Stop using weak, passive language. Discover impactful action verbs, ATS-friendly keywords, and industry-specific terms to make your resume stand out.
Hiring managers see these cliché words thousands of times. Swap them for high-impact alternatives.
Responsible for
Chaired
Shows ownership and leadership rather than just passive duty.
Helped
Facilitated
Describes the specific action of making a process easier or possible.
Hard Worker
Exceeded Goals
"Hard worker" is subjective. Quantifying your output proves your work ethic.
Choose verbs that highlight your specific professional strengths.
See the dramatic difference a few power words and quantifiable metrics can make.
"Was responsible for making the sales team better."
"Mentored 5 junior sales reps, boosting overall team quota attainment by 22% in Q3."
"Helped with a project to upgrade the database."
"Spearheaded database migration project, reducing query load times by 400ms."
Applicant Tracking Systems scan for these specific keywords. Don't forget to include them.
Every bullet point on your resume should follow this proven structure.
Example
Directed a cross-functional team of 10 developers to launch the new mobile app, generating 50,000 downloads in month one.
Explore our extensive dictionary using different filters and categories.
Take this 50-question quiz to test your vocabulary knowledge.
1. Why should transitioning service members avoid the word 'Worked' on their resumes?
2. If you had to admit a mistake to a client, which verb is the most professional?
3. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully consolidated overlapping tools to save money?
4. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully negotiated a contract renewal?
5. Which verb is best for describing the creation of a complex strategy?
6. What is a 'weak adjective' in resume writing?
7. If you updated an old, failing lab protocol to make it reliable, which verb is highly effective?
8. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
9. What is a 'weak verb' in resume writing?
10. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
11. When describing a brand identity system, which adjective is best to show consistency?
12. Which of the following is a Compliance keyword?
13. When describing a class presentation, which verb is best?
14. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully negotiated with vendors to solve a supply issue?
15. Which verb best describes persuading a customer to buy a more expensive version of a product?
16. What is a 'weak verb' in resume writing?
17. If a job description asks for 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)', how should you write it on your resume?
18. If you restored trust with a client after a mistake, which verb is highly effective?
19. If you recovered a delayed project and got it back on track, which verb is highly effective?
20. What is the problem with using 'Assisted' on a resume when describing schedule management?
21. If you checked the accuracy of a dataset, which verb is highly effective?
22. If you had to reduce the rate of employee absenteeism, which verb is the most professional?
23. Which sentence is the best closing for a cover letter?
24. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
25. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a Project Manager?
26. Which verb best describes successfully changing a startup's product strategy due to market feedback?
27. Which of the following is the best use of an action verb with a metric?
28. When writing about tracking team progress, which verb is best?
29. If you guided junior researchers, which verb is the most professional choice?
30. If you had to adapt existing training for diverse learning needs, which verb is the most professional?
31. Why should professionals avoid the word 'Convinced' when describing deal closures?
32. Which verb best describes successfully navigating a project through a major risk or issue?
33. When describing the final review of a document before printing, which verb is best?
34. If you guided a junior manager through a tough choice, which verb is the most professional choice?
35. Why should you quantify your bullet points when using sales action verbs?
36. Which of the following is the best use of an action verb with a metric?
37. When writing about editing a contract during negotiations, which verb is best?
38. Which verb best describes successfully reaching an agreement by both sides giving up a demand?
39. Which verb best describes successfully preventing a medical error?
40. If you are a highly experienced professional, which noun is best to use?
41. Which of the following words should NEVER be used on a professional resume?
42. What is the main benefit of using EQ-specific action verbs like 'Mediated' or 'Validated'?
43. What is the main benefit of using remote-specific action verbs like 'Re-baselined' or 'Mitigated'?
44. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a Customer Support Agent?
45. What is a 'weak verb' in resume writing?
46. If you managed the restaurant's food stock, which verb is the most professional to use?
47. Which of the following adjectives should be avoided because it is too generic?
48. What is the main benefit of using speaking-specific action verbs like 'Fielded' or 'Moderated'?
49. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully negotiated with vendors?
50. Which of the following is the best use of an action verb with a metric?
Resume words, often called action verbs or power words, are strong vocabulary choices used in a resume or CV to describe your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Instead of saying 'did' or 'made', you use words like 'orchestrated', 'developed', or 'spearheaded' to make a stronger impact on recruiters.
Using action verbs makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. They clearly communicate your contributions and leadership abilities, helping you stand out to hiring managers. Strong verbs also paint a clearer picture of how you added value to your previous companies.
Some of the best resume power words include 'achieved', 'improved', 'managed', 'created', 'resolved', 'optimized', and 'initiated'. The best words are those that accurately describe your specific actions while showing positive results.
You should avoid overused, cliché buzzwords like 'go-getter', 'think outside the box', 'synergy', or 'results-driven'. Also, avoid weak passive verbs like 'was responsible for' or 'helped with', as they dilute the impact of your achievements.
Most companies use ATS software to scan resumes before a human ever reads them. These systems look for specific keywords related to the job description. By using industry-standard resume words and exact phrases from the job posting, you increase your chances of passing the ATS and reaching the interview stage.
