Resume Tips Part Three: Resume Action Verbs
In part one of our series on resume tips we looked at 15 tips to consider when developing an effective resume as part of your preparation in your job search. In part two we looked at the resume objective statement and today we discuss how you can spruce up your resume with the simple use of action verbs.
Developed, managed, negotiated, these are but a few of the verbs job seekers use to describe their experience and effort. Remember the old School House Rock educational videos that were a part of Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970’s and ‘80’s? Verb express actions and actions (or experience) is one of the key components that employers and organizations look for when recruiting for a position. The old adage “What have you done for me lately” can always be addressed with strong action verbs:
- Reduced the monthly expenses by 20% by…
- Increased sales in our western region by 15% last quarter…
- Negotiated a 10% salary increase for all employees…
- Managed three teams of virtual works reducing turnover by 25%…
- Developed a new onboarding process that allowed new sales reps to enter their territories in half of the time…
- Successfully completed three safety courses to achieve my…
- Coordinated meetings between office managers that ensured a successful office migration…
- Devised a way to more efficiently send out the monthly newsletter
Using strong verbs to describe your accomplishments is something that you should be incorporating into your resume and cover letters as you apply for jobs. You can incorporate action verbs into all elements of your resume including:
- Resume objective statements
- Resume summary statements
- Resume profile
- Work Experience
- Education
- Hobbies and leisure
Action Verbs for Your Resume or Cover Letter
Depending on your expertise and the industry that you seek employment in, there are numerous action verbs that you can use to describe yourself and your experience on your resume and in your cover letter. Here are over 120 action verbs that you can use in your resume and your cover letter.
Innovation Related Action Verbs
If you were the genesis for a given project try incorporating some of these action verbs into your resume:
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Improved Efficiencies / Customer Satisfaction
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Leadership Related Action Verbs
For those with management or leadership experience try incorporating some of these action verbs into your resume:
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Saved the Company on Resources
If you saved the company time or money with one of your initiatives, you might want to use some of these action verbs in your resume:
- Conserved
- Consolidated
- Decreased
- Deducted
- Lessened
- Lowered
- Maintained
- Reconciled
- Reduced
- Yielded
Improved Efficiencies or Process
If your focus was on continuous improvement and around making things better, you can use any number of these action verbs:
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You Focused on Analysis
Perhaps you focused on research and analysis of finding a better solution or process. In that case, consider using some of these terms on your resume and in your cover letter:
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You have experience, some have more than others, but you can improve your resume by simply adding some great action verbs to describe your accomplishments. There is no doubt that having an effective resume can help you in your job search. Using powerful action verbs on your resume and in your cover letter can help employers sift through the piles of resumes that they receive on a regular basis. Convey some of your top accomplishments with action verbs to let the employer know how you can be an asset to their organization. Whether you’ve “analyzed”, “developed” or “regulated” an initiative, enhance your resume by using action verbs to describe your experience.
Still have questions or need help with your resume? Visit our resume writing services page.
Aspire Recruitment Solutions provide temporary staffing solutions in the Okanagan and beyond. Contact us today for assistance with your resume and cover letter writing needs.