What are action words for a resume? (With examples)

Action words are attention-grabbing terms that can make your resume more engaging and convincing. They help you show enthusiasm for the job, which increases your chances of success. Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through a resume. They may overlook resumes with too many words and phrases that people often use. You can make your resume stand out by using action words instead.

We'll explain how you can use action words to add impact to your resume and make it more effective. The topics we'll cover include:

• Difference between active voice and passive voice
• Why use action words in your resume
• Why avoid passive language
• How to use action words in your resume
• Examples of using active voice
• Top action words for a more impactful resume
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Difference between active voice and passive voice 

You can use either active voice or passive voice to convey a particular idea. The meaning stays the same, but the structure and viewpoint are different. In the active voice, the subject in a sentence performs an action that affects the object. Here's an example of an active sentence:

I created a resume.

In contrast, the passive voice puts the focus on the object and how the subject acts upon it. In the passive voice, the above active sentence becomes:

The resume was created by me.

As you can see, the first example is shorter and has more impact than the second. These are the traits hiring managers look for in a resume. Most job seekers unknowingly write their resumes in the passive voice.

It's common for resumes to have passive phrases such as “was responsible for” and “was managed by”. These phrases appear on nearly every first resume draft but they shouldn't be in your final document. They can make your resume vague, boring, and forgettable.

Why use action words in your resume 

Action words are also known as power words. Resume action verbs can set you apart from other job applicants. They highlight your technical skills, work experience, and achievements clearly and efficiently. They can also portray you as confident and competent. Let's find out why you should use action words for resume writing.

Capture the reader's attention

Using strong action verbs for CV or resume writing can be an effective way to capture a hiring manager's interest. These words encourage them to read on and learn more about your experiences and abilities.

Powerful resume words can also change the way your prospective employer perceives you. If another qualified job seeker applies for the same position, you may have the upper hand. This is because your action-oriented verbs may be more engaging and convincing than a competitor's passive words.

Strengthen your resume

When you use power words for a job application, you show the hiring manager that you can be persuasive. That's something employers look for, especially at the executive level.

Active language changes and improves your writing, showing that you're a job seeker with strong communication skills. As you list your abilities and achievements, your action verbs can make the hiring manager feel like they know you on a deeper level. This can help you build rapport and excite them about the prospect of you joining the company. Instead of telling them directly that you're the right person for the role, you let them see it for themselves.

Share your story in a unique way

When you use action-packed words in your resume, you can describe your work experience and professional development more effectively. Backing your words with facts can help convince the hiring manager you have what it takes to perform well in the role. Your resume may be more interesting and impressive without the bland words and phrases that other applicants use. It also gives readers a real-world insight into your accomplishments. This can increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Why avoid passive language 

Using passive language is one of the biggest resume mistakes, career experts at Harvard University say. It makes your resume dull and more likely to go unnoticed. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid using passive words when writing your resume:

They make your resume less interesting

Most hiring managers only look at a resume for a few seconds before deciding whether they should keep reading or move on to the next one. People overuse passive words and phrases, so employers and recruiters tend to skip right over them. Even if you're perfect for the job, they may not realise it because your resume doesn't show them. If you want to avoid your resume ending up in the rejection pile, use active rather than passive language.

They're overused and unclear

Passive words are generic and may not describe your specific accomplishments. An example of these terms includes "was managed by". Such commonplace terms don't show a hiring manager what you've achieved, what you're capable of, or what you can contribute to the company.

Note that what you regard as a success may differ from another person. Try to be more specific about your accomplishments by mentioning the results you've achieved. This gives anyone who reads your resume a more accurate and descriptive picture of your successes. Action words can help you get your message across and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

They dilute the quality of your writing

Passive language can undermine the quality of your resume. It tells the hiring manager that your communication and writing skills may not be up to par. It can also make them think you didn't make the necessary effort to create a great resume. In contrast, a resume in the active voice is more interesting and shows that you have strong communication skills.

How to use action words in your resume 

When you use action-oriented and dynamic verbs for resume writing, place them strategically throughout your resume. The best places to use these words include your list of accomplishments, professional summary, and bullet points. However, the most important thing is learning to use impactful resume action words correctly. Here's how:

Show, don't tell

A few years of work experience doesn't always matter to a hiring manager unless you have something to show for it. Others may have similar experience, such as managing teams, contributing to a company's profits, and climbing the ladder to reach a higher position. For this reason, it may not be a good idea to focus your resume on your job duties and shared tasks. Instead, highlight the unique strengths and accomplishments that your potential employer may find attractive.

