I still remember the countless resumes I reviewed as a corporate recruiter, and how a simple list of action verbs for your resume could make or break a candidate’s chances. The myth that using generic terms like “managed” or “created” is enough to get noticed is just that – a myth. The truth is, to stand out in a crowded job market, you need to supercharge your resume with verbs that paint a vivid picture of your skills and accomplishments.
In this article, I’ll share my insider knowledge on how to choose the right action verbs for your resume, and how to use them to tell a compelling story that showcases your strengths. You’ll learn how to ditch the boring descriptions and unleash your superpowers with verbs that demonstrate your impact and achievements. I’ll provide you with practical tips and examples to help you craft a resume that gets you noticed, and ultimately, gets you hired. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools you need to create a resume that truly reflects your value and helps you land your dream job.
Table of Contents
Guide Overview: What You'll Need
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Estimated Cost: free – $10
Difficulty Level: Easy
Tools Required
- Computer (with internet connection)
- Word Processor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
Supplies & Materials
- Resume Template (optional)
- List of Action Verbs (e.g., achieved, managed, created)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. First, let’s ditch the generic terms and focus on using action verbs that actually mean something in your industry – words like “managed,” “created,” “developed,” and “increased” are great places to start, but try to be more specific and use terms that are unique to your field.
- 2. Next, make a list of your top skills and accomplishments, and then pair them with powerful action verbs that show what you can do – for example, if you’re a marketer, you might use verbs like “boosted,” “elevated,” or “amplified” to describe your achievements, and try to be as quantitative as possible.
- 3. Now, let’s talk about how to actually use these action verbs in your resume – a good rule of thumb is to start each bullet point with a strong verb, followed by a brief description of what you achieved, and then quantify the results wherever possible – for instance, “Increased sales by 25% in one quarter through targeted marketing campaigns” is a great example.
- 4. It’s also important to vary your verb choices throughout your resume, to avoid repetition and keep things interesting – try to use a mix of action-oriented verbs like “created,” “developed,” and “improved,” along with more descriptive verbs like “spearheaded,” “conceptualized,” and “executed,” to add some depth and variety to your descriptions.
- 5. Another key step is to use action verbs in your summary or objective statement, to give a brief overview of your skills and experience – this should be a concise and compelling summary that highlights your top achievements and qualifications, and uses action verbs to make it more engaging and dynamic.
- 6. When describing your work experience, try to focus on achievements rather than responsibilities, by using action verbs that emphasize what you accomplished, rather than just what you did – for example, instead of saying “responsible for managing a team,” say “led a team of five people to achieve a 30% increase in productivity,” and emphasize the impact you made.
- 7. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your resume carefully, to make sure you’re using action verbs consistently and effectively throughout – it’s also a good idea to get feedback from a friend or mentor, to catch any errors or areas for improvement, and make sure your action verbs are accurate and effective.
Action Verbs for Your Resume
When it comes to showcasing your skills and experiences on a resume, quantifying achievements is key. This is where action verbs come into play, helping you demonstrate the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. For instance, instead of simply stating “managed a team,” you could say “successfully led a team of 10 people, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity.” This not only paints a clearer picture of your capabilities but also helps you stand out from other applicants.
Using action verbs strategically can also make a significant difference in a cover letter. By tailoring action verbs to job descriptions, you can show the hiring manager that you have the exact skills and qualifications they’re looking for. For example, if the job description mentions “data analysis,” you could use phrases like “conducted data analysis” or “developed and implemented data-driven solutions” to demonstrate your expertise. This helps you pass through resume keywords for applicant tracking systems and catches the eye of the hiring manager.
As you craft your resume and cover letter, be mindful of common action verb mistakes to avoid, such as overusing the same verbs or using them in a way that sounds insincere. Instead, opt for a variety of action verb examples for career changers that accurately reflect your skills and experiences. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling application package that showcases your strengths and helps you achieve your career goals.
Avoiding Verb Villains Common Mistakes to Dodge
When crafting your resume, it’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to include. I’ve seen countless resumes get tossed aside due to the use of weak or generic verbs. Phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included” are major red flags – they don’t convey any real sense of achievement or skill. Instead, opt for verbs that clearly demonstrate your impact, such as “managed,” “created,” or “increased.”
By steering clear of these verb villains, you’ll be able to showcase your strengths and accomplishments in a much more compelling way. Remember, the goal is to tell a story with your resume, not just list your job description.
