active words for cover letter

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Action Verbs for Cover Letter or Resume: Best Power Words to Include

The ProWritingAid Team

Adding action verbs will help your CV and cover letter to stand out from the rest of the pile. Your CV is your chance to show prospective companies the highlights of your professional and academic history, so the language that you use should be in tune with this aim.

Similarly, both your CV and cover letter need to be concise, so you should pick powerful words that help you stand out.

To make your application, use strong, industry-appropriate action verbs when highlighting your skills in your cover letter or CV.

Action verbs imply that action is taking place (or in the case of a CV, has taken place) and come across as more dynamic. This gives your application materials a more energetic, upbeat, and positive feel.

Use action verbs selectively to achieve the most impact. You don't need to pack every single sentence with an action verb, but you should try to include at least two or three.

ProWritingAid will notify you if you have less than three action verbs in your CV or cover letter and you'll receive an alert telling you that you need to "include some action verbs to make your CV stand out." If you have three or more, you're all set!

Action Verbs Help Highlight Your Skills

Using action verbs helps your CV and cover letter stand out to a hiring manager. Rather than opting for weak or commonplace words or phrases to describe your previous employment, choose action verbs to stress the skills you have developed and opportunities you seized.

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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100 Verbs to Use in a Resume, CV, or Cover Letter

The Best Verbs to Use in Resumes/CVs and Application Documents

Are you feeling frustrated by choosing words for your resume, CV, or cover letter ? One of the most important elements of a strong application is the verbs you use to describe your experiences and achievements in prior job positions, academic courses, and extra-curricular activities.

Verbs often begin bulleted items, and leading verbs are also called “power verbs.” Using strong verbs and varying them in your lists (i.e., not using the same verb multiple times in the same section) can portray your skills and abilities more effectively than using everyday terms.

For instance, instead of writing “Met with 100 clients per day,” you might consider writing “Consulted with 100 clients daily.” Using more powerful verbs conveys professionalism and ambition–after all, a CV, resume, or cover letter is all about selling yourself as the ideal candidate for a position.

When writing your application document, consider using these  100 useful words  to create maximum impact with your future employer or university hiring committee.

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We correct grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in your document and provide insightful critiques. Our editors will help you create a winning personal brand that makes a powerful case for your admission.

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Let Wordvice enhance your writing and maximize your impact at an affordable price.

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Power Words to Use in Your Resume

Action Verbs, Power Words, and Buzzwords for Resumes

What Power Words Accomplish

Types of power words, how to use power words.

• Power Words for Resumes

 Hero Images / Getty Images

It's important to use power words in  your resume  and  cover letters  when applying for jobs. Using these words helps demonstrate your strengths and highlights why you are right for the job. Power words also jazz up your job descriptions  and make them seem alive, as opposed to flat. 

Let's begin by looking at the types of power words, why they are important, and how to effectively use them.

Power words are used for several reasons. First, many hiring managers quickly skim through resumes and cover letters due to the high volume they receive. These power words jump off the page, quickly showing the hiring manager you have the skills and qualifications to get the job done.

Also, most resume language is repetitive and boring. If your language is the same as everyone else’s, it will be hard for you to stand out.

Thoughtful, appropriate word choice will set you apart from the competition.

Finally, power words (especially  keywords ) are useful when a company uses an  Applicant Tracking System  (ATS). These tracking systems help screen applications so that employers only need to focus on the top candidates. One way an ATS works is to eliminate resumes that are missing certain keywords.

By including these words, you increase your chances of  making it through the ATS  and having your application read.

Action verbs: One type of power word is an  action verb . This kind of verb shows your ability to succeed. These words demonstrate the skills you have used in previous jobs to achieve success.

Examples of action verbs include "accomplished," "designed," "initiated," and "supervised."

Company values: To demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company, use key terms that the company uses to describe itself. You might find this language on the company’s “About Us” web page, or in the  job listing . For example, if the company identifies itself as “innovative,” one power word you might incorporate into your resume is “innovate” or “innovative.” 

Popular skill words: There are  certain skills and qualities  that almost every employer is looking for in a job candidate. For example, employers always want an employee who is responsible, passionate, and a strong leader. Try to use this kind of language to demonstrate you have these  essential skills .

