185+ Resume Action Verbs & Power Words That Actually Get You Interviews
Stop writing "Responsible for." Replace weak resume language with powerful action verbs organized by skill: leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and more.
Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume. In that brief window, seeing the phrase "Responsible for" is the equivalent of a damp handshake. It signals passivity. It tells the reader what you were supposed to do, not what you actually achieved.
To command attention and negotiate a higher salary, you must shift from passive descriptions to active accomplishments. Below are 185+ executive-level action verbs categorized by skill type, designed to replace generic fillers and transform your professional narrative.
Before we dive into the full list, let's see the difference strong action verbs make. These resume bullet point examples show how a simple word swap transforms a forgettable line into a compelling achievement.
Before (Weak)
Responsible for managing a team of 5 developers
After (Strong)
Orchestrated a high-performing team of 5 developers, delivering 3 major releases ahead of schedule
Before (Weak)
Helped improve customer satisfaction scores
After (Strong)
Elevated customer satisfaction scores by 34% through redesigned onboarding experience
Before (Weak)
Was in charge of social media accounts
After (Strong)
Spearheaded social media strategy, growing follower base from 2K to 50K in 8 months
Before (Weak)
Worked on reducing costs in the department
After (Strong)
Streamlined departmental operations, cutting annual costs by $120K without reducing headcount
1. Leadership & Management Action Verbs
Instead of saying "Led a team" or "Managed a project," use words that imply vision and strategic direction. These leadership words for resume demonstrate executive presence.
OrchestratedTo arrange or direct the elements of a situation to produce a desired effect.
SpearheadedTo lead an attack or movement; to be the driving force.
CultivatedTo foster the growth of; to improve by labor, care, or study.
GalvanizedTo shock or excite (someone) into taking action.
MobilizedTo prepare and organize (troops or resources) for active service.
ChampionedTo fight for or defend a cause or person.
DirectedTo manage or guide by advice, instruction, or command.
EstablishedTo set up on a firm or permanent basis.
FoundedTo establish or originate an institution or organization.
GovernedTo conduct the policy and affairs of a state or organization.
HeadedTo be in charge of; to lead.
InstitutedTo set in motion or establish something, typically a program or system.
OversawTo supervise or watch over.
PioneeredTo be among the first to explore or develop.
PresidedTo be in the position of authority in a meeting or gathering.
SteeredTo guide or control the movement or course of.
SupervisedTo observe and direct the execution of a task or activity.
UnifiedTo make or become united, uniform, or whole.
2. Growth & Improvement Action Verbs
Did you just "improve" sales, or did you fundamentally change the trajectory of the business? Use these achievement words to quantify your impact.
RevitalizedTo imbue something with new life and vitality.
AugmentedTo make something greater by adding to it; increase.
OptimizedTo make the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
AcceleratedTo cause to move faster; to bring about earlier.
AmplifiedTo increase the volume of; to cause to become more marked or intense.
BoostedTo help or encourage to increase or improve.
ElevatedTo raise to a more important or impressive level.
EnhancedTo intensify, increase, or further improve quality or value.
ExpandedTo become or make larger or more extensive.
MaximizedTo make the greatest or fullest use of.
StrengthenedTo make or become stronger.
TransformedTo make a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
UpgradedTo raise to a higher standard or improve.
AdvancedTo move forward or make progress.
PropelledTo drive or push forward.
3. Execution & Results Action Verbs
Move beyond "Did" or "Completed." These results-oriented resume words show that you delivered measurable value.
ExecutedTo carry out or put into effect (a plan, order, or course of action).
ImplementedTo put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
FacilitatedTo make (an action or process) easy or easier.
FormalizedTo give a definite shape or legal formality to.
StreamlinedTo make (an organization or system) more efficient and effective.
AchievedTo successfully bring about or reach a desired objective through effort.
AttainedTo succeed in achieving something, especially after much effort.
CompletedTo finish making or doing.
