Resume action verb finder
Action verbs grouped by industry and skill. Click a verb to copy it.
Engineering
Leadership
Innovation
Results
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use action verbs on my resume?
An action verb says what you did. "Responsible for the budget" describes a duty; "Cut the budget by 12%" describes a result. Starting each bullet with a verb keeps the reader on what you did.
How many action verbs should I use?
Start each bullet with a different verb where you can. A resume with 15-20 bullets needs 15-20 verbs, so avoid repeating the same few.
Should I use past or present tense?
Use present tense for your current role and past tense for previous positions. For example, "Lead a team of 5 engineers" vs. "Led a team of 5 engineers."
Are these verbs ATS-friendly?
Yes. These are standard verbs that applicant tracking systems read without trouble. What matters more is using the words from the job description where they are true for you.
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