Strong vs. Weak Action Verbs in Job Resumes

In the competitive job market, your resume needs to stand out. One way to achieve this is by carefully selecting action verbs. Here's a breakdown of strong versus weak action verbs to help you craft a compelling resume:

Strong Action Verbs to include in your resume:

  • Achieved: Demonstrates tangible accomplishments.

  • Implemented: Highlights your role in executing plans or strategies.

  • Initiated: Shows proactive involvement in starting projects or processes.

  • Optimized: Indicates improvement or enhancement of systems or procedures.

  • Streamlined: Illustrates efficiency and effectiveness in workflow management.

  • Generated: Emphasizes the creation of results or outcomes.

  • Coordinated: Exhibits skill in organizing and managing tasks or events.

  • Revitalized: Conveys the renewal or reinvigoration of projects or initiatives.

  • Led: Signifies leadership and direction in achieving objectives.

  • Developed: Indicates the creation or enhancement of ideas, products, or processes.

Weak Action Verbs to change in your resume:

  • Did: Lacks specificity and impact.

  • Made: Fails to convey the extent or significance of an accomplishment.

  • Handled: Vague and does not showcase your role or contribution.

  • Worked: Generic and does not describe specific achievements or tasks.

  • Managed: Often overused and lacks detail about your actions or responsibilities.

  • Helped: Doesn't clarify your level of involvement or impact.

  • Assisted: Similar to "helped," it lacks clarity on your contributions.

  • Performed: Doesn't provide insight into the results or outcomes of your actions.

  • Responsible for: Doesn't highlight your achievements or proactive role.

  • Involved in: Fails to showcase your specific contributions or achievements.

By incorporating strong action verbs into your resume, you can effectively communicate your skills, accomplishments, and contributions. These dynamic words grab the reader's attention and paint a vivid picture of your capabilities. Avoid weak action verbs that dilute your achievements and opt for powerful language that elevates your candidacy.


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