From Drab to Fab, Transform Your Resume!

Quickly transform a drab resume into an eye-catching, powerful briefing of your talents when you incorporate some of the action verbs on this list. Sticking to the most commonly used words has the potential to make your resume blend into the rest. Make it stand out and use our suggestions instead!

1.10

Helped | You were kind, courteous, and made sure things got done!

Instead of “helped,” try these:

  • Assisted
  • Supported
  • Counseled
  • Aided
  • Coached
  • Endorsed
  • Mentored
  • Guided
  • Shaped
  • Inspired

7.0

 Organized | You had your ducks in a row.

Instead of “organized,” try these:

  • Arranged
  • Formed
  • Cataloged
  • Regulated
  • Standardized
  • Tailored
  • Methodized
  • Molded
  • Composed
  • Classified

8.0

Planned | You were strategic and forward-thinking.

Instead of “planned,” try these:

  • Devised
  • Drafted
  • Calculated
  • Shaped
  • Projected
  • Conjectured
  • Crafted
  • Formulated
  • Plotted
  • Outlined

9.0

Communicated | You delivered the perfect message in the right way.

Instead of “communicated,” try these:

  • Counseled
  • Edited
  • Illustrated
  • Promoted
  • Corresponded
  • Defined
  • Composed
  • Briefed
  • Informed
  • Conveyed

10.0

Lead | You carried out a project or task or set an example for others.

Instead of “lead,” try these:

  • Supervised
  • Taught
  • Trained
  • Directed
  • Modeled
  • Recruited
  • Unified
  • Regulated
  • Facilitated
  • Motivated

11.0

Achieved | You met your goals or created something new.

Instead of “achieved,” try these:

  • Developed
  • Launched
  • Implemented
  • Pioneered
  • Engineered
  • Created
  • Established
  • Spearheaded
  • Administered
  • Founded

12.0

Improved | You increased efficiency or made a process better.

Instead of “improved,” try these:

  • Clarified
  • Enhanced
  • Redesigned
  • Revitalized
  • Rehabilitated
  • Streamlined
  • Transformed
  • Upgraded
  • Refined
  • Strengthened

13.0

Performed | You made it happen!

Instead of “performed,” try these:

  • Facilitated
  • Accomplished
  • Enacted
  • Fulfilled
  • Discharged
  • Rendered
  • Effected
  • Performed
  • Executed
  • Realized

14.0

Team Player | You were always willing to support your peers and colleagues.

Instead of “team player,” try these:

  • Collaborated
  • Cooperated
  • Upheld
  • Participated
  • Complied
  • Contributed
  • Allied
  • Encouraged
  • Sustained
  • Backed

15.0

Soft Skills | Non-technical skills, such as people skills, communication skills, social skills, personality, attitude, etc.

Employers look for soft skills. Try these: 

  • Problem-Solver
  • Culturally Competent
  • Adaptable
  • Creative
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Excellent Communicator
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Time Management Skills
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills
  • Active Listener
  • Great Public Speaker

Ready to get writing? Be sure to check out our Resume Writing Guide and Cover Letter Writing Guide.