What is an Action Verb?
An action verb is a word that expresses action or a state of being. These words allow you to describe what you did, how you did it, and the result of the action. Action verbs are an important part of writing a resume or CV, as they help to highlight the skills and qualities that you possess and show employers that you are capable of performing the job. Action verbs should be used throughout your resume, and particularly in the job experience section, to emphasize the tasks you’ve performed and the results you achieved.
Why Should You Use Action Verbs in Your Resume?
Using action verbs in your resume can help to make it more effective and easier to read. By using action verbs, you can draw attention to your skills and accomplishments and make your resume stand out among the competition. Action verbs also help to give your resume a sense of energy and enthusiasm, and help to demonstrate the value you can bring to a role. Additionally, action verbs can be used to emphasize the specific tasks you have performed in each job you have held and highlight your achievements.
How to Choose the Best Action Verbs For Your Resume?
When selecting action verbs to use in your resume, it’s important to choose words that accurately reflect the tasks and responsibilities you held in each role. Additionally, you should avoid using the same action verbs repeatedly. Rather, you should aim to use a variety of action verbs that showcase the diverse skills and accomplishments you’ve achieved throughout your career.
Examples of Powerful Action Verbs for Your Resume in 2023
Below are some examples of powerful action verbs that you can use to make your resume stand out in 2023:
Analyze:
Analyze data, trends, strategies, markets, products, services, customers, and/or competitors.
Create:
Create solutions, strategies, systems, marketing plans, and/or products.
Develop:
Develop plans, processes, products, services, and/or systems.
Maximize:
Maximize efficiency, productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and/or sales.
Manage:
Manage teams, processes, projects, budgets, and/or resources.
Negotiate:
Negotiate contracts, deals, prices, and/or agreements.
Organize:
Organize events, meetings, projects, and/or activities.
Streamline:
Streamline processes, procedures, and/or operations.
Train:
Train staff, volunteers, and/or new hires.
Tips for Using Action Verbs in Your Resume
Now that you have an idea of some of the best action verbs to use on your resume, here are some tips for using them effectively:
- Be specific. Use action verbs to highlight the specific tasks you performed in each role.
- Be consistent. Use action verbs throughout your resume to create a consistent and powerful narrative.
- Be precise. Use action verbs that accurately reflect the accomplishments you achieved.
- Be creative. Try to use a variety of action verbs to make your resume stand out.
Conclusion
Using action verbs effectively in your resume can help to make it more effective and easier to read. By using powerful action verbs, you can draw attention to your skills and accomplishments and make your resume stand out among the competition. Additionally, action verbs can be used to emphasize the specific tasks you have performed in each job you have held and highlight your achievements. Be sure to select action verbs that accurately reflect the tasks and responsibilities you held in each role and avoid using the same action verbs repeatedly.