Unleash Your Superpowers Quantifying Achievements
Now that we’ve covered the power of action verbs, let’s dive into the secret sauce that takes your resume from good to great: quantifying your achievements. This is where most people fall short, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. By adding specific numbers and metrics to your resume, you’re not only showing what you’ve done, but also the impact you’ve made. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “boosted sales by 25% in 6 months” or “managed a team of 10 people, resulting in a 30% increase in productivity.”
This simple tweak will make your resume stand out and show hiring managers that you’re a results-driven professional who can drive real results. Remember, the goal is to tell a story with your resume, and quantifying your achievements is the best way to do that. So, go back through your resume and add those numbers – it’s time to unleash your superpowers and show the world what you’re capable of!
5 Action Verb Hacks to Supercharge Your Resume
- Use verbs like ‘Transformed’, ‘Revolutionized’, or ‘Spearheaded’ to describe your achievements, making you sound like a game-changer in your field
- Swap out bland verbs like ‘Responsible for’ or ‘Assisted with’ for more dynamic options like ‘Managed’, ‘Created’, or ‘Developed’ to add some serious punch to your resume
- Ditch the vague verbs like ‘Improved’ or ‘Increased’ and opt for specific, quantifiable verbs like ‘Boosted’, ‘Enhanced’, or ‘Accelerated’ to give your achievements some real teeth
- Experiment with verbs that imply leadership, such as ‘Mentored’, ‘Guided’, or ‘Trained’, to show that you’re a team player who can inspire and motivate others
- Choose verbs that are tailored to your industry or job function, like ‘Designed’ for a creative role or ‘Analyzed’ for a data-driven position, to demonstrate your expertise and relevance
Key Takeaways to Supercharge Your Resume
Use action verbs that quantify achievements, such as ‘Increased sales by 25% in 6 months’ or ‘Reduced project delivery time by 30% through process improvements’, to demonstrate tangible impact and value
Avoid generic verb villains like ‘Responsible for’ or ‘Assisted with’, and instead opt for dynamic verbs that convey leadership, innovation, or problem-solving skills, such as ‘ Spearheaded’, ‘Pioneered’, or ‘Troubleshot’
Remember, the goal of using action verbs is not just to get noticed, but to get hired – so focus on verbs that showcase your unique strengths, skills, and accomplishments, and always keep your target role and industry in mind when selecting the most relevant and impactful verbs
The Power of Action Verbs
Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs – it’s a highlight reel of your superpowers; use action verbs that show the world what you’re capable of, not just what you’ve done.
Morgan Wells
Sealing the Deal with Action Verbs
As we’ve navigated the world of action verbs for your resume, it’s essential to remember that using the right verbs can make all the difference in getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. We’ve covered how to unleash your superpowers by quantifying achievements and avoiding common mistakes, or what I call verb villains. By applying these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that showcases your skills and experience in a compelling and impactful way. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, effective resume writing is a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice.
So, as you move forward in your job search, remember that your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make it count by using action verbs that bring your story to life and demonstrate your value as a candidate. With persistence, dedication, and a well-crafted resume, you’ll be unstoppable in achieving your career goals. Keep in mind that playing the game is a learnable skill, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate the corporate world with confidence and succeed in your endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective action verbs to use on a resume for my specific industry?
For your industry, focus on verbs like ‘Developed’, ‘Optimized’, and ‘Enhanced’ – these showcase your technical prowess. If you’re in a creative field, try ‘Conceptualized’, ‘Designed’, or ‘Innovated’ to highlight your artistic side. Remember, the key is to use verbs that speak directly to your industry’s unique needs and challenges.
How can I avoid sounding repetitive when using action verbs throughout my resume?
Ditch the repeat offenders by varying your verb vocabulary. Instead of using ‘managed’ multiple times, swap it out with ‘oversaw,’ ‘supervised,’ or ‘directed’ to add some flavor to your resume. This simple trick will keep your descriptions fresh and engaging, making you a more compelling candidate.
Are there any action verbs that are considered overused or cliché that I should avoid using on my resume?
Honestly, yes! Verbs like “managed,” “created,” and “developed” are total clichés. They’re so overused that they’ve lost their impact. Instead, opt for more dynamic verbs like “spearheaded,” “orchestrated,” or “revolutionized” to add some real punch to your resume. Trust me, it makes a difference!
