Your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so every word counts. One of the easiest ways to make your CV more dynamic and impactful is by using action verbs. These powerful words bring your experience to life, showcase your accomplishments, and demonstrate your ability to make a difference.
Why action verbs matter
When recruiters read a CV, they’re looking for evidence of your contributions and achievements, not just a list of duties. Action verbs convey a sense of initiative and success, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.
For example:
Instead of writing: “Responsible for team meetings,”
Write: “Facilitated weekly team meetings to improve communication and productivity.”
The anatomy of a powerful action verb
- Specific: Avoid generic verbs like “did” or “worked.” Use precise verbs that describe your role.
- Active: Choose words that show you took initiative or made an impact.
- Results-oriented: Focus on achievements and outcomes rather than responsibilities.
Top action verbs for cvs
Here’s a categorized list of action verbs to inspire you:
Leadership and management
- Led
- Directed
- Supervised
- Coordinated
- Managed
- Streamlined
- Oversaw
- Delegated
Achievements and results
- Achieved
- Increased
- Reduced
- Generated
- Improved
- Delivered
- Maximized
- Resolved
Teamwork and collaboration
- Collaborated
- Partnered
- Supported
- Coached
- Mentored
- Facilitated
- Advised
Creativity and problem-solving
- Designed
- Developed
- Innovated
- Created
- Solved
- Revamped
- Conceptualized
- Engineered
Research and analysis
- Analyzed
- Researched
- Evaluated
- Assessed
- Examined
- Investigated
- Identified
- Synthesized
Communication
- Presented
- Authored
- Documented
- Negotiated
- Promoted
- Advocated
- Persuaded
- Edited
Before-and-after examples
Transform mundane descriptions into impactful statements:
- Before: “Worked on a marketing campaign.”
After: “Designed and executed a multi-channel marketing campaign, increasing engagement by 35%.” - Before: “Handled customer complaints.”
After: “Resolved customer complaints promptly, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.”
How to use action verbs effectively
- Match the job description: Use verbs that align with the keywords in the job listing.
- Be honest: Don’t exaggerate. Choose verbs that accurately describe your role.
- Vary your language: Avoid repeating the same verb multiple times. Mix it up!
- Quantify results: Pair action verbs with numbers or specific outcomes whenever possible.
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