resume and cover letter action verbs

500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Add these vibrant action verbs to your resume to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting more job interviews.

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Action verbs convey doing . You need them on your resume to describe your accomplishments. In fact, studies show that using strong action verbs on your resume can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%!

Some action verbs are more exciting than others. Here are some examples of boring vs. exciting action verbs:

• Boring : “ Managed a team of five sales associates.”
• Exciting : “ Orchestrated a team of five sales associates to exceed monthly targets.”
• Boring : “ Handled customer inquiries and complaints.”
• Exciting : “ Navigated customer inquiries and complaints to ensure swift resolution and satisfaction.”
• Boring : “ Performed market research for product development.”
• Exciting : “ Executed comprehensive market research to drive strategic product development initiatives.”

Exciting action verbs give your resume power and direction. They make your achievements come alive and show potential employers what you can bring to the table.

To help you find the perfect action verbs when writing your resume , we’ve compiled a list of 500 action verbs that will make employers sit up and take notice.

Remember, using these words on your resume will increase your chances of getting a job interview!

PRO TIP : Try not to use the same action verb twice on your resume. This can make your document feel monotonous and diminish the impact of your accomplishments.

Action verbs for when you managed a project

• Coordinated
• Disseminated
• Established
• Facilitated
• Orchestrated
• Prioritized
• Recommended
• Reorganized
• Represented
• Revitalized
• Spearheaded
• Streamlined
• Strengthened

For additional synonyms, see The Best Synonyms for Manage and The Best Synonyms for Managed .

Action verbs for when you were creative

• Conceptualized
• Constructed
• Corresponded
• Demonstrated
• Illustrated
• Interpreted
• Interviewed
• Photographed
• Storyboarded

For additional synonyms, see The Best Synonyms for Created .

Action words for when you did office work

• Administered
• Contributed
• Distributed
• Followed up
• Implemented

Action words for when you researched

• Articulated
• Concentrated
• Experimented
• Investigated
• Systematized

Action verbs for when you helped with a project

• Co-authored
• Collaborated
• Participated
• Rehabilitated

For additional synonyms, see The Best Synonyms for Assist and The Best Synonyms for Assisted .

Action verbs for when you used technical skills

• Communicated
• Reconstructed
• Supplemented

Action words for when you used numbers

Action words for when you were the teacher.

• Individualized

How to use action verbs on your resume

Action verbs are one of the most important elements of a strong resume, but they can sometimes be tricky to use. Here are five tips for using action verbs on your resume effectively:

1. Avoid commonly used action verbs

While some action verbs pack a punch, others are so familiar to recruiters that their eyes may skim right over them. The top 10 most overused action verbs are: 

Use Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to help you replace generic, overused words with more relevant, targeted keywords.

2. Use numbers to be specific

Action verbs are a prelude to words that describe your accomplishments . You analyzed what ? You researched what ?

When describing the what of an accomplishment, always try to use numbers. Don’t just list your job duties. Numbers are a great way to be specific. They paint a clear picture of how well you did something. Here are three examples:

• Increased sales revenue by 30% through strategic marketing campaigns.
• Reduced customer wait time by 50% by implementing a new customer service queuing system.
• Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in overhead costs.

Wondering if your resume has enough relevant numbers? Jobscan’s resume optimization tool checks and helps you measure your achievements, making sure you stand out to employers.

3. Be active, not passive

Always try to use active voice on your resume. For example, “The batter hit the ball.” Avoid writing in passive voice . For example, “The ball was hit by the batter.”

One simple way to tell if you are using active voice or passive voice on your resume is to see if your verbs contain one word or two. For example, the verb “was grown” comprises two words, meaning that it is in the passive voice. If it were in the active voice, it would have only one word, “grew.”

You can also easily check to see if your resume is using the passive voice with a free online tool called HemingwayApp . Just paste your resume into the app and it will highlight where you used passive voice. 

4. Try to use industry-specific verbs

It’s important to use language that is specific to your areas of expertise . For example, if you’re applying for a job in the financial industry, using power verbs like “invested,” “audited,” or “calculated” will impress hiring managers and show that you have the relevant skills, experience, and knowledge they are looking for.

5. Tailor your resume to get more job interviews

You must tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to if you want to get interviews. That’s because most companies today used computer software to help them in the hiring process.

This software is called an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System . It’s a database that contains all the resumes a company receives. Hiring managers search through the database by typing in keywords. These keywords are usually hard and soft skills (also known as transferable skills ).

Just like websites need to be optimized for Google, your resume needs to be optimized for the ATS.

The way you optimize your resume is by adding specific job-related keywords to it. Where do you find these resume keywords ? In the description of the job you’re applying to.

To speed up the process use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Paste your resume and the job description into the scanner. You’ll then receive a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher the score the more likely you are to get an interview.

Here’s an example of a match report:

In the above example, the keyword “answering phones” is an important requirement for the job but is missing from the applicant’s resume. By adding this keyword, the match score will increase.

Try Jobscan’s resume scanner for free below…

Action verbs describe doing . Examples of action verbs include “run,” “jump,” “think,” and “read.” A variety of action verbs can really spice up your resume and make it more interesting to read. The best place to use action verbs when you build your resume is in your work experience section . Start off your resume bullet points with action verbs. You can also use action verbs on your resume summary . Try not to use the same action verb twice on your resume. Check out our library of resume examples to see the best way to use action verbs.

Action verbs grab and hold the reader’s attention. They paint a clear and convincing picture of your accomplishments. They also convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy. Studies show that using action words on your resume increases the chance of getting an interview by 140%.

A list of action verbs for students includes organized, coordinated, led, collaborated, contributed, participated, volunteered, initiated, assisted, conducted, presented, created, designed, developed, implemented, researched, analyzed, evaluated, communicated, adapted, demonstrated, managed, facilitated, supported, mentored.

Here are 50 popular action verbs: achieved, adapted, analyzed, assisted, built, collaborated, communicated, completed, conducted, created, designed, developed, directed, earned, established, executed, facilitated, generated, implemented, improved, innovated, led, maintained, managed, mentored, negotiated, organized, oversaw, participated, performed, presented, prioritized, produced, promoted, provided, resolved, reviewed, solved, streamlined, supported, supervised, taught, trained, updated, utilized, verified, volunteered, wrote, adapted, served.

Avoid overused action verbs like managed, led, created, implemented, improved, achieved, developed, resolved, planned, and assisted on your resume and cover letter.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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340+ Resume Action Verbs & Power Words [For 2024]

Language matters in a resume.

Imagine this:

You’re a busy HR manager, and you read hundreds, even thousands, of resumes every day.

And every single one of them sounds the same.

“Responsible for”

“Critical Thinker”

“Team Player”

You’re bound to see these words on just about every single resume.

And guess what? They’re boring.

That’s where power words come in. They make your responsibilities and achievements really pop!

So, do you want your resume to really stand out? Use some of these 340+ action words:

• Why Power Words Matter

How to use Resume Action Words [+Examples & Tips]

340+ resume action verbs and power words [w/ examples].

• Resume Power Adjectives
• Resume Buzzwords to Avoid

Why Power Words Matter 

Power words help show off your top achievements in the best way possible.

Don’t believe us? Let’s compare an example with and without power words.

• Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.
• Responsible for content marketing at company X.

See the difference?

Both of these examples say exactly the same thing .

The main difference is that the second wording makes you seem a LOT more competent.

Something to keep in mind - power words, action words, action verbs, and so on are synonyms. So, don’t be surprised to see that we use them interchangeably in this article!

Other than allowing you to stand out, action words can also be used to say one thing in different ways. We’ve seen way too many resumes that have “Responsible for” all over the place!

So, instead of:

• Responsible for managing company X’s Instagram account.
• Responsible for connecting with influencers in the niche.

You could say:

• Managed company X’s Instagram account.
• Connected with popular influencers in the niche.

In this article, we have conveniently grouped 340+ action words to help you upgrade your resume descriptions:

• Resume Power Words for Team Work and Communication
• Resume Action Words Management and Leadership Achievements
• Resume Power Words to Showcase your Creativity

Resume Power Words for Problem Solving Accomplishments

Resume action verbs for research, analysis, and planning.

• Resume Power Verbs for “Support”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Improved”
• Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible For”

Resume Action Words to Use Instead of “Worked On”

• Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use”

Action words can really spice up your resume if done right.

Now, we’re going to explain all the do's and don’t of using power verbs...

Which power words should you use? 

The type of power words you use will depend on the position you are applying for. 

Do a detailed scan of the job posting and single out the key responsibilities and requirements. 

Determine which of your abilities and experiences apply to those job requirements. 

Then, look for power words in our list that describe those achievements. 

Pretty straightforward, right?

Although the power words will be specific to the position you are applying for, there are some general rules to follow: 

• Choose resume power words that can be measured . This way you can follow the power word with a tangible achievement, for example: “ enhanced customer base by 35%.”
• Don’t use subjective words . “I’m amazing at” , “I’m incredible at” aren’t as pleasing to hear as you might think. These statements make you appear self-involved, which recruiters find appalling. Don’t tell them you’re amazing, show them with a measurable power word!

How often should you use power words? 

Sadly, just like with anything good in life, action words will lose their value if you overdo it. Instead of power words, they’ll just look like sprinkled mambo-jumbo that doesn’t mean anything.

Also, your resume is swamped with power words, your hiring manager might get turned off and think you’re trying too hard. 

A good rule to follow is to not add more than one or two action verbs in a sentence.  

