Action Words for CV’s & Interviews
These verbs are perfect for you if you feel that you are always saying the same words in your job interview or CV / resume. Perhaps you feel like you’re using the word ‘manage’ too often. Or maybe you have the sensation that the words you are using don’t describe specifically enough. If so, then this list is exactly what you’re looking for.
Create
Start
These verbs work well with policies, procedures, strategies, workshops, seminars, training programs, etc
eg.
I implemented a new policy on employee retention
I initiated a new seminar series on our customer focus
- Activated
- Formed
- Initiated
- Opened
- Instituted
- Originated
- Began
- Generated
- Established
- Implemented
- Launched
- Undertook
- Introduced
- Started
- Introduced
- Started
Create
These verbs often describe the creation or conception of the idea. They work well with concepts, ideas, theory, strategies, programs, plans.
eg.
I designed a new marketing strategy
I developed a promotional plan
- Conceived
- Devised
- Invented
- Solved
- Innovated
- Conceptualized
- Discovered
- Originated
- Synergized
- Shaped
- Created
- Generated
- Perceived
- Synthesized
- Designed
- Improvised
- Pioneered
- Visualized
- Developed
Discover
These discovery verbs relate to finding problems or solutions.
eg.
I identified several key weaknesses, determined their causes, and found effective solutions.
- Ascertained
- Discovered
- Pinpointed
- Solved
- Determined
- Found
- Uncovered
- Detected
- Identified
- Proved
- Verified
- Diagnosed
- Learned
- Recognized
Make
These verbs often work well with material, physical things.
eg.
I engineered a feedback procedure to ensure customer retention
I formed a team to tackle the issue
- Assembled
- Made
- Programmed
- Built
- Engineered
- Published
- Composed
- Fabricated
- Constructed
- Fashioned
- Prepared
- Used
- Drafted
- Formed
- Produced
- Worked
Organise
Did you make organisational or structural changes? These verbs often refer to changes of systems or procedures.
eg.
I combined 2 workgroups into my division and coordinated their activites.
- Arranged
- Coordinated
- Prepared
- Assembled
- Structured
- Categorized
- Connected
- Implemented
- Collected
- Consolidated
- Organized
- Systematised
- Combined
Change
Improve
Perhaps you left things better than you foudn them. These action verbs can help show the positive effect you had on the organisation.
eg.
I increased sales by 30%, surpassing my targets
I modernised and streamlined operations in my department, which reduced lead times and augmented efficiency.
- Advanced
- Enlarged
- Increased
- Surpassed
- Augmented
- Enhanced
- Enriched
- Modernized
- Streamlined
- Corrected
- Expedited
- Improved
- Reduced
- Cultivated
- Extended
- Resolved
- Solved
- Updated
- Developed
- Implemented
- Revitalized
- Upgraded
Change
What changes did you make? These action verbs describe change, however, unlike the previous list, they aren’t inherently positive.
eg.
I redesigned and simplified our customer acquisition model.
- Adapted
- Extended
- Refined
- Standardized
- Adopted
- Simplified
- Reorganized
- Centralized
- Implemented
- Restored
- Redesigned
- Systematized
- Combined
- Improvised
- Restructured
- Expanded
- Condensed
- Modified
- Revised
- Tailored
- Converted
Save
Did you avoid a catasatrophe? Did you protect the company from a threat?
eg.
I succeeded in preventing a system failure.
- Averted
- Prevented
- Saved
- Succeeded
- Diverted
- Salvaged
- Solved
- Withstood
Complete
Which goals, KPI’s, targets, plans, or strategies did you achieve?
eg.
I fulfilled new policy requirements.
I consistently reached annual targets.
- Achieved
- Concluded
- Finalized
- Reached
- Accomplished
- Ended
- Finished
- Realized
- Attained
- Fulfilled
- Terminated
- Completed
People
Influence
How have you influenced or improved your peers or employees? Here are a few different styles
eg.
I trained my team on the newest technique, and motivated them to incorporate it into their workflow.
- Advised
- Guided
- Mentored
- Coached
- Influenced
- Motivated
- Convinced
- Informed
- Persuaded
- Counseled
- Inspired
- Tutored
- Taught
- Educated
- Instructed
- Trained
Teamwork
How have you worked with your team? These verbs describe different approaches to teamwork.
eg.
I actively participated in all workshops and consulted with the regional director on my team’s implementation of the recommended practices.
- Advised
- Fostered
- Participated
- Aided
- Consulted
- Helped
- Served
- Assisted
- Cooperated
- Joined
- Teamed with
- Collaborated
- Facilitated
- Met with
Communication
These verbs show communication lines and communication style. Who was above you? Who was below you? What reporting requirements were there?
eg.
I reported to the European regional manager.
I submitted quarterly reports.
I represented my branch at the annual regional meeting.
- Communicated
- Related
- Spoke
- Demonstrated
- Modeled
- Reported
- Submitted
- Persuaded
- Represented
- Presented
- Shared
- Publicized
- Explained
- Proposed
- Showed
- Illustrated
Negotiate
eg.
I successfully mediated employee conflicts, resolving the issue.
- Arbitrated
- Mediated
- Reasoned
- Settled
- Moderated
- Reconciled
- Intervened
- Negotiated
- Resolved
Leadership
Leadership
These verbs describe your activities as leader.
eg.
I oversaw operations in my department and headed a team of 10 employees. I scheduled regular meetings and conducted performance appraisals annually.
- Acted
- Oversaw
- Led
- Performed
- Administered
- Handled
- Maintained
- Piloted
- Advised
- Headed
- Managed
- Processed
- Conducted
- Implemented
- Motivated
- Scheduled
- Controlled
- Inspired
- Navigated
- Showed
- Directed
- Influenced
- Supervised
- Facilitated
Supervision
Here we have many verbs to describe hiring, evaluating, and motivating.
eg.
I interviewed, selected and recruited 20 new staff members.
I evaluated the performance of all team members according to several KPI’s.
- Appointed
- Employed
- Hired
- Referred
- Awarded
- Enforced
- Interviewed
- Selected
- Enlisted
- Evaluated
- Nominated
- Staffed
- Elected
- Fired
- Recruited
- Terminated
Responsibilities
eg.
I personally ensured on-time delivery
I approved all deliveries
- Approved
- Ensured
- Secured
- Confirmed
- Satisfied
- Inspected
- Delivered
- Guaranteed