DeliveredTo provide something promised or expected.
DispatchedTo deal with a task quickly and efficiently.
FulfilledTo carry out or bring to completion.
GeneratedTo cause something to arise or come about.
ProducedTo make, manufacture, or create.
RealizedTo achieve something desired or anticipated.
SecuredTo obtain or achieve definitively.
4. Collaboration & Teamwork Action Verbs
Employers value team players. These teamwork words for resume demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships.
CollaboratedTo work jointly with others on an activity or project.
CoordinatedTo bring the different elements into a harmonious relationship.
PartneredTo join as a partner or associate with another.
UnitedTo come or bring together for a common purpose.
AlignedTo bring into cooperation or agreement with a particular position.
CooperatedTo act jointly with others; work toward the same end.
IntegratedTo combine one thing with another to become whole.
LiaisedTo establish a working relationship, typically to cooperate on a matter.
MergedTo combine or cause to combine to form a single entity.
SynchronizedTo cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
TeamedTo come together as a team to achieve a common goal.
NetworkedTo interact with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.
5. Problem-Solving & Analysis Action Verbs
Critical thinking is universally valued. Use these analytical resume words to showcase your ability to diagnose issues and find solutions.
AnalyzedTo examine methodically and in detail.
DiagnosedTo identify the nature or cause of a problem.
EvaluatedTo form an idea of the amount, value, or quality of.
InvestigatedTo carry out a systematic inquiry to discover facts.
ResolvedTo settle or find a solution to a problem or dispute.
AssessedTo evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, or ability of.
AuditedTo conduct an official examination and verification.
CalculatedTo determine mathematically or by reasoning.
DecipheredTo succeed in understanding or interpreting.
DiscoveredTo find unexpectedly or during a search.
ExaminedTo inspect closely to determine condition or quality.
ForecastedTo predict or estimate a future event or trend.
IdentifiedTo establish or indicate who or what something is.
InterpretedTo explain the meaning of information or actions.
MeasuredTo ascertain size, amount, or degree by comparison.
PinpointedTo locate exactly.
ResearchedTo investigate systematically.
SolvedTo find an answer or explanation for.
TroubleshotTo trace and correct faults in a system.
6. Communication & Influence Action Verbs
The ability to communicate effectively is essential at every level. These communication skills resume words demonstrate your persuasion and presentation abilities.
AdvocatedTo publicly recommend or support.
ArticulatedTo express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently.
ConvincedTo cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something.
CorrespondedTo communicate by exchanging letters or emails.
CounseledTo give advice to someone.
DraftedTo prepare a preliminary version of a document.
EditedTo prepare written material for publication by correcting and revising.
InfluencedTo have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of.
MediatedTo intervene in a dispute to bring about agreement.
ModeratedTo preside over a meeting or discussion.
NegotiatedTo obtain or bring about by discussion.
PersuadedTo induce someone to do something through reasoning.
PresentedTo show or offer something for others to consider.
PromotedTo further the progress of; to publicize.
PublicizedTo make widely known.
ReconciledTo restore friendly relations between.
TranslatedTo express the sense of words in another language.
7. Creative & Innovation Action Verbs
Innovation drives business forward. Use these creative resume words to highlight your ability to think outside the box.
ConceptualizedTo form a concept or idea of something.
CreatedTo bring something into existence.
DesignedTo plan and make decisions about something being built or created.
DevelopedTo grow or cause to grow and become more advanced.
DevisedTo plan or invent by careful thought.
EngineeredTo skillfully arrange for something to occur.
EnvisionedTo imagine as a future possibility.
FormulatedTo create or devise methodically.
ImaginedTo form a mental image of something not present.
InitiatedTo cause a process or action to begin.
InnovatedTo make changes by introducing new methods or ideas.
IntroducedTo bring into use or operation for the first time.
InventedTo create or design something not existing before.
LaunchedTo start or set in motion an activity or enterprise.
