Your resume is your golden ticket to landing the job of your dreams—or at least the job that pays your bills.
But let’s be real: not all words are created equal. Some words make hiring managers yawn, while others scream, “Hire me now!” In this guide, we’ll dig into 450+ power-packed resume words that’ll make your CV shine.
Action-Oriented Resume Words
Action verbs show what you’ve done and what you can do. They’re the dynamite that gives your resume energy and authority.
- Achieved
- Improved
- Delivered
- Innovated
- Spearheaded
- Designed
- Organized
- Developed
- Generated
- Implemented
- Revitalized
- Directed
- Negotiated
- Streamlined
- Pioneered
- Restructured
- Championed
- Orchestrated
- Led
- Optimized
- Administered
- Transformed
- Coordinated
- Engineered
- Produced
- Simplified
- Built
- Enhanced
- Activated
- Conducted
Skill-Based Resume Words
Hiring managers love seeing specific skills highlighted. These resume words help show off your expertise.
- Multitasked
- Analyzed
- Researched
- Trained
- Coded
- Computed
- Facilitated
- Mentored
- Translated
- Audited
- Assessed
- Delegated
- Synthesized
- Diagnosed
- Designed
- Budgeted
- Programmed
- Adapted
- Troubleshot
- Managed
- Networked
- Modeled
- Illustrated
- Drafted
- Configured
- Edited
- Innovated
- Operated
- Forecasted
- Planned
Leadership-Oriented Words
If you’re applying for leadership roles, sprinkle in these resume words to flex your managerial muscles.
- Directed
- Supervised
- Mentored
- Guided
- Inspired
- Delegated
- Oversaw
- Empowered
- Unified
- Championed
- Administered
- Coordinated
- Facilitated
- Organized
- Assembled
- Resolved
- Mobilized
- Fostered
- Strengthened
- Authorized
- Endorsed
- Advocated
- Recruited
- Orchestrated
- Envisioned
- Propelled
- Directed
- Elevated
- Cultivated
- Streamlined
Results-Oriented Words
Results speak louder than anything else on a resume. These resume words show how you’ve created impact.
- Delivered
- Boosted
- Achieved
- Increased
- Saved
- Grew
- Reduced
- Improved
- Maximized
- Solved
- Generated
- Strengthened
- Expanded
- Produced
- Overhauled
- Secured
- Capitalized
- Earned
- Amplified
- Optimized
- Advanced
- Accelerated
- Surpassed
- Reconciled
- Fulfilled
- Leveraged
- Revamped
- Resolved
- Elevated
- Attained
Creative Words
Applying for a creative position? These creative resume words emphasize imagination and originality.
- Innovated
- Conceptualized
- Imagined
- Invented
- Revitalized
- Crafted
- Illustrated
- Designed
- Adapted
- Built
- Storyboarded
- Drafted
- Visualized
- Composed
- Engineered
- Modeled
- Refined
- Transformed
- Improvised
- Filmed
- Photographed
- Scripted
- Animated
- Painted
- Sketched
- Integrated
- Evolved
- Remodeled
- Constructed
- Customized
Collaborative Words
Teamwork makes the dream work, and these resume words demonstrate that you’re a team player.
- Collaborated
- Partnered
- Contributed
- Consulted
- Supported
- Assisted
- Co-created
- Shared
- Aided
- Co-authored
- Helped
- Engaged
- Unified
- Pooled
- Integrated
- Joined
- Encouraged
- Networked
- Participated
- Coordinated
- Combined
- Resolved
- Synchronized
- Promoted
- Advocated
- Compiled
- Liaised
- Mobilized
- Strengthened
- Volunteered
Technical Words
For roles heavy on technical skills, these resume words highlight your proficiency and know-how.
