Guide • 1 min read
Action verbs for your resume, by type of work
The first word of a bullet sets the tone. Strong verbs make your work sound active and specific. Use them honestly, and follow each with the result.
Updated 2026-10-26•ResumeAI team
How to use action verbs
Start each bullet with a verb in the past tense (present tense for your current job). Follow it with what you did, how much and what changed. Vary the verbs so the list does not read as repeated.
Leading and organising
For managers, team leads and coordinators.
- Led
- Managed
- Coordinated
- Organised
- Mentored
- Coached
- Supervised
- Onboarded
Building and improving
For engineers, designers and process roles.
- Built
- Designed
- Developed
- Launched
- Redesigned
- Automated
- Improved
- Reduced
Analysing and reporting
For analysts, accountants and researchers.
- Analysed
- Audited
- Reconciled
- Forecasted
- Evaluated
- Tracked
- Prepared
- Diagnosed
Selling and supporting
For sales, marketing and customer-facing roles.
- Closed
- Negotiated
- Generated
- Grew
- Resolved
- Supported
- Recruited
- Presented
Words to avoid
Phrases like “responsible for”, “worked on” and “helped with” are vague. Replace them with what you did and what came of it.
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