Keywords: Keywords  are words from the job listing that relate to particular skills or other requirements for the job. By embedding them in your resume or cover letter, you will demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the requirements of the position. Keywords might be “analyzed,” “quantified,” “planned,” “programmed,” “designed,” “taught,” or “trained.”

Industry buzzwords and jargon: Each industry has certain keywords that are important. Knowing and accurately using those words demonstrates you have the necessary  hard skills .

Resume buzzwords: You can decode the buzzwords that employers use in job postings , and use them to highlight your relevant skills in your resume.

Sprinkle the appropriate buzzwords into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you are a part of the industry. Some common buzzwords are experienced," "expert," "skilled," "facilitated," "launched," and "demonstrated."

You can include power words throughout your resume, including in your  job descriptions ,  resume summary statement , and your cover letter. 

Remember to vary the words that you use—repeating the same word (even power words) leads to a dull reading experience and will turn off the hiring manager. Instead, use a variety of terms that best describe your accomplishments to show employers the scope of your achievements.

Finally, it's very important that you only use terms you are familiar with.

Power Words for Resumes and Cover Letters

• Collaborate
• Communicate
• Conceptualize
• Consolidate
• Demonstrate
• Detail Oriented
• Development
• Enthusiastic
• Investigate
• Participate
• Professional
• Responsibility
• Restructure
• Results-Oriented
• Standardize
• Team Player

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148 strong verbs to use in your resume and cover letter

When it comes to any type of writing, not just resume writing, there are many ways to convey the same thought, but with a slightly different variation. That’s the beauty of language. You have words to play with to express the full spectrum of actions, emotions, and results. But some power words such as strong verbs have an unfair advantage. They make your writing sound more persuasive.

What are Strong Verbs? 

From a grammar perspective, strong verbs, also called irregular verbs, are those that form a past tense from their own resources i.e. by changing some or almost the entire word structure.

We use strong action verbs every day without much thinking such as:

• Go — went — gone
• Do — did — done
• Begin — began —begun 

Strong verbs are descendants of the Old English language and grammar. Today, there are about 200 strong verbs in active use.

From a resume writing perspective, however, strong verbs have a somewhat different ring to them. 

Also called power verbs, such words and phrases are often used by writers to strengthen the narrative, add some persuasion, and better articulate the duties and accomplishments. 

In other words, strong verbs are the lingo to use for hammering down the idea that you are a capable, experienced professional, who knows their tradecraft well. 

What are Weak Verbs and How to Spot Them

On the other hand, we have so-called “weak verbs” — words that make us sound somewhat more timid and uncertain. We often use them without much thinking when we want to downplay our abilities. But your resume is a place to go big and bold . 

So when you proofread and edit your copy, look for the following weak verbs and replace them with strong synonyms. These include: 

• State-of-being verbs such as “Am”, “Is”, “Do”, “May”, “Could”, “Might” etc. In some cases, these are helpful to connect ideas. But overall, you can often find a stronger alternative to just iterating your state. 
• -Ing Verbs: The continuous form usually indicates an unfinished task. Also, such verbs can be easily replaced with more descriptive and persuasive options. 
• Verbs pard with an adjective/adverb : delivered confidently, worked quickly, etc. Replace these with snappier one-word verbs to make your cope more coherent. 

Strong Verbs for Resume: Master List 

Strong action verbs are a must use for the following sections of your resume:

• Professional summary
• Duties and accomplishments 

Also, you should always prioritize them in your cover letter to project that extra confidence through your words. 

Below is our curated strong verbs list, organized around different skills groups and work experiences. 

Strong Verbs to Describe Leadership and Managerial Duties 

• Coordinated
• Orchestrated 

Need more ideas? Check our list of management skills for your resume . 

Strong Verbs to Talk About Your Accomplishments

• Succeed 
• Facilitated
• Accelerated
• Amassed 
• Outperformed

Strong Verbs to Describe Your Problem-Solving Abilities

• Strategized
• Tackled 
• Addressed 
• Facilitated 
• Settled 
•  Rectified
• Amended 
• Investigated
• Computed 
• Defined 

Strong Verbs to Describe Your Communication Skills 

• Disseminated
• Wrote 
• Authored 
• Fact-checked
• Guided 
• Translated 
• Interpreted
•  Reported
• Disclosed 
• Published 
• Hyped 
• Broadcasted
• Conferred 

Swipe even more compelling examples of interpersonal skills from our separate guide. 