- Programmed
- Debugged
- Configured
- Engineered
- Analyzed
- Systematized
- Optimized
- Automated
- Calibrated
- Upgraded
- Designed
- Deployed
- Troubleshot
- Encoded
- Innovated
- Synthesized
- Implemented
- Computed
- Integrated
- Diagnosed
- Secured
- Scripted
- Virtualized
- Compiled
- Architected
- Modeled
- Simulated
- Customized
- Benchmarked
- Migrated
Problem-Solving Words
Employers love candidates who can troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively. These words showcase your problem-solving prowess.
- Diagnosed
- Resolved
- Prevented
- Mediated
- Detected
- Investigated
- Troubleshot
- Devised
- Corrected
- Anticipated
- Rectified
- Repaired
- Adjusted
- Modified
- Diffused
- Streamlined
- Coordinated
- Reengineered
- Innovated
- Bridged
- Monitored
- Standardized
- Overhauled
- Enhanced
- Simplified
- Synthesized
- Inspected
- Forecasted
- Reformulated
- Patched
Customer-Focused Words
If you’re in a client-facing role, these words highlight your ability to keep customers happy and satisfied.
- Assisted
- Consulted
- Addressed
- Advised
- Facilitated
- Educated
- Delivered
- Advocated
- Resolved
- Promoted
- Upsold
- Guided
- Supported
- Corresponded
- Reassured
- Customized
- Engaged
- Serviced
- Demonstrated
- Trained
- Supplied
- Handled
- Processed
- Streamlined
- Directed
- Exceeded
- Generated
- Anticipated
- Represented
- Managed
Organizational Words
For roles requiring multitasking and organization, these words emphasize how well you handle complexity.
- Scheduled
- Prioritized
- Structured
- Organized
- Classified
- Maintained
- Prepared
- Allocated
- Cataloged
- Archived
- Coordinated
- Administered
- Documented
- Monitored
- Expedited
- Streamlined
- Processed
- Regulated
- Filed
- Audited
- Ordered
- Tracked
- Supervised
- Managed
- Streamed
- Charted
- Tabulated
- Assembled
- Compiled
Data-Driven Words
Data is king in many industries. These resume words show that you’re analytical, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
- Analyzed
- Assessed
- Measured
- Evaluated
- Quantified
- Forecasted
- Computed
- Modeled
- Projected
- Interpreted
- Audited
- Correlated
- Surveyed
- Processed
- Appraised
- Tracked
- Monitored
- Benchmarked
- Examined
- Validated
- Aggregated
- Structured
- Organized
- Consolidated
- Scaled
- Filtered
- Scrutinized
- Investigated
- Extracted
- Visualized
Persuasive Words
If you’re applying for sales, marketing, or any role requiring influence, use these words to convey your persuasiveness.
- Sold
- Influenced
- Negotiated
- Closed
- Presented
- Advised
- Convinced
- Promoted
- Advocated
- Pitched
- Maximized
- Boosted
- Recommended
- Facilitated
- Persuaded
- Drove
- Marketed
- Enhanced
- Secured
- Delivered
- Achieved
- Partnered
- Aligned
- Pioneered
- Generated
- Represented
- Enabled
- Supported
- Converted
- Acquired
Adaptable Words
In a world where adaptability is key, these resume words showcase your ability to thrive in changing environments.
- Adjusted
- Adapted
- Revised
- Transitioned
- Evolved
- Reorganized
- Overhauled
- Transformed
- Pivoted
- Upgraded
- Streamlined
- Redeveloped
- Improved
- Innovated
- Repurposed
- Reengineered
- Redesigned
- Customized
- Incorporated
- Diversified
- Balanced
- Augmented
- Refined
- Simplified
- Rehabilitated
- Scaled
- Reinforced
- Modernized
- Engineered
- Transitioned
Interpersonal Words
It doesn’t matter if you will work remotely or in a cubicle farm, your future employers want to know if you can get along with team, other departments, and play nice with the higher-ups.
Enter interpersonal resume words.
