How to Use Action Verbs in Your Resume to Show Accomplishments

Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and it’s important to make it count. One way to make your resume stand out is by using action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and skills. Using the right action verbs can help you showcase your abilities and give your resume a professional edge. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use action verbs effectively in your resume to show accomplishments.

What are Action Verbs?

Action verbs are strong verbs that convey action and accomplishment. They are typically used to describe what you did in a particular job or project. Examples of action verbs include: achieved, improved, created, designed, managed, and organized. Using action verbs in your resume can help you demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in a concise and effective manner.

How to Use Action Verbs in Your Resume

Here are some tips on how to use action verbs in your resume:

1. Begin with Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point on your resume with an action verb. This will make your resume more dynamic and highlight your achievements. For example, instead of writing “Responsible for managing a team,” you could write “Managed a team of 10 employees.”
2. Quantify Your Accomplishments: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your accomplishments. This will make them more tangible and impressive. For example, instead of writing “Improved sales,” you could write “Increased sales by 20% in one year.”
3. Be Specific: Be specific when using action verbs. Use precise language to describe your accomplishments and avoid vague or general statements. For example, instead of writing “Created a marketing campaign,” you could write “Developed and executed a successful marketing campaign that resulted in a 15% increase in website traffic.”
4. Use Present Tense for Current Positions: Use present tense action verbs for current positions and past tense action verbs for previous positions. This will help you demonstrate your current responsibilities and accomplishments. For example, instead of writing “Managed a team,” you could write “Manage a team of 10 employees.”
5. Use Strong Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs that convey accomplishment and achievement. Avoid weak action verbs like “helped” or “assisted.” Instead, use verbs like “achieved,” “delivered,” and “initiated.”

Examples of Action Verbs in Resumes

Here are some examples of action verbs you can use in your resume:

• Achieved
• Improved
• Created
• Designed
• Managed
• Organized
• Developed
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Trained
• Mentored
• Negotiated
• Resolved
• Analyzed
• Evaluated

Conclusion

By using these action verbs in your resume, you can showcase your skills and accomplishments in a dynamic and effective way.

Your resume is a reflection of your professional experience and accomplishments. Using action verbs in your resume can help you highlight your achievements and stand out to potential employers. By following these tips and using strong action verbs, you can create a compelling and effective resume that showcases your skills and accomplishments.

If you’re looking for a resource to help you write your resume with effective action verbs, we recommend “The Resume Writing Guide: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Writing a Winning Resume” by Lisa McGrimmon. This book provides detailed guidance and examples on how to use action verbs and other effective resume writing strategies. It’s available on Amazon.com and can help you take your resume to the next level.