused attention to detail | “Detail-oriented in documentation processes.” |
| Innovative | Once a beacon of creativity, now a clichĂ© buzzword | “Developed an innovative way to organize email folders.” |
| Proactive | Overused and often misinterpreted | “Took a proactive approach to answering emails.” |
| Synergy | Vague and lacking substance | “Achieved synergy by aligning team goals.” |
| Dynamic | Generic descriptor lacking specificity | “Dynamic team player with strong communication skills.” |
| Guru | Inflated self-description often seen as arrogant | “Marketing guru with expertise in social media.” |
| Rockstar | Overly informal and exaggerated | “Sales rockstar who consistently exceeds targets.” |
| Ninja | Trivializes expertise and professionalism | “Customer service ninja who handles any issue.” |
| Thought Leader | Often self-proclaimed and lacking evidence | “Considered a thought leader in digital marketing.” |
| Passionate | Overused and lacking tangible impact | “Passionate about delivering exceptional service.” |
| Revolutionary | Frequently misused to describe minor changes | “Implemented revolutionary changes to the company’s logo.” |
| Disruptive | Has become clichĂ© and often used without understanding its meaning. | “Implemented disruptive strategies to shake up the market.” |
| Epic | Overly dramatic and exaggerated, diminishes credibility. | “Completed an epic project ahead of schedule.” |
FAQs: Crafting an Outstanding Resume
Action words are verbs that convey your responsibilities and achievements in an eye catching and value implying way. They are crucial because they grab the employer’s attention and highlight your skills and accomplishments effectively.
You should update your resume regularly, ideally every month or whenever you achieve a significant milestone. This ensures your resume remains current. (We recommend our students to be on the job market non-stop, and show them how to automate their job search. This way, they continuously develop additional leverage with their current employer. When employers compete you win. When employees compete, you lose.)
Yes, overused action words can make your resume get ignored (read “arms race” section above). Using fresh, powerful action words helps you stand out.
Research job postings in your industry and analyze commonly used terms. If a word appears frequently across many postings, it’s likely overused.
Tailor your action words to match the specific job description and company culture. While some words may be relevant across different applications, customizing your resume shows you understand and align with the job requirements and “fit” the specific organization.
Yes, different industries have specific jargon and preferred action words. For instance, “engineered” is more relevant in technical fields, while “spearheaded” is popular in management roles.
Pair action words with specific achievements and quantifiable results. For example, instead of saying “optimized processes,” say “optimized processes to reduce turnaround time by 30%.”
How To Get Your Resume to Work For You
Your resume is your personal advertisement.
Using the right action words can make the difference between landing an interview or being ignored. And using the wrong words can make the difference between being overlooked or being blacklisted.
Remember: you’re not just applying for jobs… You’re positioning yourself as a top candidate worthy of high-value opportunities.
The details matter. The details make all the difference.
Professionals will often complain that “they’ve sent out a ton of resumes” but haven’t heard back, or that “the job market is really tough these days”. Yet, if you were to ask them what the three most powerful action verbs on their resume are, you’ll get a blank stare…
No wonder most people struggle to find a job they care about…
That, however, doesn’t matter.
What matters is this: The prize is the difference between a five figure, a six figure, or even a seven figure salary. If you are competing in this game, you don’t have the luxury of not knowing what your most powerful action words are.
In fact, you don’t even have the luxury of the time it takes to keep track of all these changing action words!
You need to enlist the help of experts, and instead of spending your time analyzing job postings, focus on developing high-value skills, gaining new career skills, growing your network, and expanding your track record.
You can’t even spend time on job boards. You need to be at the top of your game, sending perfectly customized resumes to specific jobs, if you hope to win in today’s job market.
In fact, even that is likely not good enough…
Today, you need to be personally handing out your perfectly tailored resumes to individual hiring managers, not as a job application, but as a formality, because they’ve asked for your resume to finalize the deal. (See the Warm Application Process for the specifics)
Make no mistake: Competing for jobs, especially high-value jobs, has now become a profession on it’s own. And going forward, if you want a high-value job, enlisting the help of experts is no longer a suggestion, but a requirement.
Sure… You CAN do it all on your own. But your mileage will vary.
But if you’ve made it here and spent all this time and energy learning about action words to improve your resume…
And you’re not already sitting on at least 3 good job offers that beats the median income by 50% (i.e. $80k – $90k depending on your geography)…
Seek professional help.