Day 10: Learn the Secret – The Power of Action Words in Your Resume
Visvanathan Sambasivam
?? Mentor, Teacher, Coach ???? Founder, Growth Catalysts Hub ?? Lifelong Learner ??Executive Director, CPG, Retail & Shopper, NielsenIQ ?? 28+ yrs of Consumer Insights & Market Research
Using Strong Action Verbs to Demonstrate Impact
When writing your resume, one of the most effective ways to capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers is by using strong action words. These verbs breathe life into your resume and show what you’ve accomplished, rather than simply listing responsibilities. Using powerful, dynamic verbs can elevate your resume, making your experience and achievements stand out from the competition.
1. Why Action Verbs Matter
Resumes filled with passive language or generic phrases can quickly become monotonous. Words like “responsible for” or “in charge of” do not tell the reader what impact you had in your current job or how you went about having that impact. This means they will not be able to visualize how you will be able to have an impact in the job that they have on their hand.
Action verbs like “led,” “created,” or “improved” are precise and indicate that you took initiative and delivered results. Action verbs convey confidence and leadership, helping recruiters see your potential beyond the day-to-day tasks.
Example:
A generic description such as “Responsible for team operations and sales growth” can be transformed into “Led a team of 10, boosting sales by 25% in one year.” This revision emphasizes leadership and highlights a measurable achievement.
Action Tip:
Review your resume for phrases like “responsible for” or “in charge of” and replace them with strong action verbs that show what you accomplished.
2. Start Each Bullet with a Powerful Verb
The first word in each bullet point is the most crucial. Recruiters often skim through resumes, so starting with a powerful verb grabs their attention quickly. Action verbs communicate leadership, initiative, and results with clarity. Ensure every bullet point begins with a verb that highlights your role and contributions.
Example:
Instead of “Worked with clients on project development,” you can write “Developed tailored project plans, leading to a 30% increase in client satisfaction.”
Action Tip:
As you write your resume, make sure each bullet starts with a unique, strong verb. Avoid repeating the same word to maintain engagement.
3. Action Verbs for Leadership and Initiative
If you’ve held a leadership role, use verbs that demonstrate your ability to lead, direct, and influence. Verbs like “spearheaded,” “coordinated,” “mentored,” and “oversaw” are perfect for highlighting managerial responsibilities and leadership skills. These verbs help the recruiter visualize your ability to guide teams, solve problems, and bring projects to completion.
Example:
Instead of “Managed a project team,” try “Spearheaded a cross-functional team to deliver a $2M project on time and under budget.”
Action Tip:
Focus on verbs that showcase leadership qualities and your ability to take initiative, especially if you’re applying for management roles.
4. Quantify the Results of Your Actions
Strong verbs alone are not enough. Pair action words with quantifiable achievements. This combination gives a clear picture of the impact you’ve made and your ability to drive results. Metrics such as percentages, dollar figures, or time saved provide concrete evidence of your success.
Example:
Instead of “Increased efficiency,” write, “Streamlined operations, reducing production time by 15% and saving the company $100,000 annually.”
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Action Tip:
Look for ways to back up your action verbs with specific results and metrics. Numbers make your accomplishments more tangible and compelling.
5. Vary Your Action Verbs
Using the same action verb multiple times can make your resume feel repetitive and monotonous. By varying the verbs, you not only make your resume more engaging, but you also demonstrate a broader range of skills and accomplishments.
Example:
Instead of starting multiple points with “managed,” alternate with words like “directed,” “oversaw,” or “coordinated” to keep your resume dynamic and interesting.
Action Tip:
Create a list of action verbs related to your skills and roles, and use them strategically throughout your resume to avoid repetition.
Action Summary
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About the Author: Visvanathan Sambasivam
I am a corporate professional, having worked as a Marketing / Consumer Insights professional in various Indian and Global MNCs for the last 30 years, with a passion for mentoring, teaching, and coaching; with a vision of helping 1 million people in their personal and professional growth.
I write regularly on LinkedIn & Facebook and have mentored many people in their professional journey.