How to strengthen your Resume

Creating an effective resume is an important step in your job search. A well-written resume outlines your work history along with your skills and qualifications. One effective tip that can make your resume stand out is the use of action verbs. These words add context to your achievements and present you as a top candidate.

The Importance of Resume Power Verbs

Using resume power verbs can drastically change the tone of your resume. Instead of simply stating your job responsibilities, action verbs tells the employer that you are someone who has achieved results. Resumes that utilize strong action verbs are 54% more likely to attract the attention of recruiters.

For instance, rather than saying you "were responsible for managing a team," using a verb like "led" makes a stronger impact. It shows that you took charge and were an active leader rather than a passive participant.

Close-up view of a resume with action verbs highlighted.

When it comes to your job search, every detail matters, and using action verbs is a small yet effective way to improve your chances. Different verbs convey different responsibilities. Some imply leadership, others suggest creativity. Choosing the right verbs can effectively communicate your abilities.

Choosing the Right Resume Power Verbs

Not all action verbs are created equal. Some generic terms can diminish the strength of your resume. It’s essential to choose resume power verbs that closely match your role and responsibilities.

Leadership Verbs

Words like "led," "directed," or "coordinated" are great for showcasing leadership skills. For example:

• Led a team of 15 to complete a project 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

• Directed project that increased company revenue by 15% in 2024.

  
  

Creative Verbs

If you are in a creative field, verbs like "designed," "developed," and "crafted" can illustrate your ability to think outside the box. For instance:

• Designed a new marketing strategy that increased social media engagement by 35%.

• Developed an innovative app that simplified the user experience.

  
  

Analytical Verbs

For jobs that require strong analytical skills, consider using verbs such as "analyzed," "evaluated," or "assessed." These are particularly effective in technical and data-driven roles:

• Analyzed customer data to improve service delivery and decrease customer churn.

• Evaluated processes to identify inefficiencies, resulting in a 20% cost saving.

  
  

High angle view of notes on resume writing for effective job applications.

Formatting Your Resume with Power Verbs

In addition to choosing the right action verbs, how you format your resume can also impact your chances of being noticed. Here are a few practical tips:

1. Bullet Points: Use bullet points to list responsibilities and achievements. Each bullet should start with an action verb to grab attention quickly.

2. Consistency: Maintain a consistent tense throughout. Use past tense for previous jobs and present tense for current roles.

3. Customization: Tailor your resume for each job application. Research keywords in the job description and incorporate relevant action verbs that match.

   
   

Eye-level view of a clean desk setup for creating a resume.

Remember, an eye-catching resume is key, but aligning your language with the job’s requirements can set you apart from other candidates.

Expanding Your Vocabulary of Action Verbs

Staying updated with a list of diverse action verbs can vastly improve your resume. For those looking for inspiration, consider exploring resources that compile powerful action verbs specifically for resume writing. For example, you can check out resume action verbs to find a categorized list that can help you enhance your resume further.

As you gather new verbs, create a personal library. Revisit it regularly to ensure you are using fresh language that reflects your current expertise.