When you list your achievements and abilities on your resume, back them up with exact numbers. This gives the hiring manager clear and convincing information on how you can add value to the company. For instance, merely stating that you're a profit-generating machine may not set you apart from other job seekers. A better way to showcase your abilities is to say that your team increased profit margins by 40% over the last six months. Providing numbers, statistics, and other facts can help make your case more convincing.

Create a list of your greatest achievements as they relate to the role you're applying for. Back up each accomplishment with actual numbers to show your prospective employer what you can bring to the company.

Identify and replace overused phrases

Rewriting your resume in the active voice isn't as simple as changing all the passive words to action-oriented verbs. You may have to restructure or rewrite entire sentences. Remember the earlier example where we replaced “the resume was created by me” with “I created a resume”? That's how you should do it.

Review your resume line by line to look for overused phrases and passive language. Next, think of ways to turn them into power words that engage and compel readers. This is an opportunity to improve your delivery and remove words and phrases that may harm your chances of landing the job you want.

To make the task easier and more efficient, print out your current resume before making any changes. Then, highlight all the passive verbs and phrases in your list of accomplishments, bullet points, and professional summary. Rewrite or restructure those phrases in the active voice.

Determine the right action verbs to use

You shouldn't only choose action verbs that you think will improve your resume. It's important to replace the passive language with words or phrases relevant to the position and the industry. To do this, go through job descriptions to pick action words and keywords that stand out. This can give you a better idea of the type of language and terms the employer expects job applicants to use.

Take note of the positioning words. For instance, a job description may say that the company is looking for people who collaborate instead of compete. In this case, you may have to approach your resume writing from a completely different angle.

Once you've identified the appropriate terms and phrases, you can tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. Start by creating a list of the keywords and phrases you found in the job description. Prioritise them as they relate to your work experience. Then, use the most appropriate ones to replace the passive words and phrases on your current resume. Sprinkle them naturally throughout the sections.

Use industry-specific action words

Every industry has its language and slang. When you apply for a job, your potential employer expects you to know the industry terminology. Using action words specific to your field of work is a great way to show your expertise and industry knowledge. It also helps you connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level. Examples of industry-specific action verbs include "diagnosed" and "administered" for healthcare, "invested" and "budgeted" for finance, and "programmed" and "coded" for technology.

Examples of using active voice 

The following examples can show you how to upgrade your resume by replacing overused language with bolder and more impressive phrases:

1. Current phrase: Leader of a team of nine employees.
   ⁠New phrase: Guided a team of nine employees towards company goals, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.
   ⁠
2. Current phrase: Used data to identify underlying issues.
   ⁠New phrase: Deciphered data patterns to solve underlying issues.
   ⁠
3. Current phrase: Helped the company adopt new technology.
   ⁠New phrase: Championed the adoption of new technology at the company, leading to improved efficiency.
   ⁠
4. Current phrase: Strong communicator and detail oriented.
   ⁠New phrase: Facilitated internal communications and ensured high-quality work products.
   ⁠
5. Current phrase: Responsible for generating higher sales revenue.
   ⁠New phrase: Increased sales revenue by 40% over two years.

Top action words for a more impactful resume 

Rewriting your resume using active verbs isn't about cramming in as many power words as possible or picking the ones you think sound the best. Instead, choose action words that strengthen your specific work experience and accomplishments. Also, make sure they relate to the position you're applying for. Here's a list of action-oriented words that you can use to replace verbs commonly found in resumes:

Replacing “managed”

Use these active verbs to explain how you led a department, division, or project:

• coordinated
• chaired
• headed
• guided
• mentored
• motivated
• inspired
• synchronised
• oversaw
• operated

Replacing “created”

The following words can help you describe how you made an idea or plan happen:

• chartered
• crafted
• devised
• choreographed
• forged
• enhanced
• implemented
• fulfilled
• spearheaded
• pioneered

Replacing “developed”

These words can explain how you contributed to the growth of a project, department, or vision:

• amplified
• advanced
• expanded
• cultivated
• initiated
• fostered
• progressed
• matured
• widened
• renovated

Replacing “saved”

Use the terms below if you helped a company save time, money, or resources:

• lessened
• conserved
• consolidated
• salvaged
• secured
• reduced
• revived
• strengthened
• yielded
• spared

Replacing “increased”

Stick to these action verbs if you helped to improve sales, operations, efficiency, or customer satisfaction:

• broadened
• augmented
• amplified
• accelerated
• furthered
• expanded
• capitalised
• stimulated
• generated
• maximised

Replacing “changed”

The terms below are appropriate for describing improvements you made in the past:

