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. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a Leader?
2. Why should transitioning service members avoid the word 'Worked' on their resumes?
3. When describing a process improvement, which verb is best?
4. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a Registered Nurse?
5. Which sentence uses a passive structure that should be avoided?
6. When describing how you found the job, which verb is best?
7. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
8. Why should you quantify your bullet points when using action verbs?
9. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for demonstrating improved efficiency?
10. Which verb conveys the highest level of strategic control for a massive, multi-entity financial consolidation?
11. If you trained senior staff on a new corporate direction, which verb is the most professional choice?
12. Why should operations professionals avoid the word 'Worked' on their resumes?
13. If you mentored high-potential VPs, which verb is the most professional choice?
14. When describing communication with difficult stakeholders, which adjective is best?
15. What is the main benefit of using CS-specific action verbs like 'De-escalated' or 'Triaged'?
16. What is the main benefit of using proactive verbs like 'Spearheaded' or 'Anticipated'?
17. Why is 'Helpful' considered a weak adjective on a medical resume?
18. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
19. Which of the following is the strongest action verb to replace 'Helped customers' on a CS resume?
20. If you managed a startup's money without external funding, which verb is the most professional to use?
21. Which of the following words should NEVER be used on a professional resume?
22. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully improved a website's performance by resizing images?
23. Which verb conveys the highest level of leadership for a major campus initiative?
24. Why is 'Handled' considered a weak verb on a teamwork resume?
25. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
26. Which of the following is the best use of an action verb with a metric?
27. Why is 'Go-getter' considered a weak phrase on a resume?
28. If you recovered missing funds or fixed a failed reconciliation, which verb is highly effective?
29. What is the main benefit of using specific coaching verbs like 'Up-skilled' or 'Sponsored'?
30. Which verb best describes changing product direction based on new market data?
31. When writing about sharing data with executives, which verb is best?
32. Why should customer success professionals avoid the word 'Handled' on their resumes?
33. Which sentence uses a passive voice, which should be avoided?
34. Why should you quantify your bullet points when using action verbs?
35. If you successfully calmed down an angry customer, which verb is the most professional to use?
36. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a product launch?
37. Which of the following is the best use of a power adjective with a metric?
38. If you trained junior remote staff, which verb is the most professional choice?
39. If you managed the comments section of a live stream, which verb is the most professional choice?
40. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point for a Marketing Manager?
41. Why should customer service representatives avoid the word 'Answered' on their resumes?
42. Which of the following is the strongest action verb to replace 'Multitasked' on a resume?
43. Which verb best describes successfully navigating a contract through a major risk or dispute?
44. Why is 'Handled' considered a weak verb on a finance resume?
45. Which sentence is the best resume bullet point describing interpersonal skills?
46. Which verb is best for showing that you successfully advocated for a marginalized community?
47. What is the problem with using 'Assisted' on a startup resume?
48. Why should you quantify your bullet points when using action verbs?
49. Why should professionals avoid the word 'Flexible' on their resumes?
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.
