Tips for choosing power verbs.Â
1. Take time to choose the one that most accurately describes what you did.
2. Use past tense verbs – even for current positions for uniformity.
3. Try not to repeat the same verbs throughout your resume.Â
Planning
Example: Developed and implemented a training program that resulted in a 45% increase in employee satisfaction
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Administered | Commissioned | Developed | Evaluated | Â | Â | Â |
Formulated | Observed | Prepared | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Researched | Revised | Studied | Â | Â | Â | Â |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Administered | Commissioned | Developed | Evaluated | Formulated | Observed | Prepared |
Researched | Revised | Studied | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Anticipated | Determined | Devised | Forecasted | Identified | Planned | Prioritized |
Reserved | Strategized | Tailored | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Organizing
Example: Coordinated weekly office schedules for 8 employees
Acquired | Appointed | Authorized | Collected | Customized | Facilitated | Issued | Ordered | Retrieved | Simplified |
Activated | Arranged | Cataloged | Committed | Delegated | Housed | Linked | Organized | Routed | Sought |
Adjusted | Assembled | Centralized | Confirmed | Designated | Implemented | Logged | Procured | Scheduled | Straightened |
Allocated | Assessed | Charted | Contracted | Designed | Incorporated | Mapped out | Programmed | Secured | Suggested |
Altered | Assigned | Classified | Coordinated | Established | Instituted | Obtained | Recruited | Selected | Tracked |
Executing
Example: Handled 20-35+ customer calls per shift regarding coverage changes, renewal rates and billing procedures
Acted | Collected | Displayed | Exercised | Input | Merchandised | Produced | Proved | Sold |
Administered | Completed | Distributed | Forwarded | Installed | Operated | Proofed | Performed | Stocked |
Carried out | Conducted | Entered | Handled | Labored | Processed | Prospected | Shipped | Transacted |
Supervising
Example: Developed and supervised the implementation of new computer filing system that reduced paper use by 35%
Adjusted | Certified | Correlated | Examined | Indexed | Measured | Overhauled | Refined | Screened | Supplied |
Analyzed | Compared | Developed | Explored | Judged | Modified | Oversaw | Regulated | Set | Tightened |
Apportioned | Controlled | Discovered | Graded | Licensed | Monitored | Policed | Reviewed | Scrutinized | Traced |
Assessed | Corrected | Established | Inspected | Maintained | Officiated | Prohibited | Revised | Supervised | Updated |
Leading
Example: Trained 20+ new employees in computer procedures over a 2-year period
Accelerated | Changed | Elected | Encouraged | Founded | Inspired | Mentored | Promoted | Spearheaded | Trained |
Assumed | Conducted | Employed | Enlisted | Guided | Involved | Motivated | Raised | Stimulated | Transformed |
Caused | Directed | Hired | Envisioned | Influenced | Led | Originated | Recognized for | Strengthened | Visualized |
Chaired | Disproved | Empowered | Fostered | Initiated | Managed | Pioneered | Set goals | Supervised | Â |
Getting Results
Example: Increased student participation by 25% over a 6-month period
Accomplished | Boosted | Contributed | Eliminated | Expanded | Generated | Increased | Launched | Orchestrated | Received |
Achieved | Built | Delivered | Enlarged | Expedited | Grew | Innovated | Lightened | Overcame | Reduced (losses) |
Added | Combined | Demonstrated | Enjoyed | Extended | Guaranteed | Integrated | Minimized | Prevailed | Rejuvenated |
Advanced | Completed | Diminished | Enlisted | Finalized | Hastened | Introduced | Modernized | Produced | Renovated |
Attained | Consolidated | Earned | Ensured | Fulfilled | Heightened | Invented | Obtained | Qualified | Restored |
Augmented | Constructed | Eclipsed | Excelled | Gained | Improved | Joined | Opened | Realized | Targeted |
Problem Solving
Example: Streamlined ordering through the use of computer technology, decreasing wait time from 6 to 2 days
Alleviated | Collaborated | Created | Detected | Foresaw | Investigated | Repaired | Revived | Synthesized |
Analyzed | Conceived | Debugged | Determined | Formulated | Recommended | Resolved | Satisfied | Theorized |
Applied | Conceptualized | Decided | Diagnosed | Found | Remedied | Revamped | Solved | Â |
Brainstormed | Crafted | Deciphered | Engineered | Gathered | Remodeled | Revitalized | Streamlined | Â |
Quantitative
Example: converted files from COBAL to JAVA in order to increase compatibility with current systems
Accounted for | Balanced | Compiled | Converted | Earned | Financed | Maximized | Projected | Reconciled | Totaled |
Appraised | Budgeted | Compounded | Counted | Enumerated | Grossed | Multiplied | Purchased | Recorded | Â |
Approximated | Calculated | Computed | Dispensed | Estimated | Increased | Netted | Quantified | Reduced | Â |
Audited | Checked | Conserved | Dispersed | Figured | Inventoried | Profited | Rated | Tabulated | Â |
Communicating
Example: Presented to groups of 30+ transfer students on a weekly basis concerning university policies and procedures
Acted | Attested | Convinced | Dramatized | Highlighted | Justified | Publicized | Revealed | Submitted | Tested |
Adapted | Briefed | Consulted | Edited | Illustrated | Lectured | Queried | Sanctioned | Substantiated | Taught |
Admitted | Clarified | Corresponded | Educated | Improvised | Marketed | Questioned | Settled | Suggested | Translated |
Addressed | Cleared up | Critiqued | Elicited | Indicated | Mediated | Referred | Shaped | Summarized | Transmitted |
Allowed | Closed | Dedicated | Explained | Inferred | Moderated | Reinforced | Smoothed | Supplemented | Verified |
Amended | Communicated | Defined | Extracted | Informed | Negotiated | Related | Specified | Supported | Welcomed |
Arbitrated | Composed | Deliberated | Fabricated | Instructed | Perceived | Rendered | Spoke | Surveyed | Wrote |
Argued | Consented | Demonstrated | Fashioned | Interpreted | Persuaded | Reported | Sold | Synthesized | Â |
Ascertained | Concluded | Drafted | Greeted | Interviewed | Presented | Represented | Solicited | Systematized | Â |
Helping
Example: Provided academic support for 30+ at-risk primary school students through comprehensive after-school program
Aided | Assisted | Continued | Eased | Enhanced | Interceded | Prescribed | Relieved | Served |
Accommodated | Assured | Cooperated | Elevated | Enriched | Mobilized | Provided | Rescued | Sustained |
Advised | Bolstered | Counseled | Enabled | Familiarized | Modeled | Protected | Returned | Tutored |
Alleviated | Coached | Dealt | Endorsed | Helped | Polished | Rehabilitated | Saved | Validated |