
For many people who are struggling to compose their resumes, the advice they receive from experts in the field can be an invaluable aid. Sometimes, though, certain terms can lead to confusion. One of those is the oft-used term “power verbs” – which we often advise applicants to use in their resume bullet points. Power verbs are powerful and compelling verbs that conjure images of action – and they can quickly capture any hiring manager’s attention.
Here are the top 101 power words for your resume, separated by achievement type.
Problem Solving Verbs
Did your achievement involve actions that resolved problems or fixed a crisis? Did you locate problems that no one else in the company identified? Try these power verbs to better describe your accomplishment:
Alleviated
Analyzed
Brainstormed
Debugged
Deciphered
Detected
Diagnosed
Engineered
Formulated
Investigated
Recommended
Remedied
Remodeled
Repaired
Revitalized
Revived
Solved
Productivity Verbs
Did your efforts hasten work on a project, increase the amount of work being done, or otherwise affect productivity in a positive way? These power verbs can help to add heft to that accomplishment:
Accelerated
Added
Advanced
Amplified
Augmented
Boosted
Enlarged
Expanded
Expedited
Extended
Finalized
Gained
Generated
Grew
Improved
Increased
Integrated
Maximized
Multiplied
Produced
Rejuvenated
Renovated
Restored
Targeted
Efficiency Verbs
Did your efforts somehow make the company or its employees more efficient so that everyone could achieve more while utilizing fewer resources? The following power words can be used to convey that message:
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Calculated
Compiled
Computed
Conserved
Consolidated
Converted
Dispensed
Dispersed
Hastened
Modernized
Quantified
Reconciled
Reduced
Revamped
Management Verbs
Were you given an opportunity to demonstrate your management and/or leadership skills in a way that made a difference at your former employer’s company? These power words can be used to add greater weight to those accomplishments:
Authorized
Delegated
Directed
Enforced
Guided
Headed
Hired
Mentored
Mobilized
Monitored
Navigated
Orchestrated
Organized
Planned
Recruited
Regulated
Supervised
Trained
Unified
United
Verified
Achievement Verbs
Are you just looking for more powerful ways to describe your general accomplishments? Something that doesn’t just rely on the word “achieved” to describe an achievement, but instead paints a more vivid picture? Try these power words on for size the next time you need to list your accomplishments:
Attained
Built
Coached
Collaborated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Earned
Excelled
Facilitated
Fulfilled
Influenced
Inspired
Introduced
Invented
Launched
Orchestrated
Outperformed
Realized
Secured
Showcased
Succeeded
Surpassed

Making the most of these words
Of course, you don’t want to just use power words at random. Instead, you should make sure that you select words that fit perfectly on your resume with the accomplishments you’re trying to describe.
At the same time, you should maximize your use of these types of words (oh yes, there are many others!) to ensure that your resume bullet points make a lasting impression on the next hiring manager who reads them.
5 quick tips to keep in mind when using power verbs
Use them in the beginning of each bullet to really catch the hiring managers' attention. You could scatter them in the middle or the end of the sentence but ensure you make the initial impact by placing it first.
If you're currently still employed, you can use the present tense instead of past tense. (e.g. "Manage" instead of "Managed").
Check the job description to see if they use any power verbs and include them in your resume as well.
Don't forget to use other keywords within the bullets that relate to the job description and industry so your resume gets past an applicant tracking system.
Always remember to check your grammar and spelling. This is the worst mistake you can make on a resume.
The important thing is to utilize words like these so that your resume is something more than just another boring recitation of unmemorable facts. When you remember to use these 101 power verbs for your resume bullet points, you can rest assured that your prospective employer will remember you.
Good luck with your job search!
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Written by
ZipJob Team
The ZipJob team is made up of professional writers located across the USA and Canada with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.

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