• effected
• clarified
• customised
• merged
• overhauled
• integrated
• streamlined
• modified
• refocused
• transformed

Replacing “acquired”

Use these words to emphasise your ability to bring new ideas, projects, technologies, or clients to an organisation:

• forged
• converted
• collaborated
• conferred
• negotiated
• parlayed
• innovated
• navigated
• secured
• partnered

Replacing “assisted”

These verbs can describe how you helped team members, colleagues, and customers:

• consulted
• advised
• advocated
• arbitrated
• encouraged
• educated
• counselled
• resolved
• supported
• informed

Replacing “examined”

The following words are effective in highlighting your research and analytical skills:

• forecasted
• discovered
• assessed
• analysed
• identified
• calculated
• measured
• investigated
• tracked
• qualified

Replacing “communicated”

These words can describe a time when you wrote about, spoke for, or promoted a positive change:

• convinced
• authored
• campaigned
• documented
• illustrated
• critiqued
• persuaded
• reviewed
• marketed
• publicised

Replacing “achieved”

Use these verbs to explain how you achieved a major milestone or reached a goal:

• demonstrated
• completed
• exceeded
• attained
• bettered
• realised
• showcased
• outperformed
• transcended
• surpassed

Conclusion 

Using action words to make your resume stand out may take time and effort. Research the company carefully, look for keywords and phrases in the job description, and choose the right action verbs to add to your resume. The extra effort may be well worth it to improve your chances of landing the job you want.

Using dynamic action verbs in your resume has become increasingly important in recruitment. More and more Malaysian companies are using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to find suitable job applicants. Resumes that contain power words and keywords that match the job description are more likely to get past the ATS. Even if the hiring manager reviews resumes manually, an action-oriented resume may have a better chance of getting noticed than one written in the passive voice. It may also help you stand out in the Malaysian job market.

FAQs 

Here are some frequently asked questions about action words for resume writing:

1. What are some strong action words to use in a resume?
   Some examples of strong action words you can use in your resume include coordinated, guided, consolidated, amplified, implemented, strengthened, maximised, streamlined, and surpassed.
   ⁠
2. How do action words improve the effectiveness of a resume?
   Action verbs can make a resume more effective in many ways. First, they set your resume apart from those that contain passive and overused words from other job seekers. This can help you capture the attention of the hiring manager and pass an ATS scan. A resume in active language is also more concise, confident, and engaging. It shows the hiring manager that you have good communication skills.
   ⁠
3. Can you provide examples of action words for specific skills?
   The following are some examples of action words that are appropriate for highlighting different types of skills:
   Communication skills
   persuaded
   critiqued
   documented
   reviewed
   marketed
   Leadership skills
   guided
   headed
   mentored
   oversaw
   inspired
   Research or analytical skills
   assessed
   forecasted
   investigated
   discovered
   analysed
   Creative skills
   crafted
   devised
   chartered
   pioneered
   spearheaded
   ⁠
4. Should I use the same action words for every job I apply to?
   You shouldn't use the same action words for every job application. Instead, choose action verbs that match the job description. This differs from one job listing to another. Tailoring your resume to a specific job description increases your chances of getting through the ATS. It also shows the hiring manager that you're ready to go the extra mile to secure the job.
   ⁠
5. Are there action words to avoid in resume writing?
   Not all resume action verbs are beneficial to your job application. Avoid using a power word that's irrelevant to your work experience, the industry, and the position you're applying for.
   ⁠
6. How many action words should I use?
   Action words can spice up your resume. However, this doesn't mean you should stuff your resume with as many action verbs as possible. Kickresume.com recommends using about 20 action words in your resume. Insert these words naturally in your list of achievements, professional summary, and bullet points.
   ⁠
7. Do action words make a significant difference in getting a job?
   Yes, they do. On average, resumes have only six seconds to impress hiring managers. Hiring managers often overlook resumes in the passive voice. This is because they contain overused and cliché terms and phrases that make them boring to read. If you use action-driven language in your resume, you may be more likely to catch the hiring manager's attention. This gives you a better chance of progressing to the next stage of the hiring process.
   ⁠
8. Are there action words that are more effective in certain industries?
   Yes, action words are most effective when they're relevant to your field of work. Below are action-verb examples for several different industries:
   Technology
   programmed
   coded
   deployed
   developed
   designed
   Healthcare
   treated
   diagnosed
   administered
   monitored
   facilitated
   Education
   taught
   mentored
   researched
   assessed
   organised
   Financial
   budgeted
   forecasted
   audited
   invested
   negotiated
   Retail
   upsold
   marketed
   replenished
   demonstrated
   priced