OriginatedTo have one's origin in a specified place or situation.
PioneeredTo develop or be the first to use new methods.
RedesignedTo design something again in a different way.
RevolutionizedTo change something radically or fundamentally.
ShapedTo give a particular form or shape to.
8. Technical & Engineering Action Verbs
For technical roles, specificity matters. These engineering resume action words demonstrate hands-on technical expertise.
ArchitectedTo design the structure of a complex system.
AutomatedTo convert a process to operate automatically.
BuiltTo construct by putting parts together.
CodedTo write instructions for a computer program.
ConfiguredTo arrange or set up in a particular way.
DebuggedTo identify and remove errors from software.
DeployedTo bring into effective action; to install.
EngineeredTo design, build, or manage using scientific principles.
InstalledTo place or fix equipment in position for use.
IntegratedTo combine one system with another.
MaintainedTo keep in good condition by checking regularly.
MigratedTo move from one system or platform to another.
ModernizedTo adapt something to modern needs or standards.
ProgrammedTo write computer programs.
RefactoredTo restructure existing code without changing behavior.
ScaledTo increase or adjust to a larger size or level.
TestedTo take measures to check quality or performance.
9. Sales & Business Development Action Verbs
Revenue-generating roles need revenue-focused language. These sales resume action verbs highlight your ability to drive business growth.
AcquiredTo buy or obtain an asset or object for oneself.
CapturedTo take possession of; to gain control of a market.
ClosedTo bring a negotiation to a successful conclusion.
ConvertedTo change from one state to another; turn prospects into customers.
CultivatedTo develop a relationship with a potential client.
ExceededTo be greater than or go beyond a quota or target.
ExpandedTo increase the scope or reach of business.
ForgedTo create a strong relationship or agreement.
GeneratedTo produce or create revenue or leads.
LandedTo succeed in obtaining a contract or client.
OutperformedTo perform better than others or expectations.
PenetratedTo succeed in entering a new market.
ProcuredTo obtain something, especially with care or effort.
ProspectedTo search for potential customers or opportunities.
RetainedTo keep possession of; to maintain customer loyalty.
SoldTo give or hand over in exchange for money.
SurpassedTo exceed or be better than.
WonTo gain victory in a competition or business deal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Action Verbs
What are action verbs for a resume?▼
Action verbs are strong, descriptive words that begin your resume bullet points and describe what you accomplished. Instead of passive phrases like 'Responsible for' or 'Helped with,' action verbs like 'Orchestrated,' 'Spearheaded,' or 'Transformed' actively demonstrate your contributions and impact.
Why are action verbs important on a resume?▼
Action verbs are crucial because recruiters spend only 7 seconds scanning your resume. Strong verbs immediately communicate competence, energy, and results. They help your achievements stand out from generic job descriptions and can be the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked.
What words should I avoid on my resume?▼
Avoid passive phrases like 'Responsible for,' 'Helped with,' 'Worked on,' 'Assisted in,' and 'Participated in.' Also avoid weak verbs like 'Did,' 'Made,' or 'Got.' These words describe duties, not accomplishments, and make your contributions sound insignificant.
How many action verbs should I use on my resume?▼
Every bullet point should start with a different action verb. For a typical resume with 15-20 bullet points, you'll need 15-20 unique action verbs. Avoid repeating the same verbs—variety demonstrates the breadth of your capabilities.
Should I use the same action verbs for every job application?▼
No. Tailor your action verbs to match the job description. If a role emphasizes leadership, use verbs like 'Directed,' 'Oversaw,' and 'Mentored.' For analytical roles, choose 'Analyzed,' 'Evaluated,' and 'Assessed.' This alignment helps your resume pass ATS screening and resonate with hiring managers.
Internalize, Don't Just Memorize.
Knowing these words is one thing. Having them flow naturally during an interview is another.
Master the "Executive Vocabulary" deck on Segue to ensure these terms are at your command when it matters most.