Strong Verbs to Describe How You Saved Money or Resources

• Streamlined
• Reduced 
• Restricted 
• Revitalized

Strong Verbs to Show You are a Team Player 

• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Emphasized 
•  Retained
•  Recognized
• Acknowledged
• Accentuated

Putting The Strong Verbs Together in a Resume 

You now have this jumbo-sized list of strong verbs to use for your resume. What’s next? Get back to the editing board and start optimizing!  

Re-read your copy and weed out the weaklings. When reviewing the “Work Experience” section, apply a consistent format to your sentences and start each new duty description with a sharp action verb. 

Then move on to your cover letter and LinkedIn profile. These two also deserve a nice revamp and can benefit a lot from some action-oriented vocabulary.

Finally, remember that moderation is key. Don’t try to sound overly eloquent and cherry-pick the fanciest words from a Thesaurus. Because the last thing you’d want is to confuse the prospective employer!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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• Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

Recruiters often see the same action words on a resume - led, responsible for, managed. And quite frankly, they have lost their meaning when it comes to properly communicating your accomplishments. So, let's spruce up your resume with a few action verbs and phrases that will catch the recruiters eye. 

When you created or wrote something...

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Instituted, Integrated, Introduced, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solve.

When you were a research machine...

Analyzed, Clarified, Collected, Compared, Conducted, Critiqued, Detected, Determined, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Experimented, Explored, Extracted, Formulated, Gathered, Identified, Inspected, Interpreted, Interviewed, Invented, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Solved, Summarized, Surveyed, Systematized.

When you managed a project or group...

Accomplished, Administered, Advanced, Analyzed, Appointed, Approved, Assigned, Attained, Authorized, Chaired, Considered, Consolidated, Contracted, Controlled, Converted, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Developed, Directed, Eliminated, Emphasized, Enforced, Enhanced, Established, Executed, Generated, Handled, Headed, Hired, Hosted, Improved, Incorporated, Increased, Initiated, Inspected, Instituted, Led, Managed, Merged, Motivated, Navigated, Organized, Originated, Overhauled, Oversaw, Planned, Presided, Prioritized, Produced, Recommended, Reorganized, Replaced, Restored, Reviewed, Scheduled, Secured, Selected, Streamlined, Strengthened, Supervised, Terminated.

When numbers and figures are your thing...

Administered, Adjusted, Allocated, Analyzed, Appraised, Assessed, Audited, Balanced, Budgeted, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Controlled, Corrected, Decreased, Determined, Developed, Estimated, Forecasted, Managed, Marketed, Measured, Netted, Planned, Prepared, Programmed, Projected, Qualified, Reconciled, Reduced, Researched, Retrieved. 

When you creatively brought an idea to life... 

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solved. 

When you helped with a project...

Adapted, Advocated, Aided, Answered, Arranged, Assessed, Assisted, Clarified, Coached, Collaborated, Contributed, Cooperated, Counseled, Demonstrated, Diagnosed, Educated, Encouraged, Ensured, Expedited, Facilitated, Familiarized, Furthered, Guided, Helped, Insured, Intervened, Motivated, Prevented, Provided, Referred, Rehabilitated, Represented, Resolved, Simplified, Supplied, Supported, Volunteered. 

When you needed to explain technical expertise... 

Adapted, Applied, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Constructed, Converted, Debugged, Designed, Determined, Developed, Engineered, Fabricated, Fortified, Installed, Maintained, Operated, Overhauled, Printed, Programmed, Rectified, Regulated, Remodeled, Repaired, Replaced, Restored, Solved, Specialized, Standardized, Studied, Upgraded, Utilized. 

When you were the teacher...

Adapted, Advised, Clarified, Coached, Communicated, Conducted, Coordinated, Critiqued, Developed, Enabled, Encouraged, Evaluated, Explained, Facilitated, Focused, Guided, Individualized, Informed, Installed, Instructed, Motivated, Persuaded, Simulated, Stimulated, Taught, Tested, Trained, Transmitted, Tutored. 

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• How to Use Action Verbs in a...

How to Use Action Verbs in a Resume

4 min read · Updated on December 15, 2021

Set yourself apart with resume action words that describe your contributions.

