50+ Verbs That Define a Killer Resume

50+ Verbs That Define a Killer Resume 50+ Strong Action Verbs You Need to Use on Your Resume Now
By Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Expert Resume Writer

Stop using passive terms on your resume; passive terms dilute the quality and value of what you offer the employer. Seriously, if you’re using any of the following terminology, you need to make a change today!

Demonstrated mastery of...Responsibility for...Duties included...Worked with...Familiar with...Knowledge of (or) Knowledgeable in...

These passive terms are not action-oriented, and they make for a rather lackluster resume. Instead, show the employer exactly what you’re capable of achieving and bringing to the table! Below you’ll find a list of 50+ strong action verbs that you can put on your resume NOW to spice things up!

Advance Discern Halt
Anchor Dispense Handle
Architect Draft Head
Arrange Drive Illustrate
Augment Earn Imagine
Believe Effectuate Institute
Bestow Eliminate Instruct
Brainstorm Empower Integrate
Brief Enact Intensify
Capitalize Endeavor Lower
Capture Endorse Maintain
Centralize Enforce Network
Champion Enliven Optimize
Classify Ensure Orchestrate
Convey Entrench Predict
Decipher Equalize Renovate
Deploy Extricate Spark
Derive Forge Steer
Detect Formulate Terminate
Devise Foster Unify
Differentiate Graduate Visualize
Direct Guide Win


Remember that word choice is important—and so is customizing your resume for each position. For tips on how to brand your resume, check out my recent article: 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume.

About the Author

Jessica Hernandez, is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications. She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers. Find out more at Great Resumes Fast.

Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - April 26, 2012.

Sign up for the free weekly Career Insider eNewsletter.

Back to news