Strong action words make your resume stand out from other job seekers. Besides just “worked” your resume needs powerful verbs that grab attention and show what you achieved in past roles. Using words like “managed,” “developed,” and “implemented” tells hiring managers exactly how you made an impact. Words like “coordinated,” “streamlined,” pack more punch than basic options.
Examples of Action Verbs
Strong action verbs make your resume stand out and show employers what you can do. These power-packed words tell your story with impact and energy.
Take a look at these action words and sample phrases to upgrade your resume:
- Accelerated – “Accelerated project completion by streamlining workflows”
- Achieved – “Achieved 125% of sales targets for 3 straight quarters”
- Administered – “Administered $500K budget for marketing campaigns”
- Boosted – “Boosted team productivity by 35% through new processes”
- Conducted – “Conducted comprehensive market research”
- Coordinated – “Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives”
- Crafted – “Crafted social media strategy reaching 100K followers”
- Cultivated – “Cultivated relationships with 50+ key clients”
- Delivered – “Delivered presentations to key stakeholders”
- Developed – “Developed innovative solutions”
- Diagnosed – “Diagnosed and fixed complex software bugs”
- Directed – “Directed team of 12 customer service representatives”
- Engineered – “Engineered new product features used by millions”
- Executed – “Executed strategic marketing campaigns”
- Facilitated – “Facilitated team-building workshops”
- Guided – “Guided 25 new hires through onboarding process”
- Implemented – “Implemented cost-saving measures worth $75K annually”
- Innovated – “Innovated workflow solutions saving 10 hours weekly”
- Led – “Led cross-functional team of 15 developers”
- Managed – “Managed $2M retail store operations”
- Mentored – “Mentored 5 junior team members”
- Motivated – “Motivated sales team to exceed targets by 40%”
- Negotiated – “Negotiated vendor contracts saving $50K yearly”
- Operated – “Operated complex machinery and systems”
- Orchestrated – “Orchestrated successful product launch event”
- Organized – “Organized company-wide events”
- Performed – “Performed detailed data analysis”
- Pioneered – “Pioneered new customer service approach”
- Produced – “Produced high-quality marketing materials”
- Resolved – “Resolved 95% of customer complaints within 24 hours”
- Secured – “Secured 3 major accounts worth $1M in revenue”
- Spearheaded – “Spearheaded website redesign project”
- Streamlined – “Streamlined inventory management process”
- Supervised – “Supervised team of 8 graphic designers”
- Transformed – “Transformed outdated filing system to digital”
- Unified – “Unified messaging across all marketing channels”
- Upgraded – “Upgraded security protocols reducing breaches by 90%”
- Validated – “Validated quality standards for new products”
- Won – “Won top sales performer award 3 years running”
Showcasing Your Experience and Skills
Highlighting Key Achievements
You can use action verbs and measurable results to spotlight your biggest wins. Numbers add credibility and show real impact.
Templates:
- “Increased [metric] by [X%] through [specific action]”
- “Saved [$ amount] by implementing [specific solution]”
- “Generated [X] leads resulting in [Y] new accounts worth [$Z]”
Sample Achievement Statements:
- “Boosted sales 47% by launching targeted email campaigns”
- “Cut operating costs $250K through process improvements”
- “Added 85 enterprise clients generating $2M revenue”
Detailing Relevant Work History
Pick experiences that match the job requirements. Focus on transferable skills and quantifiable results.
Job Description Templates:
- “[Action verb] [project/task] resulting in [specific outcome]”
- “Led team of [X] people to [accomplish specific goal]”
- “Created [solution] to solve [problem], improving [metric]”
Examples:
- “Managed inventory system upgrade reducing errors 65%”
- “Led team of 12 developers to launch mobile app 2 weeks early”
- “Created automated reports saving 10 hours weekly”
Demonstrating Leadership and Team Contribution
You can also share examples of guiding teams, mentoring others, and driving group success.
Leadership Templates:
- “Mentored [X] team members in [specific skill]”
- “Spearheaded [initiative] resulting in [measurable outcome]”
- “Built and led [type of] team achieving [specific goal]”
Leadership Examples:
- “Mentored 5 junior analysts in data visualization”
- “Spearheaded sustainability program reducing waste 30%”
- “Built and led sales team exceeding targets by 25%”
Demonstrating Problem-Solving and Creativity
Highlight situations where you found innovative solutions to challenges.
Templates:
- “Resolved [issue] by implementing [solution]”
- “Identified [problem] and developed [solution] leading to [result]”
- “Streamlined [process] reducing [negative outcome] by [X%]”
Examples:
- “Resolved customer complaints by creating FAQ database”
- “Identified billing errors and developed tracking system”
- “Streamlined ordering process reducing delays 40%”
Describing Collaborative Efforts and Outcomes
Show your ability to work with others and achieve shared goals.
Templates:
- “Partnered with [department] to deliver [result]”
- “Coordinated with [X] teams to accomplish [goal]”
- “Collaborated on [project] leading to [outcome]”
Examples:
- “Partnered with marketing to boost social media engagement 75%”
- “Coordinated with 3 departments to launch customer portal”
- “Collaborated on website redesign increasing traffic 50%”
Examples of Cover Letters
A strong cover letter helps you stand out and shows why you’re perfect for the job. You can match your cover letter to your resume while adding your own unique voice.
Template 1 – Career Change:
“Dear [Hiring Manager],
Your open [position] caught my eye. During my 5 years at [Company], I led teams and managed projects that align with this role. My background in [field] gives me a fresh take on [new field].
I would love to bring my [relevant skills] to [Company name]. Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your name]”
Template 2 – Recent Graduate:
“Dear [Name],
I’m excited to apply for the [position] at [Company]. As a recent graduate in [field], I completed projects in [relevant areas] and gained hands-on experience through my internship at [Company].
My [specific skills] make me a strong fit for this role. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your name]”
Template 3 – Professional Growth:
“Dear [Hiring Manager],
The [position] at [Company] matches my career goals perfectly. In my current role at [Company], I increased [metric] by [number]% through [action].
I’m drawn to your company’s focus on [value/mission]. My experience with [skill] will help me hit the ground running.
Best regards,
[Your name]”
Keep your cover letter to one page. Use the same font and format as your resume to create a clean, professional look.