Action Verbs
Action verbs are strong, dynamic verbs used to describe your achievements and responsibilities on a CV, making your experience more impactful.
Action verbs are powerful words that begin bullet points on your CV, immediately conveying what you did and the impact you made. Instead of passive phrases like "was responsible for," action verbs start with words like "led," "developed," "achieved," or "implemented."
Strong action verbs make your CV more engaging and easier to read. They also help you avoid the repetitive "responsible for" that makes many CVs feel bland and generic.
Different action verbs convey different types of contributions—some show leadership, others show creativity, analysis, or achievement. Choosing the right verbs helps paint a clear picture of your professional capabilities.
Key Points
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb
- Avoid passive language like "was responsible for"
- Vary your verbs to avoid repetition
- Choose verbs that match the type of achievement
- Use past tense for previous roles, present for current
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of strong action verbs?
Leadership: Led, Directed, Managed. Achievement: Achieved, Exceeded, Delivered. Creation: Developed, Designed, Built. Improvement: Optimised, Streamlined, Enhanced.
How many action verbs should I use?
Use one action verb to start each bullet point. Aim for variety—don't use the same verb more than twice on your CV.