Prompt 26: Revitalize your B-School application essays and resumes with these vivacious action verbs

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According to this insightful guide published in Poets&Quants and authored by John A. Byrne and Jeff Schmitt, the application deadlines for Round 2 MBA apps are rapidly approaching. Utilizing action verbs can significantly enhance your essays and help your application standout. In today’s newsletter, I’ve chosen to provide you with some tips on how to incorporate action verbs into your business school apps before your Round 2 deadlines pass. (Please note that while I used a resume for this set of prompts, these tips can also be easily applied to editing essays and short answer responses.)

Prompt 26 Format

Part 1:?

List [insert number] action verbs to use in my resume along with their definitions. Additionally, please provide examples of each verb used in a sentence.??

Part 2:

List action verbs that describe [insert resume line item] to be used in a resume and provide an example of each in a sentence.?

Part 3:

List [insert number] action verbs that describe the actions of business school students.?

Part 4:

Rewrite the following text using resume-style bullets and replacing the verbs with the recommended action verbs to use in a resume for business school students: [insert text]

Prompt 26 Example

Part 1:

My Question: List 3 action verbs to use on my resume along with their definitions and examples of each verb used in a sentence.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Implemented:?

• Definition: Put into effect or action; executed or applied.?
• Example: Implemented a new customer relationship management (CRM) system, resulting in improved data organization and streamlined communication with clients.

Coordinated:?

• Definition: Organized and orchestrated activities or resources to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.?
• Example: Coordinated cross-functional teams to launch a product within the set timeline, ensuring effective collaboration and timely delivery.

Negotiated:?

• Definition: Engaged in discussions or bargaining to reach mutually beneficial agreements or resolutions.?
• Example: Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms and reducing costs by 10% while maintaining quality standards.

These action verbs highlight your ability to take initiative, collaborate, and achieve results. They demonstrate important skills such as project management, teamwork, and problem-solving, which can make a positive impression on potential employers.

Part 2:

My Question: List 3 action verbs that describe working with data that can be used in a resume.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Analyzed:?

• Example: Analyzed large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights for strategic decision-making.

Visualized:?

• Example: Visualized complex data using charts, graphs, and visual tools to effectively communicate findings and facilitate understanding.

Managed:?

• Example: Managed databases and data repositories, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and security.

These action verbs showcase your ability to work with data, highlighting skills in data analysis, visualization, management, interpretation, and collaboration.

Part 3:

My Question: List 3 action verbs that describe the actions of business school students.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Analyzed: Conducted in-depth research and evaluation of business cases, data, and market trends to gain insights and make informed decisions.?

• Example: Analyzed financial statements and market research data to identify investment opportunities for a simulated stock portfolio.

Collaborated: Worked effectively in team settings, leveraging diverse perspectives and skills to achieve shared goals and solve complex problems.?

• Example: Collaborated with classmates on a group project to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local startup, combining our expertise in different functional areas.

Presented: Effectively communicated ideas, strategies, and findings through compelling presentations and public speaking engagements.?

• Example: Presented a research project on consumer behavior and market segmentation to a panel of industry professionals, highlighting key insights and actionable recommendations.

Part 4:

My Question: Rewrite the following text using resume-style bullets and replace the verbs with recommended action verbs to use in a resume:

[Text:

• Wrote about the qualifications and appointment of Colorado securities commissioner that led to the official’s resignation and changes in how the state appoints the securities commissioner?
• Wrote about the increase in mergers and acquisitions in the Colorado banking industry using Excel and public records requests?
• Worked with editors with SEO knowledge to increase story visibility?
• Report on breaking news events, such as United Airlines’ gate expansion project at Denver International Airport?
• Talked to business leaders about company strategy and breaking news, such as the CEO of United Airlines and senior leaders at Wells Fargo?
• Chosen among reporters at 40 business journals throughout the country to attend reporter academy at American City Business Journal headquarters to receive additional writing and reporting coaching?
• Kept updated on story analytics using Marketo, an Adobe product, and will use analytics to improve coverage]

Microsoft Copilot Response:

• Investigated the qualifications and appointment of Colorado securities commissioner, prompting the official’s resignation and driving changes in the state's commissioner selection process.
• Researched and analyzed the surge in mergers and acquisitions within the Colorado banking industry using Excel and public records requests.
• Collaborated with editors to optimize story visibility through strategic implementation of SEO techniques.
• Covered breaking news events, including United Airlines’ gate expansion project at Denver International Airport.
• Interviewed business leaders, such as the CEO of United Airlines and senior executives at Wells Fargo, to discuss company strategy and breaking news.
• Selected from a pool of reporters across 40 business journals to participate in the reporter academy at American City Business Journal headquarters, receiving specialized writing and reporting coaching.
• Monitored story analytics using Marketo, an Adobe product, to inform and enhance coverage strategies.