- Cooperated
- Mediated
- Advised
- Consulted
- Counseled
- Coached
- Teamed
- Aided
- Encouraged
- Organized
- Listened
- Supported
- Directed
- Aligned
- Liaised
- Connected
- Resolved
- Unified
- Engaged
- Strengthened
- Empathized
- Reconciled
- Fostered
- Networked
- Co-authored
- Built
- Bargained
- Inspired
- Promoted
- Empowered
Leadership Growth Verbs
- Educated
- Empowered
- Trained
- Appointed
- Overseen
- Mobilized
- Championed
- Encouraged
- Enabled
- Coached
- Instructed
- Inspired
- Organized
- Elevated
- Bolstered
- Guided
- Nurtured
- Cultivated
- Motivated
- Propelled
- Strengthened
- Transformed
- Unified
- Designed
- Aligned
- Adapted
- Fostered
- Improved
- Mentored
- Strategized
Efficiency and Productivity Verbs
- Accelerated
- Amplified
- Refined
- Digitized
- Boosted
- Rebuilt
- Minimized
- Reduced
- Aligned
- Prioritized
- Economized
- Centralized
- Modernized
- Expanded
- Recalibrated
- Redeployed
- Augmented
- Systemized
- Synchronized
- Scaled
- Consolidated
- Budgeted
- Revised
- Optimized
- Standardized
- Enhanced
- Simplified
- Leveraged
- Modularized
- Fortified
How to Use These Words on a Resume for the Biggest Impact
You’ve got the power-packed words, but knowing how to use them effectively is the secret sauce that will get you noticed.
The goal is to integrate these words naturally into your resume while backing them up with tangible examples. Here’s how:
1. Match the Job Description
Recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan for keywords from their job descriptions.
Compare the job posting with your resume and include relevant words strategically. If they’re looking for someone who can “lead projects” or “optimize processes,” use those exact terms—but only if they genuinely describe your experience.
2. Focus on Results
Action words alone won’t cut it. Combine them with measurable results to make your achievements undeniable. For example:
- Instead of “Managed a team,” write: “Directed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 25% over six months.”
- Replace “Improved processes” with: “Streamlined production processes, reducing costs by 15% annually.”
3. Avoid Buzzword Overload
Sprinkling every sentence with flashy verbs is a surefire way to sound insincere. Use these words strategically to highlight key achievements, and balance them with concise, clear language.
4. Be Specific About Skills and Accomplishments
Generic phrases like “responsible for” or “assisted with” are resume killers.
Instead, lead with strong action words and provide context.
For instance: Instead of “Assisted with training,” say: “Trained 15 new hires on company protocols, achieving a 90% onboarding success rate.”
5. Tailor Each Section
Use these words to enhance specific sections of your resume:
- Experience – Showcase action verbs like “spearheaded” or “orchestrated” to highlight your impact.
- Skills – Incorporate technical and skill-based terms, such as “configured” or “analyzed.”
- Summary – Open with dynamic words to grab attention immediately, such as “results-driven professional” or “innovative leader.”
6. Keep It Honest
While these words can amplify your achievements, don’t exaggerate. Recruiters can sniff out embellishments, and you’ll likely be asked to elaborate in interviews.
If you use words like “pioneered” or “engineered,” be prepared to explain exactly what you did.
7. Use Formatting to Highlight Key Words
Draw attention to your most impressive accomplishments by formatting keywords with bullet points or bolding specific terms.
For example:
- Designed and implemented a customer feedback system, improving response rates by 30%.
8. Update for Every Job Application
One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work. Customize your resume for every application by selecting the words and phrases that align most with the job description and company culture.
9. Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly
Even the most polished action verbs won’t save you if your resume is riddled with typos or awkward phrasing.
Read it out loud, ask a friend to review it, and ensure every word earns its place.
When used wisely, these words don’t just describe what you’ve done—they tell a compelling story of your capabilities and potential. With the right strategy, your resume will leave no doubt in the recruiter’s mind: you’re the perfect fit for the job.
Words to Never Put on Your Resume (And Why They’re Career Killers)
Not all words are created equal. While the right ones can catapult your resume to the top of the pile, the wrong ones can send it straight to the trash.
Some words come off as weak, outdated, or downright cringeworthy.