Use them appropriately and moderately. 

Resume Power Words for Teamwork and Communication

If your job was to give guidance or communicate information to a team, you:

• 2. Advocated
• 3. Clarified
• 4. Corresponded
• 6. Gathered
• 8. Informed
• 9. Interpreted
• 10. Persuaded
• 11. Publicized
• Gathered external data for the project-planning personnel and advised on the implementation of capital projects. 

When you were part of a team:

• 13. Enabled
• 14. Encouraged
• 15. Facilitated
• 16. Fostered
• 17. Inspired
• 18. Supported
• 19. Collaborated
• Made a $6M merger through collaboration with an international team.

When you supervised a team: 

• 21. Evaluated
• 22. Instructed
• 23. Mentored
• 24. Motivated
• 25. Regulated
• Mentored 5 startup founders in the last 2 years. 

Resume Action Words for Management and Leadership Achievements

When you reach a goal:

• 27. Achieved
• 28. Attained
• 29. Strengthened
• 30. Initiated
• 31. Coordinated
• 32. Developed
• 33. Managed
• 34. Orchestrated
• Coordinated data integrity within the company’s applicant tracking system. 
• Strengthened the sales and service culture through coaching and guidance. 

When you gave a different approach to solving a problem:

• 35. Implemented
• 36. Recommended
• 37. Overhauled
• 38. Improved
• 39. Streamlined 
• 40. Prioritized
• Improved and tuned networking equipment and overall computer network. 

When you worked with other people:

• 41. Motivated
• 42. Supervised
• 43. Delegated
• 44. Chaired
• Supervised and motivated a team of 5+ sales associates. 

Resume Action Words to Showcase your Creativity 

When you helped the company innovate or launch something new:

• 45. Conceptualized
• 46. Designed
• 47. Devised
• 48. Determined
• 49. Drafted
• 50. Formulated
• 51. Introduced
• 52. Initiated
• 53. Launched
• 54. Originated
• 55. Spearheaded
• Designed a new feature on a mobile equation solving app. 

When you worked on an established idea:

• 56. Adapted
• 57. Applied
• 59. Condensed
• 60. Customized
• 61. Fashioned
• 62. Integrated
• 63. Modified
• 64. Patched
• 65. Piloted
• 67. Revitalized
• Built the company sales processes ground-up.

When you introduced a finished project:

• 68. Displayed
• 69. Modeled
• 70. Launched
• 71. Performed
• 72. Pioneered
• Launched an e-commerce website to take the company business online. 

When you worked with data, statistics or numbers: 

• 73. Audited
• 74. Budgeted 
• 75. Calculated
• 76. Converted
• 77. Crafted
• 78. Documented
• 79. Estimated
• 80. Inventoried
• 81. Programmed 
• 82. Projected 
• 83. Recorded
• 84. Verified
• Calculated monthly and quarterly investment forecasts.

When you corrected mistakes and errors:

• 85. Debugged
• 86. Diagnosed
• 87. Established
• 89. Rectified
• 90. Lessened
• 91. Reconciled
• 92. Remodeled
• 93. Rebuilt
• 94. Upgraded
• 95. Corrected
• Debugged internal operating system issues, reducing company cost by 15%

When you kept company processes flowing seamlessly: 

• 96. Conserved
• 97. Maintained
• 98. Operated
• 99. Regulated
• 100. Refined
• 101. Simplified
• 102. Standardized
• Maintained design production under an extremely tight budget. 

When you prepared or helped prepare an event:

• 103. Assembled
• 104. Conducted
• 105. Organized
• Organized meetings and handled all correspondence for the Scranton branch.

When you analyzed a new idea:

• 106. Experimented
• 107. Detected
• 108. Discovered
• 109. Measured
• 110. Mapped
• 111. Probed
• 112. Searched
• 113. Surveyed
• 114. Studied
• Surveyed and documented weekly performance reports on a new marketing strategy.

When you analyzed existing practices and ideas:

• 115. Analyzed
• 116. Assessed
• 117. Clarified
• 118. Checked
• 119. Examined
• 120. Explored
• 121.Evaluated
• 122. Investigated
• 123. Quantified
• 124. Reviewed
• 125. Tested
• 126. Tracked
• 127. Convert
• Converted data into actionable insight, boosting revenue by 5%

When you contributed to solving a problem:

• 128. Critiqued
• 129. Diagnosed
• 130. Identified
• 131. Invented
• 132. Proved
• 133. Solved
• Provided an extraordinary customer service experience, solved customer issues and upsold other products or services. 

Resume Power Verbs to Use For “Support”

When you were supportive of others through words: 

• 134. Advised
• 135. Answered
• 136. Clarified
• 137. Motivated
• 138. Collaborated
• 139. Fielded
• 140. Guided
• 141. Intervened
• 142. Referred
• 143. Resolved
• Motivated co-workers by rewarding positive behavior, encouraging optimism and stimulating teamwork.

When you were supportive of others through actions: 

• 145. Assisted
• 146. Contributed
• 147. Provided
• 148. Volunteered
• Volunteered in 3 non-profit social organizations.

When you taught others:

• 149. Coached
• 150. Counseled
• 151. Demonstrated
• 152. Educated
• 153. Informed 
• Consulted 5 startups that became successful scaleups in Europe and together received investments of over €28 million.

Resume Power Words to Use as a Replacement for “Improved”

Did you leave the company you worked for better than when you came in? 

That’s cool, but if you say you “improved” something four times in a row, it loses its impact.

Use the list below to mix it up:

• 154. Amplify
• 155. Boosted 
• 156. Converted
• 157. Customized
• 158. Elaborated
• 160. Integrated
• 161. Lifted
• 162. Merged
• 163. Overhauled
• 164. Raised
• 165. Redesigned
• 166. Refined
• 167. Remodeled
• 168. Reorganized
• 169. Restructured
• 170. Revamped
• 172. Slashed
• 173. Streamlined
• 174. Strengthened
• 175. Updated
• 176. Upgraded 
• Boosted the AdWords click-through rates (CTR) from 25% to 37% without additional costs, which increased monthly sales by $5,000. 

Resume Power Words to Use Instead of “Responsible for”

Using “responsible for” in a resume gets old fast. Instead, use these alternative verbs that *pop*:

• 177. Accomplished
• 178. Acquired
• 179. Achieved
• 180. Acted As
• 181. Completed
• 182. Created
• 183. Executed
• 184. Finished
• 185. Forged
• 187. Navigated
• 188. Negotiated
• 189. Operated
• 190. Partnered
• 191. Performed
• 192. Prepared
• 193. Produced
• 194. Secured
• 195. Succeeded In
• 196. Undertook
• Navigated three simultaneous projects between 3 departments within the budget limit. 

Most of your job descriptions will be describing things you contributed to. This makes it tough to be original and show value.

In this case, you should try to be as specific as possible by giving details about your accomplishments. 

Here’s a list to help you replace the overused “worked on” and show value:

• 197. Arranged
• 198. Compiled
• 199. Composed
• 200. Constructed
• 201. Created
• 202. Developed
• 203. Engaged In
• 204. Fashioned
• 205. Forged
• 206. Formulated
• 208. Made Progress On
• 209. Operated
• 210. Organized
• 211. Perfected
• 212. Prepared
• 213. Pursued
• 214. Put Together
• 215. Set-Up
• 216. Undertook
• Created over 25 professional logos for companies in multiple industries, from small startups to large corporations.

Resume Action Verbs that Mean “Use” 

Instead of “utilize” or “use” replace them with these power words:

• 219. Deploy
• 220. Employ
• 222. Handle
• 223. Mobilize
• 224. Operate
• 225. Promote
• 226. Profit by
• 227. Put to Use
• 228. Restore
• 229. Revive
• 230. Resort to
• 231. Specialize in
• Handled full sales cycle for the company’s three biggest clients.

Resume Power Adjectives [w/ Examples]

Power adjectives have the same function as power verbs, but instead, they are…you guessed it: adjectives .

Unlike power verbs, you can use power adjectives beyond describing Professional Experience.

In this section, we'll cover how to use power adjectives in your resume summary, professional experience, and skills.

Then, we’re going to give you a complete list of the best power adjectives you can use in your resume.

Using Buzz Adjectives in the Resume Summary Section

The resume summary section is a short pitch to your prospective employer. You use it to summarize your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

When done right, adding some power adjectives can help your resume summary stand out.

Take a look at these examples:

• Caregiver with 5+ years of extensive experience. Recognized for providing heartfelt emotional support to clients. 
• Loving caregiver who has been working in an elderly home for 5 years. The perfect choice for delivering emotional support to clients.

The first example focuses on the candidate’s personal qualities, rather than her skills. Whereas the second example is professional and leaves a much more powerful impact. 

Want to know how to write the perfect summary for your resume?

Check out our complete guide, filled with professional examples and practical tips!

Using Power Adjectives in the Professional Experience Section

When you are describing your professional experience, power adjectives should be used sparingly. 

You already have plenty of action verbs in there, so don’t double down on the power words by adding an adjective. It’s either one or the other. 

Take a look at this example on how they can be strategically placed in a job description:

• Developed harmonious relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in higher overall patient happiness.
• Developed relationships with 70% of the patients, resulting in overall patient happiness.

Using Power Adjectives in the Skills section

Don’t use power adjectives as a skill on their own. Don’t list “Intelligent” or “Professional” as a skill. Those are subjective personal traits.

