Enhancing Resumes with Action Verbs

Review your resume and identify the key achievements in your experience. For each role you've held, list the accomplishments, responsibilities, and impactful work you've completed.

For each achievement, select strong action verbs that best describe your role in that accomplishment. Consider the intensity of the verb and its relevance to the action you're conveying.

Tailor the action verbs to fit the industry or position you are applying for. Certain verbs may have more impact in specific fields, showing expertise and familiarity with the industry language.

Rewrite the bullet points in your resume to start with the chosen action verbs. Ensure that each bullet point is concise and starts with a verb that accurately conveys your contribution.

Where possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or specific results to give more weight to the action verbs and to provide a clear picture of your successes.

Examine your resume for verb tense consistency. Past roles should be described in the past tense, and your current role should be in the present tense.

After revising your resume with action verbs, seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or career advisors. Use this feedback to refine your choice of verbs and bullet point presentation.

Perform a final review of your resume. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that the action verbs and your quantified achievements read naturally and compellingly.

The selection of action verbs can benefit greatly from an understanding of industry-specific terminology. Researching or consulting industry professionals can provide insights into the most impactful verbs to use.

Be mindful to avoid repeating the same action verbs. A diverse vocabulary can showcase a broader range of skills and abilities.