These days, potential employers and hiring managers want to know what you can achieve for their company — simply utilizing job descriptions on your resume isn't enough. After all, there are hundreds of applicants lined up who are qualified for the job. You have to stand out.

Set yourself apart with action verbs, achieving language, and resume writing that describes what you have contributed rather than what you have done on a daily basis.

What are action verbs?

Think of Yoda and his notorious phrases. Then, don't be like him. Sentences like “The Dark Side I sense in you” are not what you should place in your resume. Yoda often speaks in the passive voice, where the object comes before the verb in a sentence. For example, “The ball was thrown by John” is in the passive voice. These sentences are longer, more difficult to read and give an overall weaker effect. You can create more impact by writing in active voice — placing the object after the verb. For example, “John threw the ball.”

How can I use action verbs in my resume?

Using strong action verbs in resume writing is as easy as any other form of writing, as long as you know what to include and what to look for. Here are two tests to determine if you are using passive voice in your resume writing:

Verb Test: Look for helping verbs, especially forms of the verb “to be.”

“By You” Test: Can you insert the phrase "by you" after the verb? Does the sentence still make grammatical sense? If yes, this signifies passive voice.

Scan the resume for these warning signs and replace passive resume writing with more active verbs and sentences. Here are a few examples of passive resume sentences:

A 20 percent revenue growth was realized in our department over two years.

A promotion to supervisor was awarded to me after only one year of service.

Responsibility was recognized as one of my strengths.

Here are the same examples rewritten using active voice:

My team realized 20 per cent revenue growth over two years.

After only one year, I earned a promotion to supervisor.

Recognized for responsibility and proactive decisions.

The only time passive voice is appropriate is when you want to draw more attention to results instead of yourself. This is very rare, and you should focus on your achievements rather than your company's results.

Related: How to Maximize Resume Action Words and Wow an Employer

Which action verbs are most effective?

Not only do you need to use resume action verbs, but you also must select those that fit your industry and create an impact. Here are a few general, strong industry-specific action verbs to include in your current resume:

Established

Hypothesized

Illustrated

Related: The Best Words to Use in a Resume

Make your resume stand out with achievements

Another action-word strategy is to use “achieving” language rather than “doing” language. How do you determine if the sentence is doing or achieving? Ask yourself these three simple questions:

Can anyone perform this function?

Is this the standard, run-of-the-mill description?

Did any results come from this action?

If your answers are yes, yes, and no, you are listing descriptions that only show what you can do. What you want instead is to show what you have achieved.

Here are a few examples that highlight “doing” sentences, and how to convert them into “achieving” sentences:

Doing: Responsible for inventory control and ordering products.

Achieving: Optimize inventory by monitoring for product shortages and ensuring efficient service usage.

Doing: Help company sell more products and gain revenue.

Achieving: Increase profit margins by creating effective sales plans and implementing strategies to solidify client retention.

Using action verbs and active voice makes all the difference in your resume, so it's worth the extra effort to leave a lasting impression. Show the employer or hiring manager what you can bring to the table by listing past accomplishments and notable contributions, and you'll increase your chance of getting an interview. Just keep these questions in mind and your resume-writing experience will go smoother:

Does the sentence leave the option for results, or is it just a description?

Have I been writing in active or passive voice?

Is this an exceptional description, or can anyone do this?

Click on the following link for more resume advice .

Are you using passive verbs or action verbs in your resume and cover letter? Request a free resume critique today to check and see!

Recommended Reading:

Words and Phrases to Remove From Your Resume Right Away

5 Powerful Verbs to Pump Up Your Resume

Spring Clean Your Resume: Scrub Your Resume of Unclear Language

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

Why a Simple Resume Layout is a Successful Resume

Software Developer Top Needed Skills

See how your resume stacks up.

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   Action Words to Use in Cover Letters

Action Words to Use in Cover Letters

• accelerated
• administered
• centralized
• collaborated
• consolidated
• constructed
• contributed
• coordinated
• demonstrated
• established
• facilitated
• illustrated
• implemented
• interpreted
• inventoried
• investigated
• prioritized
• recommended
• revitalized
• spearheaded
• standardized
• streamlined
• strengthened
• transformed

Index of Cover Letter Examples

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