Here’s a list of words to avoid, and why they have no business on your resume.
1. “Responsible for”
Why it’s bad: It’s vague and passive. Instead of saying what you actually accomplished, this phrase just lists duties.
What to do instead: Use an action verb to highlight your role and impact.
- Replace: “Responsible for managing a team.”
- With: “Managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 25%.”
2. “Hard-working” or “Motivated”
Why it’s bad: These words are subjective and lack evidence. Anyone can claim they’re hard-working.
What to do instead: Show, don’t tell. Provide measurable examples of your dedication.
- Replace: “Hard-working employee.”
- With: “Worked overtime to deliver projects 20% ahead of schedule.”
3. “Team player”
Why it’s bad: Overused and generic, this term doesn’t add value without context.
What to do instead: Demonstrate your collaborative skills with real accomplishments.
- Replace: “Team player who collaborates well.”
- With: “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a product, achieving a 30% revenue increase.”
4. “Detail-oriented”
Why it’s bad: Everyone claims this, but resumes riddled with errors say otherwise. It’s also vague without examples.
What to do instead: Prove it through specifics.
- Replace: “Detail-oriented professional.”
- With: “Audited 200+ financial reports with 100% accuracy over two years.”
5. “Self-starter”
Why it’s bad: Like “motivated,” it’s a filler term that doesn’t provide proof of initiative.
What to do instead: Highlight times you took the lead or started a project.
- Replace: “Self-starter with a proactive mindset.”
- With: “Spearheaded a marketing campaign that boosted engagement by 50%.”
6. “References available upon request”
Why it’s bad: This phrase wastes valuable space and is outdated. Employers assume you’ll provide references if needed.
What to do instead: Use that space to emphasize skills, accomplishments, or certifications.
7. “Objective” (in a summary section)
Why it’s bad: Employers care more about what you can do for them than your personal goals. Objectives are outdated and self-focused.
What to do instead: Use a professional summary tailored to the role.
- Replace: “Objective: To secure a challenging position in marketing.”
- With: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience increasing brand engagement.”
8. “Salary negotiable”
Why it’s bad: This is implied and unnecessary. Plus, it can make you seem unprepared.
What to do instead: Skip this entirely and save salary discussions for the interview.
9. “Worked well independently”
Why it’s bad: While this might be true, it sounds redundant and uninspired.
What to do instead: Highlight how your independence benefited the company.
- Replace: “Worked well independently.”
- With: “Independently managed a project from concept to execution, reducing costs by 15%.”
10. “Guru/Ninja/Rockstar”
Why it’s bad: Unless you’re applying to a startup with a love for quirky terms, these words make you look unprofessional.
What to do instead: Stick to industry-standard terms that convey your expertise.
- Replace: “Marketing ninja.”
- With: “Marketing strategist with expertise in digital campaigns.”
11. “Synergy” or “Outside-the-box thinker”
Why it’s bad: These buzzwords are overused, empty, and scream “corporate jargon.”
What to do instead: Replace these clichés with tangible examples of your creativity or teamwork.
- Replace: “Created synergy across departments.”
- With: “Aligned sales and marketing efforts, increasing leads by 40%.”
12. “Go-getter”
Why it’s bad: It’s a meaningless phrase that doesn’t tell recruiters anything specific.
What to do instead: Use measurable achievements to showcase your drive.
- Replace: “Go-getter who thrives in fast-paced environments.”
- With: “Executed 15 high-priority projects under tight deadlines, exceeding goals by 20%.”
Why These Words Hurt Your Resume
Using these weak or outdated terms can make you seem lazy, unoriginal, or disconnected from what employers want. Instead, focus on action words and quantifiable results to demonstrate your value.
When in doubt, ask yourself: “Does this word or phrase tell a compelling story about my skills and accomplishments?” If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your wording.
For more resume mistakes to avoid, watch this helpful video:
Final Thoughts: Resume Words
The key is not just choosing these resume words but backing them up with measurable results.
Sprinkle them wisely throughout your resume, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.