Power Up Your Resume with Action Words

Your resume is your personal marketing tool—and the language you use matters.

Strong action verbs transform generic job descriptions into compelling narratives that showcase your impact and achievements. Whether you’re highlighting analytical skills, leadership experience, creative projects, or technical expertise, choosing the right words helps recruiters and hiring managers quickly understand your value.

Instead of saying you were “responsible for” something, show what you accomplished: Did you streamline a process? Lead a team? Increase revenue? Engineer a solution? Each category—from Sales & Business Development to Problem-Solving & Innovation—offers powerful verbs tailored to different skill sets and industries.

The key is selecting words that accurately reflect your contributions while demonstrating results and initiative. Download our comprehensive Resume Action Words guide to elevate your resume from a list of duties to a dynamic showcase of your professional story. The Office of Business Career Management is here to help you craft application materials that get noticed.