In your CV use action words like Achieved, Boosted, Led, Spearheaded and Executed to convey doing, getting things done, energy and achievements. Used properly in a job application they can reinforce what you did, how you did it and what you achieved.
As a candidate you need to be creative, as using weak or passive phrases and verbs can undermine the strength and effectiveness of your CV. By deploying powerful action verbs to a Curriculum Vitae you will add some depth to your application.
Where to put action words
Place action words at the start of a sentence at the front. The first leading word is the most prominent and will immediately convey action. Avoid placing them in the middle of sentences, where they could be lost in a long string of text.
By: Iejaz Uddin – Updated: 29 June 2026
Action Word Examples
Leadership action words
Advanced
Chaired
Delegated
Executed
Furthered
Launched
Motivated
Orchestrated
Oversaw
Spearheaded
Trained
Communication Action Words
Addressed
Advertised
Arbitrated
Arranged
Articulated
Authored
Articulated
Clarified
Collaborated
Communicated
Composed
Condensed
Conferred
Collaborated
Defined
Documented
Edited
Helped
Influenced
Interpreted
Interviewed
Mediated
Negotiated
Persuaded
Interviewed
Mediated
Negotiated
Persuaded
Presented
Proposed
Publicised
Reported
Suggested
Translated
Wrote
Achievements Action Words
Accomplished
Completed
Improved
Overhauled
Strengthened
Surpassed
Transformed
Reviewed
Management Action Words
Achieved
Assigned
Administered
Analysed
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Authorised
Chaired
Considered
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Established
Headed
Hired
Implemedned
Incorporated
Leveraged
Managed
Mastered
Planned
Reorganised
Supervised
Why use Action Words
They can add a confident tone to your CV and further highlight your contributions thereby strengthening your CV. In addition to this, they can help you stand out from other candidates who might use the same plain language as everyone else.
When writing your CV, you don’t have long to grab the Hiring Managers attention. Recruiters spend just five to seven seconds scanning each CV. An action word at the start of each sentence will create that crucial positive first impression and can also impress increasingly sophisticated ATS software.
Actions speak louder than words
By using the right actions words you can not only make yourself heard but also bring your CV to life. Also known as power and buzz words, these powerful phrases can be used to describe your strengths as well as achievements and make what you write more dynamic to read. By simply swapping common words for action words you can add more depth to your CV and increase your chances of achieving success.
There are many tired old clichés that have been around for so long and that have been used so often that they no longer carry any real meaning. Avoid these by using descriptive phrases that not only describe you but also show off your communication skills. Remember your CV needs to be on page 1 of a potential recruiters short list rather than page 2. To achieve this you need to use all of the tools at your disposal. One of the best being power words that can keep the reader interested in you and also put over more effectively what you have achieved in your career.
Advantages of using action words
There are many benefits, with the main one being that you are more likely to stand out from others who use the same words over and over again. In addition to this there is a better chance that your application will catch the readers eye by making it is more unique, impactful, specific and relevant.
How to write Action Words in a CV
Avoid repetition
Repeating the same words (even power words) can lessen their impact, lead to a dull reading experience and put the reader to sleep. Avoid this by not using too many of them at once, instead balance them out over your CV.
If you have to use a word twice then try to ‘cover it up’ by making it more meaningful by expanding on it and using it the middle of an equally descriptive sentence.
Where to find action words
The best place is a job description in the job advert. These will have lots of skill sets and competencies that the employer want prospective candidates to have. Find the relevant ones and make sure they are in your CV. Another option is to search your job tile online and see what skills or words are commonly mentioned in the results.
Action words to leave out
Jargon that no one has ever heard off. Don’t try to be too clever and use unusual terms that have people reaching for the Thesaurus. This can put potential employers off and make you sound big headed.
Hiring managers have some often used common words that they just do not like (i.e. ‘goal driven’). Make sure that the ones you use are not one of them.
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