Instead, use power adjectives only when they affirm your competency in another skill.

For example:

French and German vs Fluent in French and German 

Management skills vs Strong Management Skills 

The Best Power Adjectives [Divided by Category] 

Power adjectives for analytical thinking.

Are you constantly doing work that calls for putting your thinking hat on? 

This list is perfect for describing the detailed, calculating tasks you complete on a daily basis. 

They’re usually valuable for industries that require complicated critical thinking: IT , finance , telecommunications, engineering . 

• 232. Astute
• 233. Insightful
• 234. Methodical
• 235. Practical
• 236. Calculating
• 237. Intelligent
• 238. Meticulous
• 239. Shrewd
• 240. Complex
• 241. Investigative
• 242. Objective
• 243. Strategic
• 244. Discerning
• 245. Logical
• 246. Perceptive
• 247. Thoughtful

Power Adjectives for Creativity 

Use the adjective list below to describe creative work: 

• 248. Cutting-edge 
• 249. Imaginative 
• 250. Novel 
• 251. Sophisticated 
• 252. Elegant 
• 253. Ingenious 
• 254. Progressive
• 255. Unique 
• 256. First-class 
• 257. Innovative 
• 258. Revolutionary 
• 259. Unprecedented 
• 260. Groundbreaking 
• 261. Inventive 
• 262. Robust 
• 263. World-class

Power Adjectives for Productivity

• 264. Accomplished 
• 265. Economical 
• 266. Instrumental
• 267. Skilled 
• 268. Adept 
• 269. Expert 
• 270. Productive 
• 271. Skillful 
• 272. Advanced 
• 273. Fluent 
• 274. Proficient 
• 275. Strong 
• 276. Competent 
• 277. Ideal 
• 278. Profitable 
• 279. Superior 
• 280. Constructive 
• 281. Industrious 
• 282. Significant 
• 283. Qualified 
• 284. Cost-effective 
• 285. Influential 
• 286. Smooth 
• 287. Quality

Power Adjectives for Dedication

Recruiters love seeing genuine interest from a candidate. The words below are great for showing your dedication and high-spirits:

• 288. Committed
• 289. Devoted 
• 290. Genuine
• 291. Sincere 
• 292. Dedicated 
• 293. Earnest 
• 295. Spirited 
• 296. Determined 
• 297. Energetic 
• 298. Passionate 
• 299. Wholehearted

Power Adjectives to Describe Hard Work

Are you a diligent and driven person? Are you prepared to pull up tiring all-nighters to complete important projects? 

Here are some adjectives that compliment your hard work: 

• 300. Alert 
• 301. Driven 
• 302. Motivated 
• 303. Thorough 
• 304. Attentive
• 305. Enterprising 
• 306. Persistent 
• 307. Tireless 
• 308. Concerted 
• 309. Focused 
• 310. Studious 
• 311. Vigorous

Power Adjectives to Describe You as Organized and Systematic

• 312. Businesslike
• 313. Detail-oriented
• 314. Smooth
• 315. Systematic 
• 316. Controlled 
• 317. Orderly 
• 318. Step-by-step 
• 319. Timely 
• 320. Detailed 
• 321. Precise 
• 322. Structured

Power Adjectives for Communication and Teamwork 

Being friendly, understanding and sociable are key qualities for anyone working in a team setting or with customers and clients on a daily basis. 

Use these words to help describe your skills:

• 323. Amiable
• 324. Cheerful 
• 325. Cooperative 
• 326. Personable 
• 327. Amicable 
• 328. Clear 
• 329. Cordial 
• 330. Pleasant 
• 331. Articulate 
• 332. Coherent 
• 333. Courteous 
• 334. Positive 
• 336. Cohesive 
• 337. Diplomatic 
• 338. Respectful 
• 339. Charming 
• 340. Conscientious 
• 341. Harmonious 
• 342. Team-minded

Resume Buzzwords to Avoid 

Buzzwords are the opposite of power verbs.

They’re boring, overused, and hated by managers world-wide .

Here are some of the most popular buzzwords you should avoid:

• Hard worker
• Strategic thinker
• Outside the box
• Responsible for
• Specialized in
• Results-driven
• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• In charge of 

Key Takeaways

Here’s everything we learned in this article:

• You can use power words to spice up your resume and add variety to your language. They are mostly verbs but can also be adjectives.
• To decide which power words to use, do a detailed scan of the job listing and identify the key responsibilities the employer is looking for. Your power words will be emphasizing how you have shown these traits. Be careful not to use more than one power word per sentence.
• Try using power verbs more often than power adjectives. It’s all about action!

Looking for more ways to improve your resume?

Suggested readings:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+ Examples]
• How to List Education On a Resume [13+ real-life examples]
• What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [for 2024]

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Action Verbs for Cover Letter or Resume: Best Power Words to Include

The ProWritingAid Team

Adding action verbs will help your CV and cover letter to stand out from the rest of the pile. Your CV is your chance to show prospective companies the highlights of your professional and academic history, so the language that you use should be in tune with this aim.

Similarly, both your CV and cover letter need to be concise, so you should pick powerful words that help you stand out.

To make your application, use strong, industry-appropriate action verbs when highlighting your skills in your cover letter or CV.

Action verbs imply that action is taking place (or in the case of a CV, has taken place) and come across as more dynamic. This gives your application materials a more energetic, upbeat, and positive feel.

Use action verbs selectively to achieve the most impact. You don't need to pack every single sentence with an action verb, but you should try to include at least two or three.

ProWritingAid will notify you if you have less than three action verbs in your CV or cover letter and you'll receive an alert telling you that you need to "include some action verbs to make your CV stand out." If you have three or more, you're all set!

Action Verbs Help Highlight Your Skills

Using action verbs helps your CV and cover letter stand out to a hiring manager. Rather than opting for weak or commonplace words or phrases to describe your previous employment, choose action verbs to stress the skills you have developed and opportunities you seized.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

The most successful people in the world have coaches. Whatever your level of writing, ProWritingAid will help you achieve new heights. Exceptional writing depends on much more than just correct grammar. You need an editing tool that also highlights style issues and compares your writing to the best writers in your genre. ProWritingAid helps you find the best way to express your ideas.

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125 Easy Resume Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Better

In This Guide:

What are resume action verbs, why is it important to know which words to use in a resume, how to use action verbs on your resume, where to include action verbs on a resume, worst buzzwords and their best action word alternatives for a resume, action verbs on your resume with enhancv, conclusion: resume action verbs.

Quick Answer: "Resume action verbs strengthen your resume by emphasizing skills and achievements. Avoid buzzwords like ""detail-oriented"" and ""team player."" Use impactful action verbs like ""amplified,"" ""collaborated,"" and ""analyzed."" Incorporate them in the resume summary, work experience, skills, and achievements. Enhancv's examples can help you create a unique resume."

Let’s be honest – you probably didn’t think much about your resume wording when writing it. The whole thought of adding action verbs for resumes might’ve just slipped out your mind.

That’s normal, it happens quite often.

But, now that you’re aware of it you need to change your approach.

You might be surprised with what just a few resume action verbs and resume power words can do for your entire application.

Now, when I say power words , the ones that pop up in your head are probably phrases like:

• “Detail-oriented”
• “Team player”
• “Hard worker”

Please stop.

First of all, these are called buzzwords . They don’t have their place in this article.

Second, we’re here to talk about resume action verbs. These are active words you can use to boost your resume and make it that much more powerful.

Action verbs and buzzwords are a slippery slope.

If you overuse or misuse them, you risk making the recruiter’s eyes roll all the way back into their head.

That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll be going through all you need to know about action verbs for resumes.

Sit back and let’s get you on the right track because you’re about to learn:

• What action verbs are and why they matter;
• How to use action words on your resume;
• Which buzzwords to avoid and which words to use instead

If you want to skip ahead and see proven resume templates that got a fellow candidate like Akshay hired at Tesla, we’ve got you covered. You can see how other candidates choose their wording by clicking below so you can take inspiration for your own resume!

BROWSE RESUME EXAMPLES

“In today’s competitive world, you have to present yourself in a unique way to stand out. Try Enhancv – I am glad to have discovered it, it has helped me get to Tesla!” – Akshay Rao

Now back to the matter at hand – action words for resumes. I’m excited, aren’t you? Let’s get right to it!

Resume action verbs are also referred to as action words or power words. These are verbs you can use throughout your resume to describe and strengthen your skills, achievements, and experience.

For the record, they don’t just blatantly describe your work.

They emphasize everything that makes you the best candidate for the job by showcasing your skills. Overall, it makes your resume stronger and more compelling.

The big reward of using the right action verbs (and avoiding the wrong and overused ones) can mean instantly catching the recruiter’s eye. On top of that, it makes you look even more impressive, potentially landing you the job.

So, you might want to start thinking about your resume wording and adding some strong resume action verbs to boost your chances.

Keep in mind that hiring managers go through a mountain of resumes when deciding who to bring on board.

To be precise, they spend exactly 7.4 seconds on each resume on average.

We understand it’s not a lot of time to grab someone’s attention.

And, that’s why it’s important to be using the best, most unique, and most powerful resume words. This makes your resume stand apart from the crowd immediately and increases the probability of you getting your dream job.

All because of a few action verbs.

Those resume action verbs can amplify the impact behind your skills and qualifications.

While things like your GPA are important, the hiring manager cares more about the results you may have been responsible for. If more job seekers were to use unique action verbs in a section of a resume, you’re more likely to leave a strong impression.

