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Tips for Using Action Verbs Effectively to Increase ATS Scores and Recruiter Interest
Action verbs are the engine of a high‑impact resume. When chosen wisely, they not only convey your achievements with clarity but also speak the language of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and busy recruiters. In this guide we’ll break down why verbs matter, how to pick the right ones, and how to embed them throughout your resume for maximum effect.
Why Action Verbs Matter for ATS and Recruiters
- ATS parsing – Most ATS software scans for specific keywords and verbs that match the job description. Using the right verbs can raise your ATS score by up to 30% according to a study by Jobscan[^1].
- Recruiter readability – Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds on a resume before deciding whether to read further[^2]. Strong verbs create instant impact.
- Quantifiable impact – Action verbs paired with numbers turn vague duties into measurable results, which both ATS and humans love.
Bottom line: Choose verbs that are specific, results‑oriented, and aligned with the job posting.
How to Build an Action‑Verb Library
Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Harvest the job description – Highlight the verbs used in the posting (e.g., managed, designed, optimized).
- Map to your experience – For each highlighted verb, find a matching accomplishment from your career.
- Upgrade with power verbs – Replace generic words ("did", "worked on") with stronger alternatives (see the table below).
- Test with an ATS checker – Run your draft through the Resumly ATS Resume Checker to see the score.
- Iterate – Swap out any low‑scoring verbs and re‑run until you hit a target score of 80+.
Action‑Verb Cheat Sheet
| Weak Verb | Power Verb | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Helped | Facilitated | When you coordinated teams or processes |
| Did | Executed | For completing projects on time |
| Managed | Directed | When you led a department or initiative |
| Worked on | Engineered | For technical or design work |
| Improved | Optimized | When you increased efficiency or performance |
| Sold | Closed | For revenue‑driven achievements |
| Made | Created | For product or content creation |
| Fixed | Resolved | For problem‑solving scenarios |
| Talked to | Negotiated | For stakeholder or vendor interactions |
| Learned | Mastered | When you acquired a new skill quickly |
Tip: Use the Resumly Buzzword Detector to avoid overused clichés and keep your language fresh.
Where to Place Action Verbs
1. Professional Summary
Your summary should be a snapshot of your top achievements. Start each bullet with a verb.
Example: “Spearheaded a cross‑functional team that delivered a $2M SaaS product two months ahead of schedule.”
2. Work Experience
Every bullet point begins with a verb, followed by a quantifiable result.
Do: “Implemented a new CRM workflow that increased lead conversion by 18%.” Don’t: “Responsible for lead conversion improvements.”
3. Skills Section
Even skill headings can benefit from verbs.
“Proficient in data analysis using Python and SQL.”
4. Projects & Volunteer Work
Treat these like paid roles—use the same verb‑first format.
Checklist: Action‑Verb Audit
- Extract all verbs from your current resume.
- Cross‑reference each verb with the cheat sheet.
- Replace any weak verbs with stronger alternatives.
- Add numbers to every bullet (e.g., % increase, $ saved).
- Run the resume through the Resumly ATS Resume Checker.
- Achieve an ATS score of 80+.
- Proofread for tense consistency (past tense for previous jobs, present for current).
Real‑World Example: Before & After
Before
- Managed a team of developers.
- Worked on improving website speed.
- Helped increase sales.
After (with action verbs & metrics)
- **Directed** a 6‑person development team to **launch** three new features, **reducing** page load time by 35%.
- **Engineered** a front‑end optimization that **boosted** conversion rates by 12%.
- **Closed** $500K in new sales by **designing** targeted email campaigns.
The after version uses directed, engineered, closed and includes concrete numbers, dramatically raising both ATS relevance and recruiter interest.
Integrating Resumly Tools for Maximum Impact
- AI Resume Builder – Let Resumly suggest power verbs based on your job title: Resumly AI Resume Builder.
- ATS Resume Checker – Validate your verb choices against real‑world ATS algorithms.
- Buzzword Detector – Ensure you’re not over‑using clichés.
- Job‑Match – See how well your verb‑rich resume aligns with specific openings.
These tools automate the heavy lifting, letting you focus on storytelling.
Do’s and Don’ts of Action‑Verb Usage
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do use past tense for previous roles and present tense for current positions. | Don’t mix tenses within the same bullet. |
| Do pair verbs with quantifiable outcomes. | Don’t use verbs without results (e.g., “Managed projects”). |
| Do vary your verbs to avoid repetition. | Don’t repeat the same verb more than twice in a section. |
| Do align verbs with the language of the job posting. | Don’t use industry‑irrelevant verbs that confuse the ATS. |
| Do keep verbs concise—one word is ideal. | Don’t use multi‑word phrases that dilute impact. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many action verbs should I use per resume?
Aim for at least one strong verb per bullet point. For a typical 5‑page resume, that’s roughly 30‑40 verbs.
2. Can I reuse the same verb in different sections?
It’s okay if you have to, but try to synonymize. For example, swap managed with oversaw or directed.
3. Do ATS systems penalize over‑use of buzzwords?
Yes. Over‑stuffing with generic buzzwords can lower your score. Use the Resumly Buzzword Detector to stay balanced.
4. Should I tailor verbs for each job application?
Absolutely. Mirror the verbs from the job description to improve keyword matching.
5. How do I measure the impact of new verbs?
Run your updated resume through the Resumly ATS Resume Checker. A jump of 5‑10 points usually indicates better alignment.
6. Are there industry‑specific verbs I should know?
Yes. For tech, verbs like architected, automated, debugged work well. For sales, try closed, negotiated, expanded.
7. What if I’m changing careers?
Translate your past achievements using verbs that match the new field. For example, a teacher moving to corporate training could use facilitated instead of taught.
8. How often should I refresh my verb list?
Review it quarterly or whenever you apply for a new role to stay current with industry trends.
Mini‑Conclusion: Action Verbs Are Your ATS Super‑Power
By strategically selecting and placing action verbs, you transform a bland list of duties into a compelling narrative that both ATS algorithms and recruiters love. Remember to audit, quantify, and test using Resumly’s suite of free tools.
Next Steps: Put Your New Verbs to Work
- Open your current resume in the Resumly AI Resume Builder.
- Replace weak verbs using the cheat sheet above.
- Run the ATS check and aim for an 80+ score.
- Export the polished version and start applying!
Ready to supercharge your job search? Explore the full range of Resumly features, from AI Cover Letter generation to Interview Practice, and watch your career trajectory soar.
References
This article was crafted by Michael Brown, senior career strategist at Resumly. For personalized advice, try the free Career Personality Test or schedule a one‑on‑one session via our platform.