If done correctly, a single keyword or power word used to describe your capability (e.g. your soft skills and hard skills) can change the whole game. Whether you’re a high school teen or a war veteran, using resume power words will improve your overall application.

Now, it’s true that power verbs and resume words can make you seem more impressive.

However, that doesn’t mean you should lie . Don’t make it look like you’ve moved mountains unless you’ve actually, you know, moved mountains .

At the same time, don’t undermine your achievements either. Now is the time to impress and show off your skills, so don’t be too modest.

That’s why knowing which action verbs for resumes to use is crucial. Not understanding their effect is the difference between looking incredible and plain or mediocre.

Or worse, cocky and dishonest .

The moment some of you have been waiting for.

It’s time to learn how to use resume action verbs properly, including what not to do when using them.

You can probably already guess it with everything discussed so far:

Not all resume action words are equal.

We’ve prepared a list of the best words to use on a resume, as well as the ones you need to avoid like a plague. But, we’ll get onto that more later.

First, here are a few tips on using action verbs:

• Don’t trust overused action words.
• Be specific about your achievements and results.
• Steer clear of passive voice.

Let’s go into a little more detail.

Avoid overused action verbs altogether

You wouldn’t want your resume to look and read like everyone else. So, why would you use the same generic words that everyone is using?

Some action verbs are as cookie-cutter and boring as you can get.

Recruiters have seen them so much that they’re basically white noise to them now. And, that’s no good.

Take a note of these words below and be sure to run away from them as far as possible.

Some of the most overused action words for resumes are:

• Took part in;
• Participated;

Don’t bore the hiring managers . Instead, try to wow them. Keep them engaged, keep them wanting more.

Use numbers and results that go alongside your resume power words

You need to be as specific as possible to really show what you can do and how you can help the company.

Recruiters don’t like it when you’re vague.

They do, however, love specifics and quantifiable data. So, choose your words wisely and reinforce them by including exact numbers and results.

Let’s compare and take a look at the examples below:

• “Increased monthly blog visits”.
• “Magnified monthly blog visits from 100,000 to 2 million in a year”.

While it’s easy to say “increased” and it gets the message across, everyone does. Look for a stronger action verb. And be specific about your results.

Numbers and results are especially important when it comes to your work experience section .

Use active voice in your bullet points

You might already be aware of this but, your resume format plays a big part in your application.

If you’re using passive voice when listing your accomplishments, it diminishes all the work you’ve put in to achieve a result.

Instead, you’re focusing on something other than the fact that you made it happen.

In other words, you’re not showing the employers how you’ve used your skills to make an impact. This puts a blind eye on your potential and prevents them from seeing what you’re capable of.

The solution?

Start using the active voice and always start with an action verb. That way, you’ll make the most impact.

There are a few key sections where you should include resume power words. This includes:

Resume summary

Under your work experience.

• In a separate skill section
• Using Enhancv’s staple sections

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Looking to make a strong first impression the moment the hiring manager picks up your resume?

Then, starting every sentence of your resume summary by using an action verb. It’s a great way to make an impact right from the start. Alternatively, if you’re using this space to talk about your resume objective , action verbs work just as effectively.

This is your professional experience section, the part where you talk about your professional background and achievements.

When going into detail about the job description here, you must absolutely include action words.

Action verbs on resumes are important, but it needs to be included especially under the work experience and certification section. When you do this, it amplifies how you’ve made an impact and shows how you were responsible for a positive outcome.

Use bullet lists to list down your accomplishments at each job you’ve had too. After applying this on your resume, employers will see how you stand out from the sea of candidates.

Under your work experience or certifications section as you’re describing how you’ve made an impact and how you were responsible for a positive outcome, you need to be using action verbs

Separate skill section

The hiring manager wants to see how beneficial your capabilities are for the company.

So, when you’re listing your skills separately, it’s a good time to include some powerful resume action verbs to show recruiters how much of an asset you are.

However, don’t just limit the use of resume action verbs for these specific sections of your resume. If you have additional experiences, e.g. volunteer experience, be sure to talk about the types of skills you’ve developed. When you do this, don’t forget about integrating those power words mentioned.

Enhancv’s staple sections

If you’re looking to create a compelling resume that stands out, Enhancv uses custom resume sections to ensure you’re unique from everyone else. Custom resume sections such as:

• Most proud of

(We’ll look at this in more detail when looking at how Enhancv can help you use the right action verbs for your resume!)

It’s time to talk about what we mentioned at the start of this article – buzzwords .

Knowing how to use resume buzzwords is just as important as using the right action verbs. While there are some words you should definitely try and use such as:

The only problem with this is that they’re quite generic.

There are a plethora of buzzwords that will do you more harm than good. So, to make sure you don’t run into the same problem, here is a list of resume power words you should be using and ones to remove from your dictionary.

Resume Action Verbs for Leadership and Management

Worst offender: Strategic thinker

If you’re not thinking strategically, then you’re not really contributing, are you?

Strategic thinking is a given. It’s obvious, there’s absolutely no point in adding that word to your resume.

What to use instead:

Action verbs:

• Implemented
• Revitalized

Resume Action Verbs for Teamwork

Worst offenders: Team player; Go-To Person

Oh boy, the number of times I’ve put “team player” on my resume! As I’m sure hundreds of thousands have done, too.

Why would you need to say that you’re a team player?

Of course you are! Without teamwork, nothing would ever get done.

Think about the poor recruiters when writing your resume. Don’t use unnecessary buzzwords like these – think of a better way to describe yourself and your skills. Most importantly, you need to be showing them !

And, don’t get me started on being the “go-to person”. If you weren’t the go-to person for the job posting to begin with, then why would you get hired in the first place?

• Collaborative
• Cooperative
• Relied upon
• Co-authored
• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Participated

Resume Action Verbs for Achievements

Worst offenders: Go-Getter; Bottom line; Result-Driven

“Go-getter” might be a term you’ve heard around, but it means absolutely nothing on your resume. The same goes for “bottom line” and “result-driven”.

Why waste valuable space on your resume telling the recruiters something that they’ve heard thousands of times before and, even worse, not backing it up in any way?

Instead of boring the hiring managers out of their minds and telling them nothing, try to prove to them the value you’ll bring. There are way too many words to describe achievements out there, depending on the achievement itself. I’ll list some of the best below.

• Accelerated
• Consolidated
• Established
• Outperformed
• Streamlined

Resume Action Verbs for Research, Analysis, and Planning

Worst offender: Detail-Oriented; Hard Worker

Let’s be real – if you’re not detail-oriented, you probably won’t do a great job. The same goes for “hard worker”.

Both of these qualities should be obvious from your accomplishments and skills, not the fact that you’ve written some words on your resume.

• Comprehensive
• Investigated

Resume Action Words to Showcase your Creativity

Worst offender: Think outside of the box

If you choose to describe your creativity by saying you “think outside the box”, then… that’s not very creative of you.

If you genuinely are as creative as you’re trying to say, then you’ll surely be able to come up with a more, well, creative way to demonstrate it, right?

• Unconventional
• Imaginative
• Resourceful
• Brainstormed
• Conceptualized
• Constructed
• Illustrated
• Storyboarded
• Transformed

Let’s go into a bit more detail with the staple resume sections mentioned earlier.

First, click here for proven resume examples and type in the job position you’re looking to apply for:

In our example, we’ll use an entry-level resume. So, simply click on your link and it’ll take you to a page that looks like this:

This page also has a full guide below for how to create a resume for your specific job position.

Once you’ve made it here, simply click on the “use this example” button and you’ll be taken inside the Enhancv app. At this stage, it’s where the fun begins:

When you can use a proven example for your specific job resume like this, the entire resume-building process becomes much easier. You won’t get stuck with writer’s block either because you can get ideas with what’s already written.

On this entry-level resume example, the staple resume section of “strengths” would stand out because it’s so different from what employers are used to seeing.

Looking at the achievements sections, you’ll also notice the resume action verb “anchored”.

It’s unique, and the resume is designed to make an impact on your hiring manager by highlighting the results you were responsible for.

When you have a cheat code like this, creating a resume won’t be difficult anymore.

Best of all, Enhancv’s resume builder is free. So, you can test how good it is yourself at no cost.

The hiring managers won’t be ready for what you’ve got in store for them. What are you waiting for? Start building your resume now by clicking below!

BUILD A RESUME NOW

“Enhancv has made modern professional resume writing a breeze! Beautiful templates, that has helped visualize years of work experience into a single page.” – Victoria Odonnell

I hope this detailed look at action verbs for resumes inspired you to go and write the best resume the world has ever seen!

Here’s a summary of everything we’ve been through:

• Action verbs can make your resume stand out and emphasize your skills and achievements.
• Steer clear of overused action verbs and buzzwords to avoid blending into the crowd and boring the recruiters.
• Always write your resume in the active voice.
• Support your action verbs with quantifiable data.
• Use action words in key sections of your resume, such as the summary, the job description, and the skills section.

If you found this article useful or you have any questions, be sure to give it a share, and feel free to leave a comment below!

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Resume and Cover Letter Action Verbs

• What Are Resume Action Verbs and Keywords
• Why and How to Include Action Verbs in Your Resume

Alphabetical List of Action Verbs

• Resume Example With Action Verbs

Why should you use action verbs in your resumes and cover letters? Hiring managers want to see what you can do to accomplish goals. Using keywords and action verbs cuts to the chase and demonstrates your abilities.

But choosing the right words doesn’t just show what you have accomplished in previous jobs. These words also help your resume , cover letter, and other application materials get selected by the software and hiring managers who screen your documents.

What Are Resume Action Verbs and Keywords?

Action verbs show your ability to succeed. For example, words like accomplished, developed, managed, and handled describe what you have achieved.

Keywords  are the words you use to search for available positions. They’re also the terms that hiring managers use to screen resumes and cover letters to find applicants that are a good fit for a job. Job keywords describe the  hard skills  you have that qualify you for a job.

The closer the keywords in a resume are to those in a job description, the better a candidate's chances of being selected for a job interview.

Why and How to Include Action Verbs in Your Resume

The keywords in your resume will help you get selected for a job interview. Hiring managers search by keywords to find resumes that match the  job qualifications  they established when they listed the job.

In addition to  listing keywords  specific to your occupation (like software or sales skills), include action words that show you what you have accomplished. Rather than just stating a list of duties, including action keywords in your position descriptions.

Here's an example:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Specialized in product order management
• Helped manage associates on the sales floor

Review these tips for how to get your resume past the applicant tracking systems  employers use, and this list of action keywords to use to get your application noticed when applying for jobs.

The Balance

A Achieved, accomplished, acted, adapted, addressed, analyzed, authored, authorized, assessed, assisted, appraised, amended, advised, allocated, altered, accelerated, acquired, aided, assembled

B Budgeted, built, brainstormed, balanced, blended, boosted

C Compiled, combined, challenged, chaired, committed, communicated, coordinated, calculated, contributed, commissioned, confirmed, customized, created, challenged, critiqued

D Decided, developed, disclosed, documented, discovered, designed, determined, demonstrated, deferred, distributed, directed, devoted, drafted, doubled, diversified, designated, dedicated, discussed

E Exercised, expected, earned, elected, engaged, entered, engineered, employed, edited, evaluated, entertained, eliminated, exchanged, ended, estimated, exempted, endorsed, expedited, experienced, enforced, explained

F Facilitated, focused, financed, fueled, figured, fit, formed, fortified, functioned, formulated

G Guided, grouped, gave, garnered, granted, generated, guaranteed, gathered, graphed

H Hired, handled, helped, headed

I Improved, identified, installed, inspired, interviewed, issued, invested, illustrated, implemented, incurred, innovated, inspected, invented, interpreted, inaugurated, informed, induced, instilled, incorporated

J Judged, joined, justified

L Located, lectured, launched, litigated, lobbied, led, listened

M Mastered, managed, merchandised, modified, met, minimized, modeled, measured, moderated, motivated, multiplied, marketed, maximized, moved, mediated

N Negotiated, noticed, navigated, networked

O Operated, owned, observed, oversaw, organized, obtained, oriented

P Participated, printed, proposed, pursued, persuaded, perceived, preserved, processed, produced, promoted, planned, performed, pioneered, passed, prioritized, proficiency, provided, profiled, polled, presented, procured, purchased, placed, permitted

Q Quoted, qualified, questioned, queried

R Ranked, resolved, received, rewarded, revised, revitalized, revamped, responded, restored, rejected, reinforced, reinstated, rehabilitated, remedied, redesigned, recruited, recovered, recorded, reduced, replaced, retained, retrieved, reversed, ran, raised, reached, reviewed, researched

S Saved, secured, stabilized, scheduled, screened, settled, separated, sent, selected, shaped, shortened, showed, signed, simplified, sold, specialized, staged, standardized, steered, stimulated, strategized, surveyed, supported, supplied, substantiated, set goals, supervised, studied

T Trained, tabulated, took, traveled, transformed, tested, transferred, tailored, targeted

U Utilized, uncovered, united, updated, undertook, unified, upgraded

V Verified, valued, validated, visited, visualized

W Witnessed, worked, weighed, wrote, won, welcomed

Resume Example With Action Verbs 

This is an example of a resume with action verbs. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online),

Resume Example With Action Verbs (Text Version)

Lewis Givens 18 Oak Lane Houston, TX 77009 Cell: 555-555-5555 lgivens@email.com

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Physician Education / Territory Development / Relationship Building

Nationally top-ranked pharmaceutical sales representative with unprecedented success establishing market dominance for antidiabetics products. Charismatic presenter and negotiator, deftly forging and maintaining lasting relationships with physician groups and pharmacies.

Notable Sales Achievements

• Scored Pharma Sales Rep of the Quarter regional and national titles every year between 2010 and 2021.
• Pioneered new territories for newly launched Bleudacan® family of products, leading product to top 5% ranking nationally within six months of release.
• Consistently earned Chairman’s Circle and National President’s Club accolades throughout my career.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Biomed Corporation, Houston, TX Pharmaceutical Sales Representative  (06/2016 to Present)

Orchestrated market launch and territory penetration for Bleudacan® antidiabetics across the Southwest region of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.

• Leveraged network of major accounts across the four-state territory to ensure immediate market dominance of novel Bleudacan® products.
• Authored well-received whitepaper on sales trends in the antidiabetics market.

Biogenics LLC, Houston, TX Pharmaceutical Sales Representative  (06/2009 to 06/2016)

Established reputation as a winning physician educator as a representative for the antidiabetics Restorex® and Historelb® in the Texas regional market.

• Captured Chairman’s Circle rankings for each year of tenure.
• Increased sales of Restorex® by 58% and of Historelb® by 46% within six months of hire.

The University of Texas, Austin, TX Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Professional Development Antidiabetics Sales, Value-driven Sales Techniques, Territory Growth Strategies, Regulatory Issues

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Action verbs for resume and cover letter

Resume and cover letter action words are unique and impactful verbs that must be included in your job application to stand out from the competition. Many resume bullet lists begin with the same phrases, to the stage where they lose their effectiveness. You can capture the hiring manager's attention and paint a clear image of why you are the ideal fit by utilizing a convincing action verb. Adding power words to your resume can assist you to catch the employer's attention. It can improve your odds of securing an interview and possibly landing a new job. If you're searching for a new job, you might want to take a peek at some solid words to include in your resume whenever you apply.

Benefits of using resume action verbs

Employing resume action verbs strengthens your resume by substituting widely known, over-used terms and expressions that hiring managers view all the time with interactive and persuasive words that will draw the employer's attention. You can maintain specifics of your qualifications and job experiences brief and strong by beginning your bullet lists with action verbs.

What are action verbs for a resume and cover letter

Action verbs for a resume or cover letter are significant or powerful verbs that enable you to convey your attributes, qualities, experiences, and accomplishments. These words might be adjectives describing your work ethic, verbs expressing what you have achieved, or nouns displaying you as an individual. Including the proper set of verbs on your resume can facilitate you to stand out from the crowd during the application procedure.

How to pick action words for your resume

Many verbs can be used on a resume, it is critical to select words that precisely represent your characteristics and experience. Here are some pointers to consider when determining which words to use on your resume;

Tailor your resume to every job

It's a good idea to customize your resume for every company. It will assist you in ensuring that it pertains to the particular role. A recruiter is more inclined to shortlist a resume that appears to be an excellent match for the position on offer. It implies you could advance to the next stage of the hiring process.

Review the job description 

The job description usually includes data about the type of worker the company is seeking. For instance, if you view the job description for a customer service agent and recognize that they are looking for energetic and optimistic people, you can try to provide synonyms for such verbs on your resume. You might refer to yourself as self-directed, dedicated, constructive, or friendly. Rather than precisely imitating the words in the job advertisement, try finding some appropriate words that you believe complement the tone of the description.

Acknowledge your abilities

After reviewing the job description, identify the skills that would qualify you for the position. For instance, if they request individuals with managerial skills, you may utilize some of the verbs that define a leadership role. Verbs such as advocate, motivate, facilitate, pioneer, and cooperate may be included. It is critical to only specify competencies that you possess.

Conduct an additional study on their website

Discover the organization's website as you plan to seek employment. You can request whether they have any details about their business's culture or any details for job candidates. For instance, if you notice that they take pride in being a viable corporation and you have an eco-friendly outlook, you might emphasize this on your resume by adding action words such as environmentally aware to define yourself.

List of action verbs for resume and cover letter

The best action verbs to utilize on your resume are determined by the type of career you want. Below are some powerful words to use when identifying yourself and your responsibilities in various roles;

• Accomplished
• Adapted 
• Accelerated
• Assembled 
• Budgeted 
• Brainstormed
• Boosted 
• Communicated
• Coordinated
• Contributed
• Commissioned
• Demonstrated
• Distributed
• Diversified
• Discussed 
• Entertained
• Experienced
• Explained 
• Facilitated
• Formulated 
• Interviewed
• Illustrated
• Implemented
• Interpreted
• Inaugurated
• Incorporated 
• Merchandised
• Networked 
• Oriented 
• Participated
• Prioritized
• Proficiency
• Permitted 
• Revitalized
• Rehabilitated
• Researched 
• Specialized
• Standardized
• Strategized
• Supported 
• Transformed
• Transferred
• Targeted 
• Visualized 
• Welcomed 

What are some compelling action verbs for a resume

There are numerous resume action verbs that you must employ to make a unique resume. Resume action verbs will strengthen your job application by substituting familiar, over-used terms and phrases that hiring managers notice all the time with solid, interactive, and persuasive action words that will draw the employer's attention.

How to use action verbs in a resume

When mentioning your duties in former roles or the expertise you have acquired, add action verbs at the beginning of your bullet lists. You can maintain summaries of your qualifications and work experiences brief and impactful by beginning your bullet lists with action words.

What are action verb lists

Action verb records are organized compilations that you may utilize to replace regularly used terms or words in your job application to render your statements more effective and precise.

What are resume power words

Power words are action words that are added to a resume to guide hiring managers in recognizing your skills and competencies more clearly. They typically help in developing a distinguished resume.

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• How to Use Action Verbs in a...

How to Use Action Verbs in a Resume

4 min read · Updated on December 15, 2021

Set yourself apart with resume action words that describe your contributions.

These days, potential employers and hiring managers want to know what you can achieve for their company — simply utilizing job descriptions on your resume isn't enough. After all, there are hundreds of applicants lined up who are qualified for the job. You have to stand out.

Set yourself apart with action verbs, achieving language, and resume writing that describes what you have contributed rather than what you have done on a daily basis.

What are action verbs?

Think of Yoda and his notorious phrases. Then, don't be like him. Sentences like “The Dark Side I sense in you” are not what you should place in your resume. Yoda often speaks in the passive voice, where the object comes before the verb in a sentence. For example, “The ball was thrown by John” is in the passive voice. These sentences are longer, more difficult to read and give an overall weaker effect. You can create more impact by writing in active voice — placing the object after the verb. For example, “John threw the ball.”

How can I use action verbs in my resume?

Using strong action verbs in resume writing is as easy as any other form of writing, as long as you know what to include and what to look for. Here are two tests to determine if you are using passive voice in your resume writing:

Verb Test: Look for helping verbs, especially forms of the verb “to be.”

“By You” Test: Can you insert the phrase "by you" after the verb? Does the sentence still make grammatical sense? If yes, this signifies passive voice.

Scan the resume for these warning signs and replace passive resume writing with more active verbs and sentences. Here are a few examples of passive resume sentences:

A 20 percent revenue growth was realized in our department over two years.

A promotion to supervisor was awarded to me after only one year of service.

Responsibility was recognized as one of my strengths.

Here are the same examples rewritten using active voice:

My team realized 20 per cent revenue growth over two years.

After only one year, I earned a promotion to supervisor.

Recognized for responsibility and proactive decisions.

The only time passive voice is appropriate is when you want to draw more attention to results instead of yourself. This is very rare, and you should focus on your achievements rather than your company's results.

Related: How to Maximize Resume Action Words and Wow an Employer

Which action verbs are most effective?

Not only do you need to use resume action verbs, but you also must select those that fit your industry and create an impact. Here are a few general, strong industry-specific action verbs to include in your current resume:

Established

Hypothesized

Illustrated

Related: The Best Words to Use in a Resume

Make your resume stand out with achievements

Another action-word strategy is to use “achieving” language rather than “doing” language. How do you determine if the sentence is doing or achieving? Ask yourself these three simple questions:

Can anyone perform this function?

Is this the standard, run-of-the-mill description?

Did any results come from this action?

If your answers are yes, yes, and no, you are listing descriptions that only show what you can do. What you want instead is to show what you have achieved.

Here are a few examples that highlight “doing” sentences, and how to convert them into “achieving” sentences:

Doing: Responsible for inventory control and ordering products.

Achieving: Optimize inventory by monitoring for product shortages and ensuring efficient service usage.

Doing: Help company sell more products and gain revenue.

Achieving: Increase profit margins by creating effective sales plans and implementing strategies to solidify client retention.

Using action verbs and active voice makes all the difference in your resume, so it's worth the extra effort to leave a lasting impression. Show the employer or hiring manager what you can bring to the table by listing past accomplishments and notable contributions, and you'll increase your chance of getting an interview. Just keep these questions in mind and your resume-writing experience will go smoother:

Does the sentence leave the option for results, or is it just a description?

Have I been writing in active or passive voice?

Is this an exceptional description, or can anyone do this?

Click on the following link for more resume advice .

Are you using passive verbs or action verbs in your resume and cover letter? Request a free resume critique today to check and see!

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Action Verbs for Resumes and Cover Letters

How to use action verbs in benefit statements, use action verbs in this format:.

Action verb — Tell what you did — State the result (cost savings, increased sales, etc.) .

State the result at the end to impress. The last thing read is often remembered.

• Reduced expenses by comparative shopping and saved the company $100k over six months
• Applied lean startup principles from product idea to release and grew sales to one million in just one year

Action Verbs by Topic

• Clerical or Detail
• Communication

Resume Action Verbs

All action verbs, clerical or detail action verbs.

activated, altered, assembled, approved, arranged, catalogued, classified, collected, compiled, described, dispatched, edited, estimated, executed, gathered, generated, implemented, inspected, listed, maintained, monitored, observed, operated, organized, overhauled, prepared, processed, proofread, published, purchased, recorded, reduced, retrieved, screened, specified, streamlined, systematized

Communication Action Verbs

addressed, arbitrated, arranged, authored, communicated, corresponded, counseled, developed, defined, directed, drafted, edited, enlisted, formulated, influenced, interpreted, lectured, mediated, moderated, motivated, negotiated, persuaded, promoted, publicized, reconciled, reunited, renegotiated, reported, researched, summarized, spoke, translated, wrote

Creative Action Verbs

acted, applied, composed, conceived, conceptualized, created, designed, developed, directed, established, evaluated, fashioned, formed, formulated, founded, illustrated, instituted, integrated, introduced, invented, loaded, molded, originated, perceived, performed, planned, presented, produced, refined, rewrote, updated

Financial Action Verbs

audited, balanced, budgeted, calculated, compared, adjusted, administered, allocated, analyzed, appraised, computed, developed, estimated, forecast, forecasted, managed, marketed, planned, projected, reevaluated, reconciled, researched, sold

Helping Action Verbs

advised, aided, assessed, assisted, brought, clarified, coached, coordinated, counseled, dealt, demonstrated, diagnosed, educated, encouraged, enlisted, expedited, facilitated, familiarized, guided, helped, inspired, maintained, modified, performed, referred, rehabilitated, represented, supported, upheld

Management Action Verbs

achieved, administered, analyzed, assigned, attained, chaired, conceived, contracted, consolidated, coordinated, decided, delegated, developed, directed, encouraged, evaluated, executed, handled, implemented, improved, incorporated, increased, inspired, launched, led, managed, motivated, organized, outlined, oversaw, planned, prioritized, produced, recommended, reevaluated, rejected, reported, reviewed, scheduled, strengthened, supervised, united

Research Action Verbs

clarified, collected, conceived, critiqued, detected, diagnosed, disproved, evaluated, examined, extracted, identified, inspected, interpreted, interviewed, investigated, organized, researched, reported, reviewed, searched, studied, summarized, surveyed, systematized, wrote

anticipated, arbitrated, ascertained, charted, checked, classified, collected, completed, conducted, conserved, consolidated, constructed, controlled, coordinated, counseled, created, decided, defined, delivered, detailed, detected, determined, devised, diagnosed, directed, discovered, dispensed, displayed, disproved, dissected, distributed, diverted, dramatized, drew, drove, eliminated, empathized, enforced, established, estimated, evaluated, examined, expanded, experimented, explained, expressed, extracted, filed, financed, fixed, followed, formulated, founded, gathered, gave, generated, guided, handled, headed, helped, hypothesized, identified, illustrated, imagined, implemented, improved, improvised, increased, influenced, informed, initiated, innovated, inspected, installed, instituted, instructed, integrated, interpreted, interviewed, invented, inventoried, investigated, judged, kept, led, learned, lectured, lifted, listened, logged, maintained, made, managed, manipulated, mediated, memorized, modeled, monitored, motivated, navigated, negotiated, observed, obtained, offered, operated, ordered, organized, originated, painted, perceived, performed, persuaded, photographed, piloted, planned, played, predicted, prepared, prescribed, presented, printed, processed, produced, programmed, questioned, raised, read, realized, reasoned, received, recommended, reconciled, painted, perceived, performed, persuaded, photographed, piloted, planned, played, predicted, prepared, prescribed, presented, printed, processed, produced, programmed, projected, promoted, proof-read, protected, provided, publicized, purchased, recorded, recruited, reduced, referred, rehabilitated, related, rendered, repaired, reported, represented, researched, resolved, responded, restored, retrieved, reviewed, risked, scheduled, selected, sensed, separated, served, sewed, shaped, shared, showed, sketched, solved, sorted, summarized, supervised, supplied, symbolized, synergized, synthesized, systematized, talked, taught, tended, tested, trained, transcribed, translated, traveled, treated, troubleshot, tutored, typed, unified, united, upgraded, used, utilized, verbalized, warned, washed, weighed, wired, worked

Teaching Action Verbs

adapted, advised, clarified, coached, communicated, coordinated, defined, developed, enabled, encouraged, evaluated, explained, facilitated, guided, informed, initiated, instructed, lectured, persuaded, presented, set goals, stimulated, taught, trained, updated

Technical Action Verbs

analyzed, assembled, built, calculated, computed, designed, devised, engineered, fabricated, inspected, maintained, operated, overhauled, programmed, remodeled, repaired, solved, trained, upgraded

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• Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

Recruiters often see the same action words on a resume - led, responsible for, managed. And quite frankly, they have lost their meaning when it comes to properly communicating your accomplishments. So, let's spruce up your resume with a few action verbs and phrases that will catch the recruiters eye. 

When you created or wrote something...

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Instituted, Integrated, Introduced, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solve.

When you were a research machine...

Analyzed, Clarified, Collected, Compared, Conducted, Critiqued, Detected, Determined, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Experimented, Explored, Extracted, Formulated, Gathered, Identified, Inspected, Interpreted, Interviewed, Invented, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Solved, Summarized, Surveyed, Systematized.

When you managed a project or group...

Accomplished, Administered, Advanced, Analyzed, Appointed, Approved, Assigned, Attained, Authorized, Chaired, Considered, Consolidated, Contracted, Controlled, Converted, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Developed, Directed, Eliminated, Emphasized, Enforced, Enhanced, Established, Executed, Generated, Handled, Headed, Hired, Hosted, Improved, Incorporated, Increased, Initiated, Inspected, Instituted, Led, Managed, Merged, Motivated, Navigated, Organized, Originated, Overhauled, Oversaw, Planned, Presided, Prioritized, Produced, Recommended, Reorganized, Replaced, Restored, Reviewed, Scheduled, Secured, Selected, Streamlined, Strengthened, Supervised, Terminated.

When numbers and figures are your thing...

Administered, Adjusted, Allocated, Analyzed, Appraised, Assessed, Audited, Balanced, Budgeted, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Controlled, Corrected, Decreased, Determined, Developed, Estimated, Forecasted, Managed, Marketed, Measured, Netted, Planned, Prepared, Programmed, Projected, Qualified, Reconciled, Reduced, Researched, Retrieved. 

When you creatively brought an idea to life... 

Acted, Adapted, Combined, Composed, Conceptualized, Condensed, Created, Customized, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Displayed, Entertained, Established, Fashioned, Formulated, Founded, Illustrated, Initiated, Invented, Modeled, Modified, Originated, Performed, Photographed, Planned, Revised, Revitalized, Shaped, Solved. 

When you helped with a project...

Adapted, Advocated, Aided, Answered, Arranged, Assessed, Assisted, Clarified, Coached, Collaborated, Contributed, Cooperated, Counseled, Demonstrated, Diagnosed, Educated, Encouraged, Ensured, Expedited, Facilitated, Familiarized, Furthered, Guided, Helped, Insured, Intervened, Motivated, Prevented, Provided, Referred, Rehabilitated, Represented, Resolved, Simplified, Supplied, Supported, Volunteered. 

When you needed to explain technical expertise... 

Adapted, Applied, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conserved, Constructed, Converted, Debugged, Designed, Determined, Developed, Engineered, Fabricated, Fortified, Installed, Maintained, Operated, Overhauled, Printed, Programmed, Rectified, Regulated, Remodeled, Repaired, Replaced, Restored, Solved, Specialized, Standardized, Studied, Upgraded, Utilized. 

When you were the teacher...

Adapted, Advised, Clarified, Coached, Communicated, Conducted, Coordinated, Critiqued, Developed, Enabled, Encouraged, Evaluated, Explained, Facilitated, Focused, Guided, Individualized, Informed, Installed, Instructed, Motivated, Persuaded, Simulated, Stimulated, Taught, Tested, Trained, Transmitted, Tutored. 

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148 strong verbs to use in your resume and cover letter

When it comes to any type of writing, not just resume writing, there are many ways to convey the same thought, but with a slightly different variation. That’s the beauty of language. You have words to play with to express the full spectrum of actions, emotions, and results. But some power words such as strong verbs have an unfair advantage. They make your writing sound more persuasive.

What are Strong Verbs? 

From a grammar perspective, strong verbs, also called irregular verbs, are those that form a past tense from their own resources i.e. by changing some or almost the entire word structure.

We use strong action verbs every day without much thinking such as:

• Go — went — gone
• Do — did — done
• Begin — began —begun 

Strong verbs are descendants of the Old English language and grammar. Today, there are about 200 strong verbs in active use.

From a resume writing perspective, however, strong verbs have a somewhat different ring to them. 

Also called power verbs, such words and phrases are often used by writers to strengthen the narrative, add some persuasion, and better articulate the duties and accomplishments. 

In other words, strong verbs are the lingo to use for hammering down the idea that you are a capable, experienced professional, who knows their tradecraft well. 

What are Weak Verbs and How to Spot Them

On the other hand, we have so-called “weak verbs” — words that make us sound somewhat more timid and uncertain. We often use them without much thinking when we want to downplay our abilities. But your resume is a place to go big and bold . 

So when you proofread and edit your copy, look for the following weak verbs and replace them with strong synonyms. These include: 

• State-of-being verbs such as “Am”, “Is”, “Do”, “May”, “Could”, “Might” etc. In some cases, these are helpful to connect ideas. But overall, you can often find a stronger alternative to just iterating your state. 
• -Ing Verbs: The continuous form usually indicates an unfinished task. Also, such verbs can be easily replaced with more descriptive and persuasive options. 
• Verbs pard with an adjective/adverb : delivered confidently, worked quickly, etc. Replace these with snappier one-word verbs to make your cope more coherent. 

Strong Verbs for Resume: Master List 

Strong action verbs are a must use for the following sections of your resume:

• Professional summary
• Duties and accomplishments 

Also, you should always prioritize them in your cover letter to project that extra confidence through your words. 

Below is our curated strong verbs list, organized around different skills groups and work experiences. 

Strong Verbs to Describe Leadership and Managerial Duties 

• Coordinated
• Orchestrated 

Need more ideas? Check our list of management skills for your resume . 

Strong Verbs to Talk About Your Accomplishments

• Succeed 
• Facilitated
• Accelerated
• Amassed 
• Outperformed

Strong Verbs to Describe Your Problem-Solving Abilities

• Strategized
• Tackled 
• Addressed 
• Facilitated 
• Settled 
•  Rectified
• Amended 
• Investigated
• Computed 
• Defined 

Strong Verbs to Describe Your Communication Skills 

• Disseminated
• Wrote 
• Authored 
• Fact-checked
• Guided 
• Translated 
• Interpreted
•  Reported
• Disclosed 
• Published 
• Hyped 
• Broadcasted
• Conferred 

Swipe even more compelling examples of interpersonal skills from our separate guide. 

Strong Verbs to Describe How You Saved Money or Resources

• Streamlined
• Reduced 
• Restricted 
• Revitalized

Strong Verbs to Show You are a Team Player 

• Collaborated
• Contributed
• Emphasized 
•  Retained
•  Recognized
• Acknowledged
• Accentuated

Putting The Strong Verbs Together in a Resume 

You now have this jumbo-sized list of strong verbs to use for your resume. What’s next? Get back to the editing board and start optimizing!  

Re-read your copy and weed out the weaklings. When reviewing the “Work Experience” section, apply a consistent format to your sentences and start each new duty description with a sharp action verb. 

Then move on to your cover letter and LinkedIn profile. These two also deserve a nice revamp and can benefit a lot from some action-oriented vocabulary.

Finally, remember that moderation is key. Don’t try to sound overly eloquent and cherry-pick the fanciest words from a Thesaurus. Because the last thing you’d want is to confuse the prospective employer!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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100 Verbs to Use in a Resume, CV, or Cover Letter

The Best Verbs to Use in Resumes/CVs and Application Documents

Are you feeling frustrated by choosing words for your resume, CV, or cover letter ? One of the most important elements of a strong application is the verbs you use to describe your experiences and achievements in prior job positions, academic courses, and extra-curricular activities.

Verbs often begin bulleted items, and leading verbs are also called “power verbs.” Using strong verbs and varying them in your lists (i.e., not using the same verb multiple times in the same section) can portray your skills and abilities more effectively than using everyday terms.

For instance, instead of writing “Met with 100 clients per day,” you might consider writing “Consulted with 100 clients daily.” Using more powerful verbs conveys professionalism and ambition–after all, a CV, resume, or cover letter is all about selling yourself as the ideal candidate for a position.

When writing your application document, consider using these  100 useful words  to create maximum impact with your future employer or university hiring committee.

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We correct grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in your document and provide insightful critiques. Our editors will help you create a winning personal brand that makes a powerful case for your admission.

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• Hotel Management

Hotel Management resume example & writing guide

Job outlook for hotel management

Outsmarting the ats, certifications and associations.

Whether it’s the Plaza Hotel in New York City, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, or something a little more casual and closer to home, hotel management is needed in all corners of the globe. A position in hotel management gives you the best of the hospitality industry: the ability to interact with interesting guests, manage a hardworking staff, and take pride in a well-maintained building.

But the hotel management position in the establishment of your dreams won’t just fall into place. To land this kind of job, you’ll need a top-notch resume complete with the right experiences and skill set. Luckily, this hotel management resume example is here to help.

Here at Resume.io, we have a library of 350+ resume examples and writing guides to empower your job search. Our hotel management resume example, complete with our adaptable resume sample, will show you how to:

• Write a hotel management resume that stands out in a crowded industry
• Understand and overcome the resume scanners in use at many big hotel chains
• Choose the best resume format for hotel management and include the most important resume sections hiring managers will expect
• Use a hospitality resume example as a basis for good structure and design.

What does a hotel management professional do?

Hotel management professionals work in a variety of lodging establishments including hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, inns, RV parks, and residential clubs.

Hotel managers are responsible for the cleanliness, safety, organization, guest experience, and maintenance inside their building. Some of the most common duties include:

• Financial planning, budget creation, bookkeeping
• Hiring, training and organizing staff schedules
• Coordinating building maintenance, repairs and renovations
• Helping front desk staff with guest needs
• Handling guest complaints
• Overseeing marketing and promotional materials

Since hotel management staff tend to such a variety of duties, flexibility, patience and great organization is key. Good time management and customer service skills are also essential since this is a people-oriented position. If you're targeting other jobs in the hospitality or catering sector, have a look at these other helpful resume examples:

• Server resume sample
• Pastry Chef resume sample
• Food Service Worker resume sample
• Barista  resume sample
• McDonald's resume sample
• Doorman resume sample
• Cook resume sample
• Restaurant manager resume sample
• Hostess resume sample
• Caterer resume sample
• Waitress resume sample
• Recreational Facility Attendant resume sample
• Food and Beverage Director resume sample
• Food service manager resume sample
• Concierge resume sample
• Bartender resume sample
• Sommelier resume sample
• Hotel Front Desk Employee resume sample

How to write a hotel management resume

Hotel management staff is at once concerned about safety, comfort, efficiency, cleanliness and customer service. Your ability to wear so many different hats must be made clear to the hiring manager as they evaluate your resume.

This hotel management resume example is designed to help you include the important sections without wasting a single word. Here are the essential components of any great hotel management resume:

• A summary that introduces you and highlights your selling points
• An employment history section that captures your career trajectory
• A skills section that bullet points your strengths
• An education section that explains your education journey

In the upcoming chapter, we’ll offer hotel management resume samples for each of these sections, but first, let’s explore how the current job market affects your application.

It’s no surprise that 2020 was a difficult year for hotel management, with tourism arrivals falling by 74 percent . 

However, things have taken a positive turn in recent years. Tourism is back on form. In 2022, for example, more than nine hundred tourists traveled internationally; twice the number recorded back in 2021. That amounts to a healthy 63% of the pre-pandemic average, with experts suggesting that 2023 will see the stat soar to between 80 and 95%. 

How much does hotel management staff earn?

While the average hotel management professional earns $59,430 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , this industry offers much room for growth in terms of earning potential. Managers at high-end hotels and resorts can earn upwards of 100,000 dollars per year. Knowing a foreign language or having completed relevant training can also increase your earning potential. And since hotel managers are needed in all corners of the globe, your career offers endless opportunities for new experiences.

An increased focus on customer service in hotel management will continue to be a big factor, as will learning and adapting to new technologies and softwares. On top of that, hotel management professionals will need to make safety a top priority and implement new strategies for identifying and slowing potential outbreaks. By conveying a mastery of these situations on your resume, you can show that you’re keeping up with changes in the industry instead of being left behind.

Hotel management summary example: A strong start

A great hotel management summary example is one of the most vital parts of your resume. Think of it as the check-in — a hiring manager is already evaluating your presentation and word choice to decide how the rest of the experience will be (or if they even wish to stay!)

Your hotel management summary offers a mix of your personality, professionalism, experience, skills and even education. In 3-5 sentences, you should describe your management style and highlight your most relevant accomplishments. From your summary, a hiring manager should be able to envision your smiling face and charming personality greeting them from behind the front desk.

Save space and pack a punch by omitting the words “I have” or “I am” and opting for a descriptive action verb instead. If possible, use a key number like years of experience or size of staff managed to catch a hiring manager’s attention. Refer to the adaptable summary example below for an idea of how to maximize your own summary section.

Check out a resume sample for the summary section below.

Experienced Hotel Manager adept in effectively overseeing all hotel operations. Committed to creating and maintaining a top-of-the-line hotel environment for guests, resulting in return visitors and excellent reviews.

While you might still land a hotel management job by walking into the building and handing in a resume, these days you’re more likely to apply online – and pass through an ATS.

ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems are algorithms built right into many of today’s online hiring portals. Once you submit your application, the resume scanners will search your document for keywords and rank it against the other candidates. Only the top selection will be passed onto the hiring manager for review. That’s right – you could spend hours perfecting your resume only to be filtered out before it even reaches human eyes.

Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little foresight, you can beat the ATS and maximize your chances of landing the interview. Here are three key steps:

• Understand the most in-demand skills and experience for hotel management positions
• Read the job description closely and make note of any emphasized requirements or duties
• Format your resume with clear section headers and an easy-to-read layout

Keywords are one of the most important factors when it comes to getting past the ATS. A keyword could be any skill repeated in the job description, a highlighted duty or even the name of the hotel. If you customized your resume to the exact position, chances are you already have many of the keywords you need right on your resume.

• Incorporate keywords naturally in the corresponding sections
• Pay extra attention to the summary and skills sections when placing keywords
• Use the exact wording from the job description
• Add keywords to your resume that are untrue or unnatural
• Be sneaky by adding keywords in white text – hiring managers will see!
• Repeat keywords an unnecessary number of times

Employment history example: The building blocks

Hotel management positions are grounded in practical experience. That’s why your employment history section is going to be crucial in a hiring manager’s decision to give you the interview. For hotel management employees, previous job experience is a must so a chronological resume format is going to be a must.

Start by listing your current or most recent position, your title, dates worked and location. Underneath each header, you can create 3-5 bullet points that describe your duties and achievements. Try to keep as many unique bullet points as you can in order to show a range of skills and abilities. 

Whenever possible, write with strong action verbs and incorporate key numbers to quantify your accomplishments and prove your impact. Here are some possible sources of numbers for your resume:

• Size of staff managed
• Number of rooms in the hotel
• Number of daily check-ins
• Number of seats in hotel restaurants
• Square footage of building
• Number of stars hotel has
• Number of weekly guests

Below is a basic adaptable resume example of an employment history section for hotel management.

Hotel Manager at The Lookout, Philadelphia October 2019 - Present

• Oversaw a team of 200+ hotel employees.
• Effectively led the execution of strategies as developed by leadership members.
• Promoted the hotel, its facilities, and its services.
• Assisted guests with reservation arrangements and special requests.
• Established databases and internal tracking systems to ensure the accuracy of data.

Hotel Manager at Emerald Inn, Lancaster May 2016 - September 2019

• Developed and implemented programs that increased employee engagement and hotel productivity.
• Created guest loyalty programs that resulted in an increase of return-guests.
• Worked directly with the General Manager to establish and implement initiatives and campaigns.
• Executed daily managerial tasks with enthusiasm and a strong attention to detail.

Skills example section: Your key abilities

In hotel management, your skills are at the heart of what you do. Since many of your skills can be incorporated into the bullet points under your previous employers, the skills section is a great place to give examples of technical skills, languages and concrete abilities. Of course, since the hospitality industry is all about customer service, you should sprinkle in a few of your soft skills and traits.

In the last decade the demand for bilingual workers has more than doubled, according to one study . Nowhere is this more true than in the hospitality industry where both guests and staff communicate in a variety of languages. If you know a second language, including it on your resume can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers and can even land you a higher starting salary.

Below you can find the skills section from our adaptable hotel management resume sample.

• Effective Time Management
• Ability to Multitask
• Adaptability
• Customer Service
• Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills

Education example: A step ahead

While education used to be a small section on a hotel management resume, it is growing increasingly important as the job market tightens. While many of your skills can be learned on the job, having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism or management can go a long way to increase your chances of landing an interview. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, you can leave your high school off your resume. See our adaptable hotel management resume example for a model of the best education section format.

Bachelor of Arts, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia September 2013 - May 2017

High School Diploma, Lancaster High School, Lancaster September 2009 - May 2013

If you are a member of multiple associations or have completed additional health and safety or management courses, an extra certifications and associations section can go a long way to show your commitment to the industry. If you only have one or two items for this section, or need to save space, this information can easily be incorporated into the previous section.

Choosing the correct CV format for hotel management

When choosing the best CV format for your hotel management resume, consider this question: what do you want to emphasize more - your past work experience or your skills? If your past employment is more important, then the reverse chronological resume format is likely your resume format of choice. It emphasizes the employers you worked with in the past and showcases brand names and important job roles.

To be frank, for most hotel managers, this is going to be the way to go. Most management-oriented roles are employment-focused and hotel managers also benefit from a resume format that emphasizes hotel brands (you probably know better than we do how powerful showcasing brands like Intercontinental or Sheraton can be on your resume). In some rare cases, you may choose the functional resume format that puts your skill list first and foremost or the hybrid resume format that combines the two approaches. But these situations are few and far between.

• Choose a resume format that emphasizes your strongest sections
• Pick a resume format and design that aligns with the branding and image of the hotel chain
• Create a header that stands out but doesn’t take up too much space on the page
• Use unusual or “creative” section heading names which might confuse the ATS and hiring manager
• Type in more than 2 different font styles
• Use a font size smaller than 10 point or larger than 12 point

If you don’t want to waste time fussing with word processors and graphic design software, a template can help you create an attractive format in a few clicks. For hotel management resumes, we recommend Resume.io’s collection of market-researched resume templates.

Simply add in your information (or modify our adaptable hotel management resume example), adjust your color scheme and download a perfect resume in a matter of minutes.

Key takeaways

• A great resume is essential to landing your next hotel management position, especially as the industry continues to tighten and jobs become more competitive
• Increase your chances of winning the position by demonstrating your knowledge of changes within the industry.
• The summary is one of the most important sections for a hotel management professional since it’s the best place to show off your professional personality.
• Beat the ATS by using keywords organically throughout your resume, paying special attention to use the exact wording from the job description.
• Your format is likely the first thing a hiring manager will notice about your resume. When in doubt use our resume examples as an inspiration for